# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001064642
**File Stem:** 0001193125-25-186046
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 1401955
**Document Hash:** 89e87d6743e8aca285d78b01cb79dc59
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-25-186046.hdr.sgml**: 20260513

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-25-186046

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485APOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 9

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250822

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251114

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** SPDR SERIES TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001064642

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485APOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-08839
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251244059

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** ONE CONGRESS STREET
- **CITY:** BOSTON
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 02114
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 6176643920

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** ONE CONGRESS STREET
- **CITY:** BOSTON
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 02114

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** STREETTRACKS SERIES TRUST
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20000925

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** INDEX EXCHANGE LISTED SECURITIES TRUST
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19980622
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** SPDR SERIES TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001064642

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485APOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-57793
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251244058

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** ONE CONGRESS STREET
- **CITY:** BOSTON
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 02114
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 6176643920

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** ONE CONGRESS STREET
- **CITY:** BOSTON
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 02114

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** STREETTRACKS SERIES TRUST
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20000925

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** INDEX EXCHANGE LISTED SECURITIES TRUST
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19980622

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (Series ID: S000017327)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                    | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000047964 | SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF | SHM             |

### SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (Series ID: S000017333)

| Class ID   | Class Name                         | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000047970 | SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF | TFI             |

### SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (Series ID: S000028870)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                    | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000088522 | SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | HYMB            |

### SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF (Series ID: S000068660)

| Class ID   | Class Name                                   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000219610 | SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF | EMHC            |

### SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF (Series ID: S000076007)

| Class ID   | Class Name                              | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000235432 | SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | NZUS            |

**As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on August 22, 2025**

**Securities Act File No. 333-57793** <br>**Investment Company Act of 1940 File No. 811-08839**

------

**UNITED STATES** <br>**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

------

**FORM N-1A** <br>**REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ***UNDER*** <br> ***THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933***<br>| **☒**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Pre-Effective Amendment No.**<br> **Post-Effective Amendment No. 324**<br>| **☒**  |

---

**and/or**

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ***UNDER*** <br> ***THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940***<br>| **☒**  |
| **Amendment No. 326** | **☒**  |

---

------

**SPDR SERIES TRUST**

**(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)**

------

**One Iron Street** <br>**Boston, Massachusetts 02210**

**(Address of Principal Executive Offices)**

**(617) 664-3920** <br>

**(Registrant's Telephone Number)**

**Andrew J. DeLorme, Esq.** <br>**Chief Legal Officer**

**c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.** <br>**One Iron Street** <br>**Boston, Massachusetts 02210**

**(Name and Address of Agent for Service)**

------

***Copies to:***

**W. John McGuire, Esq.** <br>**Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP** <br>**1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW** <br>**Washington, D.C. 20004**

------

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

☐ immediately upon filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (b)

☐ on ______________ pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (b) 

☐ 60 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1)

☒ on October 31, 2025 pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1) 

☐ 75 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2) 

☐ On _________________ pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2)

If appropriate, check the following box:

☐ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

------

**SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.**

**Prospectus**

[October 31, 2025]

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **Series Trust** 

SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF (EMHC)

SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg High Yield Municipal Bond ETF) (HYMB)

SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Municipal Bond ETF) (TFI)

SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Short Term Municipal Bond ETF) (SHM)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Shares in the Funds are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other agency of the U.S. Government, nor are shares deposits or obligations of any bank. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Funds.

![](g853948ssga_spdr.jpg)

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

------

**Table of Contents**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Fund Summaries](#xx_e5f259a0-27a8-4495-aac0-4ddedfb9eec9_1) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPDR](#xx_e5f259a0-27a8-4495-aac0-4ddedfb9eec9_1)<sup>®</sup>[Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF](#xx_e5f259a0-27a8-4495-aac0-4ddedfb9eec9_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 4<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPDR](#xx_a41f8c0d-5866-4eec-90b0-fbf6eb6ea9f6_1)<sup>®</sup>[Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF](#xx_a41f8c0d-5866-4eec-90b0-fbf6eb6ea9f6_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 11<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPDR](#xx_8c404b92-e3fc-4462-b6d8-6bc66e158636_1)<sup>®</sup>[Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF](#xx_8c404b92-e3fc-4462-b6d8-6bc66e158636_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 17<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPDR](#xx_ab40ef4e-c0cc-411c-b93b-bf5ac2faf188_1)<sup>®</sup>[Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF](#xx_ab40ef4e-c0cc-411c-b93b-bf5ac2faf188_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 22<br>|
| [Additional Strategies Information](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 27<br>|
| [Additional Risk Information](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 28<br>|
| [Management](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_18) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 44<br>|
| [Index/Trademark Licenses/Disclaimers](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_21) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 47<br>|
| [Additional Purchase and Sale Information](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_22) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 48<br>|
| [Distributions](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_23) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 49<br>|
| [Portfolio Holdings Disclosure](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_24) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 50<br>|
| [Additional Tax Information](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_24) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 50<br>|
| [General Information](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_28) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 54<br>|
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_8028ec91-9f74-4c11-8201-7eaae635f5b3_28) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 54<br>|
| [Where to Learn More About the Funds](#xx_52eb8954-1dfb-4c21-93cc-29dbd5c7b369_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 55 |

---

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

------

Fund Summaries

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF** 

---

| |
|:---|
| **Investment Objective** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results <br> that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index that <br> tracks fixed and floating-rate US dollar-denominated debt issued by sovereign and quasi-sovereign emerging <br> market issuers.<br>|

---

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund ("Fund Shares"). **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.**

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management fees | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.23]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |  |
| Other expenses | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.00]% |
| **Total annual Fund operating expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **[0.23]%** |

---

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year 1** | **Year 3** | **Year 5** | **Year 10** |
| $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] |

---

**Portfolio Turnover:**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

**The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy**

In seeking to track the performance of the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Sovereign and Sovereign Owned Index (the "Index"), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. Based on its analysis of these factors, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser"), the investment adviser to the Fund either may invest the Fund's assets in a subset of securities in the Index or may invest the Fund's assets in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index, as determined by the Adviser to be in the best interest of the Fund in pursuing its objective. The Fund is classified as "diversified" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; however, the Fund may become "non-diversified" solely as a result of tracking the Index (e.g., changes in weightings of one or more component securities). When the Fund is non-diversified, it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index and in securities that the Adviser determines have economic characteristics that are

------

substantially identical to the economic characteristics of the securities that comprise the Index. In addition, in seeking to track the Index, the Fund may invest in debt securities that are not included in the Index. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments (including money market funds advised by the Adviser) for cash management purposes. In seeking to track the Index, the Fund's assets may be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, but only to the extent the Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries. Swaps and futures contracts (each, a type of derivative instrument) may be used by the Fund in seeking performance that corresponds to its Index and in managing cash flows.

The Index is designed to measure the performance of fixed and floating-rate US dollar-denominated debt issued by emerging market sovereigns, as well as government guaranteed emerging market issuers and 100% government owned emerging market issuers (i.e., quasi-sovereign emerging market issuers). An emerging market is a country that the World Bank Income group classifies as low/middle income or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) classifies as a non-advanced country. In addition, the Index Provider (defined below) may classify a country as an emerging market based on factors such as investability concerns, the presence of capital controls, and/or geographic considerations. The Index includes bonds of any credit quality with a minimum par amount outstanding of $1 billion, a remaining maturity of at least one year and an original maturity of greater than two and a half years. SEC-registered, Rule 144A and Regulation S bonds are each eligible for inclusion in the Index. As of August 31, 2025, there were approximately [ ] securities in the Index.

The Index is calculated by the Index Provider (as defined below) using a capped weighting methodology. At each rebalance, each constituent country within the Index is capped at 5% with respect to the total market value of the Index. Any country weight exceeding the 5% limit will be redistributed on a pro rata basis to the bonds of all other countries in the Index that are below the 5% cap. The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted monthly on the last business day of the month.

The Index is sponsored by Bloomberg Index Services Limited (the "Index Provider"), which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Market Risk:** The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.

**Debt Securities Risk:** The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities.

------

**Non-U.S. Securities Risk:** Non-U.S. securities are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not present in domestic investments. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S. entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, legal and financial report standards comparable to those in the United States. Further, such entities and/or their securities may be subject to risks associated with currency controls; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. To the extent underlying securities held by the Fund trade on foreign exchanges that are closed when the exchange on which the Fund's shares trade is open, there may be deviations between the current price of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security on the closed foreign market. These deviations could result in the Fund experiencing premiums or discounts greater than those of ETFs that invest in domestic securities. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. Foreign governments may impose restrictions on the repatriation of capital to the U.S. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact on the Fund. Certain countries may institute negative interest rates on certain fixed-income securities, and similar interest rate conditions may be experienced in other regions. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative interest rates may magnify the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk and diminish yield and performance, and such investments may be subject to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity.

**Emerging Markets Risk:** Risks of investing in emerging markets include, among others, greater political and economic instability, greater volatility in currency exchange rates, less developed securities markets, increased potential for market manipulation, possible trade barriers, currency transfer restrictions, a more limited number of potential buyers and issuers, an emerging market country's dependence on revenue from particular commodities or international aid, less governmental supervision and regulation, unavailability of currency hedging techniques, differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, and less developed legal systems. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such as expropriation, nationalization, embargoes, and acts of war. The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. Market disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all companies in the country or region. The Fund may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Fund's obligations. These risks are generally greater for investments in frontier market countries, which typically have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging market countries.

**Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk:** Investments in debt securities issued by governments or by government agencies and instrumentalities involve the risk that the governmental entities responsible for repayment may be unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. Any restructuring of a sovereign debt obligation held by the Fund will likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of the obligation. In the event of default of sovereign debt, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the sovereign issuer or to realize on collateral securing the debt.

**Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk:** As with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value (NAV) per share and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines.

**Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk:** Lower-quality debt securities ("high yield" or "junk" bonds) are considered predominantly speculative, and can involve a substantially greater risk of default than higher quality debt securities. Issuers of lower-quality debt securities may have substantially greater risk of insolvency or bankruptcy than issuers of higher-quality debt securities. They can be illiquid, and their values can have significant volatility and may decline significantly over short periods of time. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive to adverse news about the issuer, or the market or economy in general.

**Futures Contract Risk:** A futures contract is a standardized agreement that calls for the purchase or sale of a specific asset at a specific price at a specific future time, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. Transactions in futures contracts can create investment leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a futures contract transaction will result in a much greater loss than the principal amount invested, and the Fund may not be able to close out the futures contract at a favorable time or price. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract. In the event no such market exists, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the Fund will be unable to terminate its exposure to the futures contract. There is also a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures

------

contract and movements in the price of the underlying assets. The counterparty to a futures contract may be unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Fund's margin, or otherwise honor its obligations.

**Income Risk:** The Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.

**Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk:** The Fund is managed with an indexing investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities, regardless of the current or projected performance of the Index or of the actual securities comprising the Index. This differs from an actively-managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund's performance may be less favorable than that of a portfolio managed using an active investment strategy. The structure and composition of the Index will affect the performance, volatility, and risk of the Index and, consequently, the performance, volatility, and risk of the Fund. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Index's objective and/or criteria. When there are changes made to the component securities of the Index and the Fund in turn makes similar changes to its portfolio, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio changes will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund may recognize gains as a result of rebalancing or reconstituting its securities holdings to reflect changes in the securities included in the Index. The Fund also may be required to distribute any such gains to its shareholders to avoid adverse federal income tax consequences. While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index (*i.e.*, achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match the return of the Index. The Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities. In addition, the Fund may not be fully invested at times, generally as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions. The Adviser may attempt to track the Index return by investing in fewer than all of the securities in the Index, or in some securities not included in the Index, potentially increasing the risk of divergence between the Fund's return and that of the Index.

**Liquidity Risk:** Lack of a ready market, stressed market conditions, or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. If the liquidity of the Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may also limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. In addition, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in any illiquid investments and/or the difficulty in purchasing and selling such investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain market or sector.

**Non-Diversification Risk:** To the extent the Fund becomes "non-diversified," the Fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities than many other funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of Fund Shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. The Fund may become non-diversified for periods of time solely as a result of tracking the Index (e.g., changes in weightings of one or more component securities).

**Restricted Securities Risk:** The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws. There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility.

**Swaps Risk:** A swap is a two-party contract that generally obligates the parties to exchange payments based on a specified reference security, basket of securities, security index or index component. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities because swaps may be leveraged and are subject to counterparty risk

------

(e.g., the risk of a counterparty's defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk (i.e., swaps may be difficult to value). It may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

**Valuation Risk:** Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

**Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk:** During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary inversely with market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as compared to investment in a fixed-rate security and may involve leverage. Floating rate notes are generally subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate such securities.

------

**Fund Performance**

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index and of a relevant broad-based securities index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Annual Total Returns** (years ended 12/31)

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Average Annual Total Returns** (for periods ended 12/31/24)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 31, 2024 (the "Benchmark Index Change Date"), the Fund's benchmark index changed from the Bloomberg Emerging USD Bond Core Index (the "Previous Benchmark Index") to the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Sovereign and Sovereign Owned Index, consistent with a change in the Fund's principal investment strategy to track the performance of the current index. Performance of the Fund prior to the Benchmark Index Change Date is therefore based on the Fund's investment strategy to track the Previous Benchmark Index and may have been different had the Fund tracked the current index.

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Portfolio Management**

**Investment Adviser**

SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

**Portfolio Managers**

The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Jennifer Taylor, Robert Golcher and Kheng Siang Ng. Ms. Taylor and Mr. Golcher are part of State Street Global Advisors Limited ("SSGA LTD"), an affiliate of the Adviser, and provides portfolio management services through a personnel-sharing arrangement between the Adviser and SSGA LTD. Mr. Ng is part of State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited ("SSGA Singapore"), an affiliate of the Adviser, and provides portfolio management services through a personnel-sharing arrangement between the Adviser and SSGA Singapore.

Jennifer Taylor is the Head of Emerging Market Debt and a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Fixed Income Beta Solutions Team at SSGA LTD. She joined SSGA LTD in 2022.

Robert Golcher is a Vice President and a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Fixed Income Beta Solutions Team at SSGA LTD. He joined SSGA LTD in 2013.

Kheng Siang Ng, CFA, is a Vice President, the Asia Pacific Head of the Fixed Income Beta Solutions Team at SSGA Singapore, and the Head of SSGA Singapore. He joined SSGA Singapore in 2005.

**Purchase and Sale Information**

The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as "Creation Units." Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities and/or cash.

Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "Exchange"), other national securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary

------

market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the "bid-ask spread"). Recent information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are expected to be taxed as ordinary income and/or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. Any withdrawals made from such tax-advantaged arrangement may be taxable to you.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

------

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF**

**(formerly, SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **Nuveen Bloomberg High Yield Municipal Bond ETF)** 

---

| |
|:---|
| **Investment Objective** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results <br> that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index that <br> tracks the U.S. high yield municipal bond market and to provide income that is exempt from federal income <br> taxes.<br>|

---

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund ("Fund Shares"). **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.**

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management fees | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.35]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |  |
| Other expenses | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.00]% |
| **Total annual Fund operating expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **[0.35]%** |

---

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year 1** | **Year 3** | **Year 5** | **Year 10** |
| $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] |

---

**Portfolio Turnover:**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

**The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy**

In seeking to track the performance of the ICE US Select High Yield Crossover Municipal Index (the "Index"), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. Based on its analysis of these factors, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("Nuveen Asset Management" or the "Sub-Adviser"), the investment sub-adviser to the Fund, either may invest the Fund's assets in a subset of securities in the Index or may invest the Fund's assets in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index, as determined by the Sub-Adviser to be in the best interest of the Fund in pursuing its objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index and in securities that the Sub-Adviser determines have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the economic characteristics of the securities that comprise the Index. Additionally, the Fund intends to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments the income of which is exempt from Federal income tax. In addition, in seeking to track the Index, the Fund may invest in debt securities that are not included in the Index. The Fund may also invest in

------

cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments (including money market funds advised by SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser"), the investment adviser to the Fund) for cash management purposes. In seeking to track the Index, the Fund's assets may be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, but only to the extent that the Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries.

The Index is market capitalization-weighted and designed to measure the performance of lower-rated (A3/A+ or lower) and unrated U.S. dollar-denominated tax-exempt debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market by U.S. states, U.S. territories and their political subdivisions. Bonds included in the Index may include private activity bonds, which are typically issued by or on behalf of local or state governments for the purpose of financing the project of a private user.

The Index is a blend of the following indices: (i) 70% ICE Core High Yield & Unrated Municipal Index; (ii) 20% ICE 1+ Year BBB AMT-Free Broad National Municipal Index; and (iii) 10% ICE 1+ Year Single-A AMT-Free Broad National Municipal Index. Constituents of the ICE Core High Yield & Unrated Municipal Index must be non-rated or rated below investment grade (Ba1/BB+ or lower) by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's ("S&P") and Fitch Ratings Inc. ("Fitch") (if rated by all three agencies, two of the three ratings must be Ba1/BB+ or lower; if rated by two agencies, the lowest rating must be Ba1/BB+ or lower; and if rated by a single agency, the security must be rated Ba1/BB+ or lower), have at least a $3 million currently outstanding face value, be issued as part of a deal with an original offering size of at least $15 million, and have a remaining term to final maturity of at least one year. Constituents of the ICE 1+ Year BBB AMT-Free Broad National Municipal Index must be rated Baa3, Baa2, or Baa1 by Moody's or BBB-, BBB, or BBB+ by S&P or Fitch (based on the middle rating of the three agencies), have at least a $10 million currently outstanding face value, be issued as part of a deal with an original offering size of at least $100 million, and have a remaining term to final maturity of at least one year. Constituents of the ICE 1+ Year Single-A AMT-Free Broad National Municipal Index must be rated A3, A2, or A1 by Moody's or A-, A, or A+ by S&P or Fitch, (based on the middle rating of the three agencies) have at least a $10 million currently outstanding face value, be issued as part of a deal with an original offering size of at least $100 million, and have a remaining term to final maturity of at least one year.

Only fixed-rate coupon bonds (including zero coupon bonds) are eligible for inclusion in the Index. Securities included in the Index may include when-issued securities. Private placements, variable rate demand obligations, securities in legal default, floating rate debt, municipal commercial paper, and debt issued under the municipal liquidity facility are excluded from the Index. The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted on the last calendar day of each month. As of July 31, 2025, there were [ ] securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by ICE Data Indices, LLC (the "Index Provider"), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Market Risk:** The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.

**Debt Securities Risk:** The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially

------

faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities.

**Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk:** Lower-quality debt securities ("high yield" or "junk" bonds) are considered predominantly speculative, and can involve a substantially greater risk of default than higher quality debt securities. Issuers of lower-quality debt securities may have substantially greater risk of insolvency or bankruptcy than issuers of higher-quality debt securities. They can be illiquid, and their values can have significant volatility and may decline significantly over short periods of time. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive to adverse news about the issuer, or the market or economy in general.

**Municipal Obligations Risk:** Issuers, including governmental issuers, may be unable to pay their obligations as they come due. The values of municipal obligations may be adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments. In addition, the values of municipal obligations that depend on a specific revenue source to fund their payment obligations may fluctuate as a result of actual or anticipated changes in the cash flows generated by the revenue source or changes in the priority of the municipal obligation to receive the cash flows generated by the revenue source. Municipal obligations may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. In addition, changes in U.S. federal tax laws or the activity of an issuer may adversely affect the tax-exempt status of municipal obligations. Loss of tax-exempt status may cause interest received and distributed by the Fund to shareholders to be taxable and may result in a significant decline in the values of such municipal obligations.

**Political Risk:** A significant restructuring of federal income tax rates or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal securities is strongly influenced by the value of tax-exempt income to investors. Lower income tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipals.

**Private Activity Bonds Risk:** Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal securities, although the current federal tax laws place limitations on the size of such issues. The credit and quality of private activity bonds are usually related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal of such bonds are the responsibility of the corporate user (and/or any guarantor), which means that the holder of the private activity bond is exposed to the risk that the corporate user (and/or any guarantor) may default on the private activity bond. Conditions such as regulatory and environmental restrictions and economic downturns may lower the need for and the ability of corporate users to pay for the projects financed by private activity bonds. The Fund's distributions of its interest income from private activity bonds may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to noncorporate taxpayers.

**Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk:** As with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value (NAV) per share and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines.

**Income Risk:** The Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.

**Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk:** The Fund is managed with an indexing investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities, regardless of the current or projected performance of the Index or of the actual securities comprising the Index. This differs from an actively-managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund's performance may be less favorable than that of a portfolio managed using an active investment strategy. The structure and composition of the Index will affect the performance, volatility, and risk of the Index and, consequently, the performance, volatility, and risk of the Fund. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or

------

at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Index's objective and/or criteria. When there are changes made to the component securities of the Index and the Fund in turn makes similar changes to its portfolio, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio changes will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund may recognize gains as a result of rebalancing or reconstituting its securities holdings to reflect changes in the securities included in the Index. The Fund also may be required to distribute any such gains to its shareholders to avoid adverse federal income tax consequences. While the Sub-Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index (*i.e.*, achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match the return of the Index. The Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities. In addition, the Fund may not be fully invested at times, generally as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions. The Sub-Adviser may attempt to track the Index return by investing in fewer than all of the securities in the Index, or in some securities not included in the Index, potentially increasing the risk of divergence between the Fund's return and that of the Index.

**Liquidity Risk:** Lack of a ready market, stressed market conditions, or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. If the liquidity of the Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may also limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. In addition, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in any illiquid investments and/or the difficulty in purchasing and selling such investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain market or sector.

**Tax Exemption Risk:** There is no guarantee that the Fund's income will be exempt from federal or state income taxes. Events occurring after the date of issuance of a municipal bond or after the Fund's acquisition of a municipal bond may result in a determination that interest on that bond is includible in gross income for federal income tax purposes retroactively to its date of issuance. Such a determination may cause a portion of prior distributions by the Fund to its shareholders to be taxable to those shareholders in the year of receipt. Federal or state changes in income or alternative minimum tax rates or in the tax treatment of municipal bonds may make municipal bonds less attractive as investments and cause them to decline in value.

**Valuation Risk:** Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

**When-Issued Securities Risk:** The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. The purchase price of such securities is typically fixed at the time of the commitment, with delivery and payment taking place in the future. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. Purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis may give rise to investment leverage, and may result in increased volatility of the Fund's NAV. Default by, or bankruptcy of, a counterparty to a when-issued transaction would expose the Fund to possible losses because of an adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools specified in such transaction. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. rules impose mandatory margin requirements for certain types of when-issued or forward commitment transactions, with limited exceptions. Such transactions require mandatory collateralization which may increase the cost of such transactions and impose added operational complexity.

**Zero-Coupon Bond Risk:** Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest.

------

**Fund Performance**

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index and of a relevant broad-based securities index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Annual Total Returns** (years ended 12/31)

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Average Annual Total Returns** (for periods ended 12/31/24)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective October 1, 2019, the Fund's benchmark index changed from the S&P Municipal Yield Index to the Bloomberg Municipal Yield Index. Effective June 1, 2025, the Fund's benchmark index changed from the Bloomberg Municipal Yield Index to the ICE US Select High Yield Crossover Municipal Index. Each benchmark index change was consistent with a change in the Fund's principal investment strategy to track the performance of a new index. Performance of the Fund prior to June 1, 2025 is therefore based on the Fund's investment strategy to track the applicable prior indexes and may have been different had the Fund tracked the current index.

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Portfolio Management**

**Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser**

SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser") serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Nuveen Asset Management serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, subject to supervision by the Adviser and oversight by the Trust's Board of Trustees. To the extent that a reference in this Prospectus refers to the Adviser, with respect to the Fund, such reference should also be read to refer to Nuveen Asset Management, where the context requires.

**Portfolio Managers**

The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Timothy Ryan and Joel Levy.

Timothy T. Ryan, CFA, is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Ryan joined an affiliate of Nuveen Asset Management in 2010.

Joel H. Levy is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Levy joined an affiliate of Nuveen Asset Management in 2011.

**Purchase and Sale Information**

The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as "Creation Units." Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities and/or cash.

Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca, Inc., other national securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the "bid-ask spread"). Recent information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at www.statestreet.com/im.

------

**Tax Information**

The Fund intends to pay income that is exempt from regular federal income tax, but which may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax. A portion of the Fund's distributions may be subject to such taxes. Income from municipal securities of states other than the shareholder's state of residence generally will not qualify for tax-free treatment for such shareholder with respect to state and local taxes.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

------

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF**

**(formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Municipal Bond ETF)** 

---

| |
|:---|
| **Investment Objective** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results that, before <br> fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index that tracks the U.S. <br> municipal bond market and provides income that is exempt from federal income taxes.<br>|

---

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund ("Fund Shares"). **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.**

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management fees | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.23]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |  |
| Other expenses | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.00]% |
| **Total annual Fund operating expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **[0.23]%** |

---

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year 1** | **Year 3** | **Year 5** | **Year 10** |
| $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] |

---

**Portfolio Turnover:**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

**The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy**

In seeking to track the performance of the ICE 1+ Year AMT-Free Broad Municipal Index (the "Index"), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. Based on its analysis of these factors, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("Nuveen Asset Management" or the "Sub-Adviser"), the investment sub-adviser to the Fund, either may invest the Fund's assets in a subset of securities in the Index or may invest the Fund's assets in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index, as determined by the Sub-Adviser to be in the best interest of the Fund in pursuing its objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index and in securities that the Sub-Adviser determines have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the economic characteristics of the securities that comprise the Index. Additionally, the Fund intends to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments the income of which is exempt from Federal income tax. In addition, in seeking to track the Index, the Fund may invest in debt securities that are not included in the Index. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments (including money market funds advised by SSGA Funds

------

Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser"), the investment adviser to the Fund) for cash management purposes. In seeking to track the Index, the Fund's assets may be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, but only to the extent that the Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries.

The Index is designed to track the performance of U.S. dollar denominated investment grade tax-exempt debt publicly issued by U.S. states and territories, and their political subdivisions, in the U.S. domestic market. The Index includes state and local general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, pre-refunded bonds, and insured bonds. A general obligation bond is secured by the full faith and credit of its issuer. A revenue bond is payable from a specific source of revenue. A pre-refunded bond is a revenue bond that the issuer has allocated funds to fully retire. An insured bond is protected from issuer default or rating downgrade by an insurance company. The Index also includes municipal lease obligations, which are securities issued by state and local governments and authorities to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities. They may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase contract, a conditional sales contract, or a participation interest in a lease or contract.

The Index is a rules-based, market-capitalization weighted index engineered for the tax-exempt bond market. All bonds in the Index must be exempt from federal taxes, U.S. dollar denominated and have an average rating of Baa3/BBB- or higher by the following statistical ratings agencies: Moody's Investors Service, Inc., S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings Inc. In addition, to be included in the Index, a security must (i) not be subject to alternative minimum tax; (ii) have a fixed coupon schedule; (iii) have at least one year remaining term to final maturity; (iv) have at least 18 months to final maturity at the time of issuance; and (v) meet the following minimum size requirements: (a) have a minimum current amount outstanding of $5 million for bonds with an initial term to final maturity of less than 3 years; (b) have a minimum current amount outstanding of $7 million for bonds with an initial term to final maturity of 3 to 15 years; and (c) have a minimum current amount outstanding of $10 million for bonds with an initial term to final maturity of 15 or more years. Securities included in the Index may include when-issued securities and zero-coupon bonds. Secondarily insured bonds, Rule 144A bonds, bonds issued under the municipal liquidity facility or a municipal commercial paper program are excluded from the Index. The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted monthly on the last calendar day of the month. As of July 31, 2025, there were [ ] securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by ICE Data Indices, LLC (the "Index Provider"), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Market Risk:** The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.

**Debt Securities Risk:** The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities.

------

**Municipal Obligations Risk:** Issuers, including governmental issuers, may be unable to pay their obligations as they come due. The values of municipal obligations may be adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments. In addition, the values of municipal obligations that depend on a specific revenue source to fund their payment obligations may fluctuate as a result of actual or anticipated changes in the cash flows generated by the revenue source or changes in the priority of the municipal obligation to receive the cash flows generated by the revenue source. Municipal obligations may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. In addition, changes in U.S. federal tax laws or the activity of an issuer may adversely affect the tax-exempt status of municipal obligations. Loss of tax-exempt status may cause interest received and distributed by the Fund to shareholders to be taxable and may result in a significant decline in the values of such municipal obligations.

**Political Risk:** A significant restructuring of federal income tax rates or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal securities is strongly influenced by the value of tax-exempt income to investors. Lower income tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipals.

**Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk:** As with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value (NAV) per share and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines.

**Income Risk:** The Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.

**Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk:** The Fund is managed with an indexing investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities, regardless of the current or projected performance of the Index or of the actual securities comprising the Index. This differs from an actively-managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund's performance may be less favorable than that of a portfolio managed using an active investment strategy. The structure and composition of the Index will affect the performance, volatility, and risk of the Index and, consequently, the performance, volatility, and risk of the Fund. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Index's objective and/or criteria. When there are changes made to the component securities of the Index and the Fund in turn makes similar changes to its portfolio, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio changes will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund may recognize gains as a result of rebalancing or reconstituting its securities holdings to reflect changes in the securities included in the Index. The Fund also may be required to distribute any such gains to its shareholders to avoid adverse federal income tax consequences. While the Sub-Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index (*i.e.*, achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match the return of the Index. The Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities. In addition, the Fund may not be fully invested at times, generally as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions. The Sub-Adviser may attempt to track the Index return by investing in fewer than all of the securities in the Index, or in some securities not included in the Index, potentially increasing the risk of divergence between the Fund's return and that of the Index.

**Liquidity Risk:** Lack of a ready market, stressed market conditions, or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. If the liquidity of the Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may also limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. In addition, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in any illiquid investments and/or the difficulty in purchasing and selling such investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain market or sector.

------

**Tax Exemption Risk:** There is no guarantee that the Fund's income will be exempt from federal or state income taxes. Events occurring after the date of issuance of a municipal bond or after the Fund's acquisition of a municipal bond may result in a determination that interest on that bond is includible in gross income for federal income tax purposes retroactively to its date of issuance. Such a determination may cause a portion of prior distributions by the Fund to its shareholders to be taxable to those shareholders in the year of receipt. Federal or state changes in income or alternative minimum tax rates or in the tax treatment of municipal bonds may make municipal bonds less attractive as investments and cause them to decline in value.

**Valuation Risk:** Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

**When-Issued Securities Risk:** The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. The purchase price of such securities is typically fixed at the time of the commitment, with delivery and payment taking place in the future. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. Purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis may give rise to investment leverage, and may result in increased volatility of the Fund's NAV. Default by, or bankruptcy of, a counterparty to a when-issued transaction would expose the Fund to possible losses because of an adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools specified in such transaction. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. rules impose mandatory margin requirements for certain types of when-issued or forward commitment transactions, with limited exceptions. Such transactions require mandatory collateralization which may increase the cost of such transactions and impose added operational complexity.

**Zero-Coupon Bond Risk:** Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest.

**Fund Performance**

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index and of a relevant broad-based securities index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Annual Total Returns** (years ended 12/31)

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Average Annual Total Returns** (for periods ended 12/31/24)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective January 2, 2019, the Fund's benchmark index changed from the Bloomberg Municipal Managed Money Index to the Bloomberg Municipal Managed Money 1-25 Years Index. Effective June 1, 2025, the Fund's benchmark index changed from the Bloomberg Municipal Managed Money 1-25 Years Index

------

to the ICE 1+ Year AMT-Free Broad Municipal Index. Each benchmark index change was consistent with a change in the Fund's principal investment strategy to track the performance of a new index. Performance of the Fund prior to June 1, 2025 is therefore based on the Fund's investment strategy to track the applicable prior indexes and may have been different had the Fund tracked the current index.

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Portfolio Management**

**Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser**

SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser") serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Nuveen Asset Management serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, subject to supervision by the Adviser and oversight by the Trust's Board of Trustees. To the extent that a reference in this Prospectus refers to the Adviser, with respect to the Fund, such reference should also be read to refer to Nuveen Asset Management, where the context requires.

**Portfolio Managers**

The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Timothy Ryan and Joel Levy.

Timothy T. Ryan, CFA, is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Ryan joined an affiliate of Nuveen Asset Management in 2010.

Joel H. Levy is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Levy joined an affiliate of Nuveen Asset Management in 2011.

**Purchase and Sale Information**

The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as "Creation Units." Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities and/or cash.

Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca, Inc., other national securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the "bid-ask spread"). Recent information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Tax Information**

The Fund intends to pay income that is exempt from regular federal income tax, but which may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax. A portion of the Fund's distributions may be subject to such taxes. Income from municipal securities of states other than the shareholder's state of residence generally will not qualify for tax-free treatment for such shareholder with respect to state and local taxes.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

------

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF**

**(formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Short Term Municipal Bond ETF)** 

---

| |
|:---|
| **Investment Objective** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results <br> that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index that <br> tracks the short term tax exempt municipal bond market and provides income that is exempt from federal <br> income taxes.<br>|

---

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund ("Fund Shares"). **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.**

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management fees | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.20]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |  |
| Other expenses | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.00]% |
| **Total annual Fund operating expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **[0.20]%** |

---

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year 1** | **Year 3** | **Year 5** | **Year 10** |
| $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] |

---

**Portfolio Turnover:**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

**The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy**

In seeking to track the performance of the ICE 1-5 Year AMT-Free Broad Municipal Index (the "Index"), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. Based on its analysis of these factors, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("Nuveen Asset Management" or the "Sub-Adviser"), the investment sub-adviser to the Fund, either may invest the Fund's assets in a subset of securities in the Index or may invest the Fund's assets in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index, as determined by the Sub-Adviser to be in the best interest of the Fund in pursuing its objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index and in securities that the Sub-Adviser determines have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the economic characteristics of the securities that comprise the Index. Additionally, the Fund intends to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments the income of which is exempt from Federal income tax. In addition, in seeking to track the Index, the Fund may invest in debt securities that are not included in the Index. The Fund may also invest in

------

cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments (including money market funds advised by SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser"), the investment adviser to the Fund) for cash management purposes. In seeking to track the Index, the Fund's assets may be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, but only to the extent that the Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries.

The Index is designed to track the performance of U.S. dollar denominated investment grade, short-term tax-exempt debt publicly issued by U.S. states and territories, and their political subdivisions, in the U.S. domestic market. The Index includes state and local general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, pre-refunded bonds, and insured bonds. A general obligation bond is secured by the full faith and credit of its issuer. A revenue bond is payable from a specific source of revenue. A pre-refunded bond is a revenue bond that the issuer has allocated funds to fully retire. An insured bond is protected from issuer default or rating downgrade by an insurance company. The Index also includes municipal lease obligations, which are securities issued by state and local governments and authorities to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities. They may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase contract, a conditional sales contract, or a participation interest in a lease or contract.

The Index is a rules-based, market-capitalization weighted index engineered for the tax-exempt bond market. All bonds in the Index must be exempt from federal taxes, U.S. dollar denominated and have an average rating of Baa3/BBB- or higher by the following statistical ratings agencies: Moody's Investors Service, Inc., S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings Inc. In addition, to be included in the Index, a security must (i) not be subject to alternative minimum tax; (ii) have a fixed coupon schedule; (iii) have a remaining term to final maturity between 1 and 5 years; (iv) have at least 18 months to final maturity at the time of issuance; and (v) meet the following minimum size requirements: (a) have a minimum current amount outstanding of $5 million for bonds with an initial term to final maturity of less than 3 years; (b) have a minimum current amount outstanding of $7 million for bonds with an initial term to final maturity of 3 to 15 years; and (c) have a minimum current amount outstanding of $10 million for bonds with an initial term to final maturity of 15 or more years. Securities included in the Index may include when-issued securities and zero-coupon bonds. Secondarily insured bonds, Rule 144A bonds, bonds issued under the municipal liquidity facility or a municipal commercial paper program are excluded from the Index. The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted monthly on the last calendar day of the month. As of July 31, 2025, there were [ ] securities in the Index.

The Index is sponsored by ICE Data Indices, LLC (the "Index Provider"), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Market Risk:** The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.

**Debt Securities Risk:** The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on

------

the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities.

**Municipal Obligations Risk:** Issuers, including governmental issuers, may be unable to pay their obligations as they come due. The values of municipal obligations may be adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments. In addition, the values of municipal obligations that depend on a specific revenue source to fund their payment obligations may fluctuate as a result of actual or anticipated changes in the cash flows generated by the revenue source or changes in the priority of the municipal obligation to receive the cash flows generated by the revenue source. Municipal obligations may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. In addition, changes in U.S. federal tax laws or the activity of an issuer may adversely affect the tax-exempt status of municipal obligations. Loss of tax-exempt status may cause interest received and distributed by the Fund to shareholders to be taxable and may result in a significant decline in the values of such municipal obligations.

**Political Risk:** A significant restructuring of federal income tax rates or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal securities is strongly influenced by the value of tax-exempt income to investors. Lower income tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipals.

**Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk:** As with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value (NAV) per share and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines.

**Income Risk:** The Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.

**Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk:** The Fund is managed with an indexing investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities, regardless of the current or projected performance of the Index or of the actual securities comprising the Index. This differs from an actively-managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund's performance may be less favorable than that of a portfolio managed using an active investment strategy. The structure and composition of the Index will affect the performance, volatility, and risk of the Index and, consequently, the performance, volatility, and risk of the Fund. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Index's objective and/or criteria. When there are changes made to the component securities of the Index and the Fund in turn makes similar changes to its portfolio, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio changes will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund may recognize gains as a result of rebalancing or reconstituting its securities holdings to reflect changes in the securities included in the Index. The Fund also may be required to distribute any such gains to its shareholders to avoid adverse federal income tax consequences. While the Sub-Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index (*i.e.*, achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match the return of the Index. The Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities. In addition, the Fund may not be fully invested at times, generally as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions. The Sub-Adviser may attempt to track the Index return by investing in fewer than all of the securities in the Index, or in some securities not included in the Index, potentially increasing the risk of divergence between the Fund's return and that of the Index.

**Liquidity Risk:** Lack of a ready market, stressed market conditions, or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. If the liquidity of the Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may also limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. In addition, the Fund, due to

------

limitations on investments in any illiquid investments and/or the difficulty in purchasing and selling such investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain market or sector.

**Low Short-Term Interest Rates Risk:** During market conditions in which short-term interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be very low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). During these conditions, it is possible that the Fund will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and will not be able to pay its scheduled dividend. In addition, it is possible that during these conditions the Fund may experience difficulties purchasing and/or selling securities with respect to scheduled rebalances, and may, as a result, maintain a portion of its assets in cash, on which it may earn little, if any, income. Such market conditions may adversely affect the Fund's ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index.

**Tax Exemption Risk:** There is no guarantee that the Fund's income will be exempt from federal or state income taxes. Events occurring after the date of issuance of a municipal bond or after the Fund's acquisition of a municipal bond may result in a determination that interest on that bond is includible in gross income for federal income tax purposes retroactively to its date of issuance. Such a determination may cause a portion of prior distributions by the Fund to its shareholders to be taxable to those shareholders in the year of receipt. Federal or state changes in income or alternative minimum tax rates or in the tax treatment of municipal bonds may make municipal bonds less attractive as investments and cause them to decline in value.

**Valuation Risk:** Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

**When-Issued Securities Risk:** The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. The purchase price of such securities is typically fixed at the time of the commitment, with delivery and payment taking place in the future. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. Purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis may give rise to investment leverage, and may result in increased volatility of the Fund's NAV. Default by, or bankruptcy of, a counterparty to a when-issued transaction would expose the Fund to possible losses because of an adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools specified in such transaction. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. rules impose mandatory margin requirements for certain types of when-issued or forward commitment transactions, with limited exceptions. Such transactions require mandatory collateralization which may increase the cost of such transactions and impose added operational complexity.

**Zero-Coupon Bond Risk:** Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest.

**Fund Performance**

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index and of a relevant broad-based securities index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Annual Total Returns** (years ended 12/31)

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

------

**Average Annual Total Returns** (for periods ended 12/31/24)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares. Effective June 1, 2025 (the "Benchmark Index Change Date"), the Fund's benchmark index changed from the Bloomberg Managed Money Municipal Short Term Index (the "Previous Benchmark Index") to the ICE 1-5 Year AMT-Free Broad Municipal Index, consistent with a change in the Fund's principal investment strategy to track the performance of the current index. Performance of the Fund prior to the Benchmark Index Change Date is therefore based on the Fund's investment strategy to track the Previous Benchmark Index and may have been different had the Fund tracked the current index.

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Portfolio Management**

**Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser**

SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser") serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Nuveen Asset Management serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, subject to supervision by the Adviser and oversight by the Trust's Board of Trustees. To the extent that a reference in this Prospectus refers to the Adviser, with respect to the Fund, such reference should also be read to refer to Nuveen Asset Management, where the context requires.

**Portfolio Managers**

The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Timothy Ryan and Joel Levy.

Timothy T. Ryan, CFA, is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Ryan joined an affiliate of Nuveen Asset Management in 2010.

Joel H. Levy is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Levy joined an affiliate of Nuveen Asset Management in 2011.

**Purchase and Sale Information**

The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as "Creation Units." Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities and/or cash.

Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca, Inc., other national securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the "bid-ask spread"). Recent information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Tax Information**

The Fund intends to pay income that is exempt from regular federal income tax, but which may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax. A portion of the Fund's distributions may be subject to such taxes. Income from municipal securities of states other than the shareholder's state of residence generally will not qualify for tax-free treatment for such shareholder with respect to state and local taxes.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

------

Additional Strategies Information

**Principal Strategies**

*General*. Please see each Fund's "The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy" section under "Fund Summaries" above for a discussion of each Fund's principal investment strategies. A Fund may invest in various types of securities and engage in various investment techniques which are not the principal focus of the Fund and therefore are not described in this Prospectus. These securities, techniques and practices, together with their risks, are described in the Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI"), which you may obtain free of charge by contacting shareholder services (see the back cover of this Prospectus for the address and phone number).

The Adviser seeks to track the performance of each Fund's Index as closely as possible *(i.e*., obtain a high degree of correlation with the Index). A number of factors may affect a Fund's ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with its Index, and there can be no guarantee that a Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation. For example, a Fund may not be able to achieve a high degree of correlation with its Index when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in compiling a portfolio of securities to follow the Index, when a security in the Index becomes temporarily illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or legal restrictions exist that prohibit the Fund from investing in a security in the Index.

The Adviser will utilize a sampling strategy in managing the Funds. Sampling means that the Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities, including securities in the Index, outside of the Index and derivatives that have a similar investment profile as the relevant Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other economic characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization, and other financial characteristics of securities. The quantity of holdings in a Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. In addition, from time to time, securities are added to or removed from each Index. The Adviser may sell securities that are represented in an Index, or purchase securities that are not yet represented in an Index, in anticipation of their removal from or addition to an Index. Further, the Adviser may choose to overweight securities in an Index, purchase or sell securities not in an Index, or utilize various combinations of other available techniques, in seeking to track an Index.

The SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF, SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF and SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (each a "Municipal Bond ETF," collectively the "Municipal Bond ETFs") have adopted a fundamental investment policy and certain of the other Funds as described in the SAI, have adopted a non-fundamental investment policy to invest at least 80% of their respective net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments suggested by their respective names, measured at the time of investment. A Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days' notice prior to any change in this non-fundamental 80% investment policy. Any change to a Municipal Bond ETF's fundamental 80% investment policy will require shareholder approval. The Board of Trustees (the "Board") of SPDR Series Trust (the "Trust") may change a Fund's investment strategy, Index and other policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated in this Prospectus or in the SAI. The Board may also change a Fund's investment objective without shareholder approval.

**Non-Principal Strategies**

*Certain Other Investments*. Each Fund may invest in structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment and interest payments are based on the movement of one or more specified factors such as the movement of a particular security or index), swaps, options and futures contracts. Swaps, options and futures contracts and structured notes may be used by a Fund in seeking performance that corresponds to its Index and in managing cash flows.

*Temporary Defensive Positions*. In certain situations or market conditions, a Fund may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies, provided that the alternative is consistent with the Fund's investment objective and is in the best interest of the Fund. For example, a Fund may make larger than normal investments in derivatives to maintain exposure to its Index if it is unable to invest directly in a component security.

*Borrowing Money*. Each Fund may borrow money from a bank as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), or other governing statute, by the rules thereunder, or by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund, but only for temporary or emergency purposes. The 1940 Act presently allows a Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess

------

of 5% of its total assets). A Fund may also invest in reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions. Consistent with a rule under the 1940 Act, a Fund may treat such investments as either borrowings or derivatives transactions. To the extent a Fund treats reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions as borrowings, such investments will also be included in the 33 1/3% limit. Under normal circumstances, any borrowings by a Fund (including investments in reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions treated as borrowings) will not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets.

*Lending of Securities*. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets via a securities lending program through its securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street" or the "Lending Agent"), to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. A securities lending program allows a Fund to receive a portion of the income generated by lending its securities and investing the respective collateral. A Fund will receive collateral for each loaned security which is at least equal to the market value of that security, marked to market each trading day. To the extent a Fund receives cash collateral, as of the date of this Prospectus, the Adviser expects to invest such cash collateral in a fund managed by the Adviser that invests in U.S. dollar-denominated, short-term, high quality debt obligations, including the following: a broad range of money market instruments; certificates of deposit and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; asset-backed securities; mortgage-related securities; repurchase agreements; and shares of money market funds. With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, a Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. In the securities lending program, the borrower generally has the right to vote the loaned securities; however, a Fund may call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Fund's economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Security loans may be terminated at any time by a Fund.

Additional Risk Information

The following section provides information regarding the principal risks identified under "Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund" in each Fund Summary along with additional risk information. Risk information is applicable to all Funds unless otherwise noted.

**Principal Risks**

The table below identifies the principal risks of investing in each Fund.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Name** | <sup>SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF</sup> | <sup>SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF</sup> | <sup>SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF</sup> | <sup>SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF</sup> |
| **Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk** | x | x |  |  |
| **Call/Prepayment Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Counterparty Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Credit Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Debt Securities Risk** | x | x | x | x |

---

------

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund Name** | <sup>SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF</sup> | <sup>SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF</sup> | <sup>SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF</sup> | <sup>SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF</sup> |
| **Derivatives Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Futures Contract Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Swaps Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Emerging Markets Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Extension Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Income Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Interest Rate Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Leveraging Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Liquidity Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Low Short-Term Interest Rates Risk** |  |  |  | x |
| **Market Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Municipal Obligations Risk** |  | x | x | x |
| **Non-Diversification Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Non-U.S. Securities Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Political Risk** |  | x | x | x |
| **Private Activity Bonds Risk** |  | x |  |  |
| **Reinvestment Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Restricted Securities Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Settlement Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **Tax Exemption Risk** |  | x | x | x |
| **Valuation Risk** | x | x | x | x |
| **Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk** | x |  |  |  |
| **When-Issued, TBA and Delayed Delivery Securities Risk** |  | x | x | x |
| **Zero-Coupon Bond Risk** |  | x | x | x |

---

------

*Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk*. Securities rated below investment-grade and unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as "high-yield" or "junk" bonds) lack strong investment-grade characteristics, are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments, and are subject to greater levels of credit, liquidity and market risk than higher-rated securities. They can involve a substantially greater risk of default than higher-rated securities, and their values can decline significantly over short periods of time. Issuers of lower-quality debt securities may have substantially greater risk of insolvency or bankruptcy than issuers of higher-quality debt securities. In the event the issuer of a debt security held by a Fund defaults on its payments or becomes insolvent or bankrupt, the Fund may not receive the return it was promised on the investment and could lose its entire investment. The lower ratings of junk bonds reflect a greater possibility that actual or perceived adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. If this were to occur, the values of such securities held by a Fund may fall substantially and a Fund could lose some or all of the value of its investment. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive to adverse news about the issuer, or the market or economy in general, than higher quality debt securities. The market for lower quality debt securities can be less liquid than for higher quality debt securities, especially during periods of recession or general market decline, which could make it difficult at times for a Fund to sell certain securities at prices used in calculating a Fund's NAV. These securities may have significant volatility.

*Call/Prepayment Risk*. Call/prepayment risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by a Fund earlier than expected or required. This may occur, for example, when there is a decline in interest rates, and an issuer of bonds or preferred stock redeems the bonds or stock in order to replace them with obligations on which it is required to pay a lower interest or dividend rate. It may also occur when there is an unanticipated increase in the rate at which mortgages or other receivables underlying mortgage- or asset-backed securities held by a Fund are prepaid. In any such case, a Fund may be forced to invest the prepaid amounts in lower-yielding investments, resulting in a decline in the Fund's income.

*Counterparty Risk*. A Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the Fund enters into derivatives contracts and other transactions such as repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. A Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions will depend on the willingness and ability of its counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, a Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. A Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If a Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if a Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, a Fund may be subject to "bail-in" risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of its securities and, if a Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, such Fund may also be similarly impacted.

*Credit Risk*. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer, guarantor or liquidity provider of a fixed-income security held by a Fund may be unable or unwilling, or may be perceived (whether by market participants, ratings agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. It includes the risk that the security will be downgraded by a credit rating agency; generally, lower credit quality issuers present higher credit risks. An actual or perceived decline in creditworthiness of an issuer of a fixed-income security held by a Fund may result in a decrease in the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when a Fund owns securities of the issuer or that the issuer will default on its obligations or that the obligations of the issuer will be limited or restructured.

------

The credit rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuer's current financial condition and does not reflect an assessment of an investment's volatility or liquidity. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment-grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. If a security held by a Fund loses its rating or its rating is downgraded, the Fund may nonetheless continue to hold the security in the discretion of the Adviser. In the case of asset-backed or mortgage-related securities, changes in the actual or perceived ability of the obligors on the underlying assets or mortgages to make payments of interest and/or principal may affect the values of those securities.

*Debt Securities Risk*. The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of a Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, a decline in a Fund's income and yield, an adverse impact on the liquidity of a Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, a Fund's yield can be low, and a Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by a Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. High levels of inflation and/or a significantly changing interest rate environment can lead to heightened levels of volatility and reduced liquidity.

*Derivatives Risk.* A derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a derivative transaction will result in a loss greater than the principal amount invested, and a Fund may not be able to close out a derivative transaction at a favorable time or price. Risks associated with derivative instruments include potential changes in value in response to interest rate changes or other market developments or as a result of the counterparty's credit quality; the potential for the derivative transaction not to have the effect the Adviser anticipated or a different or less favorable effect than the Adviser anticipated; the failure of the counterparty to the derivative transaction to perform its obligations under the transaction or to settle a trade; possible mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative instrument; imperfect correlation in the value of a derivative with the asset, rate, or index underlying the derivative; the risk that a Fund may be required to post collateral or margin with its counterparty, and will not be able to recover the collateral or margin in the event of the counterparty's insolvency or bankruptcy; the risk that a Fund will experience losses on its derivatives investments and on its other portfolio investments, even when the derivatives investments may be intended in part or entirely to hedge those portfolio investments; the risks specific to the asset underlying the derivative instrument; lack of liquidity for the derivative instrument, including, without limitation, absence of a secondary trading market; the potential for reduced returns to a Fund due to losses on the transaction and an increase in volatility; the potential for the derivative transaction to have the effect of accelerating the recognition of gain; and legal risks arising from the documentation relating to the derivative transaction.

*Futures Contract Risk*. The risk of loss relating to the use of futures contracts is potentially unlimited. The ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market. There is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or at any particular time. In the event no such market exists, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and a Fund will be unable to terminate the futures contract. In using futures contracts, a Fund will be reliant on the ability of the Adviser to predict market and price movements correctly; the skills needed to use such futures contracts successfully are different from those needed for traditional portfolio management. If a Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contracts and movements in the securities or index underlying the futures contracts or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them. For example, participants in the futures markets are subject to margin deposit requirements. Such requirements may cause investors to take actions with respect to their futures positions that they would not otherwise take. The

------

margin requirements in the futures markets may be less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general, and as a result those markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased participation by speculators in those markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by the Adviser still may not result in a successful futures activity over a very short time period. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin a Fund is required to deposit. A Fund will typically be required to post margin with its futures commission merchant in connection with its transactions in futures contracts. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. A Fund will incur brokerage fees in connection with its futures transactions. In the event of an insolvency of the futures commission merchant or a clearing house, a Fund may not be able to recover all (or any) of the margin it has posted with the futures commission merchant, or to realize the value of any increase in the price of its positions, or it may experience a significant delay in doing so. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), certain foreign regulators, and many futures exchanges have established limits referred to as "position limits" on the maximum net long or net short positions that any person and certain affiliated entities may hold or control in a particular futures and options contract. In addition, federal position limits apply to swaps that are economically equivalent to futures contracts on certain agricultural, metals and energy commodities. All positions owned or controlled by the same person or entity, even if in different accounts, must be aggregated for purposes of complying with position limits. It is possible that the positions of different clients managed by the Adviser may be aggregated for this purpose. Therefore, the trading decisions of the Adviser may have to be modified and positions held by a Fund liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits. The modification of investment decisions or the elimination of open positions, if it occurs, may adversely affect the performance of a Fund. A violation of position limits could also lead to regulatory action materially adverse to a Fund's investment strategy. The Fund may also be affected by other regimes, including those of the European Union and United Kingdom, and trading venues that impose position limits on commodity derivative contracts. In addition, exchanges may establish accountability levels applicable to a futures contract instead of position limits, provided that the futures contract is not subject to federal position limits. An exchange may order a person who holds or controls a position in excess of a position accountability level not to further increase its position, to comply with any prospective limit that exceeds the size of the position owned or controlled, or to reduce any open position that exceeds the position accountability level if the exchange determines that such action is necessary to maintain an orderly market. Position accountability levels could adversely affect a Fund's ability to establish and maintain positions in commodity futures contracts to which such levels apply, if the Fund were to trade in such contracts, and a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.

Futures contracts traded on markets outside the U.S. are not generally subject to the same level of regulation by the CFTC or other U.S. regulatory entities as contracts traded in the U.S., including without limitation as to the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions. U.S. regulators neither regulate the activities of a foreign exchange, nor have the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country in question. Margin and other payments made by a Fund may not be afforded the same protections as are afforded those payments in the U.S., including in connection with the insolvency of an executing or clearing broker or a clearinghouse or exchange. Certain foreign futures contracts may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S. contracts.

*Swaps Risk.* A swap is a two-party contract that generally obligates the parties to exchange payments based on a specified reference security, basket of securities, security index or index component. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities because swaps may be leveraged and are subject to counterparty risk (*e.g.*, the risk of a counterparty's defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk (*i.e.*, swaps may be difficult to value). Swaps may also be considered illiquid. It may not be possible for a Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

*Emerging Markets Risk*. Investments in emerging markets are generally subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed markets. This may be due to, among other things, the possibility of greater market volatility, lower trading volume and liquidity, greater risk of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political and economic instability, greater reliance on a few industries, international trade or revenue from particular commodities, less developed accounting, legal and regulatory systems, increased potential for market manipulation, higher levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, greater risk of market shutdown, and more significant governmental

------

limitations on investment policy as compared to those typically found in a developed market. There may be limited legal rights and remedies for investors in companies domiciled in emerging markets. In addition, issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may have less financial stability than in other countries. The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. Market disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all companies in the country or region. A Fund may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Fund's obligations. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such as embargoes and acts of war. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility in investments in emerging market countries, which may be magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. Settlement and asset custody practices for transactions in emerging markets may differ from those in developed markets. Such differences may include possible delays in settlement and certain settlement practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt of payment, which increase the likelihood of a "failed settlement." Failed settlements can result in losses. For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered speculative.

*Extension Risk.* During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower-than-expected principal payments. This may increase the period of time during which an investment earns a below-market interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security. Extension risk may be heightened during periods of adverse economic conditions generally, as payment rates decline due to higher unemployment levels and other factors.

*Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk*. The NAV of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of a Fund's securities holdings. The market prices of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in a Fund's NAV and supply and demand of Fund Shares on the Exchange. It cannot be predicted whether Fund Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Fund Shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities of an Index trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. The market prices of Fund Shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of Fund Shares during periods of market volatility. However, given that Fund Shares can be created and redeemed in Creation Units (unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their NAV), the Adviser (and Sub-Adviser, as applicable) believe that large discounts or premiums to the NAV of Fund Shares should not be sustained over long periods. While the creation/redemption feature is designed to make it likely that Fund Shares normally will trade close to a Fund's NAV, disruptions to creations and redemptions or market volatility may result in trading prices that differ significantly from such Fund's NAV. If an investor purchases Fund Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV of Fund Shares or sells at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV of Fund Shares, then the investor may sustain losses.

*Income Risk.* A Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by a Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by a Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates. A reduction in the income earned by a Fund may limit the Fund's ability to achieve its objective.

*Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk*. Each Fund is managed with an indexing investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. Each Fund will seek to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance of the Index, regardless of the current or projected performance of the Index or of the actual securities comprising the Index. This differs from an actively-managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. Each Fund generally will buy and will not sell a security included in the Index as long as the security is part of the Index regardless of any sudden or material decline in value or foreseeable material decline in value of the security, even though the Adviser may make a different investment decision for other actively managed accounts or portfolios that hold the security. As a result, a Fund's performance may be less favorable than that of a portfolio managed using an active investment strategy. The structure and composition of the Index will affect the performance, volatility, and risk of the Index (in absolute terms and by comparison with other indices) and, consequently, the performance, volatility, and risk of a Fund. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified

------

and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on a Fund and its shareholders. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, an Index may include, and the corresponding Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Index's objective and/or criteria. While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), a Fund's return may not match the return of the Index for a number of reasons. For example, the return on the sample of securities purchased by a Fund (or the return on securities not included in the Index) may not correlate precisely with the return of the Index. Each Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities. In addition, a Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions. The Adviser may attempt to track the Index return by investing in fewer than all of the securities in the Index, or in some securities not included in the Index, potentially increasing the risk of divergence between a Fund's return and that of the Index. Changes in the composition of the Index and regulatory requirements also may impact a Fund's ability to match the return of the Index. The Adviser may apply one or more "screens" or investment techniques to refine or limit the number or types of issuers included in the Index in which a Fund may invest. Application of such screens or techniques may result in investment performance below that of the Index and may not produce results expected by the Adviser. Index tracking risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions.

Pursuant to each Index methodology, a security may be removed from an Index in the event that it does not comply with the eligibility requirements of the Index. As a result, a Fund may be forced to sell securities at inopportune times and/or unfavorable prices due to these changes in the Index components. When there are changes made to the component securities of an Index and the corresponding Fund in turn makes similar changes to its portfolio to attempt to increase the correlation between the Fund's portfolio and the Index, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio changes will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders. Unscheduled changes to an Index may expose the corresponding Fund to additional tracking error risk. A Fund may recognize gains as a result of rebalancing or reconstituting its securities holdings to reflect changes in the securities included in the corresponding Index. A Fund also may be required to distribute any such gains to its shareholders to avoid adverse federal income tax consequences.

*Interest Rate Risk*. Interest rate risk is the risk that the securities held by a Fund will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. Debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. For example, the value of a security with a duration of five years would be expected to decrease by 5% for every 1% increase in interest rates. Falling interest rates also create the potential for a decline in a Fund's income and yield. Interest-only and principal-only securities are especially sensitive to interest rate changes, which can affect not only their prices but can also change the income flows and repayment assumptions about those investments. Variable and floating rate securities also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than fixed-rate securities. A substantial increase in interest rates may also have an adverse impact on the liquidity of a security, especially those with longer durations. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and are influenced by a number of factors, including government policy, monetary policy, inflation expectations, perceptions of risk, and supply and demand for bonds. Changes in government or central bank policy, including changes in tax policy or changes in a central bank's implementation of specific policy goals, may have a substantial impact on interest rates. This could lead to heightened levels of interest rate, volatility and liquidity risks for the fixed income markets generally and could have a substantial and immediate effect on the values of a Fund's investments. There can be no guarantee that any particular government or central bank policy will be continued, discontinued or changed, nor that any such policy will have the desired effect on interest rates.

*Leveraging Risk*. Borrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. If a Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the Fund's investment portfolio, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than a Fund would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in losses

------

to a Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment, interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset coverage requirements.

*Liquidity Risk*. Liquidity risk is the risk that a Fund may not be able to dispose of investments readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which a Fund currently values them. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for a Fund to value illiquid investments accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If the liquidity of a Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Disposal of illiquid investments may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid investments. A Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Fund.

*Low Short-Term Interest Rates Risk*. During market conditions in which short-term interest rates are at low levels, a Fund's yield can be very low, and a Fund may have a negative yield (*i.e.*, it may lose money on an operating basis). During these conditions, it is possible that a Fund will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and will not be able to pay its scheduled dividend. In addition, it is possible that during these conditions a Fund may experience difficulties purchasing and/or selling securities with respect to scheduled rebalances, and may, as a result, maintain a portion of its assets in cash, on which it may earn little, if any, income. Such market conditions may adversely affect a Fund's ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with its Index.

*Market Risk*. Market prices of investments held by a Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. A Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile, and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors, including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in a Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a Fund and its investments. Due to the interconnectedness of economies and financial markets throughout the world, whether or not a Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected. A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as COVID-19, and efforts to contain its spread, may result in market volatility, inflation, reduced liquidity of certain instruments, disruption in the trading of certain instruments, and systemic economic weakness. The foregoing could impact a Fund and its investments and result in disruptions to the services provided to a Fund by its service providers.

*Municipal Obligations Risk.* The U.S. municipal securities market is volatile and can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative, or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities. Municipal obligations include revenue obligations, which are generally backed by the revenues generated from a specific project or facility and include private activity bonds and industrial development bonds. Private activity and industrial development bonds are dependent on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations and on the value of any real or personal property pledged as security for such payment. Private activity and industrial development bonds, although issued by industrial development authorities, may be backed only by the assets of the non-governmental user. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance projects relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal securities market. In addition, municipal securities backed by current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific asset can be negatively affected by the discontinuance or reduction in the rate of the taxation supporting the project or asset or the inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") determines the issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, interest from the

------

security could become taxable, and the security could decline in value. Municipal obligations may also be subject to prepayment risk and extension risk. Certain states and other governmental entities have experienced, and may continue to experience, extreme financial pressures in response to financial, economic and other factors, and may be, or be perceived to be, unable to meet all of their obligations under municipal bonds issued or guaranteed by them; such factors may result in substantial volatility in municipal securities markets and losses to the corresponding Fund. Additionally, a Fund's portfolio may have greater exposure to liquidity risk since the markets for such securities may be less liquid than the traditional bond markets. There may also be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of these types of securities than for public corporations. This means that it may be harder to buy and sell such securities, especially on short notice, and these securities may be more difficult for a Fund to value accurately than securities of public corporations.

*Non-Diversification Risk*. Funds classified as "non-diversified" may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities than many other funds. To the extent a Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of Fund Shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. A Fund may become diversified for periods of time solely as a result of tracking its Index (e.g., changes in weightings of one or more component securities). The SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF may become non-diversified for periods of time solely as a result of tracking its Index.

*Non-U.S. Securities Risk*. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers entail risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Similar risks may apply to securities traded on a U.S. securities exchange that are issued by entities with significant exposure to non-U.S. countries. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with regard to U.S. investments. Because non-U.S. securities are typically denominated and traded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the value of a Fund's assets, to the extent they are non-U.S. dollar denominated, may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of non-U.S. currencies. To the extent underlying securities held by the Fund trade on foreign exchanges that are closed when the exchange on which the Fund's shares trade is open, there may be deviations between the current price of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security on the closed foreign market. These deviations could result in the Fund experiencing premiums or discounts greater than those of ETFs that invest in domestic securities. Income and gains with respect to investments in certain countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S. entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards, regulatory framework and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some non-U.S. entities are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. entities, and could become subject to sanctions or embargoes that adversely affect a Fund's investment. Non-U.S. transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and custody costs may be higher than in the U.S. In addition, there may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, confiscatory taxation, and diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the values of a Fund's investments in issuers in certain non-U.S. countries. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers also are subject to foreign political and economic risk not associated with U.S. investments, meaning that political events (civil unrest, national elections, changes in political conditions and foreign relations, imposition of exchange controls and repatriation restrictions), social and economic events (labor strikes, rising inflation) and natural disasters occurring in a country where a Fund invests could cause the Fund's investments to experience gains or losses. In addition, the threat of or actual imposition of tariffs may adversely impact the price of non-U.S. securities. Certain countries may institute negative interest rates on certain fixed-income securities, and similar interest rate conditions may be experienced in other regions. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative interest rates may magnify a Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk and diminish yield and performance, and such investments may be subject to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity.

*Political Risk.* A significant restructuring of federal income tax rates or even serious discussion on the topic in Congress could cause municipal bond prices to fall. The demand for municipal securities is strongly influenced by the value of tax-exempt income to investors. Lower income tax rates could reduce the advantage of owning municipals.

*Private Activity Bonds Risk*. Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or

------

electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal securities, although the current federal tax laws place limitations on the size of such issues. The credit and quality of private activity bonds are usually related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal of such bonds are the responsibility of the corporate user (and/or any guarantor), which means that the holder of the private activity bond is exposed to the risk that the corporate user (and/or any guarantor) may default on the private activity bond. Conditions such as regulatory and environmental restrictions and economic downturns may lower the need for and the ability of corporate users to pay for the projects financed by private activity bonds. The Fund's distributions of its interest income from private activity bonds may subject certain investors to federal alternative minimum tax applicable to noncorporate taxpayers.

*Reinvestment Risk.* Income from a Fund's portfolio may decline when the Fund invests the proceeds from investment income, sales of portfolio securities or matured, traded or called debt obligations. For instance, during periods of declining interest rates, an issuer of debt obligations may exercise an option to redeem securities prior to maturity, forcing a Fund to reinvest the proceeds in lower-yielding securities. A decline in income received by a Fund from its investments is likely to have a negative effect on the yield and total return of the Fund Shares.

*Restricted Securities Risk*. A Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws pursuant to an exemption from registration. These securities may be less liquid than securities registered for sale to the general public. The liquidity of a restricted security may be affected by a number of factors, including, among others: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer; (ii) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (iv) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (v) the nature of any legal restrictions governing trading in the security; and (vi) the nature of the security and the nature of marketplace trades. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility.

*Settlement Risk*. Markets in different countries have different clearance and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions. Delays in settlement may increase credit risk to a Fund, limit the ability of a Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, hinder the ability of a Fund to lend its portfolio securities, and potentially subject a Fund to penalties for its failure to deliver to on-purchasers of securities whose delivery to a Fund was delayed. Delays in the settlement of securities purchased by a Fund may limit the ability of a Fund to sell those securities at times and prices it considers desirable, and may subject a Fund to losses and costs due to its own inability to settle with subsequent purchasers of the securities from it. A Fund may be required to borrow monies it had otherwise expected to receive in connection with the settlement of securities sold by it, in order to meet its obligations to others. Limits on the ability of a Fund to purchase or sell securities due to settlement delays could increase any variance between a Fund's performance and that of its benchmark index.

*Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk*. Investments in debt securities issued by governments or by government agencies and instrumentalities involve the risk that the governmental entities responsible for repayment may be unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to pay interest and repay principal in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow, the size of its reserves, its access to foreign exchange, the relative size of its debt service burden to its economy as a whole, and political constraints. A governmental entity may default on its obligations or may require renegotiation or reschedule of debt payments. Any restructuring of a sovereign debt obligation held by a Fund will likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of the obligation. In the event of default of sovereign debt, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the sovereign issuer or to realize on collateral securing the debt. The sovereign debt of certain non-U.S. governments, including their sub-divisions and instrumentalities, is rated below investment-grade. Sovereign debt risk may be greater for debt securities issued or guaranteed by emerging and/or frontier countries.

*Tax Exemption Risk.* There is no guarantee that any of a Fund's income will be exempt from federal or state income taxes. Events occurring after the date of issuance of a municipal bond or after a Fund's acquisition of a municipal bond may result in a determination that interest on that bond is includible in gross income for federal income tax purposes retroactively to its date of issuance. Such a determination may cause a portion of prior distributions by a

------

Fund to its shareholders that is attributable to municipal bonds to be taxable to those shareholders in the year of receipt. Federal or state changes in income or alternative minimum tax rates or in the tax treatment of municipal bonds may make municipal bonds less attractive as investments and cause them to decline in value.

*Valuation Risk*. Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. Technological issues or other service disruption issues involving third-party service providers may cause a Fund to value its investments incorrectly. In addition, there is no assurance that a Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by a Fund at that time.

*Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk*. Variable or floating rate securities are debt securities with variable or floating interest rates payments. Variable or floating rate securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended generally to reflect market rates of interest and allow a Fund to participate (determined in accordance with the terms of the securities) in increases in interest rates through upward adjustments of the coupon rates on the securities. However, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. A Fund may also invest in variable or floating rate equity securities, whose dividend payments vary based on changes in market rates of interest or other factors.

In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary inversely with market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as compared to investment in a fixed-rate security and may involve leverage. The extent of increases and decreases in the values of derivative variable rate securities and the corresponding change to the net asset value of the Fund in response to changes in market rates of interest generally may be larger than comparable changes in the value of an equal principal amount of a fixed-rate security having similar credit quality, redemption provisions, and maturity. The markets for such securities may be less developed and may have less liquidity than the markets for conventional securities.

*When-Issued, TBA and Delayed Delivery Securities Risk.* A Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, TBA or delayed delivery basis and may purchase securities on a forward commitment basis. The purchase price of the securities is typically fixed at the time of the commitment, but delivery and payment can take place a month or more after the date of the commitment. The prices of the securities so purchased or sold are subject to market fluctuations. At the time of delivery of the securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase or sale price. Purchase of securities on a when-issued, TBA, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis may give rise to investment leverage, and may result in increased volatility of a Fund's NAV. Default by, or bankruptcy of, a counterparty to a when-issued, TBA or delayed delivery transaction would expose a Fund to possible losses because of an adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools specified in such transaction. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") imposes mandatory margin requirements for certain types of when-issued, TBA, delayed delivery and forward commitment transactions, with limited exceptions. Such transactions require mandatory collateralization which may increase the cost of such transactions and impose added operational complexity.

*Zero-Coupon Bond Risk*. Zero-coupon bonds are debt obligations that are generally issued at a discount and payable in full at maturity, and that do not provide for current payments of interest prior to maturity. Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest. When interest rates rise, the values of zero-coupon bonds fall more rapidly than securities paying interest on a current basis, because a Fund is unable to reinvest interest payments at the higher rates.

------

**Non-Principal Risks**

Each risk discussed below is a non-principal risk of a Fund to the extent it is not identified as a principal risk for such Fund in the preceding "ADDITIONAL RISK INFORMATION - PRINCIPAL RISKS" section.

*Authorized Participants, Market Makers and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk.* A Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants ("APs"), which are responsible for the creation and redemption activity for a Fund. In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Fund Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

*Cash Transaction Risk*. To the extent a Fund sells portfolio securities to meet some or all of a redemption request with cash, the Fund may incur taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred had it made redemptions entirely in-kind. As a result, a Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

*Concentration Risk.* A Fund's assets may be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, but only to the extent that the Fund's underlying Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries. When a Fund focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector, financial, economic, business, and other developments affecting issuers in that industry, market, or economic sector will have a greater effect on the Fund than if it had not focused its assets in that industry, market, or economic sector, which may increase the volatility of the Fund.

*Conflicts of Interest Risk.* An investment in a Fund will be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to a Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Funds may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which a Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser or its affiliates make available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser will have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of a Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest, provided that the Adviser will comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

The Adviser and its affiliates serve as investment adviser to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser on behalf of the Funds. For example, the Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for a Fund and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The Adviser and its affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, *pari passu* or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by a Fund. The Adviser or its affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material nonpublic confidential information that may restrict the Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Funds) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.

The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect a Fund. A Fund may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.

*Costs of Buying and Selling Shares*. Investors buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of Fund Shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for Fund Shares (the "bid" price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Fund Shares (the "ask" price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the "spread" or "bid/ask

------

spread." The bid/ask spread varies over time for Fund Shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if Fund Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Fund Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Further, increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling Fund Shares, including bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of Fund Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Fund Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

*Counterparty Risk.* A Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the Fund enters into derivatives contracts and other transactions such as repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. A Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions will depend on the willingness and ability of its counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, a Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. A Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If a Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if a Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, a Fund may be subject to "bail-in" risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of securities and, if a Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, such Fund may also be similarly impacted.

*Cybersecurity Risk*. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform business and operational functions, funds (such as the Funds) and their service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate cybersecurity attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, a Fund, the Adviser, a sub-adviser a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect a Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect a Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject a Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund Shares, and other data integral to the functioning of a Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. A Fund may also incur substantial costs for cybersecurity risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. A Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser have established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, given the evolving nature of this threat. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning could exacerbate these risks or result in cyber security incidents that implicate personal data. Each Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect the Fund from cyber-attack. The Adviser does not control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by third-party service providers, and such

------

third-party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the Adviser or the Funds. Similar types of cybersecurity risks or technical malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which each Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause a Fund's investment in such securities to lose value.

*Derivatives Risk.* A derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a derivative transaction will result in a loss greater than the principal amount invested, and a Fund may not be able to close out a derivative transaction at a favorable time or price. Risks associated with derivative instruments include potential changes in value in response to interest rate changes or other market developments or as a result of the counterparty's credit quality; the potential for the derivative transaction not to have the effect the Adviser anticipated or a different or less favorable effect than the Adviser anticipated; the failure of the counterparty to the derivative transaction to perform its obligations under the transaction or to settle a trade; possible mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative instrument; imperfect correlation in the value of a derivative with the asset, rate, or index underlying the derivative; the risk that a Fund may be required to post collateral or margin with its counterparty, and will not be able to recover the collateral or margin in the event of the counterparty's insolvency or bankruptcy; the risk that a Fund will experience losses on its derivatives investments and on its other portfolio investments, even when the derivatives investments may be intended in part or entirely to hedge those portfolio investments; the risks specific to the asset underlying the derivative instrument; lack of liquidity for the derivative instrument, including without limitation absence of a secondary trading market; the potential for reduced returns to a Fund due to losses on the transaction and an increase in volatility; the potential for the derivative transaction to have the effect of accelerating the recognition of gain; and legal risks arising from the documentation relating to the derivative transaction.

*Index Construction Risk*. A security included in an Index may not exhibit the characteristic or provide the specific exposure for which it was selected and consequently a Fund's holdings may not exhibit returns consistent with that characteristic or exposure.

*Index Licensing Risk*. It is possible that the license under which the Adviser or a Fund is permitted to replicate or otherwise use an Index will be terminated or may be disputed, impaired or cease to remain in effect. In such a case, the Adviser may be required to replace the relevant Index with another index which it considers to be appropriate in light of the investment strategy of a Fund. The use of any such substitute index may have an adverse impact on a Fund's performance. In the event that the Adviser is unable to identify a suitable replacement for the relevant Index, it may determine to terminate a Fund.

*Leveraging Risk*. Borrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. If a Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the Fund's investment portfolio, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than a Fund would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in losses to a Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment, interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset coverage requirements.

*Money Market Fund Investment Risk*. An investment in a money market fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds seek to preserve the value of their shares at $1.00 per share, although there can be no assurance that they will do so, and it is possible to lose money by investing in such a money market fund. A major or unexpected change in interest rates or a decline in the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading market for money market instruments, or adverse market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause the share price of such a money market fund to fall below $1.00. It is possible that such a money market fund will issue and redeem shares at $1.00 per share at times when the fair value of the money market fund's portfolio per share is more or less than $1.00. None of State Street Corporation, State Street, SSGA FM or their affiliates (the "State Street Entities") guarantee the value of an investment in a money market fund at $1.00 per share. Investors should have no expectation of capital support to a money market fund from State Street Entities. Other money market

------

funds price and transact at a "floating" NAV that will fluctuate along with changes in the market-based value of fund assets. Shares sold utilizing a floating NAV may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. Recent changes in the regulation of money market funds may affect the operations and structures of money market funds. A money market fund may be permitted or required to impose redemption fees during times of market stress.

*Portfolio Turnover Risk*. A Fund may engage in frequent trading of its portfolio securities. Fund turnover generally involves a number of direct and indirect costs and expenses to a Fund, including, for example, brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and bid/asked spreads, and transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The costs related to increased portfolio turnover have the effect of reducing a Fund's investment return, and the sale of securities by the Fund may result in the realization of taxable capital gains, including short-term capital gains. A Fund may engage in significant trading of its portfolio securities in connection with Index rebalancing. Frequent or significant trading may cause a Fund to incur additional transaction costs and experience different tax consequences in comparison to an ETF that does not engage in frequent or significant trading.

*Regulatory Risk.* Governmental and regulatory actions may have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments, which may adversely impact a Fund and impair how it is managed. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries may affect aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.

*Securities Lending Risk.* Each Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets. For these purposes, net assets shall exclude the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan. Such loans may be terminated at any time. Any such loans must be continuously secured by collateral maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned by a Fund, marked to market each trading day. A Fund will receive the amount of all dividends, interest and other distributions on the loaned securities; however, the borrower has the right to vote the loaned securities. A Fund will call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the investment is to be voted upon. Efforts to recall such securities promptly may be unsuccessful, especially for foreign securities or thinly traded securities. Securities lending involves the risk that the Fund may lose money because the borrower of the loaned securities fails to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, a Fund may experience delays in recovering the securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the securities lending agent to be of good financial standing. In a loan transaction, a Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities provided as collateral or acquired with cash collateral. Each Fund will attempt to minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to high quality instruments of short maturity either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser. To the extent the collateral provided or investments made with cash collateral differ from securities included in an Index, such collateral or investments may have a greater risk of loss than the securities included in the Index. In addition, a Fund will be subject to the risk that any income generated by lending its securities or reinvesting cash collateral is lower than any fees the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower. The Adviser will take into account the tax impact to shareholders of substitute payments for dividends when overseeing a Fund's securities lending activity.

*Settlement Risk*. Markets in different countries have different clearance and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions. Delays in settlement may increase credit risk to a Fund, limit the ability of a Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of securities, hinder the ability of a Fund to lend its portfolio securities, and potentially subject a Fund to penalties for its failure to deliver to on-purchasers of securities whose delivery to a Fund was delayed. Delays in the settlement of securities purchased by a Fund may limit the ability of a Fund to sell those securities at times and prices it considers desirable, and may subject a Fund to losses and costs due to its own inability to settle with subsequent purchasers of the securities from it. A Fund may be required to borrow monies it had otherwise expected to receive in connection with the settlement of securities sold by it, in order to meet its obligations to others. Limits on the ability of a Fund to purchase or sell securities due to settlement delays could increase any variance between a Fund's performance and that of its benchmark index.

*Trading Issues*. Although Fund Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such Fund Shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market

------

conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange "circuit breaker" rules. Similar to the shares of operating companies listed on a stock exchange, Fund Shares may be sold short and are therefore subject to the risk of increased volatility in the trading price of a Fund's shares. While each Fund expects that the ability of Authorized Participants to create and redeem Fund Shares at NAV should be effective in reducing any such volatility, there is no guarantee that it will eliminate the volatility associated with such short sales. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of a Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that Fund Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange.

------

Management

**Investment Adviser**

SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Investment Advisory Agreement") between the Trust and the Adviser, and, subject to the oversight of the Board, is responsible for the investment management of each Fund. The Adviser provides an investment management program for each Fund and manages the investment of each Fund's assets. In addition, the Adviser provides administrative, compliance and general management services to each Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Investment Management, which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. The Adviser is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser and certain other affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Investment Management. State Street Investment Management is one of the world's largest institutional money managers and the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. As of June 30, 2025, the Adviser managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets and State Street Investment Management managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets. The Adviser's principal business address is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

For the services provided to each Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, each Fund paid the Adviser the annual fees based on a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets as set forth below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] |

---

From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its management fee. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse expenses in an amount equal to any acquired fund fees and expenses (excluding holdings in acquired funds for cash management purposes, if any) for each Fund until [October 31, 2026]. This waiver and/or reimbursement does not provide for the recoupment by the Adviser of any amounts waived or reimbursed. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated prior to [October 31, 2026] except with the approval of the Board. The Adviser pays all expenses of each Fund other than the management fee, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustee's counsel fees), litigation expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

*Investment Sub-Adviser*. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Funds and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized to engage one or more sub-advisers for the performance of any of the services contemplated to be rendered by the Adviser. The Adviser has retained Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("Nuveen Asset Management") as sub-adviser, to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Municipal Bond ETFs' investments, subject to supervision by the Adviser and the Board. The Adviser provides administrative, compliance and general management services to the Municipal Bond ETFs. Nuveen Asset Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen LLC ("Nuveen"). Nuveen is the asset management division of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America ("TIAA"). TIAA is a leading financial services provider that provides a wide range of financial solutions, including investing, banking, advice and education, and retirement services. TIAA was originally founded in 1918 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Nuveen Asset Management offers advisory and investment management services to a broad range of fund clients and has extensive experience in managing municipal securities. As of June 30, 2025, Nuveen Asset Management managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. Nuveen Asset Management's principal business address is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Nuveen Asset Management, the Adviser pays Nuveen Asset Management a portion of the advisory fee paid by the Municipal Bond ETFs to the Adviser (after deducting payments to service providers and expenses) based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets managed by Nuveen Asset Management. The Municipal Bond ETFs are not responsible for the fees paid to Nuveen Asset Management.

------

*Participating Affiliates*. The Adviser has entered into personnel-sharing arrangements with each of SSGA LTD and SSGA Singapore, each an affiliate of the Adviser. SSGA LTD is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc. ("SSGA, Inc.") and SSGA Singapore is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of SSGA, Inc. SSGA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. Pursuant to the personnel-sharing arrangements, certain employees of SSGA LTD and SSGA Singapore, as "participating affiliates," serve as "associated persons" of the Adviser, and, in this capacity, are subject to the oversight of the Adviser and its Chief Compliance Officer. These associated persons may, on behalf of the Adviser, provide discretionary investment management services (including portfolio management and trading services), research and related services to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the prospectus and SAI. Unlike the Adviser, neither SSGA LTD nor SSGA Singapore is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. Each personnel-sharing arrangement is based on no-action letters of the staff of the SEC that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates, subject to certain conditions. Prior to March 31, 2023, SSGA LTD was a registered investment adviser with the SEC, and provided investment sub-advisory services to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF. As of June 30, 2025, SSGA LTD managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. SSGA LTD's principal business address is 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HJ, United Kingdom. As of June 30, 2025, SSGA Singapore managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. SSGA Singapore's principal business address is 168 Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912.

A discussion regarding the Board's consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements is provided in the Funds' Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2025.

SSGA FM, as the investment adviser for the Funds, may hire one or more sub-advisers to oversee the day-to-day investment activities of the Funds. The sub-advisers are subject to oversight by the Adviser. The Adviser and SPDR Series Trust (the "Trust") have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Adviser, with the approval of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, of the Trust, to retain and amend existing sub-advisory agreements with unaffiliated investment sub-advisers for a Fund without submitting the sub-advisory agreement to a vote of the Fund's shareholders. The Trust will notify shareholders in the event of any change in the identity of such sub-adviser or sub-advisers. The Adviser has ultimate responsibility for the investment performance of the Funds due to its responsibility to oversee each sub-adviser and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The Adviser is not required to disclose fees paid to any unaffiliated sub-adviser retained pursuant to the order. Except with respect to SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF, approval by a Fund's shareholders is required before any authority granted under the exemptive order may be exercised.

*Portfolio Managers.* <br>The Adviser and Sub-Adviser manage the Funds using a team of investment professionals. The team approach is used to create an environment that encourages the flow of investment ideas. The portfolio managers within each team work together in a cohesive manner to develop and enhance techniques that drive the investment process for the respective investment strategy. This approach requires portfolio managers to share a variety of responsibilities, including investment strategy and analysis, while retaining responsibility for the implementation of the strategy within any particular portfolio. The approach also enables the team to draw upon the resources of other groups within State Street Investment Management. Each portfolio management team is overseen by State Street Investment Management's internal governance.

The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund are:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Managers** | **Fund** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jennifer Taylor, Robert Golcher and Kheng <br> Siang Ng<br>| SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF |
| Timothy Ryan and Joel Levy | SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF, SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF, SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF |

---

Robert Golcher is a Vice President and a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Emerging Markets Debt Team within the Fixed Income Beta Solutions Team at SSGA LTD. He joined SSGA LTD in 2013 after eleven years at the Bank of England, where he worked in a variety of roles associated with the management of the UK's Foreign Exchange Reserves. Initially at SSGA LTD, he managed portfolios in the Rates and Aggregate space prior to moving on to manage Emerging Markets Debt in 2016. Mr. Golcher holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Nottingham and the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

------

Joel H. Levy is a Managing Director and a member of Nuveen's municipal investment team. Prior to the TIAA – Nuveen merger, Mr. Levy lead TIAA's legacy municipal research and municipal investment strategies. Mr. Levy joined TIAA in 2011 after working for Bank of America's credit, product and pricing group. He has extensive experience in government and is the former Assistant City Treasurer and municipal debt manager for the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. He began his municipal finance career working for U.S. Congressman Michael Forbes and subsequently held analyst positions with the Albany County Comptroller's Office and the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (NYAHSA). Mr. Levy graduated with a B.A. and an M.A. in Economics from The State University of New York – Albany, an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University and a J.D. from the Charlotte School of Law. He has also earned a post-graduate certificate in Corporate Treasury Management from Duke University and has nearly completed a second law degree (LLM) from Georgetown University in Securities and Financial Regulation. He is a former board member for the Southern Municipal Finance Society (SMFS) and a licensed attorney in the State of North Carolina.

Kheng Siang Ng, CFA, is a Vice President, the Asia Pacific Head of the Fixed Income Beta Solutions Team at SSGA Singapore, and the Head of SSGA Singapore. He joined SSGA Singapore in 2005. Mr. Ng leads the portfolio management team in APAC, manages both hard currency and local currency emerging market bond mandates in Singapore, works to develop new fixed income solutions for clients and helps grow overall fixed income business in the region. Prior to joining SSGA Singapore, Mr. Ng was a portfolio manager at ABN AMRO Asset Management in Singapore managing active global rates portfolios and Asian currencies. Before that, he worked at Bank Negara Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur as a portfolio manager managing global bonds and portfolios of foreign exchange reserves, and served as Head of the Financial Markets Analysis section. Mr. Ng holds First Class Honours in B.Sc (Economics) Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations, and is a member of CFA Society of Malaysia, CFA Society of Singapore, the CFA Institute and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association.

Timothy T. Ryan, CFA, is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Nuveen Asset Management. Mr. Ryan joined an affiliate of Nuveen Asset Management in 2010. Prior to joining Nuveen Asset Management, Mr. Ryan was a principal of SSGA FM and a Vice President of State Street Investment Management and responsible for managing the series of the Trust that invest primarily in municipal securities. Prior to joining State Street Investment Management, Mr. Ryan was a lead portfolio manager in the municipal bond group at Deutsche Bank Asset Management, formally Scudder Insurance Asset Management. His clients included nuclear decommissioning trusts, insurance portfolios and corporate cash. Mr. Ryan began working at Deutsche Bank in 1991 as a municipal bond analyst covering high yield, transportation, higher education, general obligation, and money market sectors. He joined Deutsche Bank with 8 years of experience as vice president and investment banker at Mesirow Financial and vice president and financial consultant at Speer Financial. Mr. Ryan has a BS from University of Wisconsin and a Master of Management from JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management Northwestern University. Mr. Ryan has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Jennifer Taylor is the Head of Emerging Market Debt ("EMD") and a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Fixed Income Beta Solutions Team at SSGA LTD. She manages both hard currency and local currency emerging market funds and is responsible for driving growth across the EMD universe. Prior to joining SSGA LTD in June 2022, Ms. Taylor spent eight years at Janus Henderson Investors in London, where she built and subsequently managed the EMD business, with a focus on hard currency mandates. She joined Janus Henderson Investors from Thames River Capital, where she led the research effort for credit strategies in developed and emerging markets for both performing and non-performing credit. Previously, she also held senior analyst roles in European credit and distressed debt for several hedge funds. She started off her career at JP Morgan in New York. Ms. Taylor holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from Boston College. She is also a designated holder of the Certificate in ESG Investing from the CFA Institute.

Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers' ownership of the Funds is available in the SAI.

*Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent.* The Adviser serves as Administrator for each Fund. State Street, part of State Street Corporation, is the Sub-Administrator for each Fund and the Custodian for each Fund's assets, and serves as Transfer Agent to each Fund.

------

*Lending Agent.* State Street serves as the securities lending agent for the Trust. For its services, the lending agent would typically receive a portion of the net investment income, if any, earned on the collateral for the securities loaned.

*Distributor.* State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC serves as the Funds' distributor ("SSGA FD" or the "Distributor") pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between SSGA FD and the Trust. The Distributor will not distribute Fund Shares in less than Creation Units, and it does not maintain a secondary market in Fund Shares. The Distributor may enter into selected dealer agreements with other broker-dealers or other qualified financial institutions for the sale of Creation Units of Fund Shares.

*Additional Information*. The Board oversees generally the operations of the Funds and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Funds' investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.

This Prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund Shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the related SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Funds and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.

Index/Trademark Licenses/Disclaimers

The Index Providers are not affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser, Sub-Advisers, the Funds' Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian, Transfer Agent, SSGA FD or any of their respective affiliates. The Adviser ("Licensee") has entered into license agreements with the Index Providers pursuant to which the Adviser pays a fee to use their respective Indices. The Adviser is sub-licensing rights to the Indices to the respective Funds at no charge.

"Bloomberg<sup>®</sup>" and the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Sovereign and Sovereign Owned Index are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited ("BISL"), the administrator of the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Sovereign and Sovereign Owned Index (collectively, "Bloomberg"), and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by the Licensee.

The SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or marketed by Bloomberg. Bloomberg does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of or counterparties to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF particularly. The only relationship of Bloomberg to the Licensee in respect of the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Sovereign and Sovereign Owned Index is the licensing of certain trademarks, trade names and service marks and of the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Sovereign and Sovereign Owned Index, which are determined, composed and calculated by BISL without regard to the Licensee or the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF. Bloomberg has no obligation to take the needs of the Licensee or the owners of the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Sovereign and Sovereign Owned Index. Bloomberg is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing, price, or quantities of the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF to be issued. Bloomberg shall not have any obligation or liability, including, without limitation, to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF's customers, in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF.

BLOOMBERG DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE BLOOMBERG INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. BLOOMBERG DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCTS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE BLOOMBERG INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. BLOOMBERG DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE BLOOMBERG INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, BLOOMBERG, ITS LICENSORS, AND ITS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE

------

EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, AND VENDORS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGES—WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHERWISE—ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCTS OR BLOOMBERG INDICES OR ANY DATA OR VALUES RELATING THERETO—WHETHER ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.

**ICE INDEX DISCLAIMER**

ICE Data Indices, LLC ("ICE Data"), is used with permission. "ICE<sup>®</sup>" is a trademark of ICE Data or its affiliates and BofA<sup>®</sup> is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation licensed by Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates ("BofA") and may not be used without BofA's prior written approval. These trademarks have been licensed, along with the ICE US Select High Yield Crossover Municipal Index, ICE 1+ Year AMT-Free Broad Municipal Index and ICE 1-5 Year AMT-Free Broad Municipal Index (the "Indexes") for use by State Street Global Advisors Trust Company ("SSGA") in connection with SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF, SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF and SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (the "Products"). Neither SSGA nor the Products, as applicable, is sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ICE Data, its affiliates or its third party suppliers ("ICE Data and its Suppliers"). ICE Data and its Suppliers make no representations or warranties regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally, in the Products particularly or the ability of the Indexes to track general stock market performance. ICE Data's only relationship to SSGA is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade names and the Indexes or components thereof. The Indexes are determined, composed and calculated by ICE Data without regard to SSGA or the Products or its holders. ICE Data has no obligation to take the needs of SSGA or the holders of the Products into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Indexes. ICE Data is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of the Products to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Products are to be priced, sold, purchased, or redeemed. Except for certain custom index calculation services, all information provided by ICE Data is general in nature and not tailored to the needs of SSGA or any other person, entity or group of persons. ICE Data has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the Products. ICE Data is not an investment advisor. Inclusion of a security within an index is not a recommendation by ICE Data to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it considered to be investment advice.

ICE DATA AND ITS SUPPLIERS DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS AND/OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, INCLUDING THE INDEXES, INDEX DATA AND ANY INFORMATION INCLUDED IN, RELATED TO, OR DERIVED THEREFROM ("INDEX DATA"). ICE DATA AND ITS SUPPLIERS SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEXES AND THE INDEX DATA, WHICH ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND YOUR USE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

*SPDR Trademark.* The "SPDR" trademark is used under license from Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("S&P"). No Fund offered by the Trust or its affiliates is sponsored, endorsed, sold or marketed by S&P or its affiliates. S&P makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of any Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Funds particularly or the ability of the Index on which the Funds are based to track general stock market performance. S&P is not responsible for and has not participated in any determination or calculation made with respect to issuance or redemption of Fund Shares. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Funds.

WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Additional Purchase and Sale Information

Fund Shares are listed for secondary trading on the Exchange and individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold in the secondary market through a broker-dealer. The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Exchange may close early on the business day before certain holidays and

------

on the day after Thanksgiving Day. Exchange holiday schedules are subject to change without notice. If you buy or sell Fund Shares in the secondary market, you will pay the secondary market price for Fund Shares. In addition, you may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.

The trading prices of Fund Shares will fluctuate continuously throughout trading hours based on market supply and demand rather than the relevant Fund's NAV, which is calculated for each Fund once daily as of the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that such exchange is open. Fund Shares will trade on the Exchange at prices that may be above (*i.e*., at a premium) or below (*i.e*., at a discount), to varying degrees, the calculated NAV of Fund Shares. The trading prices of Fund Shares may deviate significantly from the relevant Fund's NAV during periods of market volatility. Given, however, that Fund Shares can be issued and redeemed daily in Creation Units, the Adviser believes that large discounts and premiums to NAV should not be sustained over long periods.

The Exchange will disseminate, every fifteen seconds during the regular trading day, an indicative optimized portfolio value ("IOPV") relating to each Fund. The IOPV calculations are estimates of the value of each Fund's NAV per Fund Share. Premiums and discounts between the IOPV and the market price may occur. This should not be viewed as a "real-time" update of the NAV per Fund Share. The IOPV is based on the current market value of the published basket of portfolio securities and/or cash required to be deposited in exchange for a Creation Unit and does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of a Fund's actual portfolio at a particular point in time. Moreover, the IOPV is generally determined by using current market quotations and/or price quotations obtained from broker-dealers and other market intermediaries and valuations based on current market rates. The IOPV may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which (i) is computed only once a day, (ii) unlike the calculation of the IOPV, takes into account Fund expenses, and (iii) may be subject, in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the IOPV. The IOPV price is based on quotes and closing prices from the securities' local market converted into U.S. dollars at the current currency rates and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local market's close. Therefore, the IOPV may not reflect the best possible valuation of a Fund's current portfolio. Neither the Funds nor the Adviser or any of their affiliates are involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such IOPVs and make no warranty as to their accuracy.

The Funds do not impose any restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions; however, the Funds reserve the right to reject or limit purchases at any time as described in the SAI. When considering that no restriction or policy was necessary, the Board evaluated the risks posed by market timing activities, such as whether frequent purchases and redemptions would interfere with the efficient implementation of a Fund's investment strategy, or whether they would cause a Fund to experience increased transaction costs. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, Fund Shares are issued and redeemed only in large quantities of shares known as Creation Units, available only from a Fund directly, and that most trading in a Fund occurs on the Exchange at prevailing market prices and does not involve the Fund directly. Given this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that (a) market timing would be attempted by a Fund's shareholders or (b) any attempts to market time a Fund by shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or its shareholders.

Distributions

*Dividends and Capital Gains.* As a Fund shareholder, you are entitled to your share of the applicable Fund's income and net realized gains on its investments. Each Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as "distributions."

Each Fund may earn interest from debt securities and, if participating, securities lending income. In addition, the SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF may earn dividend income from preferred securities. These amounts, net of expenses and taxes (if applicable), are passed along to Fund shareholders as "income dividend distributions." Each Fund will generally realize short-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for one year or less. Net short-term capital gains will generally be treated as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Each Fund will generally realize long-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for more than one year. Net capital gains (the excess of a Fund's net long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses) are distributed to shareholders as "capital gain distributions."

------

Income dividend distributions, if any, are generally distributed to shareholders monthly, but may vary significantly from period to period.

Net capital gains for each Fund are distributed at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently or at any other time to improve Index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). A portion of each distribution may result in a return of capital. You will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution which represents a return of capital.

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Fund Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Fund Shares makes such option available. Distributions which are reinvested will nevertheless be taxable to the same extent as if such distributions had not been reinvested.

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure

The Funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the SAI. In addition, the identities and quantities of the securities held by each Fund are disclosed on the Funds' website.

Additional Tax Information

The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to an investment in a Fund. Your investment in a Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about federal, state, local, foreign or other tax laws applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, may wish to consult the SAI tax section for additional disclosure.

Each Fund has elected or will elect to be a regulated investment company and intends to qualify each year to be treated as such. A regulated investment company is generally not subject to tax at the corporate level on income and gains that are distributed to shareholders. However, a Fund's failure to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company may result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.

*Taxes On Distributions (Municipal Bond ETFs only).* Dividends paid by a Municipal Bond ETF that are reported as exempt-interest dividends will not be subject to regular federal income tax. Each Municipal Bond ETF intends to invest its assets in a manner such that dividend distributions to its shareholders will generally be exempt from regular U.S. federal income tax. Dividends paid by a Municipal Bond ETF will be exempt from regular federal income tax to the extent of such Fund's net tax-exempt interest income as long as 50% or more of the value of such Fund's assets at the end of each quarter is invested in state, municipal and other bonds the interest on which is excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes and each Municipal Bond ETF reports such dividends as exempt-interest dividends.

Because a Municipal Bond ETF may invest in "private activity bonds" (within the meaning of Section 141 of the Code), the interest on which is not exempt from U.S. federal income tax for persons who are "substantial users" of the facilities financed by such bonds or "related persons" of such "substantial users," the Municipal Bond ETFs may not be an appropriate investment for shareholders who are considered either a "substantial user" or "related person" within the meaning of the Code. In addition, interest on certain municipal securities that meet the definition of private activity bonds under the Code is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a noncorporate taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent a Municipal Bond ETF receives income from private activity bonds, a portion of the dividends paid by it, although otherwise exempt from federal income tax, may be taxable to those noncorporate shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax regime. Each Municipal Bond ETF will annually supply shareholders with a report indicating the percentage of its income attributable to private activity bonds and therefore required to be included in calculating the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to noncorporate taxpayers.

Exempt-interest dividends from a Municipal Bond ETF are taken into account in determining the taxable portion of any Social Security or railroad retirement benefits that you receive. If you receive Social Security or railroad retirement benefits, you should consult your tax advisor about how an investment in a Municipal Bond ETF may affect the taxation of your benefits.

------

Exempt-interest dividends attributable to interest on municipal securities issued by a state or its political subdivisions may be exempt in the hands of a shareholder from income tax imposed by that state, but exempt-interest dividends attributable to interest on municipal securities issued by another state generally will not be exempt from such income tax.

*All Funds.* In general, your distributions (other than exempt-interest dividends) are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in a Fund. The income dividends (other than exempt-interest dividends) and short-term capital gains distributions you receive from the Funds will generally be taxed as ordinary income. Subject to certain limitations, dividends that are reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income are taxable to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Any distributions of a Fund's net capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned Fund Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Although the Municipal Bond ETFs do not seek to realize taxable income or capital gains, they may realize and distribute taxable income or capital gains from time to time as a result of their normal investment activities. Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the applicable Fund's shares, and, in general, as capital gain thereafter.

In general, dividends may be reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund, which, in general, includes dividend income from taxable U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations (*i.e.*, certain foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, and certain other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States), provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations and has not hedged its position in the stock in certain ways. A dividend generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held by a Fund for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning at the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend or, in the case of certain preferred stock, for fewer than 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date. These holding period requirements will also apply to your ownership of Fund Shares. Holding periods may be suspended for these purposes for stock that is hedged. Since the Funds primarily hold investments that do not pay dividends, it is not expected that a substantial portion of the dividends paid by the Funds will qualify for either the dividends-received deduction for corporations or the favorable income tax rates available to individuals on qualified dividend income. Additionally, income derived in connection with a Fund's securities lending activities will not be treated as qualified dividend income.

U.S. individuals with income exceeding specified thresholds are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which includes taxable interest, dividends and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized upon the sale of Fund Shares) but does not include exempt-interest dividends paid by Municipal Bond ETFs. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions (but not exempt-interest dividends paid by Municipal Bond ETFs), and certain gains from the disposition of Fund Shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income.

If you lend your Fund Shares pursuant to securities lending arrangements you may lose the ability to treat Fund dividends (paid while the Fund Shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. You should consult your financial intermediary or tax advisor to discuss your particular circumstances.

Distributions paid in January, but declared by a Fund in October, November or December of the previous year, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, may be taxable to you in the calendar year in which they were declared. The Funds will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, capital gain distributions and any qualified dividend income shortly after the close of each calendar year.

A distribution will reduce a Fund's NAV per Fund Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.

------

*Original Issue Discount*. Investments by a Fund in zero coupon or other discount securities will result in income to the Fund equal to a portion of the excess face value of the securities over their issue price (the "original issue discount" or "OID") each year that the securities are held, even though the Fund may receive no cash interest payments or may receive cash interest payments that are less than the income recognized for tax purposes. In other circumstances, whether pursuant to the terms of a security or as a result of other factors outside the control of a Fund, a Fund may recognize income without receiving a commensurate amount of cash. A Fund's share of such income is included in determining the amount that the Fund must distribute to maintain its eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company and to avoid the payment of federal tax, including the nondeductible 4% excise tax. Because any income required to be recognized as a result of the OID and/or market discount rules (discussed below) may not be matched by a corresponding cash payment, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to be able to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and eliminate taxes at the Fund level.

*Inflation-Indexed Bonds.* Special rules apply if a Fund holds inflation-indexed bonds. Generally, all stated interest on inflation-indexed bonds is taken into income by a Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest income. The amount of any positive inflation adjustment for a taxable year, which results from an increase in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, is treated as OID. The amount of a Fund's OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will increase the Fund's taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash until the bond matures. As a result, a Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distribution requirements for such year. The amount of any negative inflation adjustments, which result from a decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, first reduces the amount of interest (including stated interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise includible in a Fund's income with respect to the bond for the taxable year; any remaining negative adjustments will be either treated as ordinary loss or, in certain circumstances, carried forward to reduce the amount of interest income taken into account with respect to the bond in future taxable years.

*Market Discount (For Securities Other Than Municipal Securities).* Any market discount recognized on a market discount bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or below adjusted issue price if the bond was issued with original issue discount. Absent an election by a Fund to include the market discount in income as it accrues, the gain on the Fund's disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount. Where the income required to be recognized as a result of the market discount rules is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by the Fund, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to enable the Fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and eliminate taxes at the Fund level, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund.

*Market Discount (Municipal Securities).* If a Municipal Bond ETF purchases a municipal security at a market discount, any gain realized by a Municipal Bond ETF upon sale or redemption of the municipal security will be treated as taxable interest income to the extent of the market discount, and any gain realized in excess of the market discount will be treated as capital gains.

*Derivatives and Other Complex Securities.* A Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to a Fund and/or defer a Fund's ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by a Fund. You should consult your personal tax advisor regarding the application of these rules.

*Foreign Currency Transactions.* A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.

*Foreign Income Taxes.* Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which may entitle a Fund to a reduced rate of such taxes or exemption from taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax for a Fund in advance since the amount of the assets to be invested within various countries is not known. If more than 50% of the total assets of a Fund at the close of its taxable year consist of certain foreign stocks or securities, the Fund may elect to "pass through" to you certain foreign

------

income taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund. If a Fund in which you hold Fund Shares makes such an election, you will be considered to have received as an additional dividend your share of such foreign taxes, but you may be entitled to either a corresponding tax deduction in calculating your taxable income, or, subject to certain limitations, a credit in calculating your federal income tax. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. If a Fund does not so elect, the Fund will be entitled to claim a deduction for certain foreign taxes incurred by the Fund. Under certain circumstances, if a Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Fund Shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund's foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.

*Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales.* Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if Fund Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if Fund Shares have been held for one year or less, except that any capital loss on the sale of Fund Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Fund Shares.

*Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units.* A person who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the aggregate market value of the securities and the amount of cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

Under current federal tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the applicable Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the applicable Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for one year or less.

If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Fund Shares you purchased or sold and at what price.

The Trust on behalf of each Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the applicable Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the applicable Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of the securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Trust does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the applicable Fund, the purchaser (or group of purchasers) will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

If a Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may bear additional costs and recognize more capital gains than it would if it redeems Creation Units in-kind.

*Certain Tax-Exempt Investors.* A Fund, if investing in certain limited real estate investments and other publicly traded partnerships, may be required to pass through certain "excess inclusion income" and other income as "unrelated business taxable income" ("UBTI"). Prior to investing in a Fund, tax-exempt investors sensitive to UBTI should consult their tax advisors regarding this issue and IRS pronouncements addressing the treatment of such income in the hands of such investors.

*Non-U.S. Investors.* Ordinary income dividends paid by a Fund to shareholders who are non-resident aliens or foreign entities will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax (other than distributions reported by the Fund as interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends), unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. In general, a Fund may report interest-related dividends to the extent of its net income derived from U.S.-source interest and a Fund may report short-term capital gain dividends to the extent its net short-term capital gain for the taxable year exceeds its net long-term capital loss. Gains

------

on the sale of Fund Shares and dividends that are, in each case, effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. will generally be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates. Non-U.S. shareholders that own, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of a Fund's shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning special tax rules that may apply to their investment.

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to distributions (other than exempt-interest dividends) payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

*Backup Withholding.* A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as "backup withholding") on amounts (including exempt-interest dividends) payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States.

*Other Tax Issues.* A Fund may be subject to tax in certain states where the Fund does business (or is treated as doing business as a result of its investments). Furthermore, in those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Funds and of Fund shareholders with respect to distributions by the Funds may differ from federal tax treatment.

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current federal income tax law of an investment in the Funds. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Funds under all applicable tax laws.

General Information

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 12, 1998. If shareholders of any Fund are required to vote on any matters, shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Fund Share they own. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable law. See the SAI for more information concerning the Trust's form of organization.

**Management and Organization**

Each Fund is a separate series of the Trust, which is an open-end registered management investment company.

From time to time, a Fund may advertise yield and total return figures. Yield is a historical measure of dividend income, and total return is a measure of past dividend income (assuming that it has been reinvested) plus capital appreciation. Neither yield nor total return should be used to predict the future performance of a Fund.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Funds. [ ] serves as the independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Funds' financial statements annually.

Financial Highlights

These financial highlight tables are intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance for the past five fiscal years or, if shorter, the period since each Fund's inception. Certain information reflects the performance results for a single Fund Share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by [ ], the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund's financial highlights and financial statements, are included in each Fund's Form N-CSR filing, which is available upon request. Any references to Notes in these financial highlight tables refer to the "Notes to Financial Statements" section of each Fund's financial statements, and the financial information included in these tables should be read in conjunction with the financial statements incorporated by reference in the SAI.

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

------

Where to Learn More About the Funds

This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to Fund Shares. An SAI, Form N-CSR and the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, each of which has been or will be filed with the SEC, provide more information about the Funds. The Prospectus and SAI may be supplemented from time to time. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund's performance during the Fund's last fiscal year, as applicable. In the Form N-CSR, you will find each Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference (*i.e.*, it is legally part of this Prospectus). These materials may be obtained without charge, upon request, by writing to the Distributor, State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, by visiting the Funds' website at www.statestreet.com/im or by calling the following number:

**Investor Information: 1-866-787-2257** 

The Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the SAI, and the exhibits as well as any shareholder reports may be reviewed on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also obtain copies of this and other information, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Funds in writing to State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, or by calling the Investor Information number listed above.

**No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with the offer of Fund Shares, and, if given or made, the information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Funds. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale of Fund Shares shall under any circumstance imply that the information contained herein is correct as of any date after the date of this Prospectus.**

**Dealers effecting transactions in Fund Shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.**

SPDRSERTRFI

The Trust's Investment Company Act Number is 811-08839.

------

**SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.**

**Prospectus**

[October 31, 2025]

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **Series Trust** 

SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZUS)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Shares in the Fund are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other agency of the U.S. Government, nor are shares deposits or obligations of any bank. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund.

![](g15461ssga_spdr.jpg)

------

**Table of Contents**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Fund Summary](#xx_746c0551-3782-4055-96e9-96400ec1a3e7_1) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [SPDR](#xx_746c0551-3782-4055-96e9-96400ec1a3e7_1)<sup>®</sup>[MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF](#xx_746c0551-3782-4055-96e9-96400ec1a3e7_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 2<br>|
| [Additional Strategies Information](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 10<br>|
| [Additional Risk Information](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 11<br>|
| [Management](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_11) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 20<br>|
| [Index/Trademark Licenses/Disclaimers](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_13) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 22<br>|
| [Additional Purchase and Sale Information](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_13) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 22<br>|
| [Distributions](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_14) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 23<br>|
| [Portfolio Holdings Disclosure](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_15) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 24<br>|
| [Additional Tax Information](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_15) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 24<br>|
| [General Information](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_18) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 27<br>|
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_2f157d46-96a5-46c5-a7ae-60b1ecafe0fe_18) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 27<br>|
| [Where to Learn More About the Fund](#xx_23bcbba7-654a-413a-8066-bfcffaf84c69_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 28 |

---

------

Fund Summary

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF** 

---

| |
|:---|
| **Investment Objective** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide investment results that, <br> before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of an index that provides <br> exposure to U.S. large- and mid-capitalization companies and is designed to exceed the minimum standards <br> of a "Paris Aligned Benchmark" under the European Union's Low Carbon Benchmark Regulation (the "EU <br> BMR") by, in the aggregate, seeking to minimize exposure to physical and transition risks of climate change <br> and target exposure to companies more favorably positioned to benefit from opportunities arising from the <br> transition to a lower carbon economy.<br>|

---

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund**

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund ("Fund Shares"). **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.**

**Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Management fees | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.10]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |  |
| Other expenses | &nbsp;&nbsp; [0.00]% |
| **Total annual Fund operating expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **[0.10]%** |

---

**Example:**

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year 1** | **Year 3** | **Year 5** | **Year 10** |
| $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] | $[ ] |

---

**Portfolio Turnover:**

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.

**The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy**

In seeking to track the performance of the MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned Index (the "Index"), the Fund employs a sampling strategy, which means that the Fund is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Fund may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. Based on its analysis of these factors, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser"), the investment adviser to the Fund, either may invest the Fund's assets in a subset of securities in the Index or may invest the Fund's assets in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index, as determined by the Adviser to be in the best interest of the Fund in pursuing its objective.

------

Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index. In addition, in seeking to track the Index, the Fund may invest in equity securities that are not included in the Index. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments (including money market funds advised by the Adviser) for cash management purposes. In seeking to track the Index, the Fund's assets may be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, but only to the extent that the Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries. Futures contracts (a type of derivative instrument) may be used by the Fund in seeking performance that corresponds to the Index and in managing cash flows.

The Index is designed to exceed the minimum standards for a "Paris-Aligned Benchmark" under the EU BMR. A Paris-Aligned Benchmark is designed to align with a principal objective of the Paris Agreement (a binding international treaty agreement on climate change) to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius (preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels. The initial universe from which the Index selects constituents is the MSCI USA Index (the "Parent Index"), which measures the performance of the large- and mid-capitalization segments of the U.S. equity market.

To construct the universe of constituents eligible for inclusion in the Index (the "Eligible Universe"), the Parent Index is first screened to remove securities of issuers based on any of the following exclusionary criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies producing cluster bombs, landmines, depleted uranium, chemical or biological weapons, blinding laser weapons, non-detectable fragments or incendiary weapons; producing key components of cluster bombs, landmines, depleted uranium weapons, or chemical or biological weapons; owning 20% or more (50% for financial companies) of a weapons or components producer; or that are 50% or more owned by a company involved in weapons or components production.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies assigned an MSCI ESG (environmental, social or governance) Controversy Score of 0 or that are not assigned an MSCI ESG Controversy Score.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies that produce tobacco or derive 5% or more aggregate revenue from the production, distribution, retail and supply of tobacco-related products.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies assigned an MSCI Environmental Controversy Score of 0 or 1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies deriving 1% or more revenue from mining of thermal coal and its sale to external parties (excluding all revenue from metallurgical coal, coal mined for internal power generation, intracompany sales of mined thermal coal, and coal trading).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies involved in thermal coal distribution or transport, including the transport of thermal coal by road, rail, shipping or air, and the physical trading of thermal coal. This screen does not include involvement in the storage of thermal coal and involvement in metallurgical coal-related activities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies deriving 10% or more revenue from oil and gas related activities, including distribution/retail, equipment and services, extraction and production, petrochemicals, pipelines and transportation and refining (excluding biofuel production and sales and trading activities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies deriving 50% or more revenue from thermal coal based, liquid fuel based and natural gas based power generation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies that produce firearms and small arms ammunitions for civilian markets (excluding companies that cater to military, government and law enforcement markets) or derive 5% or more revenue from the production and distribution of firearms or small arms ammunition intended for civilian use.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• All companies that (i) manufacture nuclear warheads and/or whole nuclear missiles; (ii) manufacture components that were developed or are significantly modified for exclusive use in nuclear warheads and/or nuclear missiles; (iii) manufacture or assemble delivery platforms that were developed or significantly modified for the exclusive delivery of nuclear weapons; (iv) provide auxiliary services related to nuclear weapons; (v) manufacture components that were not developed or not significantly modified for exclusive use in nuclear warheads and/or nuclear missiles but can be used in nuclear weapons; (vi) manufacture or assemble delivery platforms that were not developed or not significantly modified for the exclusive delivery of nuclear weapons but have the capability to deliver nuclear weapons; and (vii) manufacture components for nuclear-exclusive delivery platforms.

The Index Provider incorporates data drawn from a number of sources for applying the exclusionary screens. Companies not assessed by the Index Provider on data for MSCI ESG Controversies, climate change metrics or business involvement screening are not eligible for inclusion in the Index. An MSCI ESG Controversy Score provides an assessment of controversies concerning any negative environmental, social, and/or governance impact of a company's operations, products, and services. To evaluate ESG controversies, the Index Provider monitors across five categories of ESG impact – environment, human rights and communities, labor rights and supply chain, customers

------

and governance – and 28 sub-categories. MSCI ESG Controversy Scores fall on a 0-10 scale, with 0 representing a company assessed as having involvement in very severe controversies. An MSCI Environmental Controversy Score provides an assessment of controversies related to a company's impact on the environment. Environmental controversies can relate to, among other things, toxic emissions and waste, operational waste (non-hazardous), energy and climate change, water stress, biodiversity and land use, and supply chain management. MSCI Environmental Controversy Scores fall on a 0-10 scale, with 0 and 1 representing a company having faced very severe and severe controversies pertaining to environmental issues, respectively.

The final portfolio of securities is constructed using an optimization process that seeks to select and weight securities from the Eligible Universe based on constraints designed to (i) minimize the Index's exposure to physical and transition risks of climate change ("transition and physical risk objectives") and (ii) target exposure to sustainable investment opportunities ("transition opportunities objectives"). In addition, the optimization process also incorporates target constraints to seek to minimize the risk of significant differences in constituent or sector weightings relative to the Parent Index, while aiming to control for constituent turnover and minimize tracking error relative to the Parent Index ("target diversification constraints").

The optimization process incorporates the following Index-level constraints to achieve transition and physical risk objectives:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 50% reduction in the weighted average of index constituents' greenhouse gas ("GHG") Intensity relative to the Parent Index, taking into account Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by an organization. Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions generated in the production of electricity consumed by the organization. Scope 3 emissions encompass all other indirect GHG emissions that are a consequence of the activities of the organization, but occur from sources not owned or controlled by the organization. GHG Intensity measures a company's Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions relative to its enterprise value including cash. MSCI ESG Research uses a proprietary estimation model to calculate all Scope 3 emissions, and Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for companies who do not report GHG emissions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 10% average reduction (per year) in GHG Intensity relative to GHG Intensity of the Index as of June 1, 2020.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Aggregate exposure to High Climate Impact Sectors that is not less than the aggregate exposure in the Parent Index. High Impact Climate Sectors are defined by EU BMR as those sectors that are key to the low-carbon transition.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 20% increase, relative to the Eligible Universe, in the aggregate weight of companies (i) having one or more active carbon emissions reduction target(s) approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), or (ii) companies that (a) publish emissions reduction targets, (b) publish their annual emissions levels, and (c) have reduced their GHG intensity by at least 7% over each of the last three years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 50% reduction in the weighted average of index constituents' Potential Emissions Intensity relative to the Parent Index. Potential Emissions Intensity represents the sum of a company's estimated carbon emissions assuming the company uses its owned coal, oil and gas reserves relative to the company's enterprise value including cash.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Aggregate Climate Value-at-Risk ("VaR") greater than or equal to -5% of the aggregate Climate VaR of the Parent Index. Climate VaR is designed to provide a forward looking assessment of the impacts of climate change on a company's valuation based on various global average temperature warming scenarios.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 5% increase in the weighted average of index constituents' Low Carbon Transition (LCT) Score relative to the Parent Index. The LCT Score seeks to identify a company's exposure to and management of risk and opportunities related to low carbon transition.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 50% reduction in the weighted average of index constituents' Physical Risk Climate VaR (Aggressive Scenario) relative to the Parent Index. Physical Climate VaR (Aggressive Scenario) is an assessment of a company's "worst-case" (95<sup>th</sup> percentile) future costs arising from extreme weather events and the potential impact of such costs on the company's future financial performance, assuming emissions and temperatures rise steadily, reaching approximately 4°C of global warming in 2100.

The optimization process incorporates the following Index-level constraints to achieve transition opportunities objectives:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 5% increase in weighted average of index constituents' LCT Score relative to Parent Index.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 400% increase in the ratio of Weighted Average Green Revenue/Weighted Average Fossil Fuel-based Revenue relative to the Parent Index. Weighted Average Green Revenue represents the weighted average of index constituents' percentage of revenue derived from alternative energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water, green building, pollution prevention, and sustainable agriculture. Weighted Average Fossil Fuel-based Revenue represents the weighted average of index constituents' percentage of revenue derived from the mining of thermal coal (excluding metallurgical coal, coal mined for internal power generation, intra-company sales of mined thermal coal and revenue from coal trading) or its sale to external parties, extraction, production and refining of conventional and unconventional oil and gas, and power generation based on thermal coal, liquid fuel, and natural gas.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• At least 100% increase in Weighted Average Green Revenue relative to the Parent Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• An Index Implied Temperature Rise of 2 degrees Celsius or below. The Index Provider's Implied Temperature Rise model estimates the Index constituents' alignment to a specific global temperature rise scenario based on projected forward-looking emissions. Companies that do not have data available to calculate Implied Temperature Rise are still eligible for Index inclusion but are not considered for the Index Implied Temperature Rise calculation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Aggregate Cumulative Projected Emissions aligned with an Implied Temperature Rise of 1.5 degrees or below. Cumulative Projected Emissions is an estimation of a company's total carbon emissions until 2050, based on decarbonization assumptions. Companies that do not have data available to calculate Cumulative Projected Emissions are still eligible for Index inclusion but are not considered in the Index-level aggregation.

The Index's optimization process incorporates information and data from internal and external (e.g., issuers, government agencies and non-profit organizations) sources, including research, reports, publications or public records.

The Index is rebalanced and reconstituted on a semi-annual basis, as of the close of the last business day of May and November. The optimization process described above is applied in connection with the semi-annual Index review. During the semi-annual Index review, in the event the Index-level constraints are not met through the optimization process, certain target diversification constraints will be relaxed until the Index-level constraints are achieved.

As of August 31, 2025, a significant portion of the Fund comprised companies in the [technology and financial sectors], although this may change from time to time. As of July 31, 2025, the Index comprised [ ] stocks.

The Index is sponsored by MSCI, Inc. (the "Index Provider"), which is not affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index, relative weightings of the securities in the Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

**Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund**

As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

**Market Risk:** The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.

**Equity Investing Risk:** The market prices of equity securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons that may directly relate to the issuer and also may decline due to general industry or market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles, which may cause stock prices to fall over short or extended periods of time.

**ESG Investing Risk:** The Index's incorporation of ESG considerations in its methodology may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy or investment processes. Under certain economic conditions, this could cause the Fund's investment performance to be worse than funds that do not incorporate such considerations. The Index's incorporation of ESG considerations may affect the Fund's exposure to certain sectors and/or types of investments, and may adversely impact the Fund's

------

performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. The Index methodology incorporates data and scores provided by third parties, which may be unavailable or limited for certain issuers and/or only take into account one or a few of many ESG related components of portfolio companies. In instances where data or scores are unavailable or limited, (i) the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold, securities of companies that otherwise would not be included or held if data or scores were available or more complete, or (ii) the Index, and therefore the Fund, may exclude securities of companies that otherwise would have been included or held if data or scores were available or more complete. In addition, ESG information and scores across third party data providers, indexes and other funds may differ and/or be incomparable. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Fund's ESG-related objectives and/or criteria.

**Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk:** As with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily net asset value (NAV) per share and there may be times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines.

**[Financial Sector Risk:** Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.]

**Futures Contract Risk:** A futures contract is a standardized agreement that calls for the purchase or sale of a specific asset at a specific price at a specific future time, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. Transactions in futures contracts can create investment leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a futures contract transaction will result in a much greater loss than the principal amount invested, and the Fund may not be able to close out the futures contract at a favorable time or price. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract. In the event no such market exists, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the Fund will be unable to terminate its exposure to the futures contract. There is also a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contract and movements in the price of the underlying assets. The counterparty to a futures contract may be unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Fund's margin, or otherwise honor its obligations.

**Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk:** The Fund is managed with an indexing investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities, regardless of the current or projected performance of the Index or of the actual securities comprising the Index. This differs from an actively-managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. As a result, the Fund's performance may be less favorable than that of a portfolio managed using an active investment strategy. The structure and composition of the Index will affect the performance, volatility, and risk of the Index and, consequently, the performance, volatility, and risk of the Fund. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Index's objective and/or criteria. When there are changes made to the component securities of the Index and the Fund in turn makes similar changes to its portfolio, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from such portfolio changes will be borne directly by the Fund and its

------

shareholders. The Fund may recognize gains as a result of rebalancing or reconstituting its securities holdings to reflect changes in the securities included in the Index. The Fund also may be required to distribute any such gains to its shareholders to avoid adverse federal income tax consequences. While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index (*i.e.*, achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match the return of the Index. The Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities. In addition, the Fund may not be fully invested at times, generally as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions. The Adviser may attempt to track the Index return by investing in fewer than all of the securities in the Index, or in some securities not included in the Index, potentially increasing the risk of divergence between the Fund's return and that of the Index.

**Large-Capitalization Securities Risk:** Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and mid-sized companies. Larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and mid-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and mid-sized companies.

**Mid-Capitalization Securities Risk:** The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, may lack the competitive strength of larger companies, and may depend on a few key employees. In addition, these companies may have been recently organized and may have little or no track record of success. The securities of mid-sized companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. Some securities of mid-sized issuers may be illiquid or may be restricted as to resale, and their values may be volatile.

**Non-Diversification Risk:** As a "non-diversified" fund, the Fund may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities than many other funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of Fund Shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. The Fund may become diversified for periods of time solely as a result of tracking the Index (e.g., changes in weightings of one or more component securities).

**[Technology Sector Risk:** Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund's investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.]

**Unconstrained Sector Risk:** The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from time to time. Greater investment focus on one or more sectors or industries increases the potential for volatility and the risk that events negatively affecting such sectors or industries could reduce returns, potentially causing the value of the Fund's Shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.

**Valuation Risk:** Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

------

**Fund Performance**

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Index and of a relevant broad-based securities index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Annual Total Returns** (years ended 12/31)

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Average Annual Total Returns** (for periods ended 12/31/24)

The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

**Portfolio Management**

**Investment Adviser**

SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

**Portfolio Managers**

The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Lisa Hobart, Emiliano Rabinovich and Karl Schneider.

Lisa Hobart is a Vice President of the Adviser and a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Systematic Equity Team. She joined the Adviser in 2006.

Emiliano Rabinovich, CFA, is a Managing Director of the Adviser and Co-Head of the Systematic Equity Team in the Americas. He joined the Adviser in 2006.

Karl Schneider, CAIA, is a Managing Director of the Adviser and Co-Head of the Systematic Equity Team in the Americas. He joined the Adviser in 1997.

**Purchase and Sale Information**

The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as "Creation Units." Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities and/or cash.

Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the "Exchange"), other national securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the "bid-ask spread"). Recent information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at www.statestreet.com/im.

**Tax Information**

The Fund's distributions are expected to be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income and/or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. Any withdrawals made from such tax-advantaged arrangement may be taxable to you.

------

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries**

If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

------

Additional Strategies Information

**Principal Strategies**

*General*. Please see "The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy" section under "Fund Summary" above for a discussion of the Fund's principal investment strategy. The Fund may invest in various types of securities and engage in various investment techniques which are not the principal focus of the Fund and therefore are not described in this Prospectus. These securities, techniques and practices, together with their risks, are described in the Statement of Additional Information (the "SAI"), which you may obtain free of charge by contacting shareholder services (see the back cover of this Prospectus for the address and phone number).

The Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Fund's Index as closely as possible *(i.e*., obtain a high degree of correlation with the Index). A number of factors may affect the Fund's ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with its Index, and there can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation. For example, the Fund may not be able to achieve a high degree of correlation with its Index when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in compiling a portfolio of securities to follow the Index, when a security in the Index becomes temporarily illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or legal restrictions exist that prohibit the Fund from investing in a security in the Index.

The Adviser will utilize a sampling strategy in managing the Fund. Sampling means that the Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities, including securities in the Index, outside of the Index and derivatives that have a similar investment profile as the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other economic characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization, and other financial characteristics of securities. The quantity of holdings in the Fund will be based on a number of factors, including asset size of the Fund. In addition, from time to time, securities are added to or removed from the Index. The Adviser may sell securities that are represented in the Index, or purchase securities that are not yet represented in the Index, in anticipation of their removal from or addition to the Index. Further, the Adviser may choose to overweight securities in the Index, purchase or sell securities not in the Index, or utilize various combinations of other available techniques, in seeking to track the Index.

The Fund, as described in the SAI, has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments suggested by its name, measured at the time of investment. The Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days' notice prior to any change in this non-fundamental 80% investment policy. The Board of Trustees (the "Board") of SPDR Series Trust (the "Trust") may change the Fund's investment strategy, Index and other policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise indicated in this Prospectus or in the SAI. The Board may also change the Fund's investment objective without shareholder approval.

**Non-Principal Strategies**

*Certain Other Investments*. The Fund may invest in structured notes (notes on which the amount of principal repayment and interest payments are based on the movement of one or more specified factors such as the movement of a particular security or index), swaps and options contracts. Swaps and options contracts and structured notes may be used by the Fund in seeking performance that corresponds to its Index and in managing cash flows.

*Temporary Defensive Positions*. In certain situations or market conditions, the Fund may temporarily depart from its normal investment policies and strategies, provided that the alternative is consistent with the Fund's investment objective and is in the best interest of the Fund. For example, the Fund may make larger than normal investments in derivatives to maintain exposure to its Index if it is unable to invest directly in a component security.

*Borrowing Money*. The Fund may borrow money from a bank as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), or other governing statute, by the rules thereunder, or by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund, but only for temporary or emergency purposes. The 1940 Act presently allows the Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets). The Fund may also invest in reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions. Consistent with a rule under the 1940 Act, the Fund may treat such investments as either borrowings or derivatives transactions. To the extent the Fund treats reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions

------

as borrowings, such investments will also be included in the 33 1/3% limit. Under normal circumstances, any borrowings by the Fund (including investments in reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions treated as borrowings) will not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets.

*Lending of Securities*. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets via a securities lending program through its securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street" or the "Lending Agent"), to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. A securities lending program allows the Fund to receive a portion of the income generated by lending its securities and investing the respective collateral. The Fund will receive collateral for each loaned security which is at least equal to the market value of that security, marked to market each trading day. To the extent the Fund receives cash collateral, as of the date of this Prospectus, the Adviser expects to invest such cash collateral in the Fund managed by the Adviser that invests in U.S. dollar-denominated, short-term, high quality debt obligations, including the following: a broad range of money market instruments; certificates of deposit and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; asset-backed securities; mortgage-related securities; repurchase agreements; and shares of money market funds. With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, the Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. In the securities lending program, the borrower generally has the right to vote the loaned securities; however, the Fund may call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Fund's economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Security loans may be terminated at any time by the Fund.

Additional Risk Information

The following section provides information regarding the principal risks identified under "Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund" in the Fund Summary along with additional risk information.

*Counterparty Risk*. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the Fund enters into derivatives contracts and other transactions such as repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions will depend on the willingness and ability of its counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. The Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If the Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if the Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, the Fund may be subject to "bail-in" risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of its securities and, if the Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, the Fund may also be similarly impacted.

*Derivatives Risk.* A derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a derivative transaction will result in a loss greater than the principal amount invested, and the Fund may not be able to close out a derivative transaction at a favorable time or price. Risks associated with derivative instruments include potential changes in value in response to interest rate changes or other market developments or as a result of the counterparty's credit quality; the potential for the derivative transaction not to have the effect the Adviser anticipated or a different or less favorable effect than the Adviser anticipated; the failure of the

------

counterparty to the derivative transaction to perform its obligations under the transaction or to settle a trade; possible mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative instrument; imperfect correlation in the value of a derivative with the asset, rate, or index underlying the derivative; the risk that the Fund may be required to post collateral or margin with its counterparty, and will not be able to recover the collateral or margin in the event of the counterparty's insolvency or bankruptcy; the risk that the Fund will experience losses on its derivatives investments and on its other portfolio investments, even when the derivatives investments may be intended in part or entirely to hedge those portfolio investments; the risks specific to the asset underlying the derivative instrument; lack of liquidity for the derivative instrument, including, without limitation, absence of a secondary trading market; the potential for reduced returns to the Fund due to losses on the transaction and an increase in volatility; the potential for the derivative transaction to have the effect of accelerating the recognition of gain; and legal risks arising from the documentation relating to the derivative transaction.

*Futures Contract Risk*. The risk of loss relating to the use of futures contracts is potentially unlimited. The ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market. There is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or at any particular time. In the event no such market exists, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the Fund will be unable to terminate the futures contract. In using futures contracts, the Fund will be reliant on the ability of the Adviser to predict market and price movements correctly; the skills needed to use such futures contracts successfully are different from those needed for traditional portfolio management. If the Fund uses futures contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contracts and movements in the securities or index underlying the futures contracts or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them. For example, participants in the futures markets are subject to margin deposit requirements. Such requirements may cause investors to take actions with respect to their futures positions that they would not otherwise take. The margin requirements in the futures markets may be less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general, and as a result those markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased participation by speculators in those markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by the Adviser still may not result in a successful futures activity over a very short time period. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin the Fund is required to deposit. The Fund will typically be required to post margin with its futures commission merchant in connection with its transactions in futures contracts. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. The Fund will incur brokerage fees in connection with its futures transactions. In the event of an insolvency of the futures commission merchant or a clearing house, the Fund may not be able to recover all (or any) of the margin it has posted with the futures commission merchant, or to realize the value of any increase in the price of its positions, or it may experience a significant delay in doing so. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"), certain foreign regulators, and many futures exchanges have established limits referred to as "position limits" on the maximum net long or net short positions that any person and certain affiliated entities may hold or control in a particular futures and options contract. In addition, federal position limits apply to swaps that are economically equivalent to futures contracts on certain agricultural, metals and energy commodities. All positions owned or controlled by the same person or entity, even if in different accounts, must be aggregated for purposes of complying with position limits. It is possible that the positions of different clients managed by the Adviser may be aggregated for this purpose. Therefore, the trading decisions of the Adviser may have to be modified and positions held by the Fund liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits. The modification of investment decisions or the elimination of open positions, if it occurs, may adversely affect the performance of the Fund. A violation of position limits could also lead to regulatory action materially adverse to the Fund's investment strategy. The Fund may also be affected by other regimes, including those of the European Union and United Kingdom, and trading venues that impose position limits on commodity derivative contracts. In addition, exchanges may establish accountability levels applicable to a futures contract instead of position limits, provided that the futures contract is not subject to federal position limits. An exchange may order a person who holds or controls a position in excess of a position accountability level not to further increase its position, to comply with any prospective limit that exceeds the size of the position owned or controlled, or to reduce any open position that exceeds the position accountability level if the

------

exchange determines that such action is necessary to maintain an orderly market. Position accountability levels could adversely affect the Fund's ability to establish and maintain positions in commodity futures contracts to which such levels apply, if the Fund were to trade in such contracts, and the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.

Futures contracts traded on markets outside the U.S. are not generally subject to the same level of regulation by the CFTC or other U.S. regulatory entities as contracts traded in the U.S., including without limitation as to the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions. U.S. regulators neither regulate the activities of a foreign exchange, nor have the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country in question. Margin and other payments made by the Fund may not be afforded the same protections as are afforded those payments in the U.S., including in connection with the insolvency of an executing or clearing broker or a clearinghouse or exchange. Certain foreign futures contracts may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S. contracts.

*Equity Investing Risk*. The market prices of equity securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons that may directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage, non-compliance with regulatory requirements, and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services. The values of equity securities also may decline due to general industry or market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles, which may cause stock prices to fall over short or extended periods of time.

*ESG Investing Risk*. The Index's incorporation of environmental, social and/or governance considerations in its methodology may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that do not incorporate such considerations in their investment strategy or processes. The Index's incorporation of ESG considerations may affect the Fund's exposure to certain sectors and/or types of investments, and may adversely impact the Fund's performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. In addition, the Fund's investments in certain companies may be susceptible to various factors that may impact their businesses or operations, including costs associated with government budgetary constraints that impact publicly funded projects and clean energy initiatives, the effects of general economic conditions throughout the world, increased competition from other providers of services, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and high leverage. The Index methodology incorporates data and scores provided by third parties, which may be unavailable or limited for certain issuers and/or only take into account one or a few of many ESG related components of portfolio companies. In instances where data or scores are unavailable or limited, (i) the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold, securities of companies that otherwise would not be included or held if data or scores were available or more complete, or (ii) the Index, and therefore the Fund, may exclude securities of companies that otherwise would have been included or held if data or scores were available or more complete. In addition, ESG information and scores across third party data providers, indexes and other funds may differ and/or be incomparable. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Fund's ESG-related objectives and/or criteria. The Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor.

[*Financial Sector Risk.* Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can

------

negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.]

*Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk*. The NAV of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund's securities holdings. The market prices of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's NAV and supply and demand of Fund Shares on the Exchange. It cannot be predicted whether Fund Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Fund Shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities of the Index trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. The market prices of Fund Shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of Fund Shares during periods of market volatility. However, given that Fund Shares can be created and redeemed in Creation Units (unlike shares of many closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their NAV), the Adviser believes that large discounts or premiums to the NAV of Fund Shares should not be sustained over long periods. While the creation/redemption feature is designed to make it likely that Fund Shares normally will trade close to the Fund's NAV, disruptions to creations and redemptions or market volatility may result in trading prices that differ significantly from the Fund's NAV. If an investor purchases Fund Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV of Fund Shares or sells at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV of Fund Shares, then the investor may sustain losses.

*Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking Risk*. The Fund is managed with an indexing investment strategy, attempting to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities. The Fund will seek to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance of the Index, regardless of the current or projected performance of the Index or of the actual securities comprising the Index. This differs from an actively-managed fund, which typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. The Fund generally will buy and will not sell a security included in the Index as long as the security is part of the Index regardless of any sudden or material decline in value or foreseeable material decline in value of the security, even though the Adviser may make a different investment decision for other actively managed accounts or portfolios that hold the security. As a result, the Fund's performance may be less favorable than that of a portfolio managed using an active investment strategy. The structure and composition of the Index will affect the performance, volatility, and risk of the Index (in absolute terms and by comparison with other indices) and, consequently, the performance, volatility, and risk of the Fund. Errors in index data, index computations or the construction of the Index in accordance with its methodology may occur from time to time and may not be identified and corrected by the Index Provider for a period of time or at all, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. To the extent circumstances evolve in between reconstitutions, the Index may include, and the Fund may therefore hold for a period of time, securities of companies that do not align with the Index's objective and/or criteria. While the Adviser seeks to track the performance of the Index (i.e., achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index), the Fund's return may not match the return of the Index for a number of reasons. For example, the return on the sample of securities purchased by the Fund (or the return on securities not included in the Index) may not correlate precisely with the return of the Index. The Fund incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Index, and may incur costs in buying and selling securities. In addition, the Fund may not be fully invested at times, either as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or reserves of cash held by the Fund to meet redemptions. The Adviser may attempt to track the Index return by investing in fewer than all of the securities in the Index, or in some securities not included in the Index, potentially increasing the risk of divergence between the Fund's return and that of the Index. Changes in the composition of the Index and regulatory requirements also may impact the Fund's ability to match the return of the Index. The Adviser may apply one or more "screens" or investment techniques to refine or limit the number or types of issuers included in the Index in which the Fund may invest. Application of such screens or techniques may result in investment performance below that of the Index and may not produce results expected by the Adviser. Index tracking risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions.

Pursuant to the Index methodology, a security may be removed from the Index in the event that it does not comply with the eligibility requirements of the Index. As a result, the Fund may be forced to sell securities at inopportune times and/or unfavorable prices due to these changes in the Index components. When there are changes made to the component securities of the Index and the Fund in turn makes similar changes to its portfolio to attempt to increase the correlation between the Fund's portfolio and the Index, any transaction costs and market exposure arising from

------

such portfolio changes will be borne directly by the Fund and its shareholders. Unscheduled changes to the Index may expose the Fund to additional tracking error risk. The Fund may recognize gains as a result of rebalancing or reconstituting its securities holdings to reflect changes in the securities included in the Index. The Fund also may be required to distribute any such gains to its shareholders to avoid adverse federal income tax consequences.

*Large-Capitalization Securities Risk.* Securities issued by large-capitalization companies may present risks not present in smaller companies. For example, larger companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller and mid-sized companies to competitive challenges or to changes in business, product, financial, or other market conditions. Larger companies may not be able to maintain growth at the high rates that may be achieved by well-managed smaller and mid-sized companies, especially during strong economic periods. Returns on investments in securities of large companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of smaller and mid-sized companies.

*Leveraging Risk*. Borrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. If the Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the Fund's investment portfolio, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than the Fund would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in losses to the Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment, interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset coverage requirements.

*Liquidity Risk*. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may not be able to dispose of investments readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid investments accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If the liquidity of the Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Disposal of illiquid investments may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid investments. The Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Fund.

*Market Risk*. Market prices of investments held by the Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile, and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors, including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in the Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Due to the interconnectedness of economies and financial markets throughout the world, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected. A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as COVID-19, and efforts to contain its spread, may result in market volatility, inflation, reduced liquidity of certain instruments, disruption in the trading of certain instruments, and systemic economic weakness. The foregoing could impact the Fund and its investments and result in disruptions to the services provided to the Fund by its service providers.

------

*Mid-Capitalization Securities Risk*. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile and may involve more risk than the securities of larger companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, may lack the competitive strength of larger companies, and may depend on a few key employees. In addition, these companies may have been recently organized and may have little or no track record of success. The securities of mid-sized companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. The prices of these securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the Fund may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in these securities than in the case of larger companies, both of which can cause significant price volatility. Some securities of mid-sized issuers may be illiquid or may be restricted as to resale. Returns on investments in securities of mid-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of larger or smaller companies.

*Non-Diversification Risk*. Funds classified as "non-diversified" may hold a smaller number of portfolio securities than many other funds. To the extent the Fund invests in a relatively small number of issuers, a decline in the market value of a particular security held by the Fund may affect its value more than if it invested in a larger number of issuers. The value of Fund Shares may be more volatile than the values of shares of more diversified funds. The diversified Fund may become non-diversified for periods of time solely as a result of tracking its Index (e.g., changes in weightings of one or more component securities).

[*Technology Sector Risk*. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund's investments. The value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability. Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel.]

*Unconstrained Sector Risk*. The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets within one or more economic sectors or industries, which may change from time to time. When the Fund focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector, financial, economic, business, and other developments affecting issuers in that industry, market, or economic sector will have a greater effect on the Fund than if it had not focused its assets in that industry, market, or economic sector, which may increase the volatility of the Fund.

*Valuation Risk*. Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including "fair valued" securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. Technological issues or other service disruption issues involving third-party service providers may cause the Fund to value its investments incorrectly. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time.

**Non-Principal Risks**

Each risk discussed below is a non-principal risk of the Fund.

*Authorized Participants, Market Makers and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk.* The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants ("APs"), which are responsible for the creation and redemption activity for the Fund. In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Fund Shares may trade at a material discount to

------

NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

*Cash Transaction Risk*. To the extent the Fund sells portfolio securities to meet some or all of a redemption request with cash, the Fund may incur taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred had it made redemptions entirely in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.

*Concentration Risk*. The Fund's assets may be concentrated in an industry or group of industries, but only to the extent that the Fund's underlying Index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries. When the Fund focuses its investments in a particular industry or sector, financial, economic, business, and other developments affecting issuers in that industry, market, or economic sector will have a greater effect on the Fund than if it had not focused its assets in that industry, market, or economic sector, which may increase the volatility of the Fund.

*Conflicts of Interest Risk.* An investment in the Fund will be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to the Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which the Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser or its affiliates make available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser will have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of the Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest, provided that the Adviser will comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

The Adviser and its affiliates serve as investment adviser to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund. For example, the Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for the Fund and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The Adviser and its affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, *pari passu* or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Fund. The Adviser or its affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material nonpublic confidential information that may restrict the Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Fund) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.

The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect the Fund. The Fund may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.

*Costs of Buying and Selling Shares*. Investors buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of Fund Shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for Fund Shares (the "bid" price) and the price at which an investor is willing to sell Fund Shares (the "ask" price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the "spread" or "bid/ask spread." The bid/ask spread varies over time for Fund Shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if Fund Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Fund Shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Further, increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling Fund Shares, including bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of Fund Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Fund Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

------

*Cybersecurity Risk*. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform business and operational functions, funds (such as the Fund) and their service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate cybersecurity attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Fund, the Adviser a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject the Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund Shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. The Fund may also incur substantial costs for cybersecurity risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, given the evolving nature of this threat. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning could exacerbate these risks or result in cyber security incidents that implicate personal data. The Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect the Fund from cyber-attack. The Adviser does not control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by third-party service providers, and such third-party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the Adviser or the Fund. Similar types of cybersecurity risks or technical malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund's investment in such securities to lose value.

*Index Construction Risk*. A security included in the Index may not exhibit the characteristic or provide the specific exposure for which it was selected and consequently the Fund's holdings may not exhibit returns consistent with that characteristic or exposure.

*Index Licensing Risk*. It is possible that the license under which the Adviser or the Fund is permitted to replicate or otherwise use the Index will be terminated or may be disputed, impaired or cease to remain in effect. In such a case, the Adviser may be required to replace the Index with another index which it considers to be appropriate in light of the investment strategy of the Fund. The use of any such substitute index may have an adverse impact on the Fund's performance. In the event that the Adviser is unable to identify a suitable replacement for the Index, it may determine to terminate the Fund.

*Money Market Fund Investment Risk*. An investment in a money market fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds seek to preserve the value of their shares at $1.00 per share, although there can be no assurance that they will do so, and it is possible to lose money by investing in such a money market fund. A major or unexpected change in interest rates or a decline in the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading market for money market instruments, or adverse market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause the share price of such a money market fund to fall below $1.00. It is possible that such a money market fund will issue and redeem shares at $1.00 per share at times when the fair value of the money market fund's portfolio per share is more or less than $1.00. None of State Street Corporation, State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), State Street Investment Management, SSGA FM or their affiliates (the "State Street Entities") guarantee the value of an investment in a money market fund at $1.00 per share. Investors should have no expectation of capital support to a money market fund from State Street Entities. Other money market funds price and transact at a "floating" NAV that will fluctuate along with changes in the market-based value of fund assets. Shares sold utilizing a floating

------

NAV may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. Recent changes in the regulation of money market funds may affect the operations and structures of money market funds. A money market fund may be permitted or required to impose redemption fees during times of market stress.

*Portfolio Turnover Risk*. The Fund may engage in frequent trading of its portfolio securities. Fund turnover generally involves a number of direct and indirect costs and expenses to the Fund, including, for example, brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and bid/asked spreads, and transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The costs related to increased portfolio turnover have the effect of reducing the Fund's investment return, and the sale of securities by the Fund may result in the realization of taxable capital gains, including short-term capital gains. The Fund may engage in significant trading of its portfolio securities in connection with Index rebalancing. Frequent or significant trading may cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and experience different tax consequences in comparison to an ETF that does not engage in frequent or significant trading.

*Regulatory Risk.* Governmental and regulatory actions may have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments, which may adversely impact the Fund and impair how it is managed. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries may affect aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.

*Securities Lending Risk.* The Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets. For these purposes, net assets shall exclude the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan. Such loans may be terminated at any time. Any such loans must be continuously secured by collateral maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned by the Fund, marked to market each trading day. The Fund will receive the amount of all dividends, interest and other distributions on the loaned securities; however, the borrower has the right to vote the loaned securities. The Fund will call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the investment is to be voted upon. Efforts to recall such securities promptly may be unsuccessful, especially for foreign securities or thinly traded securities. Securities lending involves the risk that the Fund may lose money because the borrower of the loaned securities fails to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund may experience delays in recovering the securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the securities lending agent to be of good financial standing. In a loan transaction, the Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities provided as collateral or acquired with cash collateral. The Fund will attempt to minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to high quality instruments of short maturity either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser. To the extent the collateral provided or investments made with cash collateral differ from securities included in the Index, such collateral or investments may have a greater risk of loss than the securities included in the Index. In addition, the Fund will be subject to the risk that any income generated by lending its securities or reinvesting cash collateral is lower than any fees the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower. The Adviser will take into account the tax impact to shareholders of substitute payments for dividends when overseeing the Fund's securities lending activity.

*Trading Issues*. Although Fund Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Fund Shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange "circuit breaker" rules. Similar to the shares of operating companies listed on a stock exchange, Fund Shares may be sold short and are therefore subject to the risk of increased volatility in the trading price of the Fund's shares. While the Fund expects that the ability of Authorized Participants to create and redeem Fund Shares at NAV should be effective in reducing any such volatility, there is no guarantee that it will eliminate the volatility associated with such short sales. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that Fund Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange.

------

Management

**Investment Adviser**

SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Investment Advisory Agreement") between the Trust and the Adviser, and, subject to the oversight of the Board, is responsible for the investment management of the Fund. The Adviser provides an investment management program for the Fund and manages the investment of the Fund's assets. In addition, the Adviser provides administrative, compliance and general management services to the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Investment Management, which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. The Adviser is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser and certain other affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Investment Management. State Street Investment Management is one of the world's largest institutional money managers and the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. As of June 30, 2025, the Adviser managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets and State Street Investment Management managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets. The Adviser's principal business address is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

For the services provided to the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, the Fund paid the Adviser the annual fees based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets as set forth below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]<br> %<br>|

---

From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its management fee. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse expenses in an amount equal to any acquired fund fees and expenses (excluding holdings in acquired funds for cash management purposes, if any) for the Fund until [October 31, 2026]. This waiver and/or reimbursement does not provide for the recoupment by the Adviser of any amounts waived or reimbursed. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated prior to [October 31, 2026] except with the approval of the Board. The Adviser pays all expenses of the Fund other than the management fee, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustee's counsel fees), litigation expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

A discussion regarding the Board's consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement is provided in the Fund's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2025.

SSGA FM, as the investment adviser for the Fund, may hire one or more sub-advisers to oversee the day-to-day investment activities of the Fund. The sub-advisers are subject to oversight by the Adviser. The Adviser and SPDR Series Trust (the "Trust") have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Adviser, with the approval of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, of the Trust, to retain and amend existing sub-advisory agreements with unaffiliated investment sub-advisers for the Fund without submitting the sub-advisory agreement to a vote of the Fund's shareholders. The Trust will notify shareholders in the event of any change in the identity of such sub-adviser or sub-advisers. The Adviser has ultimate responsibility for the investment performance of the Fund due to its responsibility to oversee each sub-adviser and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The Adviser is not required to disclose fees paid to any unaffiliated sub-adviser retained pursuant to the order.

*Portfolio Managers.* <br>The Adviser manages the Fund using a team of investment professionals. The team approach is used to create an environment that encourages the flow of investment ideas. The portfolio managers within each team work together in a cohesive manner to develop and enhance techniques that drive the investment process for the respective investment strategy. This approach requires portfolio managers to share a variety of responsibilities, including investment strategy and analysis, while retaining responsibility for the implementation of the strategy within any particular portfolio. The approach also enables the team to draw upon the resources of other groups within State Street Investment Management. The portfolio management team is overseen by State Street Investment Management's internal governance.

The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Lisa Hobart, Emiliano Rabinovich and Karl Schneider.

------

Lisa Hobart is a Vice President of State Street Investment Management and a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Systematic Equity Team. Ms. Hobart is responsible for managing domestic, international and emerging strategies for both traditional index and alternative beta mandates. She is responsible for managing strategies across separate accounts, commingled funds, mutual funds, and ETF structures. Ms. Hobart joined State Street Bank London in 2000 and moved to State Street Investment Management as a senior portfolio analyst in 2006. During her career at State Street Investment Management, Ms. Hobart has managed the Investment Operations team, supporting passive, enhanced and active equity strategies. Ms. Hobart graduated from Leeds University with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Economics and Management. She holds the Investment Management Certificate.

Emiliano Rabinovich, CFA, is a Managing Director of State Street Investment Management and Co-Head of the Systematic Equity Team in the Americas. Within this team, he is the strategy leader for their Tax Aware, Smart Beta and ESG products. Mr. Rabinovich manages a varied mix of portfolios that include both traditional indexing as well as a variety of alternative beta mandates. He also manages local and global strategies and fund structures, which include separately managed accounts, commingled funds, mutual funds and ETFs. Mr. Rabinovich joined State Street Investment Management in Montreal in 2006, where he served as the Head of the Indexing team in Canada. He has been working in the investment management field since 2003. Mr. Rabinovich holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of CEMA. He has also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of CFA Society Boston, Inc.

Karl Schneider, CAIA, is a Managing Director of State Street Investment Management and Co-Head of the Systematic Equity Team in the Americas. He also serves as a Senior Portfolio Manager for a number of the Team's index equity portfolios. Previously within the Team, he was the Deputy Head of the Americas, and prior to that served as a portfolio manager and product specialist for U.S. equity strategies and synthetic beta strategies, including commodities, buy/write, and hedge fund replication. He is a member of the S&P Dow Jones U.S. Equities Index Advisory Panel. Prior to joining the Team, Mr. Schneider worked as a portfolio manager in State Street Investment Management's Currency Management Group, managing both active currency selection and traditional passive hedging overlay portfolios. He joined State Street Investment Management in 1997. Mr. Schneider holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Investments from Babson College and a Master of Science in Finance from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. He has earned the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation and is a member of the CAIA Association.

Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers' ownership of the Fund is available in the SAI.

*Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent.* The Adviser serves as Administrator for the Fund. State Street, part of State Street Corporation, is the Sub-Administrator for the Fund and the Custodian for the Fund's assets, and serves as Transfer Agent to the Fund.

*Lending Agent.* State Street serves as the securities lending agent for the Trust. For its services, the lending agent would typically receive a portion of the net investment income, if any, earned on the collateral for the securities loaned.

*Distributor.* State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC ("SSGA FD" or the "Distributor"), serves as the Fund's distributor pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between SSGA FD and the Trust. The Distributor will not distribute Fund Shares in less than Creation Units, and it does not maintain a secondary market in Fund Shares. The Distributor may enter into selected dealer agreements with other broker-dealers or other qualified financial institutions for the sale of Creation Units of Fund Shares.

*Additional Information*. The Board oversees generally the operations of the Fund and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Fund's investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.

This Prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund Shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the related SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.

------

Index/Trademark Licenses/Disclaimers

The Index Provider is not affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser, the Fund's Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian, Transfer Agent, SSGA FD or any of their respective affiliates. The Adviser ("Licensee") has entered into license agreements with the Index Provider pursuant to which the Adviser pays a fee to use the Index. The Adviser is sub-licensing rights to the Index to the Fund at no charge.

THE SPDR MSCI USA CLIMATE PARIS ALIGNED ETF (THE "MSCI FUND") IS NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI INC. ("MSCI"), ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, COMPILING, COMPUTING OR CREATING ANY MSCI INDEX (COLLECTIVELY, THE "MSCI PARTIES").THE MSCI INDICES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY THE LICENSEE. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE MSCI FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN FUNDS GENERALLY OR IN THE MSCI FUND PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDICES WHICH ARE DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THE MSCI FUND OR THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE MSCI FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE MSCI FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDICES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR HAS PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR QUANTITIES OF THE MSCI FUND TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE EQUATION BY OR THE CONSIDERATION INTO WHICH THE MSCI FUND IS REDEEMABLE. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE MSCI FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THE MSCI FUND.

ALTHOUGH MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MSCI INDICES FROM SOURCES THAT MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ISSUER OF THE MSCI FUND, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND THE MSCI PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

NO PURCHASER, SELLER OR HOLDER OF THE MSCI FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, SHOULD USE OR REFER TO ANY MSCI TRADE NAME, TRADEMARK OR SERVICE MARK TO SPONSOR, ENDORSE, MARKET OR PROMOTE THE FUND WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING MSCI TO DETERMINE WHETHER MSCI'S PERMISSION IS REQUIRED. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ANY PERSON OR ENTITY CLAIM ANY AFFILIATION WITH MSCI WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MSCI.

Additional Purchase and Sale Information

Fund Shares are listed for secondary trading on the Exchange and individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold in the secondary market through a broker-dealer. The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Exchange may close early on the business day before certain holidays and

------

on the day after Thanksgiving Day. Exchange holiday schedules are subject to change without notice. If you buy or sell Fund Shares in the secondary market, you will pay the secondary market price for Fund Shares. In addition, you may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.

The trading prices of Fund Shares will fluctuate continuously throughout trading hours based on market supply and demand rather than the Fund's NAV, which is calculated at the end of each business day. Fund Shares will trade on the Exchange at prices that may be above (*i.e*., at a premium) or below (*i.e*., at a discount), to varying degrees, the daily NAV of Fund Shares. The trading prices of Fund Shares may deviate significantly from the Fund's NAV during periods of market volatility. Given, however, that Fund Shares can be issued and redeemed daily in Creation Units, the Adviser believes that large discounts and premiums to NAV should not be sustained over long periods.

The Exchange will disseminate, every fifteen seconds during the regular trading day, an indicative optimized portfolio value ("IOPV") relating to the Fund. The IOPV calculations are estimates of the value of the Fund's NAV per Fund Share. Premiums and discounts between the IOPV and the market price may occur. This should not be viewed as a "real-time" update of the NAV per Fund Share. The IOPV is based on the current market value of the published basket of portfolio securities and/or cash required to be deposited in exchange for a Creation Unit and does not necessarily reflect the precise composition of the Fund's actual portfolio at a particular point in time. Moreover, the IOPV is generally determined by using current market quotations and/or price quotations obtained from broker-dealers and other market intermediaries and valuations based on current market rates. The IOPV may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which (i) is computed only once a day, (ii) unlike the calculation of the IOPV, takes into account Fund expenses, and (iii) may be subject, in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the IOPV. The IOPV price is based on quotes and closing prices from the securities' local market converted into U.S. dollars at the current currency rates and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local market's close. Therefore, the IOPV may not reflect the best possible valuation of the Fund's current portfolio. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser or any of their affiliates are involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such IOPVs and make no warranty as to their accuracy.

The Fund does not impose any restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions; however, the Fund reserve the right to reject or limit purchases at any time as described in the SAI. When considering that no restriction or policy was necessary, the Board evaluated the risks posed by market timing activities, such as whether frequent purchases and redemptions would interfere with the efficient implementation of the Fund's investment strategy, or whether they would cause the Fund to experience increased transaction costs. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, Fund Shares are issued and redeemed only in large quantities of shares known as Creation Units, available only from the Fund directly, and that most trading in the Fund occurs on the Exchange at prevailing market prices and does not involve the Fund directly. Given this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that (a) market timing would be attempted by the Fund's shareholders or (b) any attempts to market time the Fund by shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or its shareholders.

Distributions

*Dividends and Capital Gains.* As a Fund shareholder, you are entitled to your share of the Fund's income and net realized gains on its investments. The Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as "distributions."

The Fund may earn income dividends from stocks, interest from debt securities and, if participating, securities lending income. These amounts, net of expenses and taxes (if applicable), are passed along to Fund shareholders as "income dividend distributions." The Fund will generally realize short-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for one year or less. Net short-term capital gains will generally be treated as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. The Fund will generally realize long-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for more than one year. Net capital gains (the excess of the Fund's net long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses) are distributed to shareholders as "capital gain distributions."

Income dividend distributions, if any, are generally distributed to shareholders quarterly, but may vary significantly from period to period.

------

Net capital gains for the Fund are distributed at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently or at any other time to improve Index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code. A portion of each distribution may result in a return of capital. You will be notified regarding the portion of the distribution which represents a return of capital.

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Fund Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Fund Shares makes such option available. Distributions which are reinvested will nevertheless be taxable to the same extent as if such distributions had not been reinvested.

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure

The Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the SAI. In addition, the identities and quantities of the securities held by the Fund are disclosed on the Fund's website.

Additional Tax Information

The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to an investment in the Fund. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about federal, state, local, foreign or other tax laws applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, may wish to consult the SAI tax section for additional disclosure.

The Fund has elected or will elect to be a regulated investment company and intends to qualify each year to be treated as such. A regulated investment company is generally not subject to tax at the corporate level on income and gains that are distributed to shareholders. However, the Fund's failure to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company may result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.

*Taxes on Distributions.* In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund. The income dividends and short-term capital gains distributions you receive from the Fund will be taxed as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income. Subject to certain limitations, dividends that are reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income are taxable to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Any distributions of the Fund's net capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned Fund Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the Fund's shares, and, in general, as capital gain thereafter.

In general, dividends may be reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund, which, in general, includes dividend income from taxable U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations (*i.e*., certain foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, and certain other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States), provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations and has not hedged its position in the stock in certain ways. A dividend generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held by the Fund for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning at the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend or, in the case of certain preferred stock, for fewer than 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date. These holding period requirements will also apply to your ownership of Fund Shares. Holding periods may be suspended for these purposes for stock that is hedged. Additionally, income derived in connection with the Fund's securities lending activities will not be treated as qualified dividend income.

U.S. individuals with income exceeding specified thresholds are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which includes taxable interest, dividends and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized upon the sale of Fund Shares). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

------

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of Fund Shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income.

If you lend your Fund Shares pursuant to securities lending arrangements you may lose the ability to treat Fund dividends (paid while the Fund Shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. You should consult your financial intermediary or tax advisor to discuss your particular circumstances.

Distributions paid in January, but declared by the Fund in October, November or December of the previous year, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, may be taxable to you in the calendar year in which they were declared. The Fund will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income and capital gain distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year.

A distribution will reduce the Fund's NAV per Fund Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.

*Derivatives and Other Complex Securities.* The Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund's ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund. You should consult your personal tax advisor regarding the application of these rules.

*Foreign Income Taxes.* Investment income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which may entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of such taxes or exemption from taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax for the Fund in advance since the amount of the assets to be invested within various countries is not known. If more than 50% of the total assets of the Fund at the close of its taxable year consist of certain foreign stocks or securities, the Fund may elect to "pass through" to you certain foreign income taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund. If the Fund in which you hold Fund Shares makes such an election, you will be considered to have received as an additional dividend your share of such foreign taxes, but you may be entitled to either a corresponding tax deduction in calculating your taxable income, or, subject to certain limitations, a credit in calculating your federal income tax. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. If the Fund does not so elect, the Fund will be entitled to claim a deduction for certain foreign taxes incurred by the Fund. Under certain circumstances, if the Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Fund Shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund's foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.

*Foreign Currency Transactions.* The Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.

*Index Concentration*. In order to qualify for the favorable tax treatment generally available to regulated investment companies, the Fund must satisfy certain diversification requirements. In particular, the Fund generally may not acquire a security if, as a result of the acquisition, more than 50% of the value of the Fund's assets would be invested in (a) issuers in which the Fund has, in each case, invested more than 5% of the Fund's assets and (b) issuers more than 10% of whose outstanding voting securities are owned by the Fund. Given the concentration of certain indexes tracked by certain Funds in a relatively small number of securities, it may not be possible for such Funds to fully implement a sampling methodology while satisfying these diversification requirements. The Fund's efforts to satisfy the diversification requirements may affect the Fund's execution of its investment strategy and may cause the Fund's return to deviate from that of the Index, and the Fund's efforts to track the Index may cause it inadvertently to fail to satisfy the diversification requirements. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation, and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income.

------

*Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales.* Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if Fund Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if Fund Shares have been held for one year or less, except that any capital loss on the sale of Fund Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to the Fund Shares.

*Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units.* A person who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the aggregate market value of the securities and the amount of cash received. The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

Under current federal tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for one year or less.

If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Fund Shares you purchased or sold and at what price.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the applicable Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the applicable Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of the securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Trust does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the applicable Fund, the purchaser (or group of purchasers) will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

If the Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may bear additional costs and recognize more capital gains than it would if it redeems Creation Units in-kind.

*Non-U.S. Investors.* Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund to shareholders who are non-resident aliens or foreign entities will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax (other than distributions reported by the Fund as interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends), unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. In general, the Fund may report interest-related dividends to the extent of its net income derived from U.S. source interest, and the Fund may report short-term capital gain dividends to the extent its net short-term capital gain for the taxable year exceeds its net long-term capital loss. Gains on the sale of Fund Shares and dividends that are, in each case, effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. will generally be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates. Non-U.S. shareholders that own, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the Fund's shares are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning special tax rules that may apply to their investment.

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to distributions payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

*Backup Withholding.* The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as "backup withholding") on amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3)

------

has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States.

*Other Tax Issues.* The Fund may be subject to tax in certain states where the Fund does business (or is treated as doing business as a result of its investments). Furthermore, in those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Fund and of Fund shareholders with respect to distributions by the Fund may differ from federal tax treatment.

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current federal income tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.

General Information

The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 12, 1998. If shareholders of the Fund are required to vote on any matters, shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Fund Share they own. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable law. See the SAI for more information concerning the Trust's form of organization.

**Management and Organization**

The Fund is a separate series of the Trust, which is an open-end registered management investment company.

From time to time, the Fund may advertise yield and total return figures. Yield is a historical measure of dividend income, and total return is a measure of past dividend income (assuming that it has been reinvested) plus capital appreciation. Neither yield nor total return should be used to predict the future performance of the Fund.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Fund. [ ] serves as the independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Fund's financial statements annually.

Financial Highlights

These financial highlight tables are intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the past five fiscal years, or, if shorter, the period since the Fund's inception. Certain information reflects the performance results for a single Fund Share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by [ ], the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund's financial highlights and financial statements, are included in the Fund's Form N-CSR filing, which is available upon request. Any references to Notes in these financial highlight tables refer to the "Notes to Financial Statements" section of the Fund's financial statements, and the financial information included in these tables should be read in conjunction with the financial statements incorporated by reference in the SAI.

[To be provided by subsequent amendment]

------

Where to Learn More About the Fund

This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to Fund Shares. An SAI, Form N-CSR and the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, each of which has been or will be filed with the SEC, provide more information about the Fund. The Prospectus and SAI may be supplemented from time to time. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during the Fund's last fiscal year, as applicable. In the Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference (*i.e.*, it is legally part of this Prospectus). These materials may be obtained without charge, upon request, by writing to the Distributor, State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, by visiting the Fund's website at www.statestreet.com/im or by calling the following number:

**Investor Information: 1-866-787-2257** 

The Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the SAI, and the exhibits as well as any shareholder reports may be reviewed on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also obtain copies of this and other information, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Fund in writing to State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, or by calling the Investor Information number listed above.

**No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with the offer of Fund Shares, and, if given or made, the information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Fund. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale of Fund Shares shall under any circumstance imply that the information contained herein is correct as of any date after the date of this Prospectus.**

**Dealers effecting transactions in Fund Shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.**

SPDRSERESGPRO

The Trust's Investment Company Act Number is 811-08839.

------

**SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.**

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **SERIES TRUST (THE "TRUST")**

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

[October 31, 2025]

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus. With respect to each of the Trust's series listed below, this SAI should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses dated [October 31, 2025], as may be revised from time to time. Each of the foregoing prospectuses may be referred to herein as a "Prospectus."

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **EQUITY ETFs** | **TICKER** |
| SPDR DOW JONES REIT ETF | RWR |
| SPDR FACTSET INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ETF | XITK |
| SPDR GLOBAL DOW ETF | DGT |
| SPDR ICE PREFERRED SECURITIES ETF | PSK |
| SPDR MSCI USA STRATEGICFACTORS<sup>SM</sup> ETF | QUS |
| SPDR NYSE TECHNOLOGY ETF | XNTK |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 1500 COMPOSITE STOCK MARKET ETF | SPTM |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 400 MID CAP ETF | SPMD |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ETF | SPLG |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 GROWTH ETF | SPYG |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 HIGH DIVIDEND ETF | SPYD |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 VALUE ETF | SPYV |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 600 SMALL CAP ETF | SPSM |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P SECTOR NEUTRAL DIVIDEND ETF | SPDG |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000<sup>®</sup> LOW VOLATILITY FOCUS ETF | ONEV |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 MOMENTUM FOCUS ETF | ONEO |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 YIELD FOCUS ETF | ONEY |
| SPDR S&P 1500 MOMENTUM TILT ETF | MMTM |
| SPDR S&P 1500 VALUE TILT ETF | VLU |
| SPDR S&P 400 MID CAP GROWTH ETF | MDYG |
| SPDR S&P 400 MID CAP VALUE ETF | MDYV |
| SPDR S&P 500 FOSSIL FUEL RESERVES FREE ETF | SPYX |
| SPDR S&P 600 SMALL CAP GROWTH ETF | SLYG |
| SPDR S&P 600 SMALL CAP VALUE ETF | SLYV |
| SPDR S&P AEROSPACE & DEFENSE ETF | XAR |
| SPDR S&P BANK ETF | KBE |
| SPDR S&P BIOTECH ETF | XBI |
| SPDR S&P CAPITAL MARKETS ETF | KCE |
| SPDR S&P DIVIDEND ETF | SDY |
| SPDR S&P HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT ETF | XHE |
| SPDR S&P HEALTH CARE SERVICES ETF | XHS |
| SPDR S&P HOMEBUILDERS ETF | XHB |
| SPDR S&P INSURANCE ETF | KIE |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO CLEAN POWER ETF | CNRG |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO FINAL FRONTIERS ETF | ROKT |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO FUTURE SECURITY ETF | FITE |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO INTELLIGENT STRUCTURES ETF | SIMS |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO NEW ECONOMIES COMPOSITE ETF | KOMP |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO SMART MOBILITY ETF | HAIL |
| SPDR S&P METALS & MINING ETF | XME |
| SPDR S&P OIL & GAS EQUIPMENT & SERVICES ETF | XES |
| SPDR S&P OIL & GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION ETF | XOP |
| SPDR S&P PHARMACEUTICALS ETF | XPH |
| SPDR S&P REGIONAL BANKING ETF | KRE |
| SPDR S&P RETAIL ETF | XRT |
| SPDR S&P SEMICONDUCTOR ETF | XSD |
| SPDR S&P SOFTWARE & SERVICES ETF | XSW |
| SPDR S&P TELECOM ETF | XTL |
| SPDR S&P TRANSPORTATION ETF | XTN |

---

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **FIXED INCOME ETFs** | **TICKER** |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 1-10 YEAR TIPS ETF | TIPX |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 1-3 MONTH T-BILL ETF | BIL |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 3-12 MONTH T-BILL ETF | BILS |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES ETF | CWB |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG EMERGING MARKETS USD BOND ETF | EMHC |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG HIGH YIELD BOND ETF | JNK |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG INVESTMENT GRADE FLOATING RATE ETF | FLRN |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG SHORT TERM HIGH YIELD BOND ETF | SJNK |
| SPDR MARKETAXESS INVESTMENT GRADE 400 CORPORATE BOND ETF  | LQIG |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR NUVEEN ICE HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND ETF (formerly, SPDR NUVEEN BLOOMBERG HIGH YIELD <br> MUNICIPAL BOND ETF)<br>| HYMB |
| SPDR NUVEEN ICE MUNICIPAL BOND ETF (formerly, SPDR NUVEEN BLOOMBERG MUNICIPAL BOND ETF) | TFI |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR NUVEEN ICE SHORT TERM MUNICIPAL BOND ETF (formerly, SPDR NUVEEN BLOOMBERG SHORT TERM <br> MUNICIPAL BOND ETF)<br>| SHM |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO AGGREGATE BOND ETF | SPAB |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO CORPORATE BOND ETF | SPBO |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO HIGH YIELD BOND ETF | SPHY |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO INTERMEDIATE TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | SPIB |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO INTERMEDIATE TERM TREASURY ETF | SPTI |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO LONG TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | SPLB |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO LONG TERM TREASURY ETF | SPTL |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO MORTGAGE BACKED BOND ETF | SPMB |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO SHORT TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | SPSB |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO SHORT TERM TREASURY ETF | SPTS |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO TIPS ETF | SPIP |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO TREASURY ETF | SPTB |

---

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for each ETF: NYSE Arca, Inc.

Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. Copies of the Prospectus, the Trust's Form N-CSR filing and the Funds' Annual Reports to Shareholders dated June 30, 2025 may be obtained without charge by writing to State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, the Trust's principal underwriter (referred to herein as "Distributor" or "Principal Underwriter"), One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, by visiting the Trust's website at www.statestreet.com/im or by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, financial highlights and financial statements of the Funds included in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 are incorporated by reference into this SAI.

SPDRSERIESSAI

------

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 4 |
| [Investment Policies](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 6 |
| [Special Considerations and Risks](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_23) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 26 |
| [Investment Restrictions](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_32) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 35 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_34) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 37 |
| [Management of the Trust](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_35) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 38 |
| [Investment Advisory and Other Services](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_45) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 48 |
| [Brokerage Transactions](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_62) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 65 |
| [Book Entry Only System](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_66) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 69 |
| [Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_67) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 70 |
| [Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_78) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 81 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_86) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 89 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_87) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 90 |
| [Taxes](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_88) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 91 |
| [Capital Stock and Other Securities](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_97) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 100 |
| [Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_98) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 101 |
| [Local Market Holiday Schedules](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_98) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 101 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_cbfd3546-4564-4867-b090-e64b79315415_98) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 101 |
| [Appendices](#xx_1290f3d2-44c9-439e-8397-fa8470e41c46_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; A-1 |

---

------

**General Description of the Trust**

The Trust is an open-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 12, 1998 and consists of multiple investment series, including the Equity ETFs and Fixed Income ETFs (each, a "Fund" and, collectively, the "Funds"). The table below provides the establishment date for each Fund.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund Name** | **Establishment Date** |
| Equity ETFs |  |
| SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF | September 11, 2000 |
| SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF | May 27, 2015 |
| SPDR Global Dow ETF | September 11, 2000 |
| SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF | May 28, 2009 |
| SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors | November 12, 2014 |
| SPDR NYSE Technology ETF | September 11, 2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF | September 11, 2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF | September 11, 2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF | May 27, 2015 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | September 11, 2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | February 20, 2013 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF | May 18, 2023 |
| SPDR Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Low Volatility Focus ETF | August 26, 2015 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Momentum Focus ETF | August 26, 2015 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF | August 26, 2015 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF | June 23, 2011 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF | June 23, 2011 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF | August 26, 2015 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | September 11, 2000 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Bank ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | November 29, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | August 22, 2005 |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund Name** | **Establishment Date** |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF | November 29, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P Insurance ETF | August 22, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF | May 24, 2018 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF | May 24, 2018 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF | February 23, 2017 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF | February 23, 2017 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | May 24, 2018 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF | February 23, 2017 |
| SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Retail ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF | November 29, 2005 |
| SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Telecom ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| SPDR S&P Transportation ETF | February 27, 2006 |
| Fixed Income ETFs |  |
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | November 29, 2006 |
| SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF | June 18, 2020 |
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF | February 20, 2013 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF | May 29, 2008 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF | November 12, 2019 |
| SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF | November 28, 2007 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF | August 17, 2011 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF | August 17, 2011 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF | November 18, 2011 |
| SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate <br> Bond ETF<br>| November 9, 2021 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | February 24, 2010 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF | November 28, 2007 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF | November 29, 2006 |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund Name** | **Establishment Date** |
| SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF | November 29, 2006 |
| SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF | February 22, 2011 |
| SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF | February 10, 2012 |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF | May 29, 2008 |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | November 29, 2006 |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF | May 29, 2008 |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF | November 29, 2006 |
| SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF | May 29, 2008 |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF | November 29, 2006 |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF | November 29, 2006 |
| SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF | November 29, 2006 |
| SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF | February 22, 2024 |

---

The offering of each Fund's shares ("Shares") is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The investment objective of each Fund is to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return (or in the case of the Fixed Income ETFs, the price and yield performance) of a specified market index (each an "Index" and together the "Indexes"). SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser") serves as the investment adviser for each Fund and certain funds are sub-advised by a sub-adviser as further described herein (the "Sub-Adviser"). To the extent that a reference in this SAI refers to the "Adviser," such reference should also be read to refer to the Sub-Adviser where the context requires. State Street Investment Management, consisting of the Adviser and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation, is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation.

Each Fund offers and issues Shares at their net asset value (sometimes referred to herein as "NAV") only in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a "Creation Unit"). Each Fund generally offers and issues Shares in exchange for (i) a basket of securities designated by the Fund ("Deposit Securities") together with the deposit of a specified cash payment ("Cash Component") or (ii) a cash payment equal in value to the Deposit Securities ("Deposit Cash") together with the Cash Component. The primary consideration accepted by a Fund (i.e., Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash) is set forth under "Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units" later in this SAI. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a "cash in lieu" amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security and reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash (subject to applicable legal requirements). The Shares have been approved for listing and secondary trading on a national securities exchange (the "Exchange"). The Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices. These prices may differ from the Shares' net asset values. The Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and generally in exchange for either (i) portfolio securities and a specified cash payment or (ii) cash (subject to applicable legal requirements).

Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to a specified percentage of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities as set forth in the Participant Agreement (as defined below). See "Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units." The Trust may impose a transaction fee for each creation or redemption. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. In addition to the fixed creation or redemption transaction fee, an additional transaction fee of up to three times the fixed creation or redemption transaction fee and/or an additional variable charge may apply.

**Investment Policies**

Each Fund may invest in the following types of investments, consistent with its investment strategies and objective. Please see the Funds' Prospectus for additional information regarding its principal investment strategies.

------

**DIVERSIFICATION STATUS**

Each Fund (except the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF, SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF, SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF, and SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF) is classified as a "diversified" investment company under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment company, as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities would be held by the investment company.

The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF, SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF, SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF and SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF are each classified as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act. A "non-diversified" classification means that a Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act with regard to the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. This means that a Fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a diversified fund. The securities of a particular issuer may constitute a greater portion of an Index of a Fund and, therefore, the securities may constitute a greater portion of the Fund's portfolio. This may have an adverse effect on the Fund's performance or subject the Fund's Shares to greater price volatility than more diversified investment companies.

Each Fund seeks to track the performance of its respective Index. The composition of each Index may fluctuate between non-diversified and diversified solely due to changes in weightings of one or more Index components. As a result, a Fund's diversification status may also fluctuate between non-diversified and diversified depending on the composition of, and to approximately the same extent as, its respective Index. To the extent the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF becomes non-diversified due solely to changes in the composition of its Index, it will not seek shareholder approval if and when the Fund shifts from diversified to non-diversified.

Each Fund (whether diversified or non-diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act) intends to maintain the required level of diversification and otherwise conduct its operations so as to qualify as a "regulated investment company" ("RIC") for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), and to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent that its earnings are distributed to shareholders. Compliance with the diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may severely limit the investment flexibility of a Fund and may make it less likely that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

**ASSET-BACKED AND COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES**

Asset-backed securities are securities backed by installment contracts, credit-card receivables or other assets. Commercial mortgage-backed securities are securities backed by commercial real estate properties. Both asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities represent interests in "pools" of assets in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are made on a regular basis. The payments are, in effect, "passed through" to the holder of the securities (net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities). The average life of asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities varies with the maturities of the underlying instruments and, as a result of prepayments, can often be less than the original maturity of the assets underlying the securities. For this and other reasons, an asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed security's stated maturity may be shortened, and the security's total return may be difficult to predict precisely.

**BONDS**

A bond is an interest-bearing security issued by a company, governmental unit or, in some cases, a non-U.S. entity. The issuer of a bond has a contractual obligation to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the bond's face value) periodically or on a specified maturity date; provided, however, a zero coupon bond pays no interest to its holder during its life. The value of a zero coupon bond to a Fund consists of the difference between such bond's face value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which may be an amount significantly less than its face value (sometimes referred to as a "deep discount" price).

An issuer may have the right to redeem or "call" a bond before maturity, in which case the investor may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower market rates. Most bonds bear interest income at a "coupon" rate that is fixed for the life of the bond. The value of a fixed rate bond usually rises when market interest rates fall, and falls when market interest rates rise. Accordingly, a fixed rate bond's yield (income as a percent of the bond's current value) may differ from its coupon rate as its value rises or falls. Fixed rate bonds generally are also subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the value of the

------

bond or income from the bond will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. This could mean that, as inflation increases, the "real" value of the assets of a Fund holding fixed rate bonds can decline, as can the value of the Fund's distributions. Other types of bonds bear income at an interest rate that is adjusted periodically. Because of their adjustable interest rates, the value of "floating-rate" or "variable-rate" bonds fluctuates much less in response to market interest rate movements than the value of fixed rate bonds. A Fund may treat some of these bonds as having a shorter maturity for purposes of calculating the weighted average maturity of its investment portfolio. Bonds may be senior or subordinated obligations. Senior obligations generally have the first claim on a corporation's earnings and assets and, in the event of liquidation, are paid before subordinated obligations. Bonds may be unsecured (backed only by the issuer's general creditworthiness) or secured (also backed by specified collateral).

The investment return of corporate bonds reflects interest on the bond and changes in the market value of the bond. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the market place. There is a risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by such a security.

**COMMERCIAL PAPER**

Commercial paper consists of short-term, promissory notes issued by banks, corporations and other entities to finance short-term credit needs. These securities generally are discounted but sometimes may be interest bearing.

**COMMON STOCK**

Risks inherent in investing in equity securities include the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities and therefore a decrease in the value of Shares of the Fund). Common stock is susceptible to general stock market fluctuation and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies; inflation and interest rates; economic expansion or contraction; and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.

Holders of common stock incur more risk than holders of preferred stock and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the issuer, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or preferred stock issued by, the issuer. Further, unlike debt securities which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stock which typically has a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stock has neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.

**CONCENTRATION**

Each Fund will concentrate its investments in securities of issuers in the same industry as may be necessary to approximate the composition of the Fund's underlying Index. The securities of issuers in particular industries may dominate the benchmark Index of a Fund and consequently a Fund's investment portfolio. This may adversely affect a Fund's performance or subject its Shares to greater price volatility than that experienced by less concentrated investment companies. The Trust's general policy is to exclude securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities, and tax-exempt securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions (except to the extent that the income from a municipal bond is derived principally from the assets and revenues of non-governmental users) when measuring industry concentration.

In pursuing its objective, each Fund may hold the securities of a single issuer in an amount exceeding 10% of the market value of the outstanding securities of the issuer, subject to restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. In particular, as a Fund's size grows and its assets increase, it will be more likely to hold more than 10% of the securities of a single issuer if the issuer has a relatively small public float as compared to other components in its benchmark Index.

**CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING INVESTMENT IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES ISSUED BY PUERTO RICO**

Each Fund may invest in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ("Puerto Rico") municipal bonds and, therefore, may be impacted by political, economic, or regulatory developments that affect issuers in Puerto Rico and their ability to pay principal and interest on their obligations. Puerto Rico, the fourth largest of the Caribbean islands, is located

------

approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Puerto Rico's constitutional status is that of a territory of the United States, and, pursuant to the territorial clause of the U.S. Constitution, the ultimate source of power over Puerto Rico is the U.S. Congress. Residents of Puerto Rico are citizens of the United States but do not vote in national elections.

Protracted economic decline and population losses have directly impacted Puerto Rico's tax base and operating budget. Puerto Rico's operating budget became structurally unbalanced during the 2008 recession and, as a result, the government began relying on deficit financing for annual operations. This borrowing led to a tremendous debt burden, which is very high in comparison to that of most states. Further, Puerto Rico issues debt under many different securities, but many of the security pledges are ultimately dependent on the island's general fund, creating interdependency between credits.

In 2014, Puerto Rico's then-Governor declared that Puerto Rico's "debt is not payable" and Puerto Rico would no longer borrow to address annual budget deficits. Puerto Rico experienced its first debt default in 2015. On June 30, 2016, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act ("PROMESA") was signed into law, aimed at helping Puerto Rico restructure its debt. Among other things, PROMESA established the Financial and Oversight Management Board ("FOMB") to oversee Puerto Rico's financial operations and provide a legal framework for debt restructuring. As required by PROMESA, Puerto Rico must submit fiscal plans to the FOMB. The fiscal plans are required to provide estimates of revenues and expenditures, ensure funding for essential public services, provide adequate funding pensions, eliminate any structural deficits, provide for a sustainable debt burden, and improve fiscal governance, accountability and internal controls. The fiscal plans must also include a debt sustainability analysis and provide for capital investments necessary to promote economic growth. In addition, PROMESA legislation implemented a legal framework providing a court-supervised debt restructuring process that enables Puerto Rico to adjust its debt and pension obligations. PROMESA establishes two alternate procedures for debt restructuring. The Title III restructuring process incorporates by reference parts of the federal bankruptcy code for municipal entities and is a court-supervised debt-adjustment mechanism similar to the U.S. bankruptcy code's chapter 9. The Title VI framework creates a streamlined process to achieve debt restructuring through negotiated modifications of debt with the consent of a supermajority of creditors. If a supermajority of each pool of creditors approves a debt modification, the terms of the approved restructuring will apply to all other creditors within the pool.

In the first quarter of 2022, Puerto Rico's central government exited bankruptcy and executed a debt exchange, impacting the majority of outstanding bonded debt. Puerto Rico's bankruptcy court approved a consensually negotiated debt adjustment plan in January, followed by a debt exchange, which became effective in March 2022. The bankruptcy, which took nearly five years to complete, represents the largest ever municipal restructuring. The plan reduced Puerto Rico's direct debt obligations to $7.4 billion from $34.3 billion. Annual debt service (inclusive of Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (COFINA) sales tax bonds) was reduced to $1.15 billion from $4.2 billion. General Obligation ("GO") and Public Building Authority (PBA) bondholders received a consideration package of a proportional share of $7.4 billion in new General Obligations bonds, $7 billion in cash, and a proportional share of a new, taxable Contingent Value Instrument (CVI), which allows creditors to benefit from an annual payment if sales tax collection out-perform a benchmark schedule. The plan also consolidated debt issued under various security pledges into a single GO bond. As of April 2025, Puerto Rico's government does not have a credit rating. While Puerto Rico's major debt restructuring has concluded, there are several debt restructurings still pending, including the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company and Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), that each bring unique complexities. PROMESA requires FOMB to certify completion of four consecutive years of adopting balanced budgets and expenditures not exceeding revenues during those years, in accordance with modified accounting standards. No fiscal year has yet met this standard and 2024 may be the first qualifying year Although the FOMB Board was expected to be in place through 2028 until all debt restructurings are complete and certain requirements authorizing PROMESA legislation are met, in August 2025, President Trump terminated the majority of the board members, including the chairman, creating uncertainty regarding its future.

Puerto Rico's economy, historically dominated by government and manufacturing employment, experienced a 17% decrease in its real GNP between 2006 and 2017. Puerto Rico's real GNP is expected to have a period of near-zero growth between 2024 and 2026, but then experience a brief growth rebound in 2027 and 2028. Economic struggles, high unemployment, weak job growth and natural disasters have contributed to historic outmigration of Puerto Rican residents. At its peak, Puerto Rico had a population of more than 3.8 million. Between 2010 and 2020, the population declined 11.8%. Furthermore, it is estimated that the country experienced a 2% decline in population from April 2020 to July 2022.

Catastrophic physical damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, a series of earthquakes in 2020, and hurricane Fiona in 2022, coupled with the effects of COVID-19, resulted in a dramatic decline in the tourism industry, which makes up a substantial portion of the Puerto Rico's economy. As of June 2025, Puerto Rico's unemployment rate

------

stood at 5.5%, the lowest since 1947. The labor force participation rate has improved, at 41% in 2024, up from a historical average closer to 40%. Additionally, Puerto Rico's population has not dropped as steeply as initially forecasted, and is projected to be flat through 2029. Income levels in Puerto Rico are still about half of those in the United States, and over 40% of the Puerto Rican population lives below the poverty line. Nearly half of residents rely on Medicaid for healthcare. The challenge of sustaining economic growth is considerable given current wealth levels and demographic trends.

**CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES**

Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stock. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stock, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their "conversion value," which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stock and interest rates. When the underlying common stock declines in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stock rises in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stock. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

**EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS** 

Each Fund may invest in other exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (including ETFs managed by the Adviser). ETFs may be structured as investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, typically as open-end funds or unit investment trusts. These ETFs are generally based on specific domestic and foreign market securities indices. An "index-based ETF" seeks to provide investment results that match the performance of an index by holding in its portfolio either the contents of the index or a representative sample of the securities in the index. An "actively-managed ETF" invests in securities based on an adviser's investment strategy. An "enhanced ETF" seeks to provide investment results that match a positive or negative multiple of the performance of an underlying index. In seeking to provide such results, an ETF and, in particular, an enhanced ETF, may engage in short sales of securities included in the underlying index and may invest in derivatives instruments, such as equity index swaps, futures contracts, and options on securities, futures contracts, and stock indices. Alternatively, ETFs may be structured as grantor trusts or other forms of pooled investment vehicles that are not registered or regulated under the 1940 Act. These ETFs typically hold commodities, precious metals, currency or other non-securities investments. ETFs, like mutual funds, have expenses associated with their operation, such as advisory and custody fees. When a Fund invests in an ETF, in addition to directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, including the brokerage costs associated with the purchase and sale of shares of the ETF, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the ETF's expenses. In addition, it may be more costly to own an ETF than to directly own the securities or other investments held by the ETF because of ETF expenses. The risks of owning shares of an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities or other investments held by the ETF, although lack of liquidity in the market for the shares of an ETF could result in the ETF's value being more volatile than the underlying securities or other investments.

**FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS**

Each Fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) or forward basis (i.e., by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that

------

generally require a specific amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific date or range of dates in the future, although the Funds may also enter into non-deliverable currency forward contracts ("NDFs") that contractually require the netting of the parties' liabilities. Forwards, including NDFs, can have substantial price volatility. While foreign currency transactions on a spot and forward basis are exempt from the definition of "swap" under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA"), NDFs are not, and, thus, are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange. In the event that the parties to a forward contract agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, the contract is no longer exempt from the definition of "swap" under the CEA and shall be treated as a swap. At the discretion of the Adviser, the Funds may enter into forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes to help reduce the risks and volatility caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, or to gain exposure to certain currencies in an effort to track the composition of the applicable Index. When used for hedging purposes, they tend to limit any potential gain that may be realized if the value of a Fund's foreign holdings increases because of currency fluctuations.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS, OPTIONS AND SWAP AGREEMENTS**

Each Fund may invest in derivatives, including exchange-traded futures on indices, exchange-traded futures on Treasuries or Eurodollars, U.S. exchange-traded or over-the-counter ("OTC") put and call options contracts and exchange-traded or OTC swap transactions (including NDFs, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, excess return swaps, and credit default swaps).

<u>Futures and Options on Futures:</u> Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified commodity or security at a specified future time and at a specified price. Index futures contracts are settled daily with a payment by one party to the other of a cash amount based on the difference between the level of the index specified in the contract from one day to the next. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract originally was written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, physical delivery of these securities is not always made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes, as well as financial instruments, including, without limitation: U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; GNMA Certificates; three-month U.S. Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank certificates of deposit; Eurodollar certificates of deposit; the Australian Dollar; the Canadian Dollar; the British Pound; the Japanese Yen; the Swiss Franc; the Mexican Peso; and certain multinational currencies, such as the Euro. It is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Futures contracts are standardized as to maturity date and underlying instrument and are traded on futures exchanges.

The Funds may purchase and write (sell) call and put options on futures. Options on futures give the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price upon expiration of, or at any time during the period of, the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.

A Fund is required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or U.S. government securities (or other eligible collateral) with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin deposits which may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.

After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy price changes, additional payments will be required. Conversely, change in the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. In such case, a Fund would expect to earn interest income on its margin deposits. Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying commodity, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (involving the same exchange, underlying commodity,

------

security or index and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs also must be included in these calculations.

<u>Options:</u> A Fund may purchase and sell put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities and may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options on particular securities may be more volatile than the underlying securities, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying securities themselves.

<u>Short Sales</u> <u>"</u><u>Against the Box</u><u>"</u><u>:</u> The Funds may engage in short sales "against the box." In a short sale against the box, a Fund agrees to sell at a future date a security that it either contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire at no extra cost. If the price of the security has declined at the time the Fund is required to deliver the security, the Fund will benefit from the difference in the price. If the price of the security has increased, the Fund will be required to pay the difference.

<u>Swap Transactions:</u> Each Fund may enter into swap transactions, including interest rate swap, credit default swap, NDF, and total return swap transactions. Swap transactions are contracts between parties in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to the other party based on the change in market value or level of a specified rate, index or asset. In return, the other party agrees to make payments to the first party based on the return of a different specified rate, index or asset. Swap transactions will usually be done on a net basis, i.e., where the two parties make net payments with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or equivalents having an aggregate value at least equal to the accrued excess is maintained by the Fund. Swaps may be used in conjunction with other instruments to offset interest rate, currency or other underlying risks. For example, interest rate swaps may be offset with "caps," "floors" or "collars." A "cap" is essentially a call option which places a limit on the amount of floating rate interest that must be paid on a certain principal amount. A "floor" is essentially a put option which places a limit on the minimum amount that would be paid on a certain principal amount. A "collar" is essentially a combination of a long cap and a short floor where the limits are set at different levels.

The use of swap transactions by a Fund entails certain risks, which may be different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the securities and other investments that are the referenced asset for the swap agreement. Swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques, risk analyses, and tax planning different from those associated with stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index, but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all the possible market conditions. Because some swap transactions have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate, or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the swap itself. Certain swaps have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

Bilateral OTC transactions differ from exchange-traded or cleared derivatives transactions in several respects. Bilateral OTC transactions are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation. Without the availability of a clearing corporation, bilateral OTC transaction pricing is normally done by reference to information from market makers and/or available index data, which information is carefully monitored by the Adviser and verified in appropriate cases. As bilateral OTC transactions are entered into directly with a dealer, there is a risk of nonperformance by the dealer as a result of its insolvency or otherwise. Under regulations adopted by the CFTC and federal banking regulators ("Margin Rules"), a Fund is required to post collateral (known as variation margin) to cover the mark-to-market exposure in respect of its uncleared swaps. The Margin Rules also mandate that collateral in the form of initial margin be posted to cover potential future exposure attributable to uncleared swap transactions. In the event a Fund is required to post collateral in the form of initial margin or variation margin in respect of its uncleared swap transactions, all such collateral will be posted with a third party custodian pursuant to a triparty custody agreement between the Fund, its dealer counterparty and an unaffiliated custodian.

The requirement to execute certain OTC derivatives contracts on exchanges or electronic trading platforms called swap execution facilities ("SEFs") may offer certain advantages over traditional bilateral OTC trading, such as ease of execution, price transparency, increased liquidity and/or favorable pricing. However, SEF trading may make it more difficult and costly for a Fund to enter into highly tailored or customized transactions and may result in additional costs and risks. Market participants such as the Funds that execute derivatives contracts through a SEF, whether directly or through a broker intermediary, are required to submit to the jurisdiction of the SEF and comply with SEF and CFTC rules and regulations

------

which impose, among other things disclosure and recordkeeping obligations. In addition, a Fund will generally incur SEF or broker intermediary fees when it trades on a SEF. A Fund may also be required to indemnify the SEF or broker intermediary for any losses or costs that may result from the Fund's transactions on the SEF.

<u>Total Return Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into total return swap transactions for investment purposes. Total return swaps are transactions in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of the underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or security indexes during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate of the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swaps may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market, including in cases in which there may be disadvantages associated with direct ownership of a particular security. In a typical total return equity swap, payments made by a Fund or the counterparty are based on the total return of a particular reference asset or assets (such as an equity security, a combination of such securities, or an index). That is, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, basket of stocks, or stock index in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, for example, the index receiver can gain exposure to stocks making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those stocks. Total return swaps involve not only the risk associated with the investment in the underlying securities, but also the risk of the counterparty not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.

<u>Credit Default Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into credit default swap transactions for investment purposes. A credit default swap transaction may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. A Fund may be either the protection buyer or protection seller in the transaction. Credit default swaps may also be structured based on the debt of a basket of issuers, rather than a single issuer, and may be customized with respect to the default event that triggers purchase or other factors. As a protection seller, a Fund would generally receive an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap, which typically is between six months and three years, provided that there is no credit event. If a credit event occurs, generally the protection seller must pay the protection buyer the full face amount of the reference obligations that may have little or no value. If a Fund were a protection buyer and no credit event occurred during the term of the swap, the Fund would recover nothing if the swap were held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurred, the protection buyer may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of the reference obligation that may have little or no value. Where a Fund is the protection buyer, credit default swaps involve the risk that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund in the event of a default. The purchase of credit default swaps involves costs, which will reduce a Fund's return.

<u>Currency Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into currency swap transactions for investment purposes. Currency swaps are similar to interest rate swaps, except that they involve multiple currencies. A Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has exposure to one currency and desires exposure to a different currency. Typically, the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. In addition to paying and receiving amounts at the beginning and end of the transaction, both sides will have to pay in full on a periodic basis based upon the currency they have borrowed. Change in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.

<u>Interest Rate Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into an interest rate swap in an effort to protect against declines in the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. In such an instance, the Fund may agree to pay a fixed rate (multiplied by a notional amount) while a counterparty agrees to pay a floating rate (multiplied by the same notional amount). If interest rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value.

<u>Options on Swaps:</u> An option on a swap agreement, or a "swaption," is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. In return, the purchaser pays a "premium" to the seller of the contract. The seller of the contract receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes on the underlying swap. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions. A Fund may also enter into swaptions on either an asset-based or liability-based basis, depending on whether the Fund is hedging its assets or its liabilities. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions to the same extent it may make use of standard options on securities or other instruments. A Fund may enter into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its holdings, as a duration management technique, to protect against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or for any other purposes, such as for speculation to increase returns. Swaptions are generally subject to the same risks involved in a Fund's use of options.

------

Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When a Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.

<u>Government Regulation:</u> The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") that was signed into law on July 21, 2010 created a new statutory framework that comprehensively regulated the OTC derivatives markets for the first time. Prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, the OTC derivatives markets were traditionally traded on a bilateral basis (so-called "bilateral OTC transactions"). Under the Dodd-Frank Act, certain OTC derivatives transactions are now required to be centrally cleared and traded on SEFs.

On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 (the "Derivatives Rule") under the 1940 Act which replaced prior SEC and staff guidance with an updated, comprehensive framework for registered funds' use of derivatives. The Derivatives Rule permits a Fund to enter into derivatives transactions and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of "senior securities" under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Derivatives Rule requires the Funds to trade derivatives and certain other instruments that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, develop and implement a derivatives risk management program and new testing requirements, and comply with new requirements related to board and SEC reporting. These requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user," as defined in the Derivatives Rule. Complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of a Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. Other new regulations could adversely affect the value, availability and performance of certain derivative instruments, may make them more costly, and may limit or restrict their use by the Funds.

<u>Regulation Under the Commodity Exchange Act:</u> Each Fund intends to use commodity interests, such as futures, swaps and options on futures in accordance with Rule 4.5 of the CEA. A Fund may use exchange-traded futures and options on futures, together with positions in cash and money market instruments, to simulate full investment in its underlying Index. Exchange-traded futures and options on futures contracts may not be currently available for an Index. Under such circumstances, the Adviser may seek to utilize other instruments that it believes to be correlated to the applicable Index components or a subset of the components. An exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" has been claimed with respect to each series of the Trust in accordance with Rule 4.5 such that registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA is not necessary.

<u>Restrictions on Trading in Commodity Interests:</u> Each Fund reserves the right to engage in transactions involving futures, options thereon and swaps to the extent allowed by the CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with a Fund's policies.

Certain additional risk factors related to derivatives are discussed below:

<u>Derivatives Risk:</u> Under recently adopted rules by the CFTC, transactions in some types of interest rate swaps and index credit default swaps on North American and European indices are required to be cleared. In addition, the CFTC may promulgate additional regulations that require clearing of other classes of swaps. In a cleared derivatives transaction (which includes futures, options on futures, and cleared swaps transactions), a Fund's counterparty is a clearing house (such as CME, ICE Clear Credit or LCH.Clearnet), rather than a bank or broker. Since each Fund is not a member of a clearing house and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, a Fund holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members, who are futures commission merchants that are members of the clearing houses and who have the appropriate regulatory approvals to engage in cleared derivatives transactions. A Fund makes and receives payments owed under cleared derivatives transactions (including margin payments) through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house. In contrast to bilateral OTC transactions, clearing members generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time and increases in margin above the margin that it required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions and to terminate transactions in accordance with their rules. Any such increase or termination could interfere with the ability of a Fund to pursue its investment strategy. Also, a Fund is subject to execution risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or that the Advisor expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund's behalf. While the documentation in place between a Fund and its clearing members generally provides that the clearing members will accept for clearing all transactions submitted for clearing that are within credit limits specified by the clearing members in advance, the Fund could be

------

subject to this execution risk if the Fund submits for clearing transactions that exceed such credit limits, if the clearing house does not accept the transactions for clearing, or if the clearing members do not comply with their agreement to clear such transactions. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of any increase in the value of the transaction after the time of the transaction. In addition, new regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund or increasing margin or capital requirements. If a Fund is not able to enter into a particular derivatives transaction, the Fund's investment performance and risk profile could be adversely affected as a result.

<u>Counterparty Risk:</u> Counterparty risk with respect to OTC derivatives may be affected by new regulations promulgated by the CFTC and SEC affecting the derivatives market. As described under "Derivatives Risk" above, all futures and options on futures and some swap transactions are required to be cleared, and a party to a cleared derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared derivatives position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivative transaction. Clearing members are required to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to cleared derivatives transactions from the clearing member's proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are generally held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account, and the clearing broker may also invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. Also, the clearing member transfers to the clearing house the amount of margin required by the clearing house for cleared derivatives transactions, which amounts are generally held in the relevant omnibus account at the clearing house for all customers of the clearing member.

For commodities futures positions, the clearing house may use all of the collateral held in the clearing member's omnibus account to meet a loss in that account, without regard to which customer in fact supplied that collateral. Accordingly, in addition to bearing the credit risk of its clearing member, each customer to a futures transaction also bears "fellow customer" risk from other customers of the clearing member. However, with respect to cleared swaps positions, recent regulations promulgated by the CFTC require that the clearing member notify the clearing house of the amount of initial margin provided by the clearing member to the clearing house that is attributable to each customer. Because margin in respect of cleared swaps must be earmarked for specific clearing member customers, the clearing house may not use the collateral of one customer to cover the obligations of another customer. However, if the clearing member does not provide accurate reporting, a Fund is subject to the risk that a clearing house will use the Fund's assets held in an omnibus account at the clearing house to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing house. In addition, clearing members may generally choose to provide to the clearing house the net amount of variation margin required for cleared swaps for all of its customers in the aggregate, rather than the gross amount for each customer.

**FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS**

A Fund may take advantage of opportunities in the area of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, warrants, swaps and any other investments which are not presently contemplated for use by the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Fund's investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Before entering into such transactions or making any such investment, a Fund will provide appropriate disclosure.

**HIGH YIELD SECURITIES**

Investment in high yield securities (commonly known as "junk" bonds) generally provides greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and credit risk. These high yield securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of debt securities that are high yield may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities. In addition, high yield securities are often issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged (indebted) firms, but can also be issued by governments. Such issuers are generally less able than more financially stable issuers to make scheduled payments of interest and principal. The risks posed by securities issued under such circumstances are substantial.

------

Investing in high yield debt securities involves risks that are greater than the risks of investing in higher quality debt securities. These risks include: (i) changes in credit status, including weaker overall credit conditions of issuers and risks of default; (ii) industry, market and economic risk; and (iii) greater price variability and credit risks of certain high yield securities such as zero coupon and payment-in-kind securities. While these risks provide the opportunity for maximizing return over time, they may result in greater volatility of the value of a Fund than a fund that invests in higher-rated securities.

Furthermore, the value of high yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic, company or industry conditions than is the case for higher quality securities. The market values of certain of these lower-rated and unrated debt securities tend to reflect individual issuer developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates, and tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher-rated securities. Adverse market, credit or economic conditions could make it difficult at certain times to sell certain high yield securities held by a Fund.

The secondary market on which high yield securities are traded may be less liquid than the market for higher grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the price at which a Fund could sell a high yield security, and could adversely affect the daily net asset value per share of a Fund. When secondary markets for high yield securities are less liquid than the market for higher grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because there is less reliable, objective data available.

The use of credit ratings as a principal method of selecting high yield securities can involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield securities. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last rated.

**ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS**

Each Fund may invest in illiquid investments. A Fund may not acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment means any investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If illiquid investments exceed 15% of a Fund's net assets, certain remedial actions will be taken as required by Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act and the Funds' policies and procedures.

**INFLATION-PROTECTED OBLIGATIONS**

Each Fund may invest in inflation-protected public obligations, commonly known as "TIPS," of the U.S. Treasury, as well as TIPS of major governments and emerging market countries, excluding the United States. TIPS are a type of security issued by a government that are designed to provide inflation protection to investors. TIPS are income-generating instruments whose interest and principal payments are adjusted for inflation—a sustained increase in prices that erodes the purchasing power of money. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond, follows a designated inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index. A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises or falls, both the principal value and the interest payments will increase or decrease. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of an investment. Because of this inflation adjustment feature, inflation-protected bonds typically have lower yields than conventional fixed-rate bonds.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES**

Each Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including affiliated funds and money market funds, subject to applicable limitations under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1), a Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the "acquired company") provided that the Fund, immediately after such purchase or acquisition, does not own in the aggregate: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; (ii) securities issued by the acquired company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (iii) securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies (other than Treasury stock of the Fund) having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. To the extent allowed by law, regulation, and/or a Fund's investment restrictions, a Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies, including affiliated funds and/or money market funds, in excess of the limits discussed above.

------

If a Fund invests in and, thus, is a shareholder of, another investment company, the Fund's shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by such other investment company, including advisory fees, in addition to both the management fees payable directly by the Fund to the Fund's own investment adviser and the other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with the Fund's own operations.

**INVESTMENTS IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY STRUCTURES**

Each Fund may gain investment exposure to certain Chinese companies through variable interest entity ("VIE") structures. Such investments are subject to the investment risks associated with the Chinese-based company. The VIE structure enables foreign investors, such as the Funds, to obtain investment exposure to a Chinese company in situations in which the Chinese government has limited or prohibited non-Chinese ownership of such company. The VIE structure does not involve direct equity ownership in a China-based company, but rather involves claims to the China-based company's profits and control of the assets that belong to the China-based company through contractual arrangements. The contractual arrangements in place with the China-based company provide limited ability to exercise control over the China-based company and the China-based company's actions may negatively impact the value of an investment through a VIE structure. Control may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds an equity interest in the China-based company breaches the terms of the contractual arrangements or is subject to legal proceedings, or if any physical instruments such as chops and seals are used without authorization.

Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to the VIE structure could significantly affect the Chinese operating company's performance and thus, the value of a Fund's investment through a VIE structure, as well as the enforceability of the contractual arrangements of the VIE structure. In the event of such an occurrence, a Fund, as a foreign investor, may have little or no legal recourse. If the Chinese government were to determine that the contractual arrangements establishing the VIE structure did not comply with Chinese law or regulations, the Chinese operating company could be subject to penalties, revocation of its business and operating license, or forfeiture of ownership interests. In addition to the risk of government intervention, investments through a VIE structure are subject to the risk that the China-based company (or its officers, directors, or Chinese equity owners) may breach the contractual arrangements, or Chinese law changes in a way that adversely affects the enforceability of the arrangements, or the contracts are otherwise not enforceable under Chinese law, in which case a Fund may suffer significant losses on its investments through a VIE structure with little or no recourse available.

**LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES**

Each Fund may lend portfolio securities to certain creditworthy borrowers in U.S. and non-U.S. markets in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets. The borrowers provide collateral that is marked to market daily in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned. A Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the securities loaned. A Fund receives the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned securities. A Fund cannot vote proxies for securities on loan, but may recall loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Fund's economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Efforts to recall such securities promptly may be unsuccessful, especially for foreign securities or thinly traded securities. Distributions received on loaned securities in lieu of dividend payments (i.e., substitute payments) would not be considered qualified dividend income.

With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, a Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in certain high quality short-term instruments either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser. A Fund could lose money due to a decline in the value of collateral provided for loaned securities or any investments made with cash collateral. Certain non-cash collateral or investments made with cash collateral may have a greater risk of loss than other non-cash collateral or investments.

A Fund may pay a portion of the interest or fees earned from securities lending to a borrower as described above, and to one or more securities lending agents approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") who administer the lending program for the Funds in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. In such capacity, the lending agent provides the following services to the Funds in connection with the Funds' securities lending activities: (i) locating borrowers among an approved list of prospective borrowers; (ii) causing the delivery of loaned securities from a Fund to borrowers; (iii) monitoring the value of loaned securities, the value of collateral received, and other lending parameters; (iv) seeking additional collateral, as necessary, from borrowers; (v) receiving and holding collateral from borrowers, and

------

facilitating the investment and reinvestment of all or substantially all cash collateral in an investment vehicle designated by the Funds; (vi) returning collateral to borrowers; (vii) facilitating substitute dividend, interest, and other distribution payments to the Funds from borrowers; (viii) negotiating the terms of each loan of securities, including but not limited to the amount of any loan premium, and monitoring the terms of securities loan agreements with prospective borrowers for consistency with the requirements of the Funds' Securities Lending Authorization Agreement; (ix) selecting securities, including amounts (percentages), to be loaned; (x) recordkeeping and accounting servicing; and (xi) arranging for return of loaned securities to the Fund in accordance with the terms of the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), an affiliate of the Trust, has been approved by the Board to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds and the Trust has entered into an agreement with State Street for such services. Among other matters, the Trust has agreed to indemnify State Street for certain liabilities. State Street has received an order of exemption from the SEC under Sections 17(a) and 12(d)(1) under the 1940 Act to serve as the lending agent for affiliated investment companies such as the Trust and to invest the cash collateral received from loan transactions to be invested in an affiliated cash collateral fund.

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including operational risk (i.e., the risk of losses resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process especially so in certain international markets such as Taiwan), "gap" risk (i.e., the risk of a mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees a Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), risk of loss of collateral, credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. If a securities lending counterparty were to default, a Fund would be subject to the risk of a possible delay in receiving collateral or in recovering the loaned securities, or to a possible loss of rights in the collateral. In the event a borrower does not return a Fund's securities as agreed, the Fund may experience losses if the proceeds received from liquidating the collateral do not at least equal the value of the loaned security at the time the collateral is liquidated, plus the transaction costs incurred in purchasing replacement securities. Although State Street has agreed to provide a Fund with indemnification in the event of a borrower default, a Fund is still exposed to the risk of losses in the event a borrower does not return a Fund's securities as agreed. For example, delays in recovery of lent securities may cause a Fund to lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price.

**LEVERAGING**

While the Funds do not anticipate doing so, a Fund may borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets. However, under normal circumstances, a Fund will not borrow money from a bank in an amount greater than 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets. Borrowing for investment purposes is one form of leverage. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk, but also increases investment opportunity. Because substantially all of a Fund's assets will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowings may be fixed, the NAV of a Fund will increase more when such Fund's portfolio assets increase in value and decrease more when the Fund's portfolio assets decrease in value than would otherwise be the case. Moreover, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the returns on the borrowed funds.

**MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES**

The term "U.S. agency mortgage pass-through security" refers to a category of pass-through securities backed by pools of mortgages and issued by one of several U.S. government-sponsored enterprises: Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"). In the basic mortgage pass-through structure, mortgages with similar issuer, term and coupon characteristics are collected and aggregated into a "pool" consisting of multiple mortgage loans. The pool is assigned a CUSIP number and undivided interests in the pool are traded and sold as pass-through securities. The holder of the security is entitled to a pro rata share of principal and interest payments (including unscheduled prepayments) from the pool of mortgage loans.

An investment in a specific pool of pass-through securities requires an analysis of the specific prepayment risk of mortgages within the covered pool (since mortgagors typically have the option to prepay their loans). The level of prepayments on a pool of mortgage securities is difficult to predict and can impact the subsequent cash flows and value of the mortgage pool. In addition, when trading specific mortgage pools, precise execution, delivery and settlement arrangements must be negotiated for each transaction. These factors combine to make trading in mortgage pools somewhat cumbersome.

------

For the foregoing and other reasons, the SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF and SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF may seek to obtain exposure to U.S. agency mortgage pass-through securities through the use of "to-be-announced" or "TBA transactions." "TBA" refers to a commonly used mechanism for the forward settlement of U.S. agency mortgage pass-through securities, and not to a separate type of mortgage-backed security. Transactions in mortgage pass-through securities may occur through the use of TBA transactions. TBA transactions generally are conducted in accordance with widely-accepted guidelines which establish commonly observed terms and conditions for execution, settlement and delivery. In a TBA transaction, the buyer and seller decide on general trade parameters, such as agency, settlement date, par amount, and price. The actual pools delivered generally are determined two days prior to settlement date. Each Fund intends to use TBA transactions in several ways. For example, each Fund expects that it will regularly enter into TBA agreements and "roll over" such agreements prior to the settlement date stipulated in such agreements. This type of TBA transaction is sometimes known as a "TBA roll." In a TBA roll, a Fund generally will sell the obligation to purchase the pools stipulated in the TBA agreement prior to the stipulated settlement date and will enter into a new TBA agreement for future delivery of pools of mortgage pass-through securities. In addition, a Fund may enter into TBA agreements and settle such transactions on the stipulated settlement date by accepting actual receipt or delivery of the pools of mortgage pass-through securities stipulated in the TBA agreement.

Default by or bankruptcy of a counterparty to a TBA transaction would expose a Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools of mortgage pass-through securities specified in the TBA transaction. To minimize this risk, a Fund will enter into TBA transactions only with established counterparties (such as major broker-dealers) and the Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such counterparties. In addition, a Fund may accept assignments of TBA transactions from Authorized Participants (as defined below) from time to time. A Fund's use of TBA rolls may cause the Fund to experience higher portfolio turnover, higher transaction costs and to pay higher capital gain distributions to shareholders (which may be taxable) than the other Funds described herein.

The SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF and SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF intend to invest cash pending settlement of any TBA transactions in money market instruments, repurchase agreements, commercial paper (including asset-backed commercial paper) or other high-quality, liquid short-term instruments, which may include money market funds affiliated with the Adviser.

**MUNICIPAL SECURITIES**

Municipal securities are securities issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies or authorities. Municipal securities share the attributes of debt/fixed income securities in general, but are generally issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies or authorities. The municipal securities which the Funds may purchase include general obligation bonds and limited obligation bonds (or revenue bonds), including industrial development bonds issued pursuant to former federal tax law. General obligation bonds are obligations involving the credit of an issuer possessing taxing power and are payable from such issuer's general revenues and not from any particular source. Limited obligation bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Tax-exempt industrial development bonds generally are also revenue bonds and thus are not payable from the issuer's general revenues. The credit and quality of industrial development bonds are usually related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal of such bonds is the responsibility of the corporate user (and/or any guarantor).

Some longer-term municipal securities give the investor the right to "put" or sell the security at par (face value) within a specified number of days following the investor's request—usually one to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security's liquidity by shortening its effective maturity and enables it to trade at a price equal to or very close to par. If a demand feature terminates prior to being exercised, a Fund would hold the longer-term security, which could experience substantially more volatility. The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds. This means that it may be harder to buy and sell municipal securities, especially on short notice, than non-municipal securities. There may also be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of municipal securities than for public corporations. This means that it may be harder to buy and sell municipal securities, especially on short notice, and municipal securities may be more difficult for the Funds to value accurately than securities of public corporations. A Fund that invests a significant portion of its portfolio in municipal securities, such as the SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF, SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF and SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (the "Municipal Bond ETFs"), may have greater exposure to liquidity risk than a fund that invests in non-municipal securities. In addition, the

------

municipal securities market is generally characterized as a buy and hold investment strategy. As a result, the accessibility of municipal securities in the market is generally greater closer to the original date of issue of the securities and lessens as the securities move further away from such issuance date.

Municipal securities are subject to credit and market risk. Generally, prices of higher quality issues tend to fluctuate more with changes in market interest rates than prices of lower quality issues and prices of longer maturity issues tend to fluctuate more than prices of shorter maturity issues.

Prices and yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including general money-market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer, general conditions of the municipal security market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. A number of these factors, including the ratings of particular issues, are subject to change from time to time. Information about the financial condition of an issuer of municipal securities may not be as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded. As a result, municipal securities may be more difficult to value than securities of public corporations.

Obligations of issuers of municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Congress or state legislatures may seek to extend the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or to impose other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. In addition, municipal securities are subject to the risk that their tax treatment could be changed by Congress or state legislatures, thereby affecting the value of outstanding municipal securities. There is also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of issuers to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal on their municipal securities may be materially affected or their obligations may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Such litigation or conditions may from time to time have the effect of introducing uncertainties in the market for municipal securities or certain segments thereof, or of materially affecting the credit risk with respect to particular bonds. Adverse economic, business, legal or political developments might affect all or a substantial portion of a Fund's municipal securities in the same manner.

<u>Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation:</u> Also included within the general category of municipal securities described in the Municipal Bond ETFs' Prospectus are municipal leases, certificates of participation in such lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called "Municipal Lease Obligations") of municipal authorities or entities. Although a Municipal Lease Obligation does not constitute a general obligation of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing power is pledged, a Municipal Lease Obligation is ordinarily backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the Municipal Lease Obligation. However, certain Municipal Lease Obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In the case of a "non-appropriation" lease, a Fund's ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property, without recourse to the general credit of the lessee, and disposition or releasing of the property might prove difficult.

<u>Municipal Insurance:</u> A municipal security may be covered by insurance that guarantees the bond's scheduled payment of interest and repayment of principal. This type of insurance may be obtained by either (i) the issuer at the time the bond is issued (primary market insurance), or (ii) another party after the bond has been issued (secondary market insurance).

Both primary and secondary market insurance guarantee timely and scheduled repayment of all principal and payment of all interest on a municipal security in the event of default by the issuer, and cover a municipal security to its maturity, enhancing its credit quality and value.

Municipal security insurance does not insure against market fluctuations or fluctuations in a Fund's share price. In addition, a municipal security insurance policy will not cover: (i) repayment of a municipal security before maturity (redemption), (ii) prepayment or payment of an acceleration premium (except for a mandatory sinking fund redemption) or any other provision of a bond indenture that advances the maturity of the bond, or (iii) nonpayment of principal or interest caused by negligence or bankruptcy of the paying agent. A mandatory sinking fund redemption may be a provision of a municipal security issue whereby part of the municipal security issue may be retired before maturity.

Because a significant portion of the municipal securities issued and outstanding is insured by a small number of insurance companies, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the securities insured by that insurance company and on the municipal markets as a whole.

------

<u>Municipal Market Disruption Risk:</u> The value of municipal securities may be affected by uncertainties in the municipal market related to legislation or litigation involving the taxation of municipal securities or the rights of municipal securities holders in the event of a bankruptcy. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal securities are introduced before Congress from time to time. Proposals also may be introduced before state legislatures that would affect the state tax treatment of a municipal fund's distributions. If such proposals were enacted, the availability of municipal securities and the value of a municipal fund's holdings would be affected, and the Trustees would reevaluate a Municipal Bond ETF's investment objectives and policies. Municipal bankruptcies are relatively rare, and certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear and remain untested. Further, the application of state law to municipal issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal securities issuers within a state. These legal uncertainties could affect the municipal securities market generally, certain specific segments of the market, or the relative credit quality of particular securities. Any of these effects could have a significant impact on the prices of some or all of the municipal securities held by a Fund.

**OTHER SHORT-TERM INSTRUMENTS**

Each Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, (including money market funds advised by the Adviser), cash and cash equivalents, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may include but are not limited to: (i) shares of money market funds (including those advised by the Adviser); (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (iii) negotiable certificates of deposit ("CDs"), bankers' acceptances, fixed time deposits and other obligations of U.S. and foreign banks (including foreign branches) and similar institutions; (iv) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase "Prime-1" by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") or "A-1" by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P"), or if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (v) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that present minimal credit risk; and (vi) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of the Adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by a Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or a forward-settled basis. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers' acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions. Money market instruments also include shares of money market funds. The SEC and other government agencies continue to review the regulation of money market funds. The SEC has adopted changes to the rules that govern money market funds over the years, most recently in July 2023. Legislative developments may also affect money market funds. These changes and developments may affect the investment strategies, performance, yield, operating expenses and continued viability of a money market fund.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES**

Preferred securities pay fixed or adjustable rate interest or dividends to investors, and are generally senior to common stock, but may be subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure and therefore may be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. There is no assurance that interest payments, dividends or distributions on the preferred securities in which a Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. In the case of preferred stock, in order to be payable, distributions on preferred securities must be declared by the issuer's board of directors. The market value of preferred securities may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting companies in the utilities and financial services sectors, which are prominent issuers of preferred securities, and by actual and anticipated changes in tax laws.

Because the claim on an issuer's earnings represented by preferred securities may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, a Fund's holdings of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced and the Fund would be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.

**PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES**

Each Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements and, accordingly, are subject to restrictions on resale as a matter of contract or under federal securities laws. While such private placements may offer attractive opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so purchased are often "restricted securities," i.e., securities which cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or which are not readily marketable because they are

------

subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act.

Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. Market quotations for such securities are generally less readily available than for publicly traded securities. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a market value for such securities for purposes of computing a Fund's net asset value, and the judgment of the Adviser may at times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of publicly traded securities. Disposing of such securities, which may be illiquid investments, can involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult or impossible for a Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. A Fund may have to bear the extra expense of registering such securities for resale and the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration.

A Fund may be deemed to be an "underwriter" for purposes of the Securities Act when selling restricted securities to the public, and in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers of such securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.

**RATINGS**

An investment grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment grade by Moody's, S&P, Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch"), Morningstar DBRS, or another credit rating agency designated as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization by the SEC, or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser.

Subsequent to purchase by a Fund, a rated security may cease to be rated or its investment grade rating may be reduced below an investment grade rating. Bonds rated lower than Baa3 by Moody's or BBB- by S&P or Fitch are below investment grade quality and are obligations of issuers that are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal according to the terms of the obligation and, therefore, carry greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy and increased market price volatility. Such securities ("lower rated securities") are commonly referred to as "junk" bonds and are subject to a substantial degree of credit risk. Lower rated securities are often issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged (indebted) firms, which are generally less able than more financially stable firms to make scheduled payments of interest and principal. The risks posed by securities issued under such circumstances are substantial. Bonds rated below investment-grade tend to be less marketable than higher-quality bonds because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated bonds is even narrower. See "HIGH YIELD SECURITIES" above for more information relating to the risks associated with investing in lower rated securities, or Appendix A for more information on the ratings of debt instruments.

**REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITs")**

REITs pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income producing real estate or real estate loans or interests. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year. REITs can generally be classified as Equity REITs, Mortgage REITs and Hybrid REITs. Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages, derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs. The Funds will not invest in real estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies. However, the Funds may be subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate (in addition to securities markets risks) to the extent they invest in the securities of companies in the real estate industry. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependency on management skill, heavy cash flow dependency, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting

------

from the clean-up of environmental problems, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, the appeal of properties to tenants and changes in interest rates. Investments in REITs may subject Fund shareholders to duplicate management and administrative fees.

In addition to these risks, Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, Equity and Mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and Mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, Equity and Mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for the beneficial tax treatment available to REITs under the Internal Revenue Code, or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower's or a lessee's ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting investments.

**REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS** 

Each Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires a financial instrument (e.g., a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next Business Day—as defined below). A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by a Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.

In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by a Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Custodian until repurchased. No more than an aggregate of 15% of a Fund's net assets will be invested in illiquid investments, including repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.

The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, a Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by a Fund not within the control of the Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.

**REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS**

Each Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which involve the sale of securities with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment and have the characteristics of borrowing. The securities purchased with the funds obtained from the agreement and securities collateralizing the agreement will have maturity dates no later than the repayment date. Generally the effect of such transactions is that a Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while in many cases a Fund is able to keep some of the interest income associated with those securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if a Fund has an opportunity to earn a greater rate of interest on the cash derived from these transactions than the interest cost of obtaining the same amount of cash. Opportunities to realize earnings from the use of the proceeds equal to or greater than the interest required to be paid may not always be available and a Fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only when the Adviser believes it will be advantageous to the Fund. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may exaggerate any interim increase or decrease in the value of a Fund's assets. A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements if it either meets the relevant asset coverage requirements of Section 18 of the 1940 Act for senior securities representing indebtedness, or elects to treat such arrangements as derivatives transactions under the Derivatives Rule. Each Fund does not expect to engage, under normal circumstances, in reverse repurchase agreements with respect to more than 10% of its total assets.

------

**SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS**

Sovereign debt obligations are issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their agencies. Sovereign debt may be in the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan participations. Governmental entities responsible for repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and pay interest when due, and may require renegotiation or reschedule of debt payments. In addition, prospects for repayment of principal and payment of interest may depend on political as well as economic factors. Although some sovereign debt, such as Brady Bonds, is collateralized by U.S. Government securities, repayment of principal and payment of interest is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

**U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS**

U.S. Government obligations are a type of bond. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

One type of U.S. Government obligation, U.S. Treasury obligations, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years.

Other U.S. Government obligations are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government including, but not limited to, Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLB"), Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. While the U.S. Government provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will always do so, since the U.S. Government is not so obligated by law.

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, placing the two federal instrumentalities in conservatorship. Under the terms of the takeover, the U.S. Treasury agreed to acquire $1 billion of senior preferred stock of each instrumentality and obtained warrants for the purchase of common stock of each instrumentality. Under these Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements ("SPAs"), the U.S. Treasury has pledged to provide a limited amount of capital per instrumentality as needed, including the contribution of cash capital to the instrumentalities in the event their liabilities exceed their assets. In May 2009, the U.S. Treasury increased its maximum commitment to each instrumentality under the SPAs from $100 billion to $200 billion per instrumentality. In December 2009, the U.S. Treasury amended the SPAs to provide Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with some additional flexibility to meet the requirement to reduce their mortgage portfolios. Also in December 2009, the U.S. Treasury further amended the SPAs to allow the cap on the U.S. Treasury's funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's net worth through the end of 2012. On August 17, 2012, the U.S. Treasury announced that it was again amending the SPAs to terminate the requirement that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each pay a 10% dividend annually on all amounts received under the funding commitment. Instead, they were required to transfer to the U.S. Treasury on a quarterly basis all profits earned during a quarter that exceeded a capital reserve amount of $3 billion. On September 30, 2019, the U.S. Treasury announced amendments to the SPAs permitting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to maintain capital reserves of $25 billion and $20 billion, respectively. It is believed that the amendment puts Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a better position to service their debt because the companies no longer have to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to make fixed dividend payments.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the subject of several continuing class action lawsuits and investigations by federal regulators over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may adversely affect the guaranteeing entities. Importantly, the future of the entities is in serious question as the U.S. government reportedly is considering multiple options, ranging from nationalization, privatization, consolidation, or abolishment of the entities.

------

**U.S. REGISTERED SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS**

Investing in U.S. registered, dollar-denominated, securities issued by non-U.S. issuers involves some risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions of the flow of international capital. Foreign companies may be subject to less governmental regulation than U.S. issuers. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.

A Fund's investment in equity securities of foreign corporations may also be in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") (collectively "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary Receipts are receipts, typically issued by a bank or trust company, which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. For ADRs, the depository is typically a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a foreign issuer. For other Depositary Receipts, the depository may be a foreign or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a foreign or a U.S. issuer. Depositary Receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designated for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Fund may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts.

**VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES**

Variable rate securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by entities such as (1) U.S. Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities or states and multi-state agencies or authorities, (3) corporations, (4) financial institutions, (5) insurance companies or (6) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals but less frequently than annually. A variable rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Variable rate obligations whose interest is readjusted no less frequently than annually will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate. A Fund may also purchase floating rate securities. A floating rate security provides for the automatic adjustment of its interest rate whenever a specified interest rate changes. Interest rates on these securities are ordinarily tied to, and are a percentage of, a widely recognized interest rate, such as the yield on 90-day U.S. Treasury bills or the prime rate of a specified bank. These rates may change as often as twice daily. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and fixed rate floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed rate fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and fixed rate floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed rate fixed income securities.

**VARIABLE RATE DEMAND OBLIGATIONS**

Variable rate demand obligations ("VRDOs") are short-term tax-exempt fixed income instruments whose yield is reset on a periodic basis. VRDO securities tend to be issued with long maturities of up to 30 or 40 years; however, they are considered short-term instruments because they include a put feature which coincides with the periodic yield reset. For example, a VRDO whose yield resets weekly will have a put feature that is exercisable upon seven days' notice. VRDOs are put back to a bank or other entity that serves as a liquidity provider, who then tries to resell the VRDOs or, if unable to resell, holds them in its own inventory. VRDOs are generally supported by either a Letter of Credit or a Stand-by Bond Purchase Agreement to provide credit enhancement.

**WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES**

Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to a Fund until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, a Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, a Fund may be disadvantaged.

------

Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by a Fund are subject to changes in market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates — i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Therefore, if a Fund purchases securities on a "when-issued" basis, there may be a greater possibility of fluctuation in the Fund's NAV.

**Special Considerations and Risks**

A discussion of the risks associated with an investment in each Fund is contained in the Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.

**GENERAL**

Investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of a Fund's portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of securities generally and other factors.

An investment in a Fund should also be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the securities markets may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of Shares). Securities are susceptible to general market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic and banking crises. Securities of issuers traded on exchanges may be suspended on certain exchanges by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by government authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and instruments that reference the securities, such as participatory notes (or "P-notes") or other derivative instruments, may be halted.

The principal trading market for some of the securities in an Index may be in the over-the-counter market. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of a Fund's Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for a Fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent or if bid/ask spreads are wide.

**CHINA BOND RISK**

The SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF may invest in renminbi ("RMB") denominated fixed income securities of Chinese issuers ("China bonds"). To the extent the Fund's underlying Index includes China bonds, the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective is dependent on its continued access to such bonds. The Fund may invest in China bonds (i) through direct access to the China Interbank Bond Market ("CIBM"), (ii) through certain foreign institutional investors that have obtained a license from the Chinese regulators, and (iii) through Bond Connect, a program that provides foreign investors with access to China's onshore bond market.

<u>CIBM Direct Access Program Risks:</u> The CIBM is an OTC market established in 1997, and accounts for more than 95% of outstanding bond values of the total trading volume in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC"). On CIBM, domestic institutional investors and certain foreign institutional investors can trade, on a one-to-one quote-driven basis, sovereign bonds, government bonds, corporate bonds, bond repo, bond lending, bills issued by the People's Bank of China ("PBOC") and other financial debt instruments. Pursuant to the Announcement (2016) No. 3 issued by the PBOC on February 24, 2016, eligible foreign institutional investors can conduct trading on the CIBM under a program established by the PBOC ("CIBM Direct Access Program") subject to other rules and regulations as promulgated by the PRC authorities. There is no trading quota limitation.

CIBM is regulated and supervised by the PBOC. The PBOC is responsible for, among others, promulgating the applicable CIBM listing, trading and operating rules, and supervising the market operators of CIBM. Bonds and bond-related derivatives are traded in the CIBM primarily through (i) independent bilateral negotiation on a transaction by transaction

------

basis or (ii) through the "click-and-deal" trading model, whereby a party offers a quote in the market that can then be accepted by a counterparty (thus, "clicking" the "deal"). A "click-and-deal" quote may also be automatically matched with a price limit order. In addition, recently an "anonymous click" trading model has been implemented for certain bonds and bond-related derivatives whereby anonymous quotes offered in the market are automatically matched with counterparties based on timing and price. Once a transaction is agreed upon, the parties will, in accordance with the terms of the transaction, promptly send instructions for the delivery of bonds and funds. Parties are required to have sufficient bonds and funds for delivery on the agreed upon delivery date. China Central Depository & Clearing Co., Ltd ("CCDC") or Shanghai Clearing House ("SHCH") will deliver bonds according to the instructions sent by the parties. Fund clearing banks will handle the transfer and settlement of the payments of the bonds on behalf of the parties. The China Foreign Exchange Trading System is the unified trading platform for CIBM.

The Fund's investments in China bonds through the CIBM Direct Access Program will be subject to a number of additional risks and restrictions that may affect the Fund's investments and returns. Certain of these risks are discussed below.

The CIBM Direct Access Program is relatively new. Laws, rules, regulations, policies, notices, circulars or guidelines relating to the CIBM Direct Access Program as published or applied by the PBOC and other PRC authorities are relatively untested and are subject to change from time to time. There can be no assurance that the CIBM Direct Access Program will not be restricted, suspended or abolished. If such event occurs, the Fund's ability to invest in the CIBM through the CIBM Direct Access Program will be adversely affected, and if the Fund is unable to adequately access the CIBM through other means, the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective will be adversely affected.

Under the prevailing PRC regulations, eligible foreign institutional investors who wish to invest directly in CIBM through the CIBM Direct Access Program may do so through an onshore settlement agent, who would be responsible for making the relevant filings and account opening with the relevant authorities. The Fund is therefore subject to the risk of default or errors on the part of such agent.

<u>QFI Investment Risk:</u> In May 2020. the Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor ("RQFII") and Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor ("QFII") regimes were combined resulting in a unified set of rules applicable to all RQFIIs and QFIIs by the Chinese regulators (collectively referred to as "Qualified Foreign Investor" or "QFI") Investment companies, such as the Fund, are not currently within the types of entities that are eligible for QFI license. Rather, the Fund may utilize the Adviser's QFI license granted under QFI regulations to invest in China bonds.

It is possible that the Adviser's QFI status could be suspended or revoked. Pursuant to PRC and QFI regulations, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange ("SAFE") and the China Securities Regulatory Commission ("CSRC") are vested with the power to impose regulatory sanctions if the Adviser, in its capacity as QFI, or the PRC custodian violates any provision of the QFI regulations. Any such violations could result in the revocation of the Adviser's QFI license or other regulatory sanctions and may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to invest in China bonds. The Adviser is also subject to regulation by certain Hong Kong regulatory authorities, including the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. Regulatory matters arising from such regulation could also adversely affect the Adviser's QFI license and ability to provide advisory services, generally.

There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue to maintain its QFI status. In the event the Adviser is unable to maintain its QFI status, it may be necessary for the Fund to limit or suspend creations of Creation Units. In such event it is possible that the trading price of the Fund's Shares on its Exchange will be at a significant premium to the NAV (which may also increase tracking error of the Fund). In extreme circumstances, the Fund may incur significant loss due to limited investment capabilities, or may not be able fully to implement or pursue its investment objectives or strategies, due to QFI investment restrictions, illiquidity of the PRC securities markets, and delay or disruption in execution of trades or in settlement of trades.

The regulations which regulate investments by QFIs in the PRC and the repatriation of capital from QFI investments are relatively new. The application and interpretation of such investment regulations are therefore relatively untested and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied as the PRC authorities and regulators have been given wide discretion in such investment regulations and there is no precedent or certainty as to how such discretion may be exercised now or in the future. Existing QFI regulations may change over time and new QFI regulations may be promulgated in the future and no assurance can be given that any such changes will not adversely affect the Fund or its ability to achieve its investment objective.

------

<u>Bond Connect Risks:</u> The "Mutual Bond Market Access between Mainland China and Hong Kong" ("Bond Connect") program is a new initiative established by PBOC, China Foreign Exchange Trade System & National Interbank Funding Centre ("CFETS"), CCDC, SHCH, and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited ("HKEx") and Central Moneymarkets Unit ("CMU") of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") to facilitate investor's investments between the Mainland China and Hong Kong bond markets through connection between the Mainland China and Hong Kong financial institutions.

Under the prevailing PRC regulations, eligible foreign investors are allowed to invest in the bonds available on the CIBM through the northbound trading of Bond Connect ("Northbound Trading Link"). There is currently no investment quota for the Northbound Trading Link. The Northbound Trading Link refers to the trading platform that is located outside of Mainland China and is connected to CFETS for eligible foreign investors to submit their trade requests for bonds circulated in the CIBM through Bond Connect. HKEx and CFETS work together with offshore electronic bond trading platforms to provide electronic trading services and platforms to allow direct trading between eligible foreign investors and approved onshore dealers in Mainland China through CFETS. Under the Northbound Trading Link, eligible foreign investors are required to appoint the CFETS or other institutions recognized by the PBOC as registration agents to apply for registration with the PBOC.

Pursuant to the prevailing regulations in Mainland China, the CMU, the offshore custody agent recognized by the HKMA, opens omnibus nominee accounts with the onshore custody agent recognized by the PBOC (i.e., the CCDC and SHCH). All bonds traded by eligible foreign investors will be registered in the name of the CMU, which will hold such bonds as a nominee owner.

Bond Connect is relatively new. Laws, rules, regulations, policies, notices, circulars or guidelines relating to Bond Connect as published or applied by any of the Bond Connect Authorities (as defined below) are relatively untested and are subject to change. "Bond Connect Authorities" refers to the exchanges, trading systems, settlement systems, governmental, regulatory or tax bodies which provide services and/or regulate Bond Connect and activities relating to Bond Connect, including, without limitation, the PBOC, the HKMA, the HKEx, the CFETS, the CMU, the CCDC and the SHCH and any other regulator, agency or authority with jurisdiction, authority or responsibility in respect of Bond Connect. There can be no assurance that Bond Connect will not be restricted, suspended or abolished. If such event occurs, the Fund's ability to invest in the CIBM through Bond Connect may be adversely affected, and if the Fund is unable to adequately access the CIBM through other means, the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective may be adversely affected.

Under the prevailing Bond Connect regulations, eligible foreign investors who wish to participate in Bond Connect may do so through an offshore custody agent, registration agent or other third parties (as the case may be), who would be responsible for making the relevant filings and account opening with the relevant authorities. The Fund is therefore subject to the risk of default or errors on the part of such agents.

Trading through Bond Connect is performed through newly developed trading platforms and operational systems. There is no assurance that such systems will function properly (in particular, under extreme market conditions) or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in the market. In the event that the relevant systems fail to function properly, trading through Bond Connect may be disrupted. The Fund's ability to trade through Bond Connect (and hence to pursue its investment strategy) may therefore be adversely affected. In addition, where the Fund invests in the CIBM through Bond Connect, it may be subject to risks of delays inherent in the order placing and/or settlement.

The CMU is the "nominee holder" of the bonds acquired by the Fund through Bond Connect. While Bond Connect Authorities have expressly stated that investors will enjoy the rights and interests of the bonds acquired through Bond Connect similar to investors in bond interests acquired through more traditional means in accordance with applicable laws, the exercise and the enforcement of beneficial ownership rights in such bonds in the Chinese courts has yet to be tested. As a result, for example, though the HKMA has stated otherwise in its Frequently Asked Questions relating to Bond Connect, it is possible that in the event that the nominee holder becomes insolvent, such bonds may be deemed to form part of the pool of assets of the nominee holder available for distribution to its creditors thereby subjugating the rights of the Fund.

<u>Chinese Credit Rating Risks:</u> China bonds will generally be rated by Chinese ratings agencies (and not by U.S. nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations ("NRSROs")). The rating criteria and methodology used by Chinese rating agencies may be different from those adopted by NRSROs and international credit rating agencies. Therefore, such rating systems may not provide an equivalent standard for comparison with securities rated by NRSROs and international credit rating agencies.

------

<u>Market Risks:</u> The Fund investing in the CIBM will be subject to liquidity and volatility risks. Market volatility and potential lack of liquidity due to possible low trading volume of certain bonds in the CIBM may result in prices of certain bonds traded in the CIBM fluctuating significantly. The bid and offer spreads of the prices of such bonds may be large, and the Fund may therefore incur significant trading and realization costs and may even suffer losses when selling such investments. To the extent that the Fund transacts in the CIBM, the Fund may also be exposed to risks associated with settlement procedures and default of counterparties. The counterparty which has entered into a transaction with the Fund may default in its obligation to settle the transaction by failure to deliver relevant securities or to make payment.

**General PRC-Related Risks** 

<u>Economic, Political and Social Risks of the PRC:</u> The economy of China, which has been in a state of transition from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy, differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, its state of development, its growth rate, control of foreign exchange, protection of intellectual property rights and allocation of resources.

Although the majority of productive assets in China are still owned by the PRC government at various levels, in recent years, the PRC government has implemented economic reform measures emphasizing utilization of market forces in the development of the economy of China and a high level of management autonomy. The economy of China has experienced significant growth in the past several decades, but growth has been uneven both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and no assurance can be given that such growth will continue. Economic growth has also been accompanied by periods of high inflation. The PRC government has implemented various measures from time to time to control inflation and restrain the rate of economic growth.

There can, however, be no assurance that the PRC government will continue to pursue such economic policies or, if it does, that those policies will continue to be successful. Any such adjustment and modification of those economic policies may have an adverse impact on the securities markets in the PRC as well as the portfolio securities of the Fund. Further, the PRC government may from time to time adopt corrective measures to control the growth of the PRC economy, which may also have an adverse impact on the capital growth and performance of the Fund. Political changes, social instability and adverse diplomatic developments in the PRC could result in the imposition of additional government restrictions, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxes, limits on repatriation, or nationalization of some or all of the property held by the underlying issuers of the Fund's portfolio securities.

<u>PRC Laws and Regulations Risk:</u> The regulatory and legal framework for capital markets and companies in the PRC may not be as well developed as those of developed countries. PRC laws and regulations affecting securities markets are relatively new and evolving, and because of the limited volume of published cases and judicial interpretation and their non-binding nature, interpretation and enforcement of these regulations involve significant uncertainties. In addition, as the PRC legal system develops, no assurance can be given that changes in such laws and regulations or new laws, regulations or practices relating to transactions in Chinese securities will be promulgated, or that their interpretation or enforcement will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund's portfolio securities.

In addition, the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system is unpredictable, such as changes to the existing regulatory environment and government scrutiny in certain areas, uncertain interpretation and implementation of existing laws or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. For instance, China has tightened regulatory requirements with respect to privacy, data protection and information security, and has promulgated new regulations and policy to regulate certain industries in the past year, which may in turn impact the business operation of the underlying issuers of a Fund's portfolio securities. The rapid evolving legal system of China may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's portfolio securities.

<u>PRC Tax Risk:</u> Uncertainties in PRC tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in China bonds could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The Fund's investments in China bonds may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by the PRC. The Ministry of Finance of the PRC and the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC issued Caishui No. 108 on November 7, 2018, which states that bond interests derived from investment in the China bond market (including through CIBM, a QFI license or Bond Connect) by foreign investors will be temporarily exempt from withholding income tax and value added tax. According to the Announcement on Continuation of Corporate Income Tax and Value-added Tax Policies for Overseas Institutions Investing in the Domestic Bond Market (Announcement [2021] No. 34), which was jointly made by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on November 22, 2021, the temporary exemption applies to the withholding tax and value-

------

added tax on bond interest derived from investment in the China bond market by foreign institutional investors and will continue until December 31, 2025. If, in the future, China begins applying tax rules regarding the taxation of investment in China bonds by foreign investors, and/or begins collecting withholding and other taxes on interest derived by such investment, the Fund's return might be adversely affected.

<u>Political Tension Risk:</u> Recently there have been heightened tensions in international economic relations and rising political tensions. In particular, political tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by the United States against China, among other things, imposition of tariffs on a substantial quantity of Chinese imports; the imposition of sanctions on an expanded number of Chinese companies for their support of China's military industrial complex or alleged human rights violations; enhanced reviews by CFIUS of foreign direct investments in the United States by Chinese companies; the detention by US Customs and Border Protection of products made in Xinjiang involving alleged human rights violations; and the enhancement of extensive export controls on the semiconductor industry, as well as countersanctions or countermeasures from the PRC government that have been triggered or expected to be triggered. Rising political tensions could reduce levels of trade, investments and other economic activities between the two major economies, and any escalation thereof may have a negative impact on the general, economic, political, and social conditions in China and, in turn, adversely impact a Fund's portfolio securities.

**CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RISK**

An investment in a Fund may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to a Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. A Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which a Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates, will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser may have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of a Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest.

**CONTINUOUS OFFERING** 

The method by which Creation Units of Shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of Shares are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to Shares of a Fund are reminded that under Securities Act Rule 153, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that a Fund's Prospectus is available at the Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.

------

SSGA FM or its affiliates (the "Selling Shareholder") may purchase Creation Units through a broker-dealer to "seed" (in whole or in part) Funds as they are launched, or may purchase shares from broker-dealers or other investors that have previously provided "seed" for a Fund when they were launched or otherwise in secondary market transactions, and because the Selling Shareholder may be deemed an affiliate of such Funds, the Shares are being registered to permit the resale of these shares from time to time after purchase. The Funds will not receive any of the proceeds from the resale by the Selling Shareholders of these Shares.

The Selling Shareholder intends to sell all or a portion of the Shares owned by it and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more broker-dealers, and may also hedge such positions. The Shares may be sold on any national securities exchange on which the Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, in the over-the-counter market or in transactions other than on these exchanges or systems at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve cross or block transactions.

The Selling Shareholder may also loan or pledge Shares to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Shares, to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Selling Shareholder may also enter into options or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of Shares, which Shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell.

The Selling Shareholder and any broker-dealer or agents participating in the distribution of Shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions paid to any such broker-dealer or agent and any profit on the resale of the Shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The Selling Shareholder who may be deemed an "underwriter" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the applicable prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

**COUNTERPARTY RISK**

Counterparty risk with respect to derivatives has been and may continue to be affected by new rules and regulations affecting the derivatives market. Some derivatives transactions are required to be centrally cleared, and a party to a cleared derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivatives transaction. Credit risk of market participants with respect to derivatives that are centrally cleared is concentrated in a few clearing houses, and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted, what effect the insolvency proceeding would have on any recovery by a Fund, and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system more generally.

**FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS** 

There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract or option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a futures or options position. In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. In such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a Fund may be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts it has sold.

Each Fund will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures or options contract by only entering into futures and options for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.

The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or uncovered call options in some strategies (e.g., selling uncovered index futures contracts) is potentially unlimited. The Funds do not plan to use futures and options contracts, when available, in this manner. The risk of a futures position may still be large as traditionally measured due to the low margin deposits required. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. A Fund, however, may utilize futures and options contracts in a manner designed to limit its risk exposure to that which is comparable to what it would have incurred through direct investment in securities.

------

Utilization of futures transactions by a Fund involves the risk of imperfect or even negative correlation to its benchmark Index if the index underlying the futures contracts differs from the benchmark Index or if the futures contracts do not track the benchmark Index as expected. There is also the risk of loss by a Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom a Fund has an open position in the futures contract or option.

Certain financial futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The "daily price fluctuation limit" or "daily limit" establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, generally no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.

**RISKS OF SWAP AGREEMENTS** 

Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the swap counterparty will default on its obligations. If such a default occurs, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund's rights as a creditor.

The use of interest-rate and index swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index, but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. These transactions generally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal.

The absence of a regulated execution facility or contract market and lack of liquidity for swap transactions has led, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared derivatives transaction, a Fund's counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Funds are not members of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, each Fund holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, a Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less favorable to a Fund than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, a Fund may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to bilateral derivatives transactions, in some cases following a period of notice to a Fund, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time or an increase in margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to terminate transactions at any time in accordance with their rules. A Fund is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which SSGA FM expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund's behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between a Fund and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Fund than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.

These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations, as applicable to swaps, are relatively new and evolving, so their potential impact on a Fund and the financial system are not yet known.

------

Because they are two party contracts that may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid and subject to a Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid investments. To the extent that a swap is not liquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Like most other investments, swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a Fund's interest.

If a Fund uses a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the Fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund investments. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.

**EUROPE – RECENT EVENTS** 

A number of countries in Europe, including Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have substantial government debt levels. The concern over these debt levels has led to volatility in the European financial markets, which has adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect every country in Europe. For some countries, the ability to repay sovereign debt is in question, and default is possible, which could affect their ability to borrow in the future. Several countries have agreed to multi-year bailout loans from the European Central Bank, the IMF, and other institutions. A default or debt restructuring by any European country can adversely impact holders of that country's debt and can affect exposures to other European Union ("EU") countries and their financial companies as well. These financial difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within or outside Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences.

Uncertainties regarding the viability of the EU have impacted and may continue to impact markets in the United States and around the world. On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom ("UK") formally withdrew from the EU (commonly known as "Brexit"). An agreement between the UK and the EU governing their future trade relationship became effective January 1, 2021, but that agreement does not include an agreement on financial services, and it is unlikely that such agreement will be concluded. Moreover, the UK government has started a program of financial services law reform with the ultimate aim of repealing many EU financial services laws that were assimilated into UK law from January 1, 2021, and replacing them with legislation or rules made by the UK government or financial services regulators. Accordingly, uncertainty remains in certain areas as to the future relationship between the UK and the EU. Brexit has already had a significant impact on the UK, Europe, and global economies, and could continue to result in volatility and illiquidity, legal, political, economic and regulatory uncertainties and lower economic growth for these economies that could in turn have an adverse effect on the value of a Fund's investments. Any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, or the abandonment of the euro, may cause additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.

**MARKET TURBULENCE RESULTING FROM INFECTIOUS ILLNESS**

A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as COVID-19, may lead to governments and businesses world-wide taking aggressive measures, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations. As occurred in the wake of COVID-19, the spread of such an illness may result in the disruption of and delays in the delivery of healthcare services and processes, the cancellation of organized events and educational institutions, the disruption of production and supply chains, a decline in consumer demand for certain goods and services, and general concern and uncertainty, all of which may contribute to increased volatility in global markets. COVID-19, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations, the global economy, individual companies, sectors and industries, and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. In addition, the impact of infectious diseases in developing or emerging market countries may be greater due to limited health care resources. Political, economic and social stresses caused by infectious illness also may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries. The duration of such an illness and its effects cannot be determined at this time, but the effects could be present for an extended period of time.

------

**RUSSIA SANCTIONS RISK**

Sanctions threatened or imposed by a number of jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and other intergovernmental actions that have been or may be undertaken in the future, against Russia, Russian entities or Russian individuals, may result in the devaluation of Russian currency, a downgrade in the country's credit rating, an immediate freeze of Russian assets, a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities, property or interests, and/or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy or a Fund. The scope and scale of sanctions in place at a particular time may be expanded or otherwise modified in a way that have negative effects on a Fund. Sanctions, or the threat of new or modified sanctions, could impair the ability of a Fund to buy, sell, hold, receive, deliver or otherwise transact in certain affected securities or other investment instruments. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or other actions in response, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. These sanctions, and the resulting disruption of the Russian economy, may cause volatility in other regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, which could have a negative effect on the performance of a Fund, even if a Fund does not have direct exposure to securities of Russian issuers. As a collective result of the imposition of sanctions, Russian government countermeasures and the impact that they have had on the trading markets for Russian securities, certain Funds have used, and may in the future use, fair valuation procedures approved by the Fund's Board to value certain Russian securities, which could result in such securities being deemed to have a zero value.

A reduction in liquidity of certain Fund holdings as a result of sanctions and related actions may cause a Fund to experience increased premiums or discounts to its NAV and/or wider bid-ask spreads. Additionally, if it becomes impracticable or unlawful for a Fund to hold securities subject to, or otherwise affected by, sanctions, or if deemed appropriate by the Fund's investment adviser, the Fund may prohibit in-kind deposits of the affected securities in connection with creation transactions and instead require a cash deposit, which may also increase the Fund's transaction costs.

**TAX RISKS**

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares of a Fund will be taxed. The tax information in the Prospectus and this SAI is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares of a Fund.

Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-advantaged retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when a Fund makes distributions or you sell Shares.

**UNDERLYING INDICES OF THE S&P KENSHO NEW ECONOMIES COMPOSITE INDEX** 

The S&P Kensho New Economies Composite Index is comprised of U.S.-listed equity securities (including depositary receipts) of companies domiciled across developed and emerging markets worldwide. The Index is designed to capture companies whose products and services are driving innovation and transforming the global economy through the use of existing and emerging technologies, and rapid developments in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, connectedness and processing power ("New Economies companies"). In particular, the Index comprises the components included in the New Economy Subsector Indexes (each, an "Underlying Index") developed by Kensho Technologies, Inc. Each Underlying Index is comprised of securities of New Economies companies in a specific sector. As of the date of this SAI, the Underlying Indexes include S&P Kensho Advanced Transport Systems Index, S&P Kensho Wearables Index, S&P Kensho Robotics Index, S&P Kensho Autonomous Vehicles Index, S&P Kensho Cleantech Index, S&P Kensho Cyber Security Index, S&P Kensho 3D Printing Index, S&P Kensho Smart Borders Index, S&P Kensho Genetic Engineering Index, S&P Kensho Drones Index, S&P Kensho Clean Energy Index, S&P Kensho Smart Grids Index, S&P Kensho Smart Buildings Index, S&P Kensho Space Index, S&P Kensho Nanotechnology Index, S&P Kensho Virtual Reality Index, S&P Kensho Future Payments Index, S&P Kensho Enterprise Collaboration Index, S&P Kensho Electric Vehicles Index, S&P Kensho Alternative Finance Index, S&P Kensho Digital Communities Index, S&P Kensho Distributed Ledger Index, S&P Kensho Digital Health Index, S&P Kensho Smart Factories Index, and S&P Kensho Sustainable Farming Index.

------

**Investment Restrictions**

The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to each Fund. These restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund means the vote, at an annual or a special meeting of the security holders of the Trust, of the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Except with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, each Fund may not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Concentrate its investments in securities of issuers in the same industry, except as may be necessary to approximate the composition of the Fund's underlying Index;<sup>(1)</sup>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Make loans to another person except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Issue senior securities or borrow money except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Invest directly in real estate unless the real estate is acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not preclude the Fund from investing in companies that deal in real estate or in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with the Fund's purchase and sale of portfolio securities; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Invest in commodities except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. With respect to the Municipal Bond ETFs, invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments the income of which is exempt from federal income tax.

In addition to the investment restrictions adopted as fundamental policies as set forth above, each Fund observes the following restrictions, which may be changed by the Board without a shareholder vote. Each Fund will not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control, provided that the Trust may vote the investment securities owned by the Fund in accordance with its views.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. With respect to each Fund, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise its relevant Index. Securities that have economic characteristics substantially identical to the economic characteristics of the securities that comprise the Index are included within this 80% investment policy for Fixed Income ETFs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. With respect to the SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF, SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF and SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF, invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in bonds that are rated below investment grade. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF, and SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in debt securities. Prior to any change in a Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. With respect to the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF and SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in U.S. Treasury bills. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<sup>(1)</sup>

The SEC Staff considers concentration to involve more than 25% of a fund's assets to be invested in an industry or group of industries.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF, SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF, SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF and SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in U.S. Treasury securities. Prior to any change in a Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF and SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in inflation-indexed debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury Department and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF, invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in mortgage backed bonds. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice. For purposes of this policy, TBA Transactions are considered mortgage backed securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. With respect to the SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF, invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in convertible securities. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. With respect to the SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF, invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investment grade floating rate securities. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF and SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF, invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in corporate bonds. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. With respect to SPDR Global Dow ETF and SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF, each Fund will not invest in securitized instruments (including asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, or asset-backed commercial paper) or sweep excess cash into any non-governmental money market fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. With respect to the SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF, under normal circumstances invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of companies that do not own fossil fuel reserves. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF, under normal circumstances invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of large-capitalization companies. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF, under normal circumstances invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of mid-capitalization companies. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF, under normal circumstances invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of small-capitalization companies. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF, under normal circumstances invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18. With respect to the SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in dividend-paying companies. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19. With respect to the SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of clean power companies. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20. With respect to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21. With respect to the SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in preferred securities. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22. With respect to the SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investment grade corporate bonds. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23. With respect to the SPDR S&P Dividend ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in dividend-paying companies. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

The Funds define the foregoing terms in accordance with the definition of such terms per the applicable Index. If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect to the borrowing of money will be observed continuously. With respect to the limitation on borrowing, in the event that a subsequent change in net assets or other circumstances cause a Fund to exceed its limitation, the Fund will take steps to bring the aggregate amount of borrowing back within the limitations within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays).

The 1940 Act currently permits each Fund to loan up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. With respect to borrowing, the 1940 Act presently allows each Fund to: (1) borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, (2) borrow money for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the time of the loan, and (3) enter into reverse repurchase agreements. However, under normal circumstances any borrowings by a Fund will not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, with appropriate asset coverage. With respect to investments in commodities, the 1940 Act presently permits the Funds to invest in commodities in accordance with investment policies contained in its prospectus and SAI. Any such investment shall also comply with the CEA and the rules and regulations thereunder. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company's ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every investment company have the fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Funds will not purchase or sell real estate, except that a Fund may invest in companies that deal in real estate (including REITs) or in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate.

**Exchange Listing and Trading**

A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in a Fund is contained in the Prospectus under "PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION" and "ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION." The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Prospectus.

The Shares of each Fund are approved for listing and trading on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance. Shares trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to some degree from their net asset value. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of Shares of a Fund will continue to be met.

------

The Exchange may consider the suspension of trading in, and may initiate delisting proceedings of, the Shares of a Fund under any of the following circumstances: (i) if the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act; (ii) if the Fund no longer complies with the applicable listing requirements set forth in the Exchange's rules; (iii) if, following the initial twelve-month period after commencement of trading on the Exchange of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial holders of the Fund; or (iv) if such other event shall occur or condition exists which, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the Shares from listing and trading upon termination of a Fund.

The Trust reserves the right to adjust the Share price of a Fund in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund or an investor's equity interest in the Fund.

As in the case of other publicly traded securities, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

The base and trading currencies of each Fund is the U.S. dollar. The base currency is the currency in which a Fund's net asset value per Share is calculated and the trading currency is the currency in which Shares of a Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange.

**Management of the Trust**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "MANAGEMENT."

**BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES**

The management and affairs of the Trust and its series, including the Funds described in this SAI, are overseen by the Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described in this SAI, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.

Like most mutual funds, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Distributor, Administrator, and Sub-Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trust's service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, *i.e*., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Funds. The Funds and their service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each service provider is responsible for one or more discrete aspects of the Trust's business (*e.g.*, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of a Fund's portfolio investments) and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Funds' service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.

The Trustees' role in risk oversight begins before the inception of a Fund, at which time the Fund's Adviser and, if applicable, Sub-Adviser presents the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies and risks of the Fund, as well as proposed investment limitations for the Fund. Additionally, the Fund's Adviser and Sub-Adviser provide the Board with an overview of, among other things, their investment philosophies, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructures. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of the Adviser and other service providers, such as the Fund's independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which a Fund may be exposed.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis, in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, respectively, the Board meets with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the Adviser's and Sub-Adviser's adherence to each Fund's investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about each Fund's investments.

------

The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues. At least annually, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust's policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.

The Board receives reports from the Funds' service providers regarding operational risks and risks related to the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. Regular reports are made to the Board concerning investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of each Fund's financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the Fund and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Fund's internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund management's implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board also oversees the Trust's internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trust's financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust's financial statements.

From their review of these reports and discussions with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn in detail about the material risks of the Funds, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect a Fund can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve a Fund's goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the Funds' investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through a Fund's Adviser, Sub-Adviser and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the Funds' and each other's in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board's ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.

**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

There are eight members of the Board of Trustees, seven of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act ("Independent Trustees"). Carl Verboncoeur, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Board made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the Independent Trustees constitute a super-majority (87.5%) of the Board, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an Independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from fund management.

The Board of Trustees has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and Trustee Committee. The Audit Committee and Trustee Committee are each chaired by an Independent Trustee and composed of all of the Independent Trustees.

Set forth below are the names, year of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations during the last five years and other directorships held of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee or Officer of the Trust.

------

**TRUSTEES** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With**<br> **Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal** <br> **Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee†**<br>| **Other**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by** <br> **Trustee**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>|
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| DWIGHT D. CHURCHILL<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1953<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee, <br> Chairman; <br> Trustee <br> Committee, <br> Chairman<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since April <br> 2010<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Self-employed <br> consultant since 2010.<br>| [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Affiliated Managers <br> Group, Inc. (Director) <br> (2010 - present).<br>|
| CARL G. VERBONCOEUR<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1952<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since April <br> 2010<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Self-employed <br> consultant since 2009.<br>| [144] | None. |
| CLARE S. RICHER<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1958<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since July <br> 2018<br>| Retired. | [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Principal Financial <br> Group (Director and <br> Financial Committee <br> Chair) (2020 – present); <br> Bain Capital Specialty <br> Finance (Director) (2019 <br> – present); Bain Capital <br> Private Credit (Director) <br> (2022 – present); <br> University of Notre <br> Dame (Trustee) (2015 – <br> present).<br>|
| SANDRA G. SPONEM<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1958<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee, Audit <br> Committee <br> Chair<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since July <br> 2018<br>| Retired. | [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Rydex Series Funds (52 <br> portfolios), Rydex <br> Dynamic Funds (8 <br> portfolios) and Rydex <br> Variable Trust (49 <br> portfolios) (Trustee) <br> (2016 – present); <br> Guggenheim Strategy <br> Funds Trust (3 <br> portfolios), Guggenheim <br> Funds Trust (18 <br> portfolios), Guggenheim <br> Taxable Municipal Bond <br> & Investment Grade <br> Debt Trust, Guggenheim <br> Strategic Opportunities <br> Fund, Guggenheim <br> Variable Funds Trust (14 <br> portfolios), and <br> Transparent Value Trust <br> (5 portfolios) (Trustee) <br> (2019-present); <br> Guggenheim Active <br> Allocation Fund <br> (Trustee) <br> (2021-present); <br> Fiduciary/Claymore <br> Energy Infrastructure <br> Fund (Trustee) <br> (2019-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund and <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (Trustee) (2019-2021); <br> and Guggenheim <br> Energy & Income Fund <br> (Trustee) (2015 - 2023).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With**<br> **Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal** <br> **Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee†**<br>| **Other**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by** <br> **Trustee**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>|
| CAROLYN M. CLANCY<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since <br> October <br> 2022<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Retired. Executive Vice <br> President, Head of <br> Strategy, Analytics and <br> Market Readiness, <br> Fidelity Investments <br> (April 2020 – June <br> 2021); Executive Vice <br> President, Head of <br> Broker Dealer Business, <br> Fidelity Investments <br> (July 2017 – March <br> 2020).<br>| [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Assumption University <br> (Trustee) (2011 – 2021) <br> and (2022 – present); <br> Big Sister Association of <br> Greater Boston <br> (Director) (2016 – 2023).<br>|
| KRISTI L. ROWSELL<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since <br> October <br> 2022<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Partner and President, <br> Harris Associates (2010 <br> – 2021).<br>| [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Harris Oakmark ETF <br> Trust (1 portfolio) <br> (Trustee) 2024-present); <br> Harris Associates <br> Investment Trust (8 <br> portfolios) (Trustee) <br> (2010 – present); Board <br> of Governors, <br> Investment Company <br> Institute (Member) (2018 <br> – present); Habitat for <br> Humanity Chicago <br> (Director) (2015 – <br> present).<br>|
| JAMES E. ROSS\*<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1965<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since April <br> 2010<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President, Winnisquam <br> Capital LLC (December <br> 2022 – present); <br> Non-Executive <br> Chairman, Fusion <br> Acquisition Corp II <br> (February 2020 – <br> present); Non-Executive <br> Chairman, Fusion <br> Acquisition Corp. (June <br> 2020 – September <br> 2021); Retired Chairman <br> and Director, SSGA <br> Funds Management, Inc. <br> (2005 – March 2020); <br> Retired Executive Vice <br> President, State Street <br> Investment Management <br> (2012 – March 2020); <br> Retired Chief Executive <br> Officer and Manager, <br> State Street Global <br> Advisors Funds <br> Distributors, LLC (May <br> 2017 – March 2020).<br>| [166] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Managers <br> Series Trust (50 <br> Portfolios) (2022 – <br> present); The Select <br> Sector SPDR Trust (11 <br> portfolios) (2005 – <br> present); SSGA SPDR <br> ETFs Europe I plc <br> (Director) (2016 – 2020); <br> SSGA SPDR ETFs <br> Europe II plc (Director) <br> (2016 – 2020); State <br> Street Navigator <br> Securities Lending Trust <br> (2016 – 2020); SSGA <br> Funds (2014 – 2020); <br> State Street Institutional <br> Investment Trust (2007 <br> –2020); State Street <br> Master Funds (2007 <br> –2020).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With**<br> **Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal** <br> **Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee†**<br>| **Other**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by** <br> **Trustee**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>|
| **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** |
| JEANNE LAPORTA\*\*<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1965<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Interested <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since <br> November <br> 2024<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chair and Director, <br> SSGA Funds <br> Management, Inc. <br> (October 2024 – <br> Present); Senior <br> Managing Director, State <br> Street Investment <br> Management (August <br> 2024 – Present); Chief <br> Administrative Officer at <br> ClearAlpha <br> Technologies LP <br> (FinTech startup) <br> (January 2021 – August <br> 2024); Senior Managing <br> Director at State Street <br> Investment Management <br> (July 2016 – 2021); <br> Manager of State Street <br> Global Advisors Funds <br> Distributors, LLC (May <br> 2017 – 2021); Director <br> of SSGA Funds <br> Management, Inc. <br> (March 2020 - 2021); <br> President of State Street <br> Institutional Funds and <br> State Street Variable <br> Insurance Series Funds, <br> Inc. (April 2014 – March <br> 2020).<br>| [224] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Interested Trustee, <br> Select Sector SPDR <br> Trust (November <br> 2024-present). <br> Interested Trustee/<br> Director of Elfun <br> Diversified Fund, Elfun <br> Government Money <br> Market Fund, Elfun <br> Income Fund, Elfun <br> International Equity <br> Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt <br> Income Fund, Elfun <br> Trusts, State Street <br> Navigator Securities <br> Lending Trust, SSGA <br> Funds, State Street <br> Variable Insurance <br> Series Funds, Inc., State <br> Street Master Funds, <br> and State Street <br> Institutional Investment <br> Trust (January 2025 – <br> present). <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Interested Trustee, Elfun <br> Government Money <br> Market Fund, Elfun <br> Tax-Exempt Income <br> Fund, Elfun Income <br> Fund, Elfun Diversified <br> Fund, Elfun International <br> Equity Fund, and Elfun <br> Trusts (2016 – 2021).<br>|

---

†

For the purpose of determining the number of portfolios overseen by the Trustees, "Fund Complex" comprises registered investment companies for which SSGA Funds Management, Inc. serves as investment adviser, which includes series of SPDR Series Trust, SSGA Active Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.

\*

Mr. Ross previously served as an Interested Trustee from November 2005 to December 2009 and from April 2010 to May 2024. He became an Independent Trustee on May 16, 2024.

\*\*

Ms. LaPorta is an Interested Trustee because of her positions with the Adviser.

**OFFICERS** 

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years**<br>|
| ANN M. CARPENTER<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and <br> Principal Executive <br> Officer; Deputy <br> Treasurer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> May 2023 (with <br> respect to <br> President and <br> Principal <br> Executive <br> Officer); <br> Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2016 <br> (with respect to <br> Deputy <br> Treasurer)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. <br> (April 2005 - present)\*; Managing Director, State Street <br> Investment Management (April 2005 - present).\*<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years**<br>|
| BRUCE S. ROSENBERG<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1961<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer and <br> Principal Financial <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, State Street Investment <br> Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July <br> 2015 - present).<br>|
| CHAD C. HALLETT<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1969<br>| Deputy Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (November 2014 - <br> present).<br>|
| ANDREW J. DELORME<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1975<br>| Chief Legal Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2024<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Managing Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (March 2023 - present); <br> Counsel, K&L Gates (February 2021 - March 2023); <br> Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (August 2014 - February <br> 2021).<br>|
| DAVID URMAN<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1985<br>| Secretary | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> August 2019<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (April 2019 - present).<br>|
| DAVID BARR<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1974<br>| Assistant Secretary | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2020<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (October 2019 - present).<br>|
| E. GERARD MAIORANA, JR.<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1971<br>| Assistant Secretary | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> May 2023<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Assistant Vice President, State Street Investment <br> Management (July 2014 - present).<br>|
| DARLENE ANDERSON-VASQUEZ<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1968<br>| Deputy Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, State Street Investment <br> Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May <br> 2016 - present).<br>|
| ARTHUR A. JENSEN<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> 1600 Summer Street<br> Stamford, CT 06905<br> 1966<br>| Deputy Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> August 2017<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2016 - <br> present).<br>|
| DAVID LANCASTER<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1971<br>| Assistant Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2020<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2017 - <br> present).\*<br>|
| JOHN BETTENCOURT<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc. <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1976<br>| Assistant Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> May 2022<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management Inc. (March 2020 – <br> present).<br>|
| VEDRAN VUKOVIC<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc. <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1985<br>| Assistant Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2024<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> (2023 – present); Assistant Vice President, Brown <br> Brothers Harriman & Co. (2011 – 2023).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years**<br>|
| BRIAN HARRIS<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1973<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance <br> Officer; Anti-Money <br> Laundering Officer; <br> Code of Ethics <br> Compliance Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2013<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, State Street Investment <br> Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June <br> 2013 - present); Chief Compliance Officer, SSGA Funds <br> Management, Inc. (June 2023 – Present).\*<br>|

---

\*

Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during the noted time period.

**INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEE QUALIFICATIONS**

The Board has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of his or her ability to review and understand information about the Funds provided to him or her by management, to identify and request other information he or she may deem relevant to the performance of his or her duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Funds, and to exercise his or her business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of each Fund's shareholders. The Board has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on his or her own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.

The Board has concluded that Mr. Churchill should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the Head of the Fixed Income Division of one of the nation's leading mutual fund companies and provider of financial services and his knowledge of the financial services industry. Mr. Churchill was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in April 2010.

The Board has concluded that Mr. Verboncoeur should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the Chief Executive Officer of a large financial services and investment management company, his knowledge of the financial services industry and his experience serving on the boards of other investment companies. Mr. Verboncoeur was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in April 2010.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Richer should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services and investment management company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the board of a major educational institution. Ms. Richer was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in July 2018 and elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Sponem should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of other investment companies. Ms. Sponem was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in July 2018 and elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Clancy should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as an Executive Vice President of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of a major educational institution and a charitable foundation. Ms. Clancy was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Rowsell should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the President and Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of a financial services company, a leading association representing regulated investment funds and a charitable foundation. Ms. Clancy was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Mr. Ross should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained in his various roles with the Adviser, his knowledge of the financial services industry, and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of the Trust since 2005 (Mr. Ross did not serve as Trustee from December 2009 until April 2010).

The Board has concluded that Ms. LaPorta should serve as Trustee because of the experience she has gained in her various roles with the Adviser and her knowledge of the financial services industry. Ms. LaPorta was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in November 2024.

------

In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board's overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Funds.

**REMUNERATION OF THE TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

The Trust, SSGA Active Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds (together with the Trust, the "Trusts") pay, in the aggregate, each Trustee (other than Ms. LaPorta) an annual fee of $300,000 plus $15,000 per in-person meeting attended and $2,500 for each telephonic or video conference meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual fee of $115,000 and the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual fee of $40,000. The Trusts also reimburse each Trustee (other than Ms. LaPorta) for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him/her in connection with attending such meetings and in connection with attending industry seminars and meetings. Trustee fees are allocated between the Trusts and each of their respective series in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the relative net assets of the series. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, no officer of the Trust received compensation in excess of $60,000 from the Trust. Additionally, no Trustee or officer of the Trust is entitled to any pension or retirement benefits from the Trust.

The table below shows the compensation that the Trustees received during the Trust's fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Name of**<br> **Trustee**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation**<br> **from the Trust**<br>| **Pension or**<br> **Retirement**<br> **Benefits**<br> **Accrued**<br> **as Part**<br> **of Trust**<br> **Expenses**<br>| **Estimated**<br> **Annual**<br> **Benefits**<br> **Upon**<br> **Retirement**<br>| **Total**<br> **Compensation**<br> **from the**<br> **Trust and**<br> **Fund Complex**<br> **Paid to**<br> **Trustees**<sup>(1)</sup> <br>|
| *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* |
| Dwight D. Churchill | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Carl G. Verboncoeur | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Clare S. Richer | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Sandra G. Sponem | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Carolyn M. Clancy | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Kristi L. Rowsell | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| James E. Ross | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* |
| Jeanne LaPorta<sup>(2)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |

---

<sup>(1)</sup>

The Fund Complex includes SPDR Series Trust, SSGA Active Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.

<sup>(2)</sup>

Not compensated by the Trust due to Ms. LaPorta's positions with the Adviser. Ms. LaPorta was appointed to serve as an Interested Trustee on November 7, 2024.

**STANDING COMMITTEES** 

<u>Audit Committee:</u> The Board has an Audit Committee consisting of all the Independent Trustees. Ms. Sponem serves as Chair. The Audit Committee meets with the Trust's independent auditors to review and approve the scope and results of their professional services; to review the procedures for evaluating the adequacy of the Trust's accounting controls; to consider the range of audit fees; and to make recommendations to the Board regarding the engagement of the Trust's independent auditors. The Audit Committee met [four (4)] times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

<u>Trustee Committee:</u> The Board has established a Trustee Committee consisting of all the Independent Trustees. Mr. Churchill serves as Chairman. The responsibilities of the Trustee Committee are to: 1) nominate Independent Trustees; 2) review on a periodic basis the governance structures and procedures of the Funds; 3) review proposed resolutions and conflicts of interest that may arise in the business of the Funds and may have an impact on the investors of the Funds; 4) select any independent counsel of the independent trustees as well as make determinations as to that counsel's independence; 5) review matters that are referred to the Committee by the Chief Legal Officer or other counsel to the

------

Trust; and 6) provide general oversight of the Funds on behalf of the investors of the Funds. The Trustee Committee does not have specific procedures in place with respect to the consideration of nominees recommended by security holders, but may consider such nominees in the event that one is recommended. The Trustee Committee met [four (4)] times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

**OWNERSHIP OF FUND SHARES** 

As of December 31, 2024, neither the Independent Trustees nor their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities in the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Principal Underwriter or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or Principal Underwriter.

The following table shows, as of December 31, 2024, the amount of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Trust.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Fund** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Trust**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Funds Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in Family of**<br> **Investment Companies**<sup>(1)</sup> <br>|
| *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* |  |  |
| Dwight D. Churchill | SPDR S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ESG ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
| Carl G. Verboncoeur | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | $10001 - $50000 | $50001 - $100000 |
|  | SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
| Clare S. Richer | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
| Sandra G. Sponem | SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
| Carolyn M. Clancy | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
| Kristi L. Rowsell | SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF  | $50001 - $100000 |  |
| James E. Ross | SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF | $10001 - $50000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | $1 - $10000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | $50001 - $100000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | $50001 - $100000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | $1 - $10000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | $50001 - $100000 |  |
| *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* |  |  |
| Jeanne LaPorta |  |  |  |

---

(1) The family of investment companies includes series of SSGA Active Trust, SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.

**CODES OF ETHICS**

The Trust, the Adviser (which includes applicable reporting personnel of the Distributor) and the Sub-Adviser each have adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Funds (which may also be held by persons subject to the Codes of Ethics). Each Code of Ethics permits personnel, subject to that Code of Ethics, to invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, subject to certain limitations, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds.

There can be no assurance that the Codes of Ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each Code of Ethics, filed as exhibits to this registration statement, may be examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C. or on the Internet at the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov.

------

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES** 

The Board has delegated the responsibility to vote proxies on securities held by the Funds to the Adviser for all Funds, subject to certain exceptions. Proxy voting for the Municipal Bond ETFs (to the extent applicable) has been delegated to the sub-adviser, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("Nuveen Asset Management"). The Board has retained authority to vote proxies for certain bank and bank holding company securities ("Bank Securities") that may be held by one or more Funds from time to time. The Board has adopted the Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.'s ("ISS") benchmark proxy voting policy with respect to voting such Bank Securities' proxies. The Board has retained this authority in order to permit the Adviser to utilize exemptions from limitations arising under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, that might otherwise prevent the Adviser from investing a Fund's assets in Bank Securities.

Certain Funds that employ an equity index strategy (each such Fund, an "Eligible Fund" and, collectively, the "Eligible Funds") participate in a proxy voting program (the "Program") administered by the Adviser through which Eligible Fund shareholders identified by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (as described below) have the option of selecting an alternative, third-party proxy voting policy that the Fund will use to vote proxies on securities, including Bank Securities, corresponding to the percentage of the Eligible Fund owned by the shareholder as of the record date of the applicable shareholder meeting. The proxy voting policies made available through the Program comprise proxy voting policies maintained by ISS (each such proxy voting policy, a "Program Proxy Voting Policy"). If an Eligible Fund shareholder does not make a Program Proxy Voting Policy selection, the Eligible Fund's proxies corresponding to the percentage of such shareholder's ownership of the Eligible Fund will be voted in accordance with the Adviser's proxy voting policy, except with respect to proxies on Bank Securities, which will be voted in accordance with the ISS benchmark proxy voting policy. In an unusual case, the Adviser may override a vote that would otherwise be made pursuant to a Program Proxy Voting Policy if the Adviser determines that it is not in the best interests of the Eligible Fund and its shareholders to vote pursuant to such Program Proxy Voting Policy. This might be the case, for example, if the Adviser becomes aware that ISS is planning to vote in a way that creates material concerns related to a conflict of interest with ISS; if the Adviser believes that the voting position, if successful, might have a material impact on an Eligible Fund's ability to trade the security; if the Adviser determines that sanctions affecting a company or an individual prevent such a vote; if issuer specific documentation or market confirmation is required; or if the Adviser determines that custodial restrictions or expenses make voting in accordance with the policy inadvisable or impracticable. In the unusual event the Adviser overrides a proxy vote that would otherwise be made pursuant to a Program Proxy Voting Policy, such proxy will be voted in accordance with the Adviser's proxy voting policy, except with respect to proxies on Bank Securities, which will be voted in accordance with the ISS benchmark proxy voting policy.

The Adviser has engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge") to periodically, but at least annually, identify beneficial owners of Eligible Fund shares held through a financial intermediary for participation in the Program. Eligible Fund shareholders that do not own their Eligible Fund shares as of the most recent date used by Broadridge for shareholder identification purposes will not be able to participate in the Program (but may be eligible to participate in the future if identified as an Eligible Fund shareholder by Broadridge at a later date). It is also possible that some Eligible Fund shareholders that own Eligible Fund shares as of the most recent date used by Broadridge for shareholder identification purposes may not be able to participate in the Program if the beneficial ownership information for their shares is not immediately available to Broadridge (e.g., where a shareholder's financial intermediary is not part of Broadridge's network of financial intermediaries that provides shareholder information to Broadridge or where a shareholder has objected to its financial intermediary releasing the shareholder's personal information to issuers for proxy voting purposes). Eligible Fund shareholders identified by Broadridge will receive a communication that will invite such shareholders to participate in the Program by selecting a Program Proxy Voting Policy on the Program's website. Shareholders should carefully read Program communications and the Program's website for more details regarding how Eligible Fund shareholders may participate in the Program, how Eligible Fund shareholders may change or cancel their Program Proxy Voting Policy selection, risk factors associated with the Program and how an Eligible Fund shareholder's selection of a specific Program Proxy Voting Policy will be implemented. Shareholders may call 1-866-787-2257 for a list of Funds that are currently participating in the Program.

Each of the Trust's, the Adviser's and Nuveen Asset Management's proxy voting policy, ISS' benchmark proxy voting policy, as well as each Program Proxy Voting Policy, is attached as an appendix to this SAI. Information regarding how a Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available: (1) without charge by calling 1-866-787-2257; (2) on the Funds' website at https://www.ssga.com; and (3) on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov.

------

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES—Municipal Bond ETFs** 

The Municipal Bond ETFs invest their assets primarily in municipal bonds and cash management securities, which typically do not issue proxies. On rare occasions a Fund may acquire, directly or through a special purpose vehicle, securities of a municipal bond issuer whose bonds the Fund already owns when such bonds have deteriorated or are expected shortly to deteriorate significantly in credit quality. The purpose of acquiring additional securities generally will be to seek to maximize the value of the existing holdings, prevent the credit deterioration or facilitate the liquidation or other workout of the distressed issuer's credit problem. In the course of these activities, Nuveen Asset Management may pursue the Fund's interests in a variety of ways, which may entail negotiating and executing consents, agreements and other arrangements, and/or otherwise influencing the management of the issuer. Nuveen Asset Management does not consider such activities proxy voting for purposes of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

In the rare event that a municipal issuer were to issue a proxy or that a Fund were to receive a proxy issued by a security, Nuveen Asset Management would vote in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and guidelines. Nuveen Asset Management's proxy voting team would oversee the administration of the voting, and coordinate with State Street Global Advisors with respect to reporting and other matters.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS POLICY** 

The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Trust's portfolio holdings. The Board must approve all material amendments to this policy. The Funds' portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day a Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services including publicly accessible Internet web sites. In addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities to deliver in exchange for Shares, together with estimates and actual cash components, is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC"). The basket represents one Creation Unit of a Fund. The Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or State Street will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust, except information may be made available prior to its public availability: (i) to a party for a legitimate business purpose related to the day-to-day operations of the Funds, including (a) a service provider, (b) the stock exchanges upon which an ETF is listed, (c) the NSCC, (d) the Depository Trust Company, and (e) financial data/research companies such as Morningstar, Bloomberg L.P., and Reuters, or (ii) to any other party for a legitimate business or regulatory purpose, upon waiver or exception, with the consent of an applicable Trust officer.

**Investment Advisory and Other Services**

**THE INVESTMENT ADVISER**

SSGA FM acts as investment adviser to the Trust and, subject to the oversight of the Board, is responsible for the investment management of each Fund. As of June 30, 2025, the Adviser managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets. The Adviser's principal address is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. The Adviser, a Massachusetts corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held financial holding company. State Street Investment Management, consisting of the Adviser and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation, is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation.

The Adviser serves as investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Investment Advisory Agreement") between the Trust and the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement, with respect to each Fund, continues in effect for two years from its effective date, and thereafter is subject to annual approval by (1) the Board or (2) vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, provided that in either event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to each Fund is terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. The Investment Advisory Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days' notice by the Adviser and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

------

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies of each Fund, manages the investment of each Fund's assets. The Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the investment portfolio of each Fund. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser performs certain oversight and supervisory functions with respect to Nuveen Asset Management as sub-adviser to the Municipal Bond ETFs, including: (i) conduct periodic analysis and review of the performance by Nuveen Asset Management of its obligations to its funds and provide periodic reports to the Board regarding such performance; (ii) review any changes to Nuveen Asset Management's ownership, management, or personnel responsible for performing their obligations to its funds; and make appropriate reports to the Board (iii) perform periodic due diligence meetings with representatives of Nuveen Asset Management; and (iv) assist the Board and management of the Trust, as applicable, concerning the initial approval, continued retention or replacement of Nuveen Asset Management as sub-adviser to its funds.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement regarding the Funds is available in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2025.

For the services provided to the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets as set forth in each Fund's Prospectus. The Adviser pays all expenses of each Fund other than the management fee, brokerage, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustee's counsel fees), acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.

For the past three fiscal years ended June 30, the Funds paid the following amounts to the Adviser:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2010459 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2116926 |
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $43258120 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $33963335 |
| SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3704143 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1184375 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $15413536 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16402237 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $594283 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $312064 |
| SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $32661159 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $32268119 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3579174 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4379155 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16351083 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $14137279 |
| SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3405605 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3853876 |
| SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $477913 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $470481 |
| SPDR Global Dow ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $892725 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $548136 |
| SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3680424 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4558573 |
| SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF<sup>(1)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $42345 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $55424 |
| SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1692396 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1360273 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8009829 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6891466 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8277688 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8492727 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7796194 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9141937 |
| SPDR NYSE Technology ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2332693 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1439283 |
| SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF<sup>(2)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2199574 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1919879 |
| SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $335714 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $157778 |
| SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1627211 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $893959 |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2966809 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2439453 |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1516440 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2478665 |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $295752 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $247686 |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2587954 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3633132 |
| SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF<sup>(3)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1882747 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1615623 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2222943 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1719810 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2568517 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2797118 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5525776 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4588400 |

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8754713 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5833237 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4585376 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5173933 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7540099 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5741236 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2878149 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2415855 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF<sup>(4)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1711 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2977377 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3042497 |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1741950 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2623884 |
| SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1690002 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2703845 |
| SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF<sup>(5)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $812 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Low Volatility Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1184449 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1134436 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Momentum Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $301520 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $501268 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1530619 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1653688 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $108290 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $91457 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $349303 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $264186 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3446071 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2535270 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3592109 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3246003 |
| SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3061650 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2501951 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4337627 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3404484 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5688497 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5898654 |
| SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6460002 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4785857 |
| SPDR S&P Bank ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5114191 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6195952 |
| SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $22791014 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $25809180 |
| SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $908151 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $375509 |
| SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $72006698 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $79092441 |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1229454 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1584018 |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $325906 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $412328 |
| SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5515363 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3382073 |
| SPDR S&P Insurance ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2317080 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1770258 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1090028 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1512716 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $74383 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $79174 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $188413 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $132926 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $85757 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $125743 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3618591 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3320831 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $210520 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $291285 |
| SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6476584 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7119348 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1194117 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1129627 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12842652 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $14349839 |
| SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $722805 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $759795 |
| SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10212729 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10468023 |
| SPDR S&P Retail ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1537607 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1363923 |
| SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5081154 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4237026 |
| SPDR S&P Software Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1191270 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $782898 |
| SPDR S&P Telecom ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $199339 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $225887 |
| SPDR S&P Transportation ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $696412 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1239207 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup>

For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2025, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $[ ], $9,410 and $12,317, respectively.

<sup>(2)</sup>

For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2025, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amounts of $[ ], $175,966 and $185,588, respectively.

<sup>(3)</sup>

For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2025, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2023, the Adviser reimbursed the Fund in the amounts of $[ ], $301,240 and $278,695, respectively.

<sup>(4)</sup>

The Fund commenced operations on September 11, 2023.

<sup>(5)</sup>

The Fund commenced operations on May 20, 2024.

------

[From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse expenses in an amount equal to any acquired fund fees and expenses (excluding holdings in acquired funds for cash management purposes, if any) for each Fund until [October 31, 2026]. Additionally, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of the SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF's management fee and/or reimburse certain expenses, until [October 31, 2026], so that the net annual Fund operating expenses, before application of any fees and expenses not paid by the Adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, if any, are limited to 0.07% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Each waiver and/or reimbursement does not provide for the recoupment by the Adviser of any fees the Adviser previously waived. The Adviser may continue each waiver and/or reimbursement from year to year, but there is no guarantee that the Adviser will do so and each waiver and/or reimbursement may be cancelled or modified at any time after [October 31, 2026]. Each waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated prior to [October 31, 2026] except with the approval of the Board.]

*Participating Affiliates.* The Adviser has entered into personnel-sharing arrangements with each of State Street Global Advisors Limited (SSGA LTD) and SSGA Singapore, each an affiliate of the Adviser. SSGA LTD is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc. ("SSGA, Inc.") and SSGA Singapore is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of SSGA, Inc. SSGA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. Pursuant to the personnel-sharing arrangements, certain employees of SSGA LTD and SSGA Singapore, as "participating affiliates," serve as "associated persons" of the Adviser, and, in this capacity, are subject to the oversight of the Adviser and its Chief Compliance Officer. These associated persons may, on behalf of the Adviser, provide discretionary investment management services (including portfolio management and trading services), research and related services to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the prospectus and SAI. Unlike the Adviser, neither SSGA LTD nor SSGA Singapore is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. Each personnel-sharing arrangement is based on no-action letters of the staff of the SEC that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates, subject to certain conditions. Prior to March 31, 2023, SSGA LTD was a registered investment adviser with the SEC, and provided investment sub-advisory services to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF. As of June 30, 2025, SSGA LTD managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. SSGA LTD's principal business address is 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HJ, United Kingdom. As of June 30, 2025, SSGA Singapore managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. SSGA Singapore's principal business address is 168 Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Funds and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized to engage one or more sub-advisers for the performance of any of the services contemplated to be rendered by the Adviser. The Adviser has engaged the following sub-adviser.

**INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER—Municipal Bond ETFs**

The Adviser has retained Nuveen Asset Management as sub-adviser, to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Municipal Bond ETFs' investments, subject to supervision of the Adviser and oversight by the Board. The Adviser provides administrative, compliance and general management services to the Municipal Bond ETFs. Nuveen Asset Management offers advisory and investment management services to a broad range of mutual fund clients and has extensive experience in managing municipal securities. As of June 30, 2025, Nuveen Asset Management managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. Nuveen Asset Management's principal business address is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Nuveen Asset Management is a subsidiary of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC ("Nuveen").

Nuveen is the asset management division of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America ("TIAA"). TIAA is a leading financial services provider that provides a wide range of financial solutions, including investing, advice and education, and retirement services. TIAA was originally founded in 1918 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Nuveen Asset Management, the Adviser pays Nuveen Asset Management an annual investment sub-advisory fee equal to a portion of the average daily net assets of the Municipal Bond ETFs to the Adviser after deducting the payments to fund service providers and fund expenses. For the past three fiscal years ended June 30, the Adviser paid the following amounts to Nuveen Asset Management for its services:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3156951 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2875026 |

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3169735 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3425548 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2991731 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3631309 |

---

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2025.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

The Adviser manages the Funds and Nuveen Asset Management manages the Municipal Bond ETFs using a team of investment professionals. The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of each Fund are:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Management Team** | **Fund** |
| Karl Schneider, Juan Acevedo and Michael Finocchi | SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF |
| Karl Schneider, Juan Acevedo and Raymond Donofrio  | SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF |
| Karl Schneider and David Chin | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF<br> SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider and Raymond Donofrio | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Biotech ETF<br> SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF<br> SPDR S&P Insurance ETF<br> SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider, Raymond Donofrio and Amy Cheng | SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF |
| Karl Schneider and Michael Finocchi | SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF |
| Karl Schneider and Ted Janowsky  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Telecom ETF<br> SPDR S&P Transportation ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider and Lisa Hobart | SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF |
| Karl Schneider and Ted Janowsky | SPDR S&P Retail ETF |
| Karl Schneider, Ted Janowsky and Kala O'Donnell | SPDR S&P Bank ETF |
| Karl Schneider, Thomas Coleman and Xianhang Wu | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF<br> SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider and Mark Krivitsky | SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF |
| Karl Schneider and Mark Krivitsky | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF<br>|
| Emiliano Rabinovich, Juan Acevedo and Ted Janowsky | SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF |
| Karl Schneider and John Law | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF<br> SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF<br> SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF<br> SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF<br> SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider, John Law and Emiliano Rabinovich | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF |
| Karl Schneider and Kathleen Morgan | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Global Dow ETF<br> SPDR NYSE Technology ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF<br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Management Team** | **Fund** |
| Karl Schneider and Kala O'Donnell | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF<br> SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF<br> SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF<br> SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider and Emiliano Rabinovich | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Russell 1000 Low Volatility Focus ETF<br> SPDR Russell 1000 Momentum Focus ETF<br> SPDR S&P Dividend ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider and Keith Richardson | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF<br> SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF<br>|
| Karl Schneider, Amy Scofield and Michael Finocchi | SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF |
| Karl Schneider and Olga Winner | SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF |
| Karl Schneider and Teddy Wong | SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF |
| James Kramer, Joanna Madden and Cynthia Moy | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF<br> SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF<br> SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF<br>|
| Marc DiCosimo, Michael Przygoda and Read Burns | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF<br>|
| Michael Brunell, Christopher DiStefano and Frank Miethe | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF<br>|
| Kyle Kelly, Bradley Sullivan and Ryan Mensching | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF<br> SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF<br>|
| Timothy T. Ryan and Joel H. Levy | Municipal Bond ETFs |
| David Marchetti, Christopher DiStefano and Frank Miethe | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF<br> SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF<br>|
| Mark Krivitsky and Kathleen Morgan | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF<br> SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF<br>|
| Mark Krivitsky and Kala O'Donnell | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF<br> SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF<br>|
| Kathleen Morgan and Kala O'Donnell | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF<br> SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF<br>|
| Robert Golcher, Jennifer Taylor and Kheng Siang Ng | SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF |
| David Marchetti, Frank Miethe and Bradley Sullivan | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate <br> Bond ETF<br>|

---

<u>All ETFs except Municipal Bond ETFs:</u> The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each of the key professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management for each Fund and assets under management in those accounts. The total number of accounts and assets have been allocated to each respective manager. Therefore, some accounts and assets have been counted twice.

------

**Other Accounts Managed as of June 30, 2025** 

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered**<br> **Investment**<br> **Company**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment**<br> **Vehicle** <br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Other**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Total**<br> **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)**<br>|
| Karl Schneider | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Juan Acevedo | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| David Chin | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Thomas Coleman | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Raymond Donofrio | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Michael Finocchi | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Lisa Hobart | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Ted Janowsky | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Mark Krivitsky | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| John Law | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Kathleen Morgan | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Kala O'Donnell | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Emiliano Rabinovich | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Keith Richardson | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Amy Scofield | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Olga Winner | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Teddy Wong | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Michael Brunell | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Marc DiCosimo | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Christopher DiStefano | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Kyle Kelly | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| James Kramer | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Joanna Madden | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| David Marchetti | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Frank Miethe | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Cynthia Moy | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Michael Przygoda | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Bradley Sullivan | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Robert Golcher\*\* | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Jennifer Taylor\*\* | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Kheng Siang Ng\*\*\* | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |

---

<sup>\*</sup>

There are no performance-based fees associated with these accounts.

<sup>\*\*</sup>

Mr. Golcher and Ms. Taylor are part of SSGA LTD and provide portfolio management services to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF through a personnel-sharing arrangement between the Adviser and SSGA LTD.

<sup>\*\*\*</sup>

Mr. Ng is part of State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited ("SSGA Singapore") and provides portfolio management services to the SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF through a personnel-sharing arrangement between the Adviser and SSGA Singapore.

[None of the portfolio managers listed above beneficially owned Shares as of June 30, 2025, except as noted in the table below]:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Fund** | **Dollar Range of Trust Shares**<br> **Beneficially Owned**<br>|
| Michael Brunell | SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF | $10001 - $50000 |
| Marc DiCosimo | SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF | $10001 - $50000 |
| Christopher DiStefano | SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF | $10001 - $50000 |
| Frank Miethe | SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF | $1 - $10000 |
|  | SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF | $1 - $10000 |
| Karl Schneider | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | $10001 - $50000 |
| Bradley Sullivan | SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF | $10001 - $50000 |
| Teddy Wong | SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | $50001 - $100000 |

---

------

<u>Conflicts of Interest.</u> A portfolio manager that has responsibility for managing more than one account may be subject to potential conflicts of interest because he or she is responsible for other accounts in addition to the Funds. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of: (a) the portfolio manager's execution of different investment strategies for various accounts; or (b) the allocation of resources or of investment opportunities.

Portfolio managers may manage numerous accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include registered investment companies, other types of pooled accounts (e.g., collective investment funds), and separate accounts (i.e., accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private institutions). Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager's responsibility for multiple accounts with similar investment guidelines. Under these circumstances, a potential investment may be suitable for more than one of the portfolio manager's accounts, but the quantity of the investment available for purchase is less than the aggregate amount the accounts would ideally allocate to the opportunity. Similar conflicts may arise when multiple accounts seek to dispose of the same investment. The portfolio managers may also manage accounts whose objectives and policies differ from that of the Funds. These differences may be such that under certain circumstances, trading activity appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager. For example, an account may sell a significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while a Fund maintained its position in that security.

A potential conflict may arise when the portfolio managers are responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees—the difference in fees could create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in terms of access to investment opportunities. This conflict may be heightened if an account is subject to a performance-based fee, as applicable. Another potential conflict may arise when the portfolio manager has a personal investment in one or more accounts that participate in transactions with other accounts. His or her personal investment(s) may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address these potential material conflicts. For instance, portfolio managers are normally responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate among the various accounts when allocating resources. Additionally, the Adviser and its advisory affiliates have processes and procedures for allocating investment opportunities among portfolios that are designed to provide a fair and equitable allocation. With respect to conflicts arising from personal investments, all employees, including portfolio managers, must comply with personal trading controls established by each of the Adviser's and Trust's Code of Ethics.

<u>Compensation.</u> State Street Investment Management's culture is complemented and reinforced by a total rewards strategy that is based on a pay for performance philosophy which seeks to offer a competitive pay mix of base salary, benefits, cash incentives and deferred compensation.

Salary is based on a number of factors, including external benchmarking data and market trends, and performance both at the business and individual level. State Street Investment Management's Global Human Resources department regularly participates in compensation surveys in order to provide State Street Investment Management with market-based compensation information that helps support individual pay decisions.

Additionally, subject to State Street and State Street Investment Management business results, an incentive pool is allocated to State Street Investment Management to reward its employees. The size of the incentive pool for most business units is based on the firm's overall profitability and other factors, including performance against risk-related goals. For most State Street Investment Management investment teams, State Street Investment Management recognizes and rewards performance by linking annual incentive decisions for investment teams to the firm's or business unit's profitability and business unit investment performance over a multi-year period.

Incentive pool funding for most active investment teams is driven in part by the post-tax investment performance of fund(s) managed by the team versus the return levels of the benchmark index(es) of the fund(s) on a one-, three- and, in some cases, five-year basis. For most active investment teams, a material portion of incentive compensation for senior staff is deferred over a four-year period into the State Street Investment Management Long-Term Incentive ("State Street Investment Management LTI") program. For these teams, the State Street Investment Management LTI program indexes the performance of these deferred awards against the post-tax investment performance of fund(s) managed by the team. This is intended to align our investment team's compensation with client interests, both through annual incentive compensation awards and through the long-term value of deferred awards in the State Street Investment Management LTI program.

------

For the index equity investment team, incentive pool funding is driven in part by the post-tax 1 and 3-year tracking error of the funds managed by the team against the benchmark indexes of the funds.

The discretionary allocation of the incentive pool to the business units within State Street Investment Management is influenced by market-based compensation data, as well as the overall performance of each business unit. Individual compensation decisions are made by the employee's manager, in conjunction with the senior management of the employee's business unit. These decisions are based on the overall performance of the employee and, as mentioned above, on the performance of the firm and business unit. Depending on the job level, a portion of the annual incentive may be awarded in deferred compensation, which may include cash and/or Deferred Stock Awards (State Street stock), which typically vest over a four-year period. This helps to retain staff and further aligns State Street Investment Management employees' interests with State Street Investment Management clients' and shareholders' long-term interests.

State Street Investment Management recognizes and rewards outstanding performance by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Promoting employee ownership to connect employees directly to the company's success.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Using rewards to reinforce mission, vision, values and business strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Seeking to recognize and preserve the firm's unique culture and team orientation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Providing all employees the opportunity to share in the success of State Street Investment Management.

<u>Municipal Bond ETFs:</u> The following table lists the number and types of other accounts managed by each of the key professionals primarily involved in the day-to-day portfolio management for each Municipal Bond ETF and assets under management in those accounts. The total number of accounts and assets have been allocated to each respective manager. Therefore, some accounts and assets have been counted twice.

**Other Accounts Managed as of June 30, 2025:** 

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered**<br> **Investment**<br> **Company**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Other**<br> **Pooled**<br> **Investment**<br> **Vehicle**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Other**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Total**<br> **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)**<br>|
| Timothy T. Ryan | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] |
| Joel H. Levy | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] |

---

\*

There are no performance-based fees associated with these accounts.

[The portfolio managers listed above did not beneficially own any interests of any Fund as of June 30, 2025].

<u>Compensation:</u> Portfolio managers are compensated through a combination of base salary and variable components consisting of (i) a cash bonus; (ii) a long-term performance award; and (iii) participation in a profits interest plan.

Base salary. A portfolio manager's base salary is determined based upon an analysis of the portfolio manager's general performance, experience and market levels of base pay for such position.

Cash bonus. A portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus that is based on three variables: risk-adjusted investment performance relative to benchmark generally measured over the most recent one, three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager's tenure is shorter), ranking versus Morningstar peer funds generally measured over the most recent one, three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager's tenure is shorter), and management and peer reviews.

Long-term performance award. A portfolio manager is eligible to receive a long-term performance award that vests after three years. The amount of the award when granted is based on the same factors used in determining the cash bonus. The value of the award at the completion of the three-year vesting period is adjusted based on the risk-adjusted investment performance of fund(s) managed by the portfolio manager during the vesting period and the performance of the TIAA organization as a whole.

Profits interest plan. Portfolio managers are eligible to receive profits interests in Nuveen Asset Management (and certain affiliates), which vest over time and entitle their holders to a percentage of the firms' annual profits. Profits interests are allocated to each portfolio manager based on such person's overall contribution to the firms.

------

<u>Material Conflicts of Interest:</u> Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple accounts are presented a number of potential conflicts, including, among others, those discussed below.

The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each account. Nuveen Asset Management seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline.

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, an account may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. To deal with these situations, Nuveen Asset Management has adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.

With respect to many of its clients' accounts, Nuveen Asset Management determines which broker to use to execute transaction orders, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts, Nuveen Asset Management may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Nuveen Asset Management may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for a Fund and other accounts which may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of the Fund or the other accounts.

Some clients are subject to different regulations. As a consequence of this difference in regulatory requirements, some clients may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions or to engage in these transactions to the same extent as the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where Nuveen Asset Management has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of some accounts, with respect to which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.

Nuveen Asset Management has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts common among investment managers. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

**THE ADMINISTRATOR, SUB-ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT**

<u>Administrator:</u> SSGA FM serves as the administrator to each series of the Trust, pursuant to an Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the "SSGA FM Administration Agreement"). Pursuant to the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and its series and will generally, subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust.

<u>Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent:</u> State Street serves as the sub-administrator to each series of the Trust, pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the "Sub-Administration Agreement"). Under the Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street is obligated to provide certain sub-administrative services to the Trust and its series. State Street is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held financial holding company, and is affiliated with the Adviser. State Street's mailing address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.

State Street also serves as Custodian for the Trust's series pursuant to a custodian agreement ("Custodian Agreement"). As Custodian, State Street holds Fund assets, calculates the net asset value of the Shares and calculates net income and realized capital gains or losses. State Street and the Trust will comply with the self-custodian provisions of Rule 17f-2 under the 1940 Act.

State Street also serves as Transfer Agent for each series of the Trust pursuant to a transfer agency agreement ("Transfer Agency Agreement").

<u>Compensation:</u> As compensation for its services provided under the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, SSGA FM shall receive fees for the services, calculated based on the average aggregate net assets of the Trust and SIS, which are accrued daily and paid monthly out of its management fee.

As compensation for its services under the Sub-Administration Agreement, Custodian Agreement and Transfer Agency Agreement, State Street shall receive a fee for the services, calculated based on the average aggregate net assets of the Trust and SIS, which are accrued daily and paid monthly by the Adviser from its management fee. For each series of the Trust and SIS, an annual minimum fee applies. In addition, State Street shall receive global safekeeping and transaction

------

fees, which are calculated on a per-country basis, in-kind creation (purchase) and redemption transaction fees (as described below) and revenue on certain cash balances. State Street may be reimbursed for its out-of-pocket expenses. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser will pay certain operating expenses of the Trust, including the fees due to State Street under the Custodian Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement.

<u>Additional Sub-Administration Services:</u> Also under the Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street receives: (i) an annual per Fund fee for certain services required in the preparation (including preparing a schedule of quarterly portfolio investments) and filing of Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN with the SEC ("N-PORT Related Services"); (ii) an annual per Fund fee for services regarding certain liquidity analytics ("Liquidity Risk Measurement Services") under the Sub-Administration Agreement; and (iii) an annual per Fund fee for certain services related to the preparation of tailored shareholder reports ("Tailored Shareholder Report Services"). N-PORT Related Services, Liquidity Risk Measurement Services, and Tailored Shareholder Report Services fees are paid by the Adviser from its management fee.

**SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES**

The Trust's Board has approved each Fund's participation in a securities lending program. Under the securities lending program, each Fund has retained State Street to serve as the securities lending agent.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, certain Funds earned income by participating in the securities lending program. That income, as well as the fees and/or compensation paid by such Funds (in dollars) pursuant to the Master Amended and Restated Securities Lending Authorization Agreement among SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Active Trust, each on behalf of its respective series, and State Street (the "Securities Lending Authorization Agreement") were as follows:

[To be updated in a subsequent draft]

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> 1-10 Year <br> TIPS ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1353014 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4790 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9727 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1301146 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1315663 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $37351 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> 1-3 Month <br> T-Bill ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $81274617 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $539123 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $574891 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $75973513 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $77087527 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4187090 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> 3-12 Month <br> T-Bill ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $11088589 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $138546 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $76820 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9872251 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10087617 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000972 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> Convertible <br> Securities <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $9513319 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $203619 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $66693 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7703631 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7973942 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1539377 |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> Emerging <br> Markets USD <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $206397 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1985 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1480 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $187616 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $191081 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $15316 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> High Yield <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $34094956 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $797291 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $237618 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $26952045 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $27986954 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6108002 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> Investment <br> Grade <br> Floating Rate <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $817027 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10417 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5699 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $715848 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $731964 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $85063 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> Bloomberg <br> Short Term <br> High Yield <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $16473725 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $386892 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $116001 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $13088615 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $13591507 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2882218 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Dow <br> Jones REIT <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $967683 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12096 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6857 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $860894 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $879847 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $87836 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR FactSet <br> Innovative <br> Technology <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $367316 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8607 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2413 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $283968 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $294988 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $72328 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Global <br> Dow ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $124719 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2107 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $853 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $105450 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $108410 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16308 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR ICE <br> Preferred <br> Securities <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $2281699 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $147449 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12840 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $980558 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1140847 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1140853 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR <br> MarketAxess <br> Investment <br> Grade 400 <br> Corporate <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $109131 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1209 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $771 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $98559 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $100538 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8593 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR NYSE <br> Technology <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $134546 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $850 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $964 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $125963 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $127776 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6769 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Aggregate <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $16877187 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $133153 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $120240 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $15633941 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $15887334 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $989853 |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Corporate <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $3719660 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $41329 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $26194 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3342394 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3409917 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $309743 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> High Yield <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $12530147 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $340925 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $87689 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9548289 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9976904 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2553243 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Intermediate <br> Term <br> Corporate <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $23799177 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $276825 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $167873 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21273326 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21718025 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2081152 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Intermediate <br> Term <br> Treasury <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $10378207 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $70634 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $73090 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9686557 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9830281 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $547926 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Long Term <br> Corporate <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1160847 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $18896 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8112 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $990191 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1017199 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $143648 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Long Term <br> Treasury <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $22979573 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $92793 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $164348 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $22008791 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $22265932 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $713641 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> S&P 1500 <br> Composite <br> Stock Market <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $2633036 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $30447 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $18074 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2345435 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2393956 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $239080 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> S&P 400 Mid <br> Cap ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $17698895 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $157139 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $124917 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16217259 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16499315 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1199580 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> S&P 500 <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $4327117 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $38432 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $29974 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3949011 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4017417 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $309700 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> S&P 500 <br> Growth ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $3148865 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $30840 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21567 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2838935 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2891342 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $257523 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> S&P 500 <br> High <br> Dividend <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1517044 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10633 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $10822 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1411716 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1433171 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $83873 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> S&P 500 <br> Value ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $2319211 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $26833 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $15990 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2099629 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2142453 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $176759 |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> S&P 600 <br> Small Cap <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $38660714 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $453358 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $272947 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $34619386 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $35345691 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3315023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Short Term <br> Corporate <br> Bond ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $12159436 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $107028 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $86436 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $11151943 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $11345407 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $814029 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> Short Term <br> Treasury <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $18484425 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $100105 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $131233 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $17522418 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $17753756 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $730668 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Portfolio <br> TIPS ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1800727 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6680 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12951 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1728713 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1748345 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $52383 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Russell <br> 1000 Low <br> Volatility <br> Focus ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $325451 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $18856 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1486 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $169507 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $189849 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $135603 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Russell <br> 1000<br> Momentum <br> Focus ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $54005 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $704 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $369 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $47873 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $48946 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5059 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR Russell <br> 1000 Yield <br> Focus ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $534638 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $23585 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2760 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $333929 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $360273 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $174365 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> 1500<br> Momentum <br> Tilt ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $6616 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $113 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $44 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5565 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5721 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $895 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> 1500 Value <br> Tilt ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $58307 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1016 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $393 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $49260 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $50669 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7638 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> 400 Mid Cap <br> Growth ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $4910292 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $35901 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $34805 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4564270 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4634976 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $275316 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> 400 Mid Cap <br> Value ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $5365813 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $53296 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $37688 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4855880 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4946863 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $418950 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> 500 Fossil <br> Fuel <br> Reserves <br> Free ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $23114 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $160 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $164 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21632 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21956 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1157 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> 600 Small <br> Cap Growth <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $8201590 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $77583 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $57511 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7477125 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7612219 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $589371 |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> 600 Small <br> Cap Value <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $15495026 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $310094 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $104937 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12823119 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $13238151 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2256876 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Aerospace & <br> Defense <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $5736773 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $253914 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $37007 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3565401 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3856321 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1880452 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Bank ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $2354501 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $22496 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16599 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2133512 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2172606 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $181895 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Biotech ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $45825199 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2213340 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $240675 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $27033356 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $29487370 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16337829 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Capital <br> Markets ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $997929 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $87777 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3391 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $357422 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $448590 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $549339 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Dividend <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $8502222 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $79836 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $58870 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7718560 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7857265 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $644957 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Health Care <br> Equipment <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $420085 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9159 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2856 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $329854 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $341869 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $78216 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Health Care <br> Services <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $161187 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7860 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $865 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $101149 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $109874 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $51313 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Homebuilders <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $3664598 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $24878 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $26094 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3426648 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3477620 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $186978 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Insurance <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $95009 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $830 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $660 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $86688 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $88178 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6831 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Internet ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $43264 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2258 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $204 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $20475 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $22937 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $20326 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Kensho <br> Clean Power <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1655812 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $79436 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9279 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $979840 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1068554 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $587258 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Kensho Final <br> Frontiers <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $33024 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $571 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $215 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $27570 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $28357 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4667 |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Kensho <br> Future <br> Security <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $95984 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4538 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $538 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $58322 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $63398 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $32586 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Kensho <br> Intelligent <br> Structures <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $152922 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12498 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $695 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $43954 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $57147 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $95776 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Kensho New <br> Economies <br> Composite <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $14472704 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1059992 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $65341 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5400177 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6525511 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $7947194 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Kensho <br> Smart <br> Mobility ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1111250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $109794 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1739 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $118307 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $229839 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $881410 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Metals & <br> Mining ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $5403076 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $56074 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $37437 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4884848 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4978360 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $424716 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Oil <br> & Gas <br> Equipment & <br> Services <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $673365 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3913 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4837 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $633588 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $642338 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $31027 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P Oil <br> & Gas <br> Exploration & <br> Production <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $14598068 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $197957 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $99022 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12677061 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12974040 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1624028 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Pharmaceuticals <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1140352 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $99727 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3097 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $269399 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $372223 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $768129 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Regional <br> Banking <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $3097703 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $40218 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21656 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2709069 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2770943 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $326760 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Retail ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1324983 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $17091 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9178 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1166527 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1192796 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $132186 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Semiconductor <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $3091755 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $29873 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21433 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2814064 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2865369 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $226386 |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities*** <br> ***and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Software <br> Services <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $1102543 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $51373 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6694 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $672889 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $730956 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $371587 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Telecom <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $224445 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5043 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1487 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $178704 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $185234 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $39210 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> Transportation <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $579083 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $15280 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3877 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $447223 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $466379 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $112703 |

---

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, State Street, acting as agent of the Funds, provided the following services to the Funds in connection with the Funds' securities lending activities: (i) locating borrowers among an approved list of prospective borrowers; (ii) causing the delivery of loaned securities from a Fund to borrowers; (iii) monitoring the value of loaned securities, the value of collateral received, and other lending parameters; (iv) seeking additional collateral, as necessary, from borrowers; (v) receiving and holding collateral from borrowers, and facilitating the investment and reinvestment of all or substantially all cash collateral in an investment vehicle designated by the Funds; (vi) returning collateral to borrowers; (vii) facilitating substitute dividend, interest, and other distribution payments to the Funds from borrowers; (viii) negotiating the terms of each loan of securities, including but not limited to the amount of any loan premium, and monitoring the terms of securities loan agreements with prospective borrowers for consistency with the requirements of the Funds' Securities Lending Authorization Agreement; (ix) selecting securities, including amounts (percentages), to be loaned; (x) recordkeeping and accounting services; and (xi) arranging for return of loaned securities to a Fund in accordance with the terms of the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement.

**THE DISTRIBUTOR**

State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC serves as the principal underwriter and Distributor of Shares. Its principal address is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Investor information can be obtained by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Distributor has entered into a distribution agreement ("Distribution Agreement") with the Trust pursuant to which it distributes Shares of each Fund. The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable annually thereafter. Shares will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in Creation Units, as described in the Prospectus and below under "PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS." Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver the Prospectus to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Trust or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust. An affiliate of the Distributor may assist Authorized Participants (as defined below) in assembling shares to purchase Creation Units or upon redemption, for which it may receive commissions or other fees from such Authorized Participants. An affiliate of the Distributor also receives compensation from State Street for providing on-line creation and redemption functionality to Authorized Participants through its Fund Connect application.

------

The Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, may directly or indirectly make cash payments to certain broker-dealers for participating in activities that are designed to make registered representatives and other professionals more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the SPDR funds, or for other activities, such as participation in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems.

In addition, as of the date of this SAI, the Adviser and/or Distributor had arrangements whereby they may make payments, other than for the educational programs and marketing activities described above, to Pershing LLC ("Pershing"), RBC Capital Markets, LLC ("RBC"), LPL Financial, LLC ("LPL"), and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, LLC. These amounts, which may be significant, are paid by the Adviser and/or Distributor from their own resources and not from Fund assets. Pursuant to these arrangements, Pershing, RBC and LPL have agreed to offer certain SPDR funds to their customers and not to charge certain of their customers any commissions when those customers purchase or sell shares of certain SPDR funds. Payments to a broker-dealer or intermediary may create potential conflicts of interest between the broker dealer or intermediary and its clients.

In addition, the Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, as well as an index provider that is not affiliated with the Adviser or Distributor, may reimburse expenses or make payments from their own assets to other persons in consideration of services, provision of data, or other activities that they believe may benefit the SPDR business or facilitate investment in SPDR funds.

The Distribution Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, as to a Fund: (i) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, on at least 60 days' written notice to the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days' notice by the Distributor and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The continuation of the Distribution Agreement and any other related agreements is subject to annual approval of the Board, including by a majority of the Independent Trustees, as described above.

The allocation among the Trust's series of fees and expenses payable under the Distribution Agreement will be made pro rata in accordance with the daily net assets of the respective series.

The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers ("Soliciting Dealers") who will solicit purchases of Creation Unit aggregations of Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Participating Parties (as defined in the "Book Entry Only System" section below) and/or DTC Participants (as defined below).

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Trust has agreed to indemnify the Distributor, and may indemnify Soliciting Dealers and Authorized Participants (as described below) entering into agreements with the Distributor, for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement or other agreement, as applicable.

**Brokerage Transactions**

All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of the Funds by the Adviser. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are affected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions are not charged on over-the-counter orders (e.g., fixed income securities) because the Funds pay a spread which is included in the cost of the security and represents the difference between the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to sell the security and the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to buy the security. When a Fund executes an over-the-counter order with an electronic communications network or an alternative trading system, a commission is charged by such electronic communications networks and alternative trading systems as they execute such orders on an agency basis. Securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.

In placing a portfolio transaction, the Adviser seeks to achieve best execution. The Adviser's duty to seek best execution requires the Adviser to take reasonable steps to obtain for the client as favorable an overall result as possible for Fund portfolio transactions under the circumstances, taking into account various factors that are relevant to the particular transaction.

------

The Adviser refers to and selects from the list of approved trading counterparties maintained by the Adviser's Credit Risk Management team. In selecting a trading counterparty for a particular trade, the Adviser seeks to weigh relevant factors including, but not limited to the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Prompt and reliable execution;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The competitiveness of commission rates and spreads, if applicable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The financial strength, stability and/or reputation of the trading counterparty;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The willingness and ability of the executing trading counterparty to execute transactions (and commit capital) of size in liquid and illiquid markets without disrupting the market for the security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Local laws, regulations or restrictions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The ability of the trading counterparty to maintain confidentiality;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The availability and capability of execution venues, including electronic communications networks for trading and execution management systems made available to Adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Market share;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Liquidity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Price;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Execution related costs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•History of execution of orders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Likelihood of execution and settlement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Order size and nature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Clearance and settlement capabilities, especially in high volatility market environments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Availability of lendable securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Sophistication of the trading counterparty's trading capabilities and infrastructure/facilities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The operational efficiency with which transactions are processed and cleared, taking into account the order size and complexity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Speed and responsiveness to the Adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Access to secondary markets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Counterparty exposure; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Depending upon the circumstances, the Adviser may take other relevant factors into account if the Adviser believes that these are important in taking all sufficient steps to obtain the best possible result for execution of the order.

In selecting a trading counterparty, the price of the transaction and costs related to the execution of the transaction typically merit a high relative importance, depending on the circumstances. The Adviser does not necessarily select a trading counterparty based upon price and costs but may take other relevant factors into account if it believes that these are important in taking reasonable steps to obtain the best possible result for a Fund under the circumstances. Consequently, the Adviser may cause a client to pay a trading counterparty more than another trading counterparty might have charged for the same transaction in recognition of the value and quality of the brokerage services provided. The following matters may influence the relative importance that the Adviser places upon the relevant factors:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The nature and characteristics of the order or transaction. For example, size of order, market impact of order, limits, or other instructions relating to the order;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The characteristics of the financial instrument(s) or other assets which are the subject of that order. For example, whether the order pertains to an equity, fixed income, derivative or convertible instrument;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The characteristics of the execution venues to which that order can be directed, if relevant. For example, availability and capabilities of electronic trading systems;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Whether the transaction is a 'delivery versus payment' or 'over-the-counter' transaction. The creditworthiness of the trading counterparty, the amount of existing exposure to a trading counterparty and trading counterparty settlement capabilities may be given a higher relative importance in the case of 'over-the-counter' transactions; and/or

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Any other circumstances that the Adviser believes are relevant at the time.

The process by which trading counterparties are selected to effect transactions is designed to exclude consideration of the sales efforts conducted by broker-dealers in relation to the Funds.

The Adviser does not currently use the Funds' assets in connection with third-party soft dollar arrangements. While the Adviser does not currently use "soft" or commission dollars paid by the Funds for the purchase of third-party research, the Adviser reserves the right to do so in the future.

<u>Nuveen:</u> Nuveen Asset Management is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for certain Funds, the negotiation of the prices to be paid or received for principal (i.e., non-agency) trades, and the allocation of its transactions among various dealer firms. Portfolio securities will normally be purchased directly from an underwriter in a new issue offering or in the over-the-counter secondary market from the principal dealers in such securities, unless it appears that a better price or execution may be obtained elsewhere. Portfolio securities will not be purchased from Nuveen Asset Management, its managed accounts, or its affiliates except in compliance with the 1940 Act.

Nuveen Asset Management expects that substantially all portfolio transactions will be effected on a principal (as opposed to an agency) basis and, accordingly, do not expect to pay significant amounts of brokerage commissions. Brokerage commissions will not be allocated based on the sale of a Fund's shares. Purchases from underwriters will include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers will include the spread between the bid and asked price. It is the policy of Nuveen Asset Management to seek the best execution under the circumstances of each trade. Nuveen Asset Management evaluates price as the primary consideration, with the financial condition, reputation and responsiveness of the dealer, among other non-economic factors, considered secondarily in determining best execution. While the primary goal is to secure the best execution that may be obtainable, it may be Nuveen Asset Management's practice to select dealers that, in addition, furnish research information (primarily credit analyses of issuers and general economic reports), statistical information and other services to Nuveen Asset Management. It is not possible to place a dollar value on such information, statistics and other services received from dealers. Since it is only supplementary to Nuveen Asset Management's own research efforts, the receipt of research information is not expected to reduce significantly Nuveen Asset Management's expenses. For certain secondary market transactions where the execution capability of two brokers is judged to be of substantially similar quality, Nuveen Asset Management will use its own business judgement in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and regulation when selecting one of them. Nuveen Asset Management may manage other investment companies and investment accounts for other clients that have investment objectives similar to certain Funds. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, Nuveen Asset Management seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by a Fund and another advisory account. In making such allocations the main factors to be considered will be, but may not be limited to, the respective investment objectives, the relative size of the portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment or need to raise cash, and the size of investment commitments generally held. While this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities (or, in the case of dispositions, the demand for securities) available to a Fund from time to time, Nuveen Asset Management believes that the benefits available will outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions.

The table below shows the aggregate dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Equity ETFs and the SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF, SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF, and SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF for the past three fiscal years ended June 30. None of the brokerage commissions paid were paid to affiliated brokers and the Fixed Income ETFs (except the SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF, SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF, SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF, and SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF) did not pay any brokerage commissions. Brokerage commissions paid by a Fund may be substantially different from year to year for multiple reasons, including market volatility, the demand for a particular Fund, or increases or decreases in trading volume.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3808 |
| SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $952 |
| SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $35478 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $38415 |
| SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9095 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $31114 |
| SPDR Global Dow ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5892 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3663 |
| SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $90546 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $119537 |

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $21663 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9860 |
| SPDR NYSE Technology ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5821 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4279 |
| SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 |
| SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16347 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $13817 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $186408 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $219148 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $41212 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $26713 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $239773 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $205321 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $699049 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $957685 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $789850 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $512273 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $415565 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $273568 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF<sup>(1)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $145 | &nbsp;&nbsp; — |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Low Volatility Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $41196 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $34753 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Momentum Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5789 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6319 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $84002 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $19466 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2972 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4621 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8892 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3384 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $107805 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $84221 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $238252 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $287458 |
| SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2223 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2088 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $241748 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $192621 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $854134 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $785363 |
| SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $487492 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $78824 |
| SPDR S&P Bank ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $109828 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $109592 |
| SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1951118 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2219697 |
| SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12203 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8379 |
| SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1527572 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1334621 |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $32485 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $60824 |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $14727 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $33101 |
| SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $52598 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $20268 |
| SPDR S&P Insurance ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $17420 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $16706 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $52223 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $42691 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $886 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1008 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4604 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2493 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2674 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3108 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $392496 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $423492 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12469 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $19714 |
| SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $200497 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $217815 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $43875 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $42972 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $260120 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $441647 |
| SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $33493 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $46430 |
| SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $343170 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $411621 |
| SPDR S&P Retail ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $29344 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $46418 |
| SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $102284 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $115533 |
| SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $51573 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $40669 |
| SPDR S&P Telecom ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $13219 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $12994 |
| SPDR S&P Transportation ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $17927 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $47154 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup>

The Fund commenced operations on September 11, 2023.

<u>Securities of</u> <u>"</u><u>Regular Broker-Dealers</u><u>"</u><u>:</u> The Trust is required to identify any securities of its "regular brokers and dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. "Regular brokers or dealers" of the Trust are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (i) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Trust's portfolio transactions; (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Trust; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Trust's shares.

------

The Trust's holdings in Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers as of June 30, 2025:

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

<u>Portfolio Turnover:</u> Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. The Funds may experience higher portfolio turnover when migrating to a different benchmark index. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses or transaction costs. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions and transaction costs is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions and transaction costs paid by other institutional investors for comparable services.

**Book Entry Only System**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION."

The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") acts as securities depositary for the Shares. Shares of each Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Except in the limited circumstance provided below, certificates will not be issued for Shares.

DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the "DTC Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the "Indirect Participants").

Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares.

**Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows.** Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares of each Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through a third party service, shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through a third party service, shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant and/or third party service a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in Shares of a Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its

------

nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.

The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspects of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.

DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.

**Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities**

Although the Funds do not have information concerning their beneficial ownership held in the names of DTC Participants, as of October [ ], 2025, the names, addresses and percentage ownership of each DTC Participant that owned of record 5% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Funds were as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 1-10 YEAR TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 1-3 MONTH T-BILL ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 3-12 MONTH T-BILL ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG EMERGING MARKETS USD BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG HIGH YIELD BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG INVESTMENT GRADE FLOATING RATE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG SHORT TERM HIGH YIELD BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR DOW JONES REIT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR FACTSET INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR GLOBAL DOW ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR ICE PREFERRED SECURITIES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR MARKETAXESS INVESTMENT GRADE 400 CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR MSCI USA STRATEGICFACTORS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR NUVEEN ICE HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR NUVEEN ICE MUNICIPAL BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR NUVEEN ICE SHORT TERM MUNICIPAL BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR NYSE TECHNOLOGY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO AGGREGATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO HIGH YIELD BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO INTERMEDIATE TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO INTERMEDIATE TERM TREASURY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO LONG TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO LONG TERM TREASURY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO MORTGAGE BACKED BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 1500 COMPOSITE STOCK MARKET ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 400 MID CAP ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 GROWTH ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 HIGH DIVIDEND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 VALUE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P SECTOR NEUTRAL DIVIDEND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 600 SMALL CAP ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO SHORT TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO SHORT TERM TREASURY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO TREASURY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 LOW VOLATILITY FOCUS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 MOMENTUM FOCUS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 YIELD FOCUS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 1500 MOMENTUM TILT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 1500 VALUE TILT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 400 MID CAP GROWTH ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 400 MID CAP VALUE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 500 FOSSIL FUEL RESERVES FREE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 600 SMALL CAP GROWTH ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 600 SMALL CAP VALUE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P AEROSPACE & DEFENSE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P BANK ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P BIOTECH ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P CAPITAL MARKETS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P DIVIDEND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR S&P HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P HEALTH CARE SERVICES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P HOMEBUILDERS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P INSURANCE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO CLEAN POWER ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO FINAL FRONTIERS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO FUTURE SECURITY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO INTELLIGENT STRUCTURES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO NEW ECONOMIES COMPOSITE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO SMART MOBILITY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P METALS & MINING ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P OIL & GAS EQUIPMENT & SERVICES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P OIL & GAS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P PHARMACEUTICALS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P REGIONAL BANKING ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P RETAIL ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P SEMICONDUCTOR ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P SOFTWARE & SERVICES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P TELECOM ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P TRANSPORTATION ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

An Authorized Participant (as defined below) may hold of record more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of a Fund. From time to time, Authorized Participants may be a beneficial and/or legal owner of a Fund, may be affiliated with an index provider, may be deemed to have control of the applicable Fund and/or may be able to affect the outcome of matters presented for a vote of the shareholders of the Fund. Authorized Participants may execute an irrevocable proxy granting the Distributor or another affiliate of State Street (the "Agent") power to vote or abstain from voting such Authorized Participant's beneficially or legally owned Shares of a Fund. In such cases, the Agent shall mirror vote (or abstain from voting) such Shares in the same proportion as all other beneficial owners of the Fund.

As of October [ ], 2025, to the knowledge of the Trust, the following persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 25% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Funds.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 1-10 YEAR TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 3-12 MONTH T-BILL ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG EMERGING MARKETS USD BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR NYSE TECHNOLOGY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO AGGREGATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO LONG TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO MORTGAGE BACKED BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 1500 COMPOSITE STOCK MARKET ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 400 MID CAP ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 VALUE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P SECTOR NEUTRAL DIVIDEND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 600 SMALL CAP ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO TREASURY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 LOW VOLATILITY FOCUS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 MOMENTUM FOCUS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR RUSSELL 1000 YIELD FOCUS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 1500 MOMENTUM TILT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 400 MID CAP GROWTH ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 400 MID CAP VALUE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 600 SMALL CAP GROWTH ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 600 SMALL CAP VALUE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P CAPITAL MARKETS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO CLEAN POWER ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO FINAL FRONTIERS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO FUTURE SECURITY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO INTELLIGENT STRUCTURES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO NEW ECONOMIES COMPOSITE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P KENSHO SMART MOBILITY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG 1-3 MONTH T-BILL ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR BLOOMBERG INVESTMENT GRADE FLOATING RATE ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR MARKETAXESS INVESTMENT GRADE 400 CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR NUVEEN ICE HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR<sup>®</sup> PORTFOLIO INTERMEDIATE TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO INTERMEDIATE TERM TREASURY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO LONG TERM TREASURY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR<sup>®</sup> PORTFOLIO SHORT TERM CORPORATE BOND ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P TELECOM ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR DOW JONES REIT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P TRANSPORTATION ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR FACTSET INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR GLOBAL DOW ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR<sup>®</sup> ICE PREFERRED SECURITIES ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR MSCI USA STRATEGICFACTORS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR PORTFOLIO S&P 500 GROWTH ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P BANK ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, own less than 1% of the Trust's voting securities as of the date of this SAI.

**Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

Each Fund issues and redeems its Shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in a large specified number of Shares called a "Creation Unit." The value of each Fund is determined once each business day, except with respect to the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF, the value of which is determined twice each business day, as described under "Determination of Net Asset Value." The Creation Unit size for a Fund may change. Authorized Participants (as defined below) will be notified of such change.

The principal consideration for creations and redemptions for each Equity ETF is in-kind, although this may be revised at any time without notice. The principal consideration for creations and redemptions for each Fixed Income ETF is set forth in the table below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Creation\*** | **Redemption\*** |
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; Cash | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; Cash | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; Cash | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind<br> \*\*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind<br> \*\*<br>|
| SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; Cash | &nbsp;&nbsp; Cash |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |

---

\*

May be revised at any time without notice. Funds that effect redemptions principally for cash, rather than primarily in-kind, may be less tax efficient than investments in conventional ETFs.

\*\*

Cash is to be provided in lieu of TBA positions.

------

**PURCHASE (CREATION)**

The Trust issues and sells Shares of each Fund only: in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Principal Underwriter, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees), at their NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day (as defined below), in proper form pursuant to the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement ("Participant Agreement"). A "Business Day" with respect to a Fund is, generally, any day on which the NYSE is open for business, although Fixed Income ETFs will also not be open for orders on Veterans Day and Columbus Day.

**FUND DEPOSIT**

The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of a Fund generally consists of either (i) the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below or (ii) the cash value of the Deposit Securities and the "Cash Component," computed as described below. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for cash, a Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser.

Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component constitute the "Fund Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. The "Cash Component," which may include a Dividend Equivalent Payment, is an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares (per Creation Unit) and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. The "Dividend Equivalent Payment" enables a Fund to make a complete distribution of dividends on the day preceding the next dividend payment date, and is an amount equal, on a per Creation Unit basis, to the dividends on all the portfolio securities of the Fund ("Dividend Securities") with ex-dividend dates within the accumulation period for such distribution (the "Accumulation Period"), net of expenses and liabilities for such period, as if all of the Dividend Securities had been held by the Fund for the entire Accumulation Period. The Accumulation Period begins on the ex-dividend date for each Fund and ends on the day preceding the next ex-dividend date. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the net asset value per Creation Unit exceeds the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the net asset value per Creation Unit is less than the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined below).

The Custodian, through NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, to be included in the current standard Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund. Such standard Fund Deposit is subject to any applicable adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units of a Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, is made available.

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities or the amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, required for a Fund Deposit for each Fund may be changed from time to time with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. Information regarding the Fund Deposit necessary for the purchase of a Creation Unit is made available to Authorized Participants and other market participants seeking to transact in Creation Unit aggregations.

The Trust intends to require the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a "cash in lieu" amount) to replace any Deposit Security that is a TBA transaction. The amount of cash contributed will be equivalent to the price of the TBA transaction listed as a Deposit Security. As noted above, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Cash to replace any Deposit Security, which shall be added to the Cash Component, including, without limitation, in situations where the Deposit Security: (i) may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, (ii) may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC for corporate securities and municipal securities or the Federal Reserve System for U.S. Treasury securities; (iii) may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined below) or the investor for which it is acting; (iv) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, or (v) in certain other situations (collectively, "non-standard orders"). The Trust also reserves the right to: (i) permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash; and (ii) include or

------

remove Deposit Securities from the basket in anticipation of portfolio changes. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, in the composition of the subject Index being tracked by the relevant Fund or resulting from certain corporate actions.

**PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASE OF CREATION UNITS**

To be eligible to place orders with the Principal Underwriter, as facilitated via the Transfer Agent, to purchase a Creation Unit of a Fund, an entity must be (i) a "Participating Party", i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process"), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see "Book Entry Only System"), and, with respect to the Fixed Income ETFs, must have the ability to clear through the Federal Reserve System. In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an "Authorized Participant") must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Principal Underwriter and the Transfer Agent, and that has been accepted by the Trust, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (described below) and any other applicable fees, taxes and additional variable charge.

All orders to purchase Shares directly from a Fund, including non-standard orders, must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement and/or the applicable order form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the "Order Placement Date."

An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order (e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Shares directly from a Fund in Creation Units have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants may have international capabilities.

On days when the Exchange or the bond markets close earlier than normal, a Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which a Fund's investments are primarily traded is closed, the Fund will also generally not accept orders on such day(s). Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement and in accordance with the applicable order form. Those placing orders through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order by the cut-off time. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.

Fund Deposits must be delivered by an Authorized Participant through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S. government securities), or through DTC (for corporate securities and municipal securities), through a subcustody agent (for foreign securities) and/or through such other arrangements allowed by the Trust or its agents. With respect to foreign Deposit Securities, the Custodian shall cause the subcustodian of a Fund to maintain an account into which the Authorized Participant shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, such Deposit Securities. Foreign Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local subcustodian. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, to the account of a Fund or its agents by no later than the Settlement Date. The "Settlement Date" with respect to a creation order for a Fund is generally the first Business Day ("T+1") after the Order Placement Date. The Settlement Date for the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF is the same day ("T+0") as the Order Placement Date for orders placed prior to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time; orders placed after 12:00 p.m. Eastern time will have a Settlement Date of the first Business Day ("T+1") following the Order Placement Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash to be delivered, as applicable, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities or cash, as applicable, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash represented by the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than the Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the

------

Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, are not received in a timely manner by the Settlement Date, the creation order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such cancelled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the first Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor. Delivery of Creation Units for the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF will occur on the same day for orders placed before 12:00 p.m. Eastern time, and the following Business Day for order placed after 12:00 p.m. Eastern time.

The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions), with the Custodian on the Settlement Date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. A creation request is considered to be in "proper form" if all procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, order form and this SAI are properly followed.

Shortened settlement cycles are expected to be available, through which creation transactions can be settled on the trade date in accordance with instructions provided by the Trust and/or Distributor.

**ISSUANCE OF A CREATION UNIT**

Except as provided herein, Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities or payment of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian or subcustodians, the Principal Underwriter and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.

In instances where the Trust accepts Deposit Securities for the purchase of a Creation Unit, the Creation Unit may be purchased in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) an additional amount of cash equal to a percentage of the market value as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the "Additional Cash Deposit"), which shall be maintained in a general non-interest bearing collateral account. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to the applicable percentage, as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. The Trust may use such Additional Cash Deposit to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Trust for all costs, expenses, dividends, income and taxes associated with missing Deposit Securities, including the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Principal Underwriter plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee as set forth below under "Creation Transaction Fees" will be charged in all cases and an additional variable charge may also be applied. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

**ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS OF CREATION UNITS**

The Trust reserves the right to reject an order for Creation Units transmitted in respect of a Fund at its discretion, including, without limitation, if (a) the order is not in proper form or the Deposit Securities delivered do not consist of the securities that the Custodian specified; (b) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Authorized Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (c) the investor(s), upon obtaining the Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (d) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (e) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; or (f) in the event that circumstances

------

outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent, the Distributor and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Principal Underwriter, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The Trust or its agents shall communicate to the Authorized Participant its rejection of an order. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units. Given the importance of the ongoing issuance of Creation Units to maintaining a market price that is at or close to the underlying net asset value of the Fund, the Trust does not intend to suspend acceptance of orders for Creation Units.

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.

**REDEMPTION**

Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their net asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by a Fund through the Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. EXCEPT UPON LIQUIDATION OF A FUND, THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Investors must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.

With respect to each Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the list of the names and share quantities of securities designated by the Fund that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day ("Redemption Securities"). Redemption Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities. The identity and number of shares of the Redemption Securities or the Cash Redemption Amount (defined below) may be changed from time to time with a view to the investment objective of a Fund.

Redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit are paid either in-kind or in cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Trust. With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will consist of Redemption Securities plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Redemption Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less a fixed redemption transaction fee and any applicable additional variable charge as set forth below. In the event that the Redemption Securities have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) the Trust will substitute a cash in lieu amount to replace any Fund Security that is a TBA transaction and the amount of cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the TBA transaction listed as a Fund Security and (ii) at the Trust's discretion, an Authorized Participant may receive the corresponding cash value of the securities in lieu of the in-kind securities value representing one or more Redemption Securities.

**PROCEDURES FOR REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS**

After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption received, the Trust will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to the Authorized Participant by the Settlement Date. The "Settlement Date" with respect to a redemption order for a Fund is generally T+1. With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, the calculation of the value of the Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by the Custodian according to the procedures set forth under "Determination of Net Asset Value", computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the Principal Underwriter by a DTC Participant by the specified time on the

------

Order Placement Date, and the requisite number of Shares of a Fund are delivered to the Custodian prior to 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, then the value of the Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by the Custodian on such Order Placement Date. If the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are not delivered by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, the Fund will not release the underlying securities for delivery unless collateral is posted in such percentage amount of missing Shares as set forth in the Participant Agreement (marked to market daily).

With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, in connection with taking delivery of shares of Redemption Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, an Authorized Participant must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker- dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Redemption Securities are customarily traded (or such other arrangements as allowed by the Trust or its agents), to which account such Redemption Securities will be delivered. Delivery of redemption proceeds is generally T+1. The order form specifies the date at which the delivery of redemption proceeds for a specific Fund is generally expected to occur.

Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds may take longer than one Business Day after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. If the Authorized Participant has not made appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Redemption Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities in such jurisdiction, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the Authorized Participant will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.

If it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities, the Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the redeeming investor will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that a Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Shares based on the NAV of Shares of the relevant Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the Trust's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Redemption Securities). A Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Redemption Securities but does not differ in net asset value.

An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that, as of the close of the Business Day on which the redemption request was submitted, it (or its client) will own (within the meaning of Rule 200 of Regulation SHO) or has arranged to borrow for delivery to the Trust on or prior to the Settlement Date of the redemption request, the requisite number of Shares of the relevant Fund to be redeemed as a Creation Unit. In either case, the Authorized Participant is deemed to acknowledge that: (i) it (or its client) has full legal authority and legal right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Shares of the applicable Fund and to receive the entire proceeds of the redemption; and (ii) if such Shares submitted for redemption have been loaned or pledged to another party or are the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or any other arrangement affecting legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares being tendered, there are no restrictions precluding the tender and delivery of such Shares (including borrowed shares, if any) for redemption, free and clear of liens, on the redemption Settlement Date. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion, but will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from a Fund in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.

Redemptions of Shares for Redemption Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and each Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Redemption Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Redemption Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Redemption Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a

------

"qualified institutional buyer," ("QIB") as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Redemption Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status in order to receive Redemption Securities.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to a Fund (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of the NAV of the Shares is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

With respect to the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF and the SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF, the right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment delayed longer than one day (1) for any period during which there is a non-routine closure of the Fedwire or applicable Federal Reserve Banks; (2) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (3) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (4) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (a) disposal of securities owned by the Fund is not reasonably practicable or (b) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the NAV of the Shares of the Fund; (5) for any period during which the SEC has, by rule or regulation, deemed that (a) trading shall be restricted or (b) an emergency exists; (6) for any period that the SEC may by order permit for shareholder protection; or (7) for any period during which the Fund, as part of a necessary liquidation of the Fund, has properly postponed and/or suspended redemption of Shares and payment in accordance with federal securities laws. Any such suspension or postponement described above will be consistent with the Fund's obligations under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act.

**REQUIRED EARLY ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS FOR CERTAIN INTERNATIONAL FUNDS**

Notwithstanding the foregoing, as described in the Participant Agreement and/or the applicable order form, certain Funds may require orders to be placed prior to the trade date, as described in the Participant Agreement or the applicable order form, in order to receive the trade date's net asset value. The cut-off time to receive the trade date's net asset value will not precede the calculation of the net asset value of a Fund's shares on the prior Business Day. Orders to purchase Shares of such Funds that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) that the equity markets in the relevant foreign market are closed may not be accepted. Authorized Participants may be notified that the cut-off time for an order may be earlier on a particular Business Day, as described in the Participant Agreement and the applicable order form.

**CREATION AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES**

A transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or redemption of Creation Units, as applicable. Authorized Participants will be required to pay a fixed creation transaction fee and/or a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, on a given day regardless of the number of Creation Units created or redeemed on that day. A Fund may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. An additional charge or a variable charge (discussed below) will be applied to certain creation and redemption transactions, including non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions. With respect to creation orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust and with respect to redemption orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the Redemption Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may also be charged a fee for such services.

**Creation and Redemption Transaction Fees:** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>| **Maximum**<br> **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>|
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $50 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $200 |
| SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $700 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2800 |
| SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>| **Maximum**<br> **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>|
| SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $200 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $800 |
| SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4000 |
| SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Global Dow ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4000 |
| SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $750 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3000 |
| SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $750 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3000 |
| SPDR NYSE Technology ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio High Yield Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Mortgage Backed Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $350 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1400 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Portfolio TIPS ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $750 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3000 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Low Volatility Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Momentum Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $4000 |
| SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Momentum Tilt ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6000 |
| SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1700 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6800 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6000 |
| SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $6000 |
| SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Bank ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Insurance ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>| **Maximum**<br> **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>|
| SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $750 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3000 |
| SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Retail ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Telecom ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR S&P Transportation ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |

---

\*

From time to time, a Fund may waive all or a portion of its applicable transaction fee(s). An additional charge of up to three (3) times the standard transaction fee may be charged to the extent a transaction is outside of the clearing process.

\*\*

In addition to the transaction fees listed above, the Funds may charge an additional variable fee for creations and redemptions in cash to offset brokerage and impact expenses associated with the cash transaction. The variable transaction fee will be calculated based on historical transaction cost data and the Adviser's view of current market conditions; however, the actual variable fee charged for a given transaction may be lower or higher than the trading expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to that transaction.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the sections in the applicable Prospectus entitled "PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION" and "ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION."

NAV per Share for each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund other than the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF is calculated by State Street and determined once daily as of the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that such exchange is open. With respect to the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF, the Fund's NAV is calculated and determined twice daily on each day the NYSE is open at the following times: (i) 12:00 p.m. Eastern time; and (ii) at the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE. Creation/redemption order cut-off times may be earlier on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (or applicable exchange or market on which a Fund's investments are traded) announces an early closing time. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at market rates on the date of valuation (generally as of 4:00 p.m. London time) as quoted by one or more sources.

In calculating a Fund's net asset value per Share, the Fund's investments are generally valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer). Each Fund relies on a third-party service provider for assistance with the daily calculation of the Fund's NAV. The third-party service provider, in turn, relies on other parties for certain pricing data and other inputs used in the calculation of the Fund's NAV. Therefore, each Fund is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on its service provider and that service provider's sources of pricing and other data. NAV calculation may be adversely affected by operational risks arising from factors such as errors or failures in systems and technology. Such errors or failures may result in inaccurately calculated NAVs, delays in the calculation of NAVs and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. A Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such fund's published net asset value per share. Each Fund may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service. Fixed-income assets are generally valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments in a particular market or exchange, and generally 4:00 p.m. EST for U.S. fixed-income assets (except U.S.

------

fixed-income assets are generally valued as of 12:00 p.m. EST for the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF's 12:00 p.m. Eastern time NAV calculation). Fixed-income assets are generally valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices for bank loans and inflation protected securities, and at the bid price for all other fixed-income assets.

Pursuant to Board approved valuation procedures, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee for each Fund. These procedures address, among other things, (i) determining (a) when market quotations are not readily available or reliable and (b) the methodologies to be used for determining the fair value of investments, and (ii) the use and oversight of third-party pricing services for fair valuation. The Adviser is responsible for periodically reviewing the procedures, and the selected methodologies used, for their continuing appropriateness and accuracy, and making any changes or adjustments to the procedures and methodologies as appropriate.

In the event that current market valuations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, the Trust's procedures require the Adviser to determine a security's fair value. In determining a fair value, the Adviser may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii) a review of relevant financial indicators (e.g., movement in interest rates, market indices, and prices from a Fund's index provider). In these cases, a Fund's net asset value may reflect certain portfolio securities' fair values rather than their market prices. The fair value of a portfolio instrument is generally the price which a Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon its current sale in an orderly market between market participants. Ascertaining fair value requires a determination of the amount that an arm's-length buyer, under the circumstances, would currently pay for the portfolio instrument. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund's net asset value and the prices used by the Index. This may result in a difference between a Fund's performance and the performance of the Index.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in each Prospectus entitled "DISTRIBUTIONS."

**GENERAL POLICIES** 

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid monthly by each Fixed Income ETF and quarterly for each Equity ETF (except SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors<sup>SM</sup> ETF and SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF), but may vary significantly from period to period. Income dividend distributions, if any, for the SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors<sup>SM</sup> ETF and SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF are generally distributed to shareholders semi-annually and monthly, respectively, but may vary significantly from period to period. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make distributions on a more frequent basis for a Fund to improve index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.

Dividends and other distributions on Shares are distributed, as described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Trust.

Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve a Fund's eligibility for treatment as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes at the Fund level.

**DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT** 

Broker dealers, at their own discretion, may offer a dividend reinvestment service under which Shares are purchased in the secondary market at current market prices. Investors should consult their broker dealer for further information regarding any dividend reinvestment service offered by such broker dealer.

------

**Taxes**

The following is a summary of certain federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that supplements the discussions in the Prospectuses. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussion here and in each Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning.

The following general discussion of certain federal income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

The following information should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectuses entitled "ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION."

**TAXATION OF THE FUNDS**

Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. A Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein and in the Prospectuses. Losses in one series of the Trust do not offset gains in any other series of the Trust and the requirements (other than certain organizational requirements) for qualifying for treatment as a RIC are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level. Each Fund has elected or will elect and intends to qualify each year to be treated as a separate RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, each Fund should not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it timely distributes such income and capital gains to its shareholders. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, a Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its taxable net investment income (generally including the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, if any (the "Distribution Requirement") and also must meet several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of a Fund's gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the "Qualifying Income Requirement"); and (ii) at the end of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, its assets must be diversified so that (a) at least 50% of the market value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that it controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the "Diversification Requirement").

If a Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income Requirement or the Diversification Requirement in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the Diversification Requirement where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Diversification Requirement, a Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions were not available to a Fund and it were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions (including capital gains distributions) generally would be taxable as ordinary income dividends to its shareholders, subject to the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders. To requalify for treatment as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and to distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. If a Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a Fund-level tax on certain net built-in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of a Fund for treatment as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

------

As discussed more fully below, each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its capital gains for each taxable year.

If a Fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some or all of its income or gains, it will be subject to federal income tax to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. A Fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their Shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits. If a Fund failed to satisfy the Distribution Requirement for any taxable year, it would be taxed as a regular corporation, with consequences generally similar to those described in the preceding paragraph.

Given the concentration of certain of the Indexes in a relatively small number of securities, it may not be possible for certain Funds to fully implement sampling methodologies while satisfying the Diversification Requirement. A Fund's efforts to satisfy the Diversification Requirement may affect the Fund's execution of its investment strategy and may cause the Fund's return to deviate from that of the applicable Index, and the Fund's efforts to track the applicable Index may cause it inadvertently to fail to satisfy the Diversification Requirement.

A Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount at least equal to 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the twelve months ended October 31 of such year, subject to an increase for any shortfall in the prior year's distribution. Each Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.

A Fund may elect to treat part or all of any "qualified late year loss" as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund's taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such "qualified late year loss" as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A "qualified late year loss" generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as "post-October losses") and certain other late-year losses.

Capital losses in excess of capital gains ("net capital losses") are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC's net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, a Fund may carry a net capital loss from any taxable year forward indefinitely to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to its shareholders. Generally, the Funds may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses.

**TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS—DISTRIBUTIONS**

Each Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), its net tax-exempt income, if any, and any net capital gain (net recognized long-term capital gains in excess of net recognized short-term capital losses, taking into account any capital loss carryforwards). Each Fund will report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends paid from ordinary income, the amount of distributions of net capital gain, the portion of dividends which may qualify for the dividends-received deduction, the portion of dividends which may qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income, and the amount of exempt-interest dividends, if any.

Subject to certain limitations, dividends reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income will be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Dividends may be reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund. Qualified dividend income includes, in general, subject to certain holding period requirements and other requirements, dividend income from certain U.S. and foreign corporations. Subject to certain limitations, eligible foreign corporations include those incorporated in possessions of the United States, those incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States and other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is tradable on an established securities market in the United States. A dividend generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income to the extent that (i) the shareholder has not held the stock on which the dividend was paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins on the date that is 60

------

days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend or, in the case of certain preferred stock, for more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date, (ii) the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property, or (iii) the shareholder elects to treat such dividend as investment income under section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. The holding period requirements described in this paragraph apply to shareholders' investments in the Funds and to the Funds' investments in underlying dividend-paying stocks. Dividends treated as received by a Fund from a REIT or another RIC may be treated as qualified dividend income generally only to the extent the dividend distributions are attributable to qualified dividend income received by such REIT or RIC. It is expected that dividends received by a Fund from a REIT and distributed by that Fund to a shareholder generally will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Additionally, income derived in connection with a Fund's securities lending activities, will, in general, not be treated as qualified dividend income. If 95% or more of a Fund's gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, that Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

Certain dividends received by a Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by a Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) when distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Internal Revenue Code. Dividends received by a Fund from REITs will not be eligible for that deduction. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their Shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those Shares. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its Shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the Shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required.

Distributions from a Fund's net short-term capital gains will generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions from a Fund's net capital gain will be taxable to shareholders at long-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long shareholders have held their Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Certain capital gain dividends attributable to dividends a Fund receives from REITs may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at a rate other than the reduced rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains.

The Municipal Bond ETFs intend to satisfy certain conditions (including requirements as to the proportion of their assets invested in municipal securities) that will enable them to report distributions from the interest income generated by their investments in municipal securities as exempt-interest dividends. Shareholders receiving exempt-interest dividends will not be subject to regular federal income tax on the amount of such dividends, but exempt-interest dividends may be taken into account in determining shareholders' federal alternative minimum tax liability. Insurance proceeds received by the Fund under any insurance policies in respect of scheduled interest payments on defaulted municipal securities will generally be excludable from federal gross income. In the case of non-appropriation by a political subdivision, however, there can be no assurance that payments made by the insurer representing interest on non-appropriation lease obligations will be excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes.

Exempt-interest dividends paid by the Municipal Bond ETFs and attributable to interest earned on municipal securities issued by a state or its political subdivisions are generally exempt in the hands of a shareholder from income tax imposed by that state, but exempt-interest dividends attributable to interest on municipal securities issued by another state generally will not be exempt from such income tax.

Distributions by the Municipal Bond ETFs of net interest received from certain taxable temporary investments (such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities) and net short-term capital gains realized by a Municipal Bond ETF, if any, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. If a Municipal Bond ETF purchases a municipal security at a market discount, any gain realized by the Municipal Bond ETF upon sale or redemption of the municipal security will be treated as taxable interest income to the extent of the market discount, and any gain realized in excess of the market discount will be treated as capital gains.

If you lend your Shares in a Municipal Bond ETF pursuant to a securities lending or similar arrangement, you may lose the ability to treat dividends paid by the Municipal Bond ETF while the Shares are held by the borrower as tax-exempt income. Interest on indebtedness incurred by a shareholder to purchase or carry Shares of the Municipal Bond ETFs will not be

------

deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a shareholder receives exempt-interest dividends with respect to any share of a Municipal Bond ETF and if the share is held by the shareholder for six months or less, then any loss on the sale or exchange of the share may, to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends, be disallowed. In addition, the Internal Revenue Code may require a shareholder in a Municipal Bond ETF that receives exempt-interest dividends to treat as taxable income a portion of certain otherwise non-taxable social security and railroad retirement benefit payments. Furthermore, a portion of any exempt-interest dividend paid by a Municipal Bond ETF that represents income derived from certain revenue or private activity bonds held by a Municipal Bond ETF may not retain its tax-exempt status in the hands of a shareholder who is a "substantial user" of a facility financed by such bonds, or a "related person" thereof. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to whether they are "substantial users" with respect to a facility or "related" to such users within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code.

Federal tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to individuals. Interest on certain municipal securities that meet the definition of private activity bonds under the Internal Revenue Code is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a noncorporate taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent that a Municipal Bond ETF receives income from private activity bonds, a portion of the dividends paid by it, although otherwise exempt from federal income tax, may be taxable to those noncorporate shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax regime. The Municipal Bond ETFs will annually supply shareholders with a report indicating the percentage of their income attributable to municipal securities required to be included in calculating the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to noncorporate taxpayers. Exempt-interest dividends may also be taxable to corporate shareholders under the alternative minimum tax applicable to corporations.

Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by a Fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared.

If a Fund's distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made in the taxable year may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce the shareholder's cost basis and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the Shares on which the distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder's basis in the Shares has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder's Shares.

Under Section 163(j) of the Code, a taxpayer's business interest expense is generally deductible to the extent of its business interest income plus certain other amounts. If a Fund earns business interest income, it may report a portion of its dividends as "Section 163(j) interest dividends," which its shareholders may be able to treat as business interest income for purposes of Section 163(j) of the Code. The Fund's "Section 163(j) interest dividend" for a tax year will be limited to the excess of its business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. In general, a Fund's shareholders may treat a distribution reported as a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income only to the extent the distribution exceeds the sum of the portions of the distribution reported as other types of tax-favored income (which would generally include exempt-interest income). To be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income, a shareholder may need to meet certain holding period requirements in respect of Shares and must not have hedged its position in Shares in certain ways.

Distributions that are reinvested in additional Shares of a Fund through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if offered by your broker-dealer, will nevertheless be taxable dividends to the same extent as if such dividends had been received in cash.

A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a "surviving spouse" for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized on the sale of Shares) are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income, but exempt-interest dividends generally are not taken into account.

Distributions of ordinary income and capital gains may also be subject to foreign, state and local taxes depending on a shareholder's circumstances.

------

**TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS—SALE OF SHARES**

In general, a sale of Shares results in capital gain or loss, and for individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length of time the Shares were held. A sale of Shares held for a period of one year or less at the time of such sale will, for tax purposes, generally result in short-term capital gains or losses, and a sale of those held for more than one year will generally result in long-term capital gains or losses. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates.

Gain or loss on the sale of Shares is measured by the difference between the amount received and the adjusted tax basis of the Shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the tax basis of their Shares. It may not be advantageous from a tax perspective for shareholders to sell or redeem Shares of a Municipal Bond ETF after tax-exempt income has accrued but before the record date for the exempt-interest dividend representing the distribution of such income. Because such accrued tax-exempt income is included in the net asset value per share, such a sale or redemption could result in treatment of the portion of the sales or redemption proceeds equal to the accrued tax-exempt interest as taxable gain (to the extent the sale or redemption price exceeds the shareholder's tax basis in the Municipal Bond ETF Shares disposed of) rather than tax-exempt interest.

A loss realized on a sale of Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical Shares are acquired (whether through the reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a sixty-one (61) day period beginning thirty (30) days before and ending thirty (30) days after the date that the Shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired must be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss upon the sale of Shares held for six (6) months or less will be disallowed to the extent of exempt-interest dividends paid on such Shares, and any amount of the loss that exceeds the amount disallowed will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains).

**COST BASIS REPORTING**

The cost basis of Shares acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for the Shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of Shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your Shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account.

**INVESTMENTS IN MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS**

A Fund's ability to invest in Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs") and other related entities that are treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships ("QPTPs") for federal income tax purposes is limited by the Fund's intent to qualify as a RIC. In order to qualify as a RIC, a Fund generally may not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of QPTPs. Each Fund intends to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a RIC and, as such each Fund must limit its investments in QPTPs accordingly. In certain cases, the status of an investment as an investment in a QPTP is not clear.

When a Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP or any other entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a partner in the entity for tax purposes. Accordingly, in calculating such Fund's taxable income, it will be required to take into account its allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits recognized by each such entity, regardless of whether the entity distributes cash to a Fund. Distributions from such an entity to a Fund are not generally taxable unless the cash amount (or, in certain cases, the fair market value of marketable securities) distributed to a Fund exceeds a Fund's adjusted tax basis in its interest in the entity. In general, a Fund's allocable share of such an entity's net income will increase a Fund's adjusted tax basis in its interest in the entity, and distributions to a Fund from such an entity and a Fund's allocable share of the entity's net losses will decrease a Fund's adjusted basis in its interest in the entity, but not below zero. A Fund may receive cash distributions from such an entity in excess of the net amount of taxable income the Fund is allocated from its investment in the entity. In other circumstances, the net amount of taxable income the Fund is allocated from its investment in such an entity may exceed cash distributions received from the entity. Thus, a Fund's investments in such an entity may cause the Fund to make distributions to shareholders in excess of its earnings and profits, or such Fund may be required to sell investments, including when not otherwise advantageous to do so, in order for the Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs. Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a Fund in a given year from the Fund's investment in an MLP or a related entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes will generally reduce the Fund's taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in a Fund's income in one or more

------

subsequent years upon either (i) the sale of an interest in the MLP or related entity or (ii) in respect of the sale or other disposition by the MLP or related entity, of property held by it. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though the shareholders at that time might not have held Shares at the time the deductions were taken by a Fund, and even though those shareholders will not have corresponding economic gain on their Shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption requests, a Fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.

Noncorporate taxpayers are generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of "qualified publicly traded partnership income." A Fund will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of income allocated to it by any MLPs or other publicly traded partnerships in which it invests, and shareholders will not be able to claim such a deduction in respect of Fund dividends attributable to any such income.

**TAXATION OF FUND INVESTMENTS**

Dividends and interest received by a Fund on foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If a Fund meets certain requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its respective taxable year consist of certain foreign securities (generally including foreign government securities), then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to certain foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to this election, a Fund would treat the applicable foreign taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders. Each such shareholder would be required to include a proportionate share of those taxes in gross income as income received from a foreign source and must treat the amount so included as if the shareholder had paid the foreign tax directly. The shareholder may then either deduct the taxes deemed paid by him or her in computing his or her taxable income or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating any foreign tax credit the shareholder may be entitled to use against such shareholder's federal income tax. If a Fund makes this election, the Fund will report annually to its shareholders the respective amounts per share of the Fund's income from sources within, and taxes paid to, foreign countries and U.S. possessions. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. If a Fund does not make this election, the Fund will be entitled to claim a deduction for certain foreign taxes incurred by the Fund. In certain instances, the Fund might not elect to apply otherwise allowable U.S. federal income tax deductions for those foreign taxes, whether or not credits or deductions for those foreign taxes could be passed through to its shareholders pursuant to the election described above. If the Fund does not elect to apply these deductions, taxable distributions you receive from the Fund may be larger than they would have been if the Fund had taken deductions for such taxes. Under certain circumstances, if a Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund's foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.

Certain of the Funds' investments may be subject to complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions, straddles, integrated transactions, foreign currency contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, and notional principal contracts) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by a Fund (e.g., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require a Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions to its shareholders in amounts necessary to satisfy the RIC distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Funds intend to monitor their transactions, intend to make appropriate tax elections, and intend to make appropriate entries in their books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and preserve the Funds' qualification for treatment as RICs.

Certain investments made by a Fund may be treated as equity in passive foreign investment companies or "PFICs" for federal income tax purposes. In general, a passive foreign investment company is a foreign corporation (i) that receives at least 75% of its annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or (ii) where at least 50% of its assets (computed based on average fair market value) either produce or are held for the production of passive income. If a Fund acquires any equity interest (under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, generally including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in a PFIC, the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and nondeductible interest charges on

------

"excess distributions" received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed by the Fund to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. A "qualified electing fund" election or a "mark to market" election may be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections could require the applicable Fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, as described above) without the concurrent receipt of cash. In order to satisfy the distribution requirements and avoid a tax at the Fund level, a Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund. Gains from the sale of stock of PFICs may also be treated as ordinary income. In order for a Fund to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to a PFIC, the PFIC would have to agree to provide certain tax information to the Fund on an annual basis, which it might not agree to do. The Funds may limit and/or manage their holdings in PFICs to limit their tax liability or maximize their returns from these investments.

If a sufficient portion of the interests in a foreign issuer are held or deemed held by a Fund, independently or together with certain other U.S. persons, that issuer may be treated as a "controlled foreign corporation" (a "CFC") with respect to the Fund, in which case the Fund will be required to take into account each year, as ordinary income, its share of certain portions of that issuer's income, whether or not such amounts are distributed. A Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities (potentially resulting in the recognition of taxable gain or loss, and potentially under disadvantageous circumstances) to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to meet its distribution requirements and avoid Fund-level taxes. In addition, some Fund gains on the disposition of interests in such an issuer may be treated as ordinary income. A Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in issuers that could be treated as CFCs in order to limit its tax liability or maximize its after-tax return from these investments.

Each Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark-to-market and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from futures and options contracts on broad-based indexes required to be marked to market will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. A Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts, options contracts and swaps to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. It is anticipated that certain net gain realized from the closing out of futures or options contracts will be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Requirement.

Investments by a Fund in zero coupon or other discount securities will result in income to the Fund equal to a portion of the excess face value of the securities over their issue price (the "original issue discount" or "OID") each year that the securities are held, even though the Fund may receive no cash interest payments or may receive cash interest payments that are less than the income recognized for tax purposes. In other circumstances, whether pursuant to the terms of a security or as a result of other factors outside the control of the Fund, a Fund may recognize income without receiving a commensurate amount of cash. Such income is included in determining the amount of income that a Fund must distribute to maintain its eligibility for treatment as a RIC and to avoid the payment of federal income tax, including the nondeductible 4% excise tax described above.

Any market discount recognized on a market discount bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value, or below adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount. Absent an election by a Fund to include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on the Fund's disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount. If a Municipal Bond ETF purchases a municipal security at a market discount, any gain realized by such Fund upon sale or redemption of the municipal security will be treated as taxable interest income to the extent of the market discount, and any gain realized in excess of the market discount will be treated as capital gains. Where the income required to be recognized as a result of the OID and/or market discount rules is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by a Fund, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to enable the Fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a RIC and eliminate taxes at the Fund level.

Special rules apply if a Fund holds inflation-indexed bonds, such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Generally, all stated interest on inflation-indexed bonds is taken into income by a Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest income. The amount of any positive inflation adjustment for a taxable year, which results from an increase in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, is treated as OID. The amount of a Fund's OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will increase a Fund's taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash, until the bond matures. As a result, the Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distribution requirements

------

for the applicable year. The amount of any negative inflation adjustments, which result from a decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, first reduces the amount of interest (including stated interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise includable in the Fund's taxable income with respect to the bond for the taxable year; any remaining negative adjustments will be either treated as ordinary loss or, in certain circumstances, carried forward to reduce the amount of interest income taken into account with respect to the bond in future taxable years.

For tax years beginning before January 1, 2026, a noncorporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer's "qualified REIT dividends." If a Fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of U.S. REIT shares, the Fund may report its own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the Fund's income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for a Fund's dividends to be eligible for this deduction when received by a noncorporate shareholder, the Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the U.S. REIT shares on which the Fund received the eligible dividends, and the noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the Shares.

**TAX-EXEMPT SHAREHOLDERS**

Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k) plans, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"). Under current law, a Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, tax-exempt shareholders could realize UBTI by virtue of their investment in a Fund where, for example, (i) the Fund invests in REITs that hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") or (ii) Shares constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholders within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisors. There are no restrictions preventing a Fund from holding investments in REITs that hold residual interests in REMICs, and a Fund may do so. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding these issues.

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of Shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income.

**FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS**

Dividends, other than capital gains dividends and exempt-interest dividends, "short-term capital gain dividends" and "interest-related dividends" (described below), paid by a Fund to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% United States withholding tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gain or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United States. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax and the proper withholding form(s) to be submitted to a Fund. A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an appropriate IRS Form W-8 may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.

Dividends reported by a Fund as (i) interest-related dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund's "qualified net interest income," or (ii) short-term capital gain dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund's "qualified short-term gain," are generally exempt from this 30% withholding tax. "Qualified net interest income" is a Fund's net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. "Qualified short-term gain" generally means the excess of a Fund's net short-term capital gain for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. In the case of Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund reports the payment as an interest-related dividend or as a short-term capital gain dividend. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund distributions (other than exempt-interest dividends) payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

------

Non-U.S. persons are subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a "United States real property interest" (a "USRPI"). Gain on such a disposition is sometimes referred to as "FIRPTA gain." The Internal Revenue Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of "FIRPTA gain" if certain requirements are met. If the look-through rule applies, certain distributions attributable to income treated as received by a Fund from REITs may be treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing distributions to be subject to U.S. withholding taxes, and requiring non-U.S. investors to file nonresident U.S. income tax returns. Also, FIRPTA gain may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. shareholder that is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Under certain circumstances, Shares may qualify as USRPIs, which could result in 15% withholding on certain distributions and gross redemption proceeds paid to certain non-U.S. investors.

**BACKUP WITHHOLDING**

A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as "backup withholding") on amounts (including exempt-interest dividends) payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.

**CREATION UNITS**

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.

Any gain or loss realized upon a creation of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the securities exchanged therefor as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Similarly, any gain or loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the Shares comprising the Creation Units as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise, will generally be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six (6) months or less will be disallowed to the extent of exempt-interest dividends paid with respect to the Creation Units, and to the extent not disallowed will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).

A Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in any deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. A Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial Share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If a Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

If a Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may bear additional costs and recognize more capital gains than it would if it redeems Creation Units in kind.

Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.

------

**CERTAIN POTENTIAL TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS**

Under promulgated Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of a Fund's shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to adverse tax consequences, including significant penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

The foregoing discussion is a summary only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of Shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in such Shares, including under state, local and other tax laws. Finally, the foregoing discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, judicial authority and administrative interpretations in effect on the date hereof. Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions discussed above, and such changes often occur.

**STATE TAX MATTERS**

The discussion of state and local tax treatment is based on the assumptions that the Funds will qualify for treatment under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code as RICs, that the Municipal Bond ETFs will satisfy the conditions which will cause distributions to qualify as exempt-interest dividends to shareholders when distributed as intended, and that each Fund will distribute all interest and dividends it receives to its shareholders. The tax discussion summarizes general state and local tax laws which are currently in effect and which are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative action; any such changes may be retroactive with respect to the applicable Fund's transactions. Investors should consult a tax advisor for more detailed information about state and local taxes to which they may be subject.

Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by the Fund. Investment in Ginnie Mae or Fannie Mae securities, banker's acceptances, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities do not generally qualify for such tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporate shareholders.

**Capital Stock and Other Securities**

Each Fund issues Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per Share. The Board may designate additional funds.

Each Share issued by the Trust has a pro rata interest in the assets of the corresponding series of the Trust. Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to each Fund, and in the net distributable assets of each Fund on liquidation.

Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all series of the Trust vote together as a single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund it will be voted on only by that fund and if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other funds, that fund will vote separately on such matter. Under Massachusetts law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy of the Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. All Shares of the Trust (regardless of the fund) have noncumulative voting rights for the election of Trustees. Under Massachusetts law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders.

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust, requires that Trust obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of the Trust's property for any shareholder held personally liable for

------

the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and the nature of each Fund's assets and operations, the risk to shareholders of personal liability is believed to be remote.

Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Trust, c/o the Distributor, State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC at One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

**Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, serves as counsel to the Trust. [ ], located at [ ], serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Trust. [ ] performs annual audits of the Funds' financial statements and provides other audit, tax and related services.

**Local Market Holiday Schedules**

The Trust generally intends to effect deliveries of the Funds' portfolio securities on T+1. The ability of the Trust to effect in-kind redemptions within one Business Day of receipt of a redemption request is subject, among other things, to the condition that, within the time period from the date of the request to the date of delivery of the securities, there are no days that are local market holidays on the relevant Business Days. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the local market that are not holidays observed in the United States, the redemption settlement cycle may be extended by the number of such intervening local holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust from delivering securities within one Business Day.

The securities delivery cycles currently practicable for transferring portfolio securities to redeeming investors, coupled with local market holiday schedules, may require a delivery process longer than the standard settlement period. In certain circumstances during the calendar year, the settlement period may be greater than seven calendar days.

**Financial Statements**

The financial statements and financial highlights of the Funds that were operating during the year ended June 30, 2025, along with the Report of [ ], the Trust's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing, and are incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information.

------

**APPENDIX A**

**Standard & Poor's, a division of S&P Global ("S&P"), Long-Term Issue Ratings:** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| AAA | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's <br> capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.<br>|
| AA | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The <br> obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.<br>|
| A | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in <br> circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, <br> the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.<br>|
| BBB | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic <br> conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet <br> its financial commitments on the obligation.<br>|
| BB, B, CCC, CC, and C | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' are regarded as having significant speculative <br> characteristics. 'BB' indicates the least degree of speculation and 'C' the highest. While such <br> obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed <br> by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.<br>|
| BB | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. <br> However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or <br> economic conditions that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial <br> commitments on the obligation.<br>|
| B | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the <br> obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse <br> business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness <br> to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.<br>|
| CCC | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon <br> favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial <br> commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic <br> conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the <br> obligation.<br>|
| CC | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'CC' rating is used <br> when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual <br> certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.<br>|
| C | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is <br> expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations <br> that are rated higher.<br>|
| D | &nbsp;&nbsp; An obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital <br> instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on <br> the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five <br> business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace <br> period or 30 calendar days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy <br> petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for <br> example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is <br> subject to a distressed debt restructuring.<br>|

---

\*

Ratings from 'AA' to 'CCC' may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

------

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.'s ("Moody's") Long-Term Obligation Ratings:** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Aaa | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| Aa | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| A | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| Baa | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may <br> possess certain speculative characteristics.<br>|
| Ba | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| B | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| Caa | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| Ca | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery <br> of principal and interest.<br>|
| C | &nbsp;&nbsp; Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or <br> interest.<br>|

---

Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.\*

Note: For more information on long-term ratings assigned to obligations in default, please see the definition "Long-Term Credit Ratings for Defaulted or Impaired Securities" in the Other Definitions section of Moody's Rating Symbols and Definitions publication.

\*

*By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.*

**Fitch Ratings Ltd.'s ("Fitch") Corporate Finance Obligations – Long-Term Ratings:**

AAA: Highest Credit Quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very High Credit Quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High Credit Quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good Credit Quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

B: Highly Speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

CCC: Substantial Credit Risk. 'CCC' ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.

CC: Very High Levels of Credit Risk. 'CC' ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.

C: Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. 'C' indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

------

**Appendix B**

**<u>SPDR</u>**<sup>®</sup> **<u>Series Trust</u>** <br> **<u>SPDR</u>**<sup>®</sup>  **<u>Index Shares Funds</u>** <br> **<u>SSGA Active Trust</u>** <br> **<u>(each, a</u> <u>"</u><u>Trust</u><u>"</u> <u>or</u> <u>"</u><u>Fund,</u><u>"</u> <u>and, collectively, the</u> <u>"</u><u>Trusts</u><u>"</u> <u>or</u> <u>"</u><u>Funds</u><u>"</u><u>)</u>**

**<u>PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES</u>**

The Board of Trustees of the Trusts has adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts' investment portfolios.

**1.** **Proxy Voting Policy**

The policy of each Trust is to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trusts' investment adviser (the "Adviser"), subject to the Trustees' continuing oversight.

**2.** **Fiduciary Duty**

The right to vote proxies with respect to portfolio securities held by each Trust is an asset of the Trusts. The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trusts and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Trusts and its shareholders.

**3.** **Proxy Voting Procedures**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board of Trustees (the "Board") its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies ("Policy") and the Policy of any Sub-adviser (defined below) to which proxy voting authority has been delegated (see Section 9 below). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Board of material changes to its Policy or the Policy of any Sub-adviser promptly and no later than the next regular meeting of the Board after such amendment is implemented.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policy for managing the conflicts of interests that may arise through the Adviser's proxy voting activities. In addition, the Adviser shall report any Policy overrides involving portfolio securities held by the Trusts to the Trustees at the next regular meeting of the Board after such override(s) occur.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees that a record is available for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of each Trust during the year. Also see Section 5 below.

**4.** **Revocation of Authority to Vote**

The delegation by the Trustees of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Trusts may be revoked by the Trustees, in whole or in part, at any time.

**5.** **Annual Filing of Proxy Voting Record**

The Adviser shall provide the required data for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of a Trust to that respective Trust or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to be filed in the Trust's annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.

**6.** **Retention and Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firms**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. In considering whether to retain or continue retaining a particular proxy advisory firm, the Adviser will ascertain whether the proxy advisory firm has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues, act as proxy voting agent as requested, and implement the Policy. In this regard, the Adviser will consider, at least annually, among other things, the adequacy and quality of the proxy advisory firm's staffing and personnel and the robustness of its policies and procedures regarding its ability to identify and address any conflicts of interest. The Adviser shall, at least annually, report to the Board regarding the results of this review.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. The Adviser will request quarterly and annual reporting from any proxy advisory firm retained by the Adviser, and hold ad hoc meetings with such proxy advisory firm, in order to determine whether there has been any business changes that might impact the proxy advisory firm's capacity or competency to provide proxy voting advice or services or changes to the proxy advisory firm's conflicts policies or procedures. The Adviser will also take reasonable steps to investigate any material factual error, notified to the Adviser by the proxy advisory firm or identified by the Adviser, made by the proxy advisory firm in providing proxy voting services.

**7.** **Periodic Sampling**

The Adviser will periodically sample proxy votes to review whether they complied with the Policy.

**8.** **Disclosures**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. A Trust shall include in its registration statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. A description of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") website.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. A Trust shall include in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. A statement disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SEC's website; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC's website.

**9.** **Sub-Advisers**

For certain Funds, the Adviser retains investment management firms ("Sub-advisers") to provide day-to-day investment management services to the Trusts pursuant to sub-advisory agreements. It is the policy of the Trusts that the Adviser may delegate proxy voting authority with respect to a Fund to a Sub-adviser. Pursuant to such delegation, a Sub-adviser is authorized to vote proxies on behalf of the applicable Fund or Funds for which it serves as sub-adviser, in accordance with the Sub-adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures.

**10.** **Review of Policy**

The Trustees shall review this policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Adopted (SPDR Series Trust/SPDR Index Shares Funds): | May 31, 2006  |
| Updated: | August 1, 2007 |
| Amended: | May 29, 2009 |
| Amended: | November 19, 2010 |
| Adopted (SSGA Active Trust)/Amended: | May 25, 2011  |
| Amended: | February 25, 2016 |
| Amended: | August 17, 2023 |

---

------

**Appendix C**

Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

![](g229155img660a56431.jpg)

**March 2025**

**Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy**

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial services to institutional investors. As an asset manager, State Street Global Advisors votes its clients' proxies where the client has delegated proxy voting authority to it, and State Street Global Advisors votes these proxies and engages with companies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments, as described in this document.<sup>1</sup>

When engaging with and voting proxies with respect to the portfolio companies in which we invest our clients' assets, we do so on behalf of and in the best interests of the client accounts we manage and do not seek to change or influence control of any such portfolio companies. The State Street Global Advisors Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy (the "Policy") contains certain policies that State Street Global Advisors will only apply in jurisdictions where permitted by local law and regulations. State Street Global Advisors will not apply any policies contained herein in any jurisdictions where State Street Global Advisors believes that implementing or following such policies would be deemed to constitute seeking to change or influence control of a portfolio company.

**Introduction**

At State Street Global Advisors, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager very seriously. Our primary fiduciary obligation to our clients is to maximize the long-term value of their investments. State Street Global Advisors focuses on risks and opportunities that may impact long-term value creation for our clients. We rely on the elected representatives of the companies in which we invest — the board of directors — to oversee these firms' strategies. We expect effective independent board oversight of the material risks and opportunities to a firm's business and operations. We believe that appropriate consideration of these risks and opportunities is an essential component of a firm's long-term business strategy, and expect boards to actively oversee the management of this strategy.

**Our Asset Stewardship Program**

State Street Global Advisors' Asset Stewardship Team is responsible for developing and implementing this Policy, the implementation of third-party proxy voting guidelines where applicable, case-by-case voting items, issuer engagement activities, and research and analysis of corporate governance issues and proxy voting items. The Asset Stewardship Team's activities are overseen by our internal governance body, State Street Global Advisors' Global Fiduciary and Conduct Committee ("GFCC"). The GFCC is responsible for reviewing State Street Global Advisors' stewardship strategy, engagement priorities, the Policy, and for monitoring the delivery of voting objectives.

In order to facilitate the execution of our proxy votes, we retain Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS"). We utilize ISS to: (1) act as our proxy voting agent (providing State Street Global Advisors with vote execution and administration services), (2) assist in applying the Policy, and (3) provide research and analysis relating to general corporate governance issues and specific proxy items. State Street Global Advisors does not follow the voting recommendations of any policy offered by ISS or any other proxy voting policy provider in implementing the Policy.

All voting decisions and engagement activities for which State Street Global Advisors has been given voting discretion are undertaken in accordance with this Policy, ensuring that the interests of our clients remain the sole consideration when discharging our stewardship responsibilities. Exceptions to this policy include the use of an independent third party to vote on State Street Corporation ("State Street") stock and the stock of other State Street affiliated entities, to mitigate a

------

This Policy is applicable to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., State Street Global Advisors Trust Company, and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation.

------

conflict of interest of voting on our parent company or affiliated entities, and other situations where we believe we may be conflicted from voting (for example, stock of a public company for which a State Street director also serves as a director, or due to an outside business interest). In such cases, delegated third parties exercise vote decisions based on their independent voting policy.

We aim to vote at all shareholder meetings where our clients have given us the authority to vote their shares and where it is feasible to do so. However, when we deem appropriate, we may refrain from voting at meetings in cases where:

• Power of attorney documentation is required.

• Voting would have a material impact on our ability to trade the security.

• Voting is not permissible due to sanctions affecting a company or individual.

• Issuer-specific special documentation is required or various market or issuer certifications are required.

• Certain market limitations would prohibit voting (e.g., partial/split voting prohibitions or residency restrictions).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Unless a client directs otherwise in so-called "share blocking" markets (markets where proxy voters have their securities blocked from trading during the period of the annual meeting).

Additionally, we are unable to vote proxies when certain custodians used by our clients do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction or when they charge a meeting-specific fee in excess of the typical custody service agreement.

Voting authority attached to certain securities held by State Street Global Advisors pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or other requirements. Under such arrangements, voting will be conducted by the independent third party pursuant to its proxy voting policy and not pursuant to this Policy.

**The State Street Global Advisors Proxy Voting Choice Program**

In addition to the option of delegating proxy voting authority to State Street Global Advisors pursuant to this Policy, clients may alternatively choose to participate in the State Street Global Advisors Proxy Voting Choice Program (the "Proxy Voting Choice Program"), which empowers clients to direct the proxy voting of shares held by the eligible fund or segregated account they own. Clients that participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program have the option of selecting a third-party proxy voting guideline from the policies included in the Proxy Voting Choice Program to apply to the vote of the client's pro rata share of the securities held by the eligible fund or segregated account they own. This Policy does not apply to shares voted under the Proxy Voting Choice Program.

**Securities Not Voted Pursuant to the Policy**

Where clients have asked State Street Global Advisors to vote the client's shares on their behalf, including where a pooled fund fiduciary has delegated the responsibility to vote the fund's securities to State Street Global Advisors, State Street Global Advisors votes those securities in a unified manner, consistent with the principles described in this Policy. Exceptions to this unified voting policy are: (1) where State Street Global Advisors has made its Proxy Voting Choice Program available to its separately managed account clients and investors within a fund managed by State Street Global Advisors, in which case a pro rata portion of shares held by the fund or segregated account attributable to clients who choose to participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program will be voted consistent with the third-party proxy voting guidelines selected by the clients, (2) where a pooled investment vehicle managed by State Street Global Advisors utilizes a third party proxy voting guideline as set forth in that fund's organizational and/or offering documents, and (3) where voting authority with respect to certain securities held by State Street Global Advisors pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or other requirements. With respect to such funds and separately managed accounts utilizing third-party proxy voting guidelines, the terms of the applicable third-party proxy voting guidelines shall apply in place of the Policy described herein and the proxy votes implemented with respect to such a fund or account may differ from and be contrary to the votes implemented for other portfolios managed by State Street Global Advisors pursuant to this Policy.

**Regional Nuances**

When voting and engaging with companies, we may consider market-specific nuances that may be relevant to that company. We expect companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets, as well as country-specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes, and to publicly disclose their level of compliance with the applicable provisions and requirements. Except where specified, this Policy applies globally.

------

**Our Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles**

State Street Global Advisors' proxy voting and engagement program focuses on three broad principles:

1. **Effective Board Oversight:** We believe that well-governed companies can protect and pursue shareholder interests better and withstand the challenges of an uncertain economic environment. Principally, a board acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors undertake activities that include setting strategy and providing guidance on strategic matters, selecting the CEO and other senior executives, overseeing executive management, creating a succession plan for the board and management, and providing effective oversight of material risks and opportunities relevant to their business. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board. <br>We view board quality as a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board diversity, evaluations and refreshment, and company governance practices. We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance; they help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management, maintaining appropriate governance practices, and performing oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. We also believe the right mix of skills, independence, diversity, and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and experience to manage risks and operating structures that are often complex and industry-specific.

2. **Disclosure:** It is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should also provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their economic interests have been safeguarded by the board and provides insights into the quality of the board's oversight of management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.

3. **Shareholder Protection:** State Street Global Advisors believes it is in the best interest of shareholders for companies to have appropriate shareholder rights and accountability mechanisms in place. As a starting place for voting rights, it is necessary for ownership rights to reflect one vote for one share to ensure that economic interests and proxy voting power are aligned. This share structure best supports the shareholders' right to exercise their proxy vote on matters that are important to the protection of their investment, such as share issuances and other dilutive events, authorization of strategic transactions, approval of a shareholder rights plan, and changes to the corporate bylaws or charter, among others. In terms of accountability to shareholders and appropriate checks and balances, we believe there should be annual elections of the full board of directors.

**Application of Principles**

These three principles of effective board oversight, disclosure and shareholder protection apply across all of State Street Global Advisors' proxy voting decisions. When voting at portfolio companies in different markets, State Street Global Advisors may apply the principles in ways that are specific to a given market based on factors such as availability of data, resources, disclosure practices, and size of holdings in our clients' accounts.

**Shareholder Proposals**

When voting our clients' proxies, we may be presented with shareholder proposals at portfolio companies that must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the principles set forth above. For proposals related to commonly requested disclosure topics, we have developed the criteria found in Appendix A to assess the effectiveness of disclosure on such topics in connection with these types of proposals.

**Engagement**

We conduct engagements with individual issuers to communicate the principles set forth in this Policy and to learn more about companies' strategy, board oversight and disclosure practices. We do not seek to change or influence control of any portfolio company through these engagements. In addition, we encourage issuers to increase the amount of direct communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members and independent non- executive directors is critical to helping companies understand shareholder concerns.

------

**Section I. Effective Board Oversight**

**Director Independence**

We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance; they help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. We have developed criteria for determining director independence, which vary by region and/or local jurisdiction. These criteria generally follow relevant listing standards, local regulatory requirements and/or local market practice standards. Such criteria may include:

• Participation in related-party transactions or other material business relations with the company

• Employment history with the company

• Status as founder or member of the founding family

• Government representative

• Excessive tenure and preponderance of long-tenured directors

• Relations with significant shareholders

• Close family ties with any of the company's advisers, directors or senior employees

• Cross-directorships

• Receipt of non-board related compensation from the issuer, its auditors or advisors

• Company's own classification of a director as non-independent

In some cases, State Street Global Advisors' criteria may be more rigorous than applicable local or listing requirements.

**Majority Independent Board**

We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management, maintaining appropriate governance practices, and performing oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

**Separation of Chair/CEO**

Our primary focus is to ensure there is strong independent leadership of the board, in accordance with the principles discussed above. We generally believe the board is best placed to choose the governance structure that is most appropriate for that company.

**Board Committees**

We believe that board committees are crucial to robust corporate governance and should be composed of a sufficient number of independent directors. We use the same criteria for determining committee independence as we do for determining director independence, which varies by region and/or local jurisdiction. Although we recognize that board structures may vary by jurisdiction, where a board has established an audit committee and/or compensation/remuneration committee, we generally expect the committee to be primarily, and in some cases, fully independent.

**Refreshment and Tenure**

We believe that average board tenure should generally align with the length of the business cycle of the respective industry in which a company operates. In assessing excessive tenure, we consider factors such as the preponderance of long tenured directors, board refreshment practices, classified board structures and the business cycle for the industry in which a company operates.

**Director Time Commitments**

We believe a company's nominating committee is best placed to determine appropriate time commitments for the company's directors. We consider if a company publicly discloses its director time commitment policy (e.g., within corporate governance guidelines, proxy statement, annual report, company website, etc.) and if this policy or associated disclosure outlines the factors that the nominating committee considers to assess director time commitments during the annual policy review process.

------

**Board Composition**

We believe effective board oversight of a company's long-term business strategy necessitates a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which may include a range of characteristics such as skills, gender, race, ethnicity, and age. By having a critical mass of diverse perspectives, boards could experience the benefits that may lead to innovative ideas and foster more robust conversations about a company's strategy.

We recognize that many factors may influence board composition, including board size, geographic location, and local regulations, among others. Further, we believe that a robust nominating and governance process is essential to achieving a board composition that is designed to facilitate effective, independent oversight of a company's long-term strategy. We believe nominating committees are best placed to determine the most effective board composition and we encourage companies to ensure that there are sufficient levels of diverse experiences and perspectives represented in the boardroom.

**Board Expertise**

We believe board members should have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations, and risks, including sustainability-related issues.

Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues, such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy, and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. We believe nominating committees are best positioned to evaluate the skillset and expertise of both existing and prospective board members. However, we may take such considerations into account in certain circumstances.

**Board Accountability**

**Oversight of Strategy and Risk** <br>We believe that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. We allow boards to have discretion regarding the ways in which they provide oversight in this area. However, we expect companies to disclose how the board provides oversight of its risk management system and risk identification. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks that evolve in tandem with the changing political and economic landscape or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

As responsible stewards, we believe in the importance of effective risk management and oversight of issues that are material to a company. To effectively manage and assess the risk of our clients' portfolios, we expect our portfolio companies to manage risks and opportunities that are material and industry-specific and that have a demonstrated link to long-term value creation, and to provide high-quality disclosure of this process to shareholders.

When evaluating a board's oversight of risks and opportunities, we assess the following factors, based on disclosures by, and engagements with, portfolio companies:

1. Oversees Long-term Strategy

–Articulates the material risks and opportunities and how those risks and opportunities fit into the firm's long-term business strategy

–Regularly assesses the effectiveness of the company's long-term strategy, and management's execution of this strategy

2. Demonstrates an Effective Oversight Process

–Describes which committee(s) have oversight over specific risks and opportunities, as well as which topics are overseen and/or discussed at the full-board level

–Includes risks and opportunities in board and/or committee agendas, and articulates how often specific topics are discussed at the committee and/or full- board level

–Utilizes KPIs or metrics to assess the effectiveness of risk management processes

–Engages with key stakeholders including employees and investors

3. Ensures Effective Leadership

–Holds management accountable for progress on relevant metrics and targets

------

–Integrates necessary skills and perspectives into the board nominating and executive hiring processes, and provides training to directors and executives on topics material to the company's business or operations

–Conducts a periodic effectiveness review

4. Ensures Disclosures of Material Information

–Ensures publication of relevant disclosures, including those regarding material topics

**Compliance with Corporate Governance Principles** <br>Our minimum expectation is that companies will comply with their respective market governance codes and/or stewardship principles. Issuers are encouraged to provide explanations of their level of compliance with their local market code and why their preferred governance structure (if not compliant with the code) serves shareholders' long-term interests.

We will review governance practices at companies in selected indexes for their adherence to market governance codes and/or stewardship principles.

**Proxy Contests** <br>We believe nominating committees that are comprised of independent directors are best placed to assess which individuals are adequately equipped with the skills and expertise to fulfill the duties of board members, and to act as effective fiduciaries.

While our default position is to support the committees' judgement, we consider the following factors when evaluating dissident nominees:

• Strategy presented by dissident nominees versus that of current management, as overseen by the incumbent board

• Effectiveness, quality, and experience of the management slate

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Material governance failures and the level of responsiveness to shareholder concerns and market signals by the incumbent board

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Quality of disclosure and engagement practices to support changes to shareholder rights, capital allocation and/or governance structure

• Company performance and, if applicable, the merit of a recovery plan

• Expertise of board members with respect to company industry and strategy

**Board Oversight of Geopolitical Risk** <br>As stewards of our clients' assets, we are aware of the financial risks associated with geopolitical risk, including risks arising from unexpected conflict between or among nations. We expect portfolio companies that may be impacted by geopolitical risk to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Manage and mitigate risks related to operating in impacted markets, which may include financial, sanctions-related, regulatory, and/or reputational risks, among others;

• Strengthen board oversight of these efforts; and

• Describe these efforts in public disclosures.

**Compensation and Remuneration** <br>We consider it the board's responsibility to determine the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the possible types of plans and awards, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides our analysis of executive compensation: we believe that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term.

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, we consider factors such as adequate disclosure of various remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance.

For example, criteria we may consider include the following:

• Overall quantum relative to company performance

• Vesting periods and length of performance targets

• Mix of performance, time and options-based stock units

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Use of special grants and one-time awards

• Retesting and repricing features

• Disclosure and transparency

**Board Meeting Attendance** <br>We expect directors to attend at least 75 percent of board meetings in the last financial year or provide an appropriate explanation for why they were unable to meet this attendance threshold.

**Section II. Disclosure**

It is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their financial interests have been protected by the board and provides insights into the board's oversight of management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.

**Reporting**

**Financial Statements** <br>We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. We expect external auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.

**Sustainability-related Disclosures** <br>We believe in the importance of effective risk management and governance of issues that are material to a company. This may include sustainability-related risks and opportunities where a company has identified such risks and opportunities as material to its business. Such disclosure allows shareholders to effectively assess companies' oversight, strategy, and business practices related to these sustainability issues identified as material.

We look to companies to provide disclosure on sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company.

**Climate-related Disclosures** <br>We believe that managing climate-related risks and opportunities is a key element in maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for our clients. As a result, we have a longstanding commitment to enhancing investor-useful disclosure related to this topic.

For companies that have identified climate risk as material to their business, we expect the company to provide disclosure on climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We encourage the disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and related targets. However, State Street Global Advisors is not prescriptive in how a company sets its targets. We expect companies that have adopted net zero ambitions to disclose interim climate targets. In each case, if a company chooses not to disclose any climate targets, we expect the company to provide an explanation of how the company measures and monitors progress on managing climate-related risks and opportunities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We do not expect any company to set Scope 3 targets. We encourage companies to identify and disclose the most relevant categories of Scope 3 emissions. However, we recognize that Scope 3 emissions estimates have a high degree of uncertainty. Therefore, if a company determines that categories of Scope 3 emissions are impracticable to estimate, we encourage the company to explain the relevant limitations. We also encourage companies to explain any efforts to address Scope 3 emissions, such as engagement with suppliers, customers, or other stakeholders across the value chain, where relevant.

**Say-on-Climate Proposals** <br>While we generally believe in the importance of effective disclosure of climate-related risks a company has deemed material to its business, we do not endorse annual advisory climate votes. Where management chooses to include a Say-on-Climate vote, we assess the company's climate-related disclosure in accordance with the criteria listed in Appendix A.

**Board and Workforce Demographics** <br>We expect disclosure on the composition of both the board and workforce.

------

**Section III. Shareholder Protection** 

**Capital**

**Share Capital Structure** <br>The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, to grow, and to achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder's ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards. When making such a decision, we believe the company should disclose a comprehensive business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilutive to its shareholders.

Our approach to share capital structure matters may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances. Such proposals may include:

• Increase in Authorized Common Shares

• Increase in Authorized Preferred Shares

• Unequal Voting Rights

• Share Repurchase Programs

**Dividend Payouts (Japan Only**) <br>For Japanese issuers, we are generally supportive of dividend payouts that constitute 30 percent or more of net income; however we consider whether the payment may damage the company's long-term financial health.

**Reorganization, Mergers and Acquisitions** <br>The reorganization of the structure of a company or mergers often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.

We expect proposals to be in the best interests of shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company's operations.

We evaluate mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis and expect transactions to maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include the following:

• Offer premium

• Strategic rationale

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including director and/or management conflicts of interest

• Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders

• Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value

We also consider the following:

• Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock

• Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders

• The current market price of the security exceeds the bid price at the time of voting

**Related-Party Transactions** <br>Some companies have a controlled ownership structure and complex cross- shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies ("related companies"). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders, such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, we expect companies to disclose details of the transaction, such as the nature, the value and the purpose of such a transaction. We also believe independent directors should ratify such transactions. Further, we believe companies should describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.

**Cross-Shareholdings (Japan Only)** <br>"Cross-shareholdings" are a long-standing feature of the balance sheets of many Japanese companies, but, in our view, can be detrimental for corporate governance practices and ultimately shareholder returns.

------

**Shareholder Rights**

**Proxy Access** <br>In general, we believe that proxy access is a fundamental right and an accountability mechanism for all long-term shareholders. We consider proposals relating to proxy access on a case-by-case basis and consider a balance between providing long-term shareholders accountability while preserving flexibility for management to design a process that is appropriate for the company's circumstances.

**Vote Standards**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Annual Elections:** We believe the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors is appropriate. We also consider the overall level of board independence and the independence of the key committees, as well as the existence of a shareholder rights plan.

• **Majority Voting:** We believe a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election of directors is appropriate.

**Shareholder Meetings**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Special Meetings and Written Consent:** We believe the ability for shareholders to call special meetings, as well as act by written consent is appropriate. We believe an appropriate threshold for both calling a special meeting and acting by written consent can be 25% of outstanding shares or less.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Notice Period to Convene a General Meeting:** We expect companies to give as much notice as is practicable when calling a general meeting, generally at least 14 days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Virtual/Hybrid Shareholder Meetings:** We believe the right to hold shareholder meetings in a virtual or hybrid format is appropriate with the following best practices:

–Afford virtual attendee shareholders the same rights as would normally be granted to in-person attendee shareholders

–Commit to time-bound renewal (five years or less) of meeting format authorization by shareholders

–Provide a written record of all questions posed during the meeting, and

–Comply with local market laws and regulations relating to virtual and hybrid shareholder meeting practices

In evaluating these proposals we also consider the operating environment of the company, including local regulatory developments and specific market circumstances impacting virtual meeting practices.

**Governance Documents & Miscellaneous Items**

**Article Amendments** <br>We believe amendments to company bylaws that may negatively impact shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection, and exclusion service bylaws) should be put to a shareholder vote.

We believe a majority voting standard is generally appropriate.

We generally believe companies should have a fixed board size, or designate a range for the board size.

**Anti-Takeover Issues** <br>Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer to make an offer, or to reduce the likelihood of a successful offer. We generally believe shareholders should have the right to vote on reasonable offers. Our approach to anti-takeover issues may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances.

**Accounting and Audit-Related Issues** <br>Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have independent non-executive directors designated as members.

We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely upon financial statements. It is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are independent from management as we expect auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.

------

State Street Global Advisors believes that a company's external auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external independent assurance. Shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their (re-)appointment at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, we will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures.

In circumstances where "other" fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard "non-audit fee" category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.

We believe a company should be able to discharge its auditors in the absence of pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges or fraud or other indication of significant concern. Further, we believe that auditors should attend the annual meeting of shareholders.

**Indemnification and Liability** <br>Generally, we believe directors should be able to limit their liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if a director has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

**Section IV. Shareholder Proposals**

We believe that company boards do right by investors and are responsible for overseeing strategy and company management. Towards that end, we generally do not support shareholder proposals that appear to impose changes to business strategy or operations, such as increasing or decreasing investment in certain products or businesses or phasing out a product or business line or if it is not a topic that the company has deemed to be material in their public disclosure documents.

When assessing shareholder proposals, we fundamentally consider whether the adoption of the resolution would promote long-term shareholder value in the context of our core governance principles:

1. Effective board oversight

2. Quality disclosure

3. Shareholder protection

We will consider supporting a shareholder proposal if:

• the request is focused on enhanced disclosure of the company's governance and/or risk oversight

• the adoption of the request would protect our clients' interests as minority shareholders; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•for common proposal topics for which we have developed assessment criteria, the extent to which the request satisfies the criteria found in Appendix A.

**Section V. Engagement**

As a fiduciary, State Street Global Advisors takes a comprehensive approach to engaging with portfolio companies. Our stewardship prioritization process allows us to proactively identify companies for engagement and voting in order to mitigate risks in our client's portfolios. Through engagement, we aim to build long-term relationships with the issuers in which we invest on behalf of our clients and to address a broad range of topics relating to the promotion of long-term shareholder value creation. We do not seek to change or influence control of any portfolio company through engagement.

**Equity Engagements**

In general, there are three types of engagements that State Street Global Advisors may hold on behalf of equity holders:

1. **Engagements with Portfolio Companies in Connection with a Ballot Item or Other Topic In our Policy:** Engagements held with portfolio companies to discuss a ballot item, event or other established topic found in our Policy. Such engagements generally, but not necessarily, occur during "proxy season." They may be held at the request of State Street Global Advisors or the portfolio company.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2. **Off-Season Engagement at the Request of a Portfolio Company:** From time- to-time, portfolio companies may seek to engage with State Street Global Advisors in the 'off-season' to discuss a particular topic.

3. **Off-Season Proactive Engagement Campaigns:** Each year, State Street Global Advisors will identify thematic engagement campaigns on important topics for which we are seeking more information to potentially inform our future voting positions.

**Fixed Income Engagements**

From time-to-time, certain corporate action election events, reclassifications or other changes to the investment terms of debt holdings may occur or an issuer may seek to engage with State Street Global Advisors to discuss matters pertaining to the debt instruments that State Street Global Advisors holds on behalf of its clients. In such instances, State Street Global Advisors may engage with the issuer to obtain further information about the matter for purposes of its investment decision making. Such engagements are the responsibility of the Fixed Income portfolio management team, but may be supported by State Street Global Advisors' Asset Stewardship Team. All election decisions are the responsibility of the relevant portfolio management team.

In addition, State Street Global Advisors may identify themes for engagement campaigns with issuers on topics that it believes may affect value of its clients' debt investments. State Street Global Advisors may proactively engage with portfolio companies and other issuers on these topics to help inform our views on the subject.

Where such themes align with those relating to equities, such engagements may be carried out jointly on behalf of both equity and fixed income holdings where there is mutual benefit for both asset classes. Such engagements are led by the State Street Global Advisors Asset Stewardship Team, but may also be attended by the relevant portfolio management teams.

**Engaging with Other Investors Soliciting State Street Global Advisors' Votes in Connection with Contested Shareholder Meetings, Vote-No Campaigns, or Shareholder Proposals**

While it may be helpful to speak to other investors that are running proxy contests, putting forth vote-no campaigns, or proposing shareholder proposals at investee companies, we limit such discussions to investors who have filed necessary documentation with regulators and engage in these discussions at our own discretion.

Our primary purpose of engaging with investors is:

1. To gain a better understanding of their position or concerns at investee companies.

2. In proxy contest situations:

–To assess possible director candidates where investors are seeking board representation in proxy contest situations

–To understand the investor's proposed strategy for the company and investment time horizon to assess their alignment with State Street Global Advisors' views and interests as a long-term shareholder

Any information about our vote decisions are available in this document and on our website. All requests for engagement should be sent to GovernanceTeam@ssga.com.

**Section VI. Other Matters**

**Securities on Loan**

As a responsible investor and fiduciary, we recognize the importance of balancing the benefits of voting shares and the incremental lending revenue for the pooled funds that participate in State Street Global Advisors' securities lending program (the "Funds"). Our objective is to recall securities on loan and restrict future lending until after the record date for the respective vote in instances where we believe that a particular vote could have a material impact on the Funds' long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone lending income.

Accordingly, we have set systematic recall and lending restriction criteria for shareholder meetings involving situations with the highest potential financial implications (such as proxy contests and strategic transactions including mergers and acquisitions, going dark transactions, change of corporate form, or bankruptcy and liquidation). Generally, these criteria for recall and restriction for lending only apply to certain large cap indices in developed markets.

------

State Street Global Advisors monitors the forgone lending revenue associated with each recall to determine if the impact on the Funds' long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone lending income.

Although our objective is to systematically recall securities based on the aforementioned criteria, we must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before the record date. When we do not receive timely notice, we may be unable to recall the shares on or before the record date.

**Reporting**

We provide transparency for our stewardship activities through our regular client reports and relevant information reported online. We publish an annual stewardship report that provides details of our stewardship approach, engagement and voting policies, and activities during the year. The annual stewardship report is complemented by quarterly stewardship activity reports as well as the publication of thought leadership on governance and sustainability on our website. Our voting record information is available on Vote View, an interactive platform that provides relevant company details, proposal types, resolution descriptions, and records of our votes cast.

**Appendix A: Assessment Criteria for Common Disclosure Topics**

As outlined above, the pillars of our Asset Stewardship Program rest on effective board oversight, quality disclosure and shareholder protection. We are frequently asked to evaluate proposals on various topics, including requests for enhanced disclosure.

Where a company receives a proposal on a topic that the company has determined is material to its business, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the below criteria that we believe represent quality disclosure on commonly requested disclosure topics. In each case, in assessing the proposal against the applicable criteria, we may review the company's relevant disclosures against industry and market practice (e.g., peer disclosure, relevant frameworks, relevant industry guidance).

**Climate Disclosure Criteria**

For companies that have identified climate-related risks or opportunities as material to their business, we expect the company to provide disclosure on climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company, as described in the section related to Climate-Related Disclosures above.

Additionally, where a company is among the highest emitters, we consider whether the company discloses:

• Scenario-planning on relevant risk assessment and strategic planning processes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The company's plans to achieve stated climate-related targets, if any, including information on timelines and expected emissions reductions; and

• Incorporation of relevant climate considerations in financial planning and/or capital allocation decisions.

**Climate Transition Plan Disclosure Criteria for Companies that have Adopted a Climate Transition Plan**

We do not expect or require companies to adopt net zero ambitions or join relevant industry initiatives. For companies that have adopted a net zero ambition and/or climate transition plan and that receive a related proposal, we assess the proposal against the disclosure criteria set out below. Given that climate related risks present differently across industries, our assessment of the below criteria may vary to account for best practices in specific industries.

**General Climate-related Disclosures**

• Description of approach to identifying and assessing climate-related risks and opportunities

• Disclosure of resilience of the company's strategy taking into consideration a range of climate-related scenarios

• Disclosure of Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant categories of Scope 3 emissions and any assurance

**Ambition**

• Disclosure of long-term climate ambitions

**Targets**

• Disclosure of short- and/or medium-term interim climate targets

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of alignment of climate targets with relevant jurisdictional commitments, specific temperature pathways, and/or sectoral decarbonization approaches

**Decarbonization Strategy**

• Disclosure of plans and actions to support stated climate targets and ambitions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of emissions management efforts within the company's operations and, as applicable, across the value chain

• Disclosure of carbon offsets utilization, if any

• Disclosure of the role of climate solutions (e.g., carbon capture and storage)

• Disclosure of potential social risks and opportunities related to climate transition plan, if any

**Capital Allocation**

• Disclosure integration of relevant climate considerations in financial planning

• Disclosure of total actual and planned capital deployed toward climate transition plan

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of approach to assessing and prioritizing investments toward climate transition plan (e.g. marginal abatement cost curves, internal carbon pricing, if any)

**Climate Policy Engagement**

• Disclosure of position on climate-related topics relevant to the company's decarbonization strategy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of assessment of stated positions on relevant climate-related topics versus those of associations and other relevant policy-influencing entities, such as trade associations, industry bodies, or coalitions, to which the company belongs, and any efforts taken as a result of this review to address potential misalignment.

**Climate Governance**

• Disclosure of the board's role in overseeing climate transition plan

• Disclosure of management's role in overseeing climate transition plan

**Physical Risk**

• Disclosure of assessment of climate-related physical risks

• Disclosure of approach to managing identified climate-related physical risks

**Stakeholder Engagement**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of engagement with relevant internal stakeholders related to climate transition plan (e.g., workforce training, cross-functional collaboration)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of engagement with relevant external stakeholders related to climate transition plan (e.g., industry collaboration, customer engagement)

**Methane Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that methane emissions-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Disclosure of methane emissions detection and monitoring efforts

• An explanation of efforts to enhance measurement, reporting, and verification

• A description of the company's strategy to manage methane emissions

• Disclosure of any methane-related metrics and targets utilized

------

**Nature-Related Disclosures: Biodiversity, Deforestation and other Land-Use, Water Management, Pollution and Waste**

Where a company has determined that one or more nature-related risks and opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• **Governance:** Board oversight of the material nature-related risks and opportunities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Risk Management:** Approach to identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating the material nature-related risks and opportunities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Strategy:** Consideration of material nature-related risks and opportunities in business strategy, resiliency, and planning

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Metrics and Targets (when relevant):** Metrics used to assess, monitor, and manage nature-related risks and opportunities

**Human Capital Management Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that human capital management-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• **Board Oversight:** Methods outlining how the board oversees human capital- related risks and opportunities;

• **Strategy:** Approaches to human capital management and how these advance the long-term business strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Compensation:** Strategies throughout the organization that aim to attract and retain employees, and incentivize contribution to an effective human capital strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Voice:** Channels to ensure the concerns and ideas from workers are solicited and acted upon, and how the workforce is engaged and empowered in the organization; and

• **Workforce Demographics:** Role of the board in overseeing workforce demographics efforts

**Diversity Equity and Inclusion Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that diversity, equity and inclusion-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Board Oversight:** Describe how the board executes its oversight role in risks and opportunities related to diversity, equity and inclusion

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Strategy:** Articulate the role that diversity, equity, and inclusion plays in the company's broader human capital management practices and long-term strategy, as well as how the company intends to implement that strategy

• **Metrics:** Provide disclosure on the company's global employee base and board demographics, where permitted

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Board Composition:** Articulate the role of diversity of skills, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in the board's nominating process

**Pay Equity Disclosure Criteria (United States and United Kingdom Only)**

Where a company has determined that pay equity-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of adjusted pay gaps related to race and gender within the company (disclosure of the unadjusted pay gap is also encouraged, but not expected outside of the United Kingdom market at this time);

• Disclosure of strategy to achieve and maintain pay equity; and

• Disclosure of the role of the board in overseeing pay strategies as well as diversity-related efforts

------

**Civil Rights Disclosure Criteria (United States Only)**

Where a company has determined that civil rights-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Disclosure of risk related to civil rights, including risks associated with products, practices, and services;

• Disclosure of plans to manage and mitigate these risks; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of processes at the board for overseeing such risks (e.g., committee responsible, frequency of discussions, etc.).

**Human Rights Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that human rights-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Human rights-related risks the company considers more relevant;

• Plans to manage and mitigate these risks;

• Board oversight of these risks; and

• Assessment of the effectiveness of the human rights risk management program.

**Political Contributions Disclosure Criteria (United States Only)**

For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal related to political contributions, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of all contributions, no matter the dollar value, made by the company, its subsidiaries, and/ or affiliated Political Action Committees (PACs) to individual candidates, PACs, and other political organizations at the state and federal levels in the US; and

• Disclosure of the role of the board in oversight of political contributions.

**Lobbying Disclosure Criteria (United States Only)**

For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal related to lobbying disclosure, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Disclosure of membership in United States trade associations (to which payments are above $50,000 per year) and

• Disclosure of the role of the board in overseeing lobbying activities.

**Trade Association Alignment Disclosure Criteria**

For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal related to trade association alignment, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of the board's role in overseeing the company's participation in the political process, including membership in trade associations or other policy- influencing entities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Whether the company regularly performs a gap analysis of its stated positions on relevant issues versus those of the trade associations or other policy-influencing organizations of which it is a member, and

• Whether the company disclosed a list of its trade association memberships

Note: We believe that management is best suited to take positions on the matters related to their company and therefore we do not recommend any specific position. Our support of these types of shareholder proposals, if any, solely reflect our support for enhanced disclosure on assessing alignment between stated company positions and the positions of associations and other relevant policy-influencing entities to which the company belongs in line with market expectations and effective risk management.

------

**About State Street Global Advisors**

For over four decades, State Street Global Advisors has served the world's governments, institutions, and financial advisors. With a rigorous, risk-aware approach built on research, analysis, and market-tested experience, and as pioneers in index and ETF investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest. As a result, we have become the world's fourth-largest asset manager\* with US $4.72 trillion† under our care.

\*

Pensions & Investments Research Center, as of December 31, 2023.

†

This figure is presented as of December 31, 2024 and includes ETF AUM of $1,577.74 billion USD of which approximately $82.19 billion USD in gold assets with respect to SPDR products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Global Advisors are affiliated. Please note all AUM is unaudited.

ssga.com© 2025 State Street Corporation. <br>All Rights Reserved. <br>ID2658960 <br>Exp. Date: 03/31/2026

------

**APPENDIX D**

**Nuveen Asset Management, LLC**

**Proxy Voting Policy**

**Applicability** <br>

This Policy applies to Nuveen employees acting on behalf of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, Teachers Advisors, LLC, and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC.

**Policy Purpose and Statement**

Proxy voting is the primary means by which shareholders may influence a publicly traded company's governance and operations and thus create the potential for value and positive long-term investment performance. When an SEC registered investment adviser has proxy voting authority, the adviser has a fiduciary duty to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients and must not subrogate its clients' interests to its own. In their capacity as fiduciaries and investment advisers, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("NAM"), Teachers Advisors, LLC ("TAL") and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC ("TCIM"), (each an "Adviser" and collectively, the "Advisers"), vote proxies for the Portfolio Companies held by their respective clients, including investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles, institutional and retail separate accounts, and other clients as applicable. The Advisers have adopted this Policy, the Nuveen Proxy Voting Guidelines, and the Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy for voting the proxies of the Portfolio Companies they manage. The Advisers leverage the expertise and services of an internal group referred to as the Responsible Investing Team (RI Team) to administer the Advisers' proxy voting. The RI Team adheres to the Advisers' Proxy Voting Guidelines which are reasonably designed to ensure that the Advisers vote client securities in the best interests of the Advisers' clients.

**Policy Statement**

Proxy voting is a key component of a Portfolio Company's corporate governance program and is the primary method for exercising shareholder rights and influencing the Portfolio Company's behavior. Nuveen makes informed voting decisions in compliance with Rule 206(4)-6 (the "Rule") of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act") and applicable laws and regulations, (e.g., the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, "ERISA").

**Enforcement**

As provided in the TIAA Code of Business Conduct, all employees are expected to comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as the relevant policies, procedures and compliance manuals that apply to Nuveen's business activities. Violation of this Policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

**Terms and Definitions**

***Advisory Personnel*** includes the Adviser's portfolio managers and/or research analysts.

***Proxy Voting Guidelines*** (the ''Guidelines'') are a set of pre-determined principles setting forth the manner in which the Advisers intend to vote on specific voting categories, and serve to assist clients, Portfolio Companies, and other interested parties in understanding how the Advisers intend to vote on proxy-related matters. The Guidelines are not exhaustive and do not necessarily dictate how the Advisers will ultimately vote with respect to any proposal or resolution.

***Portfolio Company*** includes any publicly traded company held in an account that is managed by an Adviser.

**Policy Requirements**

Investment advisers, in accordance with the Rule, are required to (i) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, and address resolution of material conflicts that may arise, (ii) describe their proxy voting procedures to their clients and provide copies on request, and (iii) disclose to clients how they may obtain information on how the Advisers voted their proxies.

The Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee (the "Committee"), the Advisers, the RI Team and Nuveen Compliance are subject to the respective requirements outlined below under Roles and Responsibilities.

------

Although it is the general policy to vote all applicable proxies received in a timely fashion with respect to securities selected by an Adviser for current clients, the Adviser may refrain from voting in certain circumstances where such voting would be disadvantageous, materially burdensome or impractical, or otherwise inconsistent with the overall best interest of clients.

**Roles and Responsibilities**

**Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee** 

The purpose of the Committee is to establish a governance framework to oversee the proxy voting activities of the Advisers in accordance with the Policy. The Committee has delegated responsibility for the implementation and ongoing administration of the Policy to the RI Team, subject to the Committee's ultimate oversight and responsibility as outlined in the Committee's Proxy Voting Charter.

**Advisers**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Advisory Personnel maintain the ultimate decision-making authority with respect to how proxies will be voted, unless otherwise instructed by a client, and may determine to vote contrary to the Guidelines and/or a vote recommendation of the RI Team if such Advisory Personnel determines it is in the best interest of the Adviser's clients to do so. The rationale for all such contrary vote determinations will be documented and maintained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. When voting proxies for different groups of client accounts, Advisory Personnel may vote proxies held by the respective client accounts differently depending on the facts and circumstances specific to such client accounts. The rationale for all such vote determinations will be documented and maintained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Advisory Personnel must comply with the Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy with respect to potential material conflicts of interest.

**Responsible Investing Team**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Performs day-to-day administration of the Advisers' proxy voting processes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Seeks to vote proxies in adherence to the Guidelines, which have been constructed in a manner intended to align with the best interests of clients. In applying the Guidelines, the RI Team, on behalf of the Advisers, takes into account several factors, including, but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Input from Advisory Personnel

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Third-party research

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Specific Portfolio Company context, including environmental, social and governance practices, and financial performance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Delivers copies of the Advisers' Policy to clients and prospective clients upon request in a timely manner, as appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Assists with the disclosure of proxy votes as applicable on corporate websites and elsewhere as required by applicable regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Prepares reports of proxies voted on behalf of the Advisers' investment company clients to their Boards or committees thereof, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Performs an annual vote reconciliation for review by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Arranges the annual service provider due diligence, including a review of the service provider's potential conflicts of interests, and presents the results to the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. Facilitates quarterly Committee meetings, including agenda and meeting minute preparation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. Complies with the Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy with respect to potential material conflicts of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. Creates and retains certain records in accordance with Nuveen's Record Management program.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. Oversees the proxy voting service provider in making and retaining certain records as required under applicable regulation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. Assesses, in cooperation with Advisory Personnel, whether securities on loan should be recalled in order to vote their proxies.

**Nuveen Compliance**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Ensures proper disclosure of Advisers' Policy to clients as required by regulation or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Ensures proper disclosure to clients of how they may obtain information on how the Advisers voted their proxies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Assists the RI Team with arranging the annual service provider due diligence and presenting the results to the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Monitors for compliance with this Policy and retains records relating to its monitoring activities pursuant to Nuveen's Records Management program.

**Governance**

**Review and Approval**

This Policy will be reviewed at least annually and will be updated sooner if substantive changes are necessary. The Policy Leader, the Committee and the NEFI Compliance Committee are responsible for the review and approval of this Policy.

**Implementation** 

Nuveen has established the Committee to provide centralized management and oversight of the proxy voting process administered by the RI Team for the Advisers in accordance with its Proxy Voting Committee Charter and this Policy.

**Exceptions**

Any request for a proposed exception or variation to this Policy will be submitted to the Committee for approval and reported to the appropriate governance committee(s), where appropriate.

**Related Documents** 

• Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee Charter

• Nuveen Proxy Voting Guidelines

• Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy and Procedures

• Nuveen Policy Statement on Responsible Investing

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Policy Adoption Date  | February 3, 2020  |
| Current Policy Effective Date  | October 1, 2022  |
| Current Policy Approval Date  | August 31, 2022  |
| Policy Owner  | Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee  |
| Policy Leader | Managing Director, Nuveen Compliance |
| Policy Portal Administration | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leader: Managing Director, Nuveen Compliance<br> Owner: Managing Director, Head of Affiliate Compliance <br>|
| Criticality/Tier | Moderate |

---

**Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy and Procedures**

**Applicability**

This Policy applies to employees of Nuveen ("Nuveen") acting on behalf of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("NAM"), Teachers Advisors, LLC ("TAL") and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC ("TCIM"), (each an "Adviser" and collectively referred to as the "Advisers").

------

**Policy Purpose and Statement**

Proxy voting by investment advisers is subject to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and regulations, and for accounts subject to ERISA, U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") requirements. These rules and regulations require policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure proxies are voted in the best interest of clients and that such procedures set forth how the adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between the Adviser's interests and those of its clients. The purpose of this Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy and Procedures ("Policy") is to describe how the Advisers monitor and address the risks associated with Material Conflicts of Interest arising out of business and personal relationships that could affect proxy voting decisions.

Nuveen's Responsible Investing Team ("RI Team") is responsible for providing vote recommendations, based on the Nuveen Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines"), to the Advisers and for administering the voting of proxies on behalf of the Advisers. When determining how to vote proxies, the RI Team adheres to the Guidelines which are reasonably designed to ensure that the Advisers vote proxies in the best interests of the Advisers' clients.

Advisers may face certain potential Material Conflicts of Interest when voting proxies. The procedures set forth below have been reasonably designed to identify, monitor, and address potential Material Conflicts of Interest to ensure that the Advisers' voting decisions are based on the best interest of their clients and are not the product of a conflict.

**Policy Statement**

The Advisers have a fiduciary duty to vote proxies in the best interests of their clients and must not subrogate the interests of their clients to their own.

**Enforcement**

As provided in the TIAA Code of Business Conduct, all employees are expected to comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as the relevant policies, procedures and compliance manuals that apply to Nuveen's business activities. Violation of this Policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

**Terms and Definitions**

***Advisory Personnel*** includes the Advisers' portfolio managers and research analysts.

***Conflicts Watch List*** ("Watch List") refers to a list maintained by the RI Team based on the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The positions and relationships of the following categories of individuals are evaluated to assist in identifying a potential Material Conflict with a Portfolio Company:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. The TIAA CEO

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. Nuveen Executive Leadership Team

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii. RI Team members who provide proxy voting recommendations on behalf of the Advisers,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv. Advisory Personnel, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;v. Household Members of the parties listed above in Nos. 1(i) – 1(iv)

The following criteria constitute a potential Material Conflict:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Any individual identified above in 1(i) – 1(v) who serves on a Portfolio Company's board of directors; and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Any individual identified above in 1(v) who serves as a senior executive of a Portfolio Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. In addition, the following circumstances have been determined to constitute a potential Material Conflict:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i. Voting proxies for Funds sponsored by a Nuveen Affiliated Entity (i.e., registered investment funds and other funds that require proxy voting) held in client accounts,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii. Voting proxies for Portfolio Companies that are direct advisory clients of the Advisers and/or the Nuveen Affiliated Entities,

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii. Voting proxies for Portfolio Companies that have a material distribution relationship<sup>1</sup> with regard to the products or strategies of the Advisers and/or the Nuveen Affiliated Entities,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv. Voting proxies for Portfolio Companies that are institutional investment consultants with which the Advisers and/or the Nuveen Affiliated Entities have engaged for any material business opportunity<sup>1</sup> and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;v. Any other circumstance where the RI Team, the Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee (the "Committee"), the Advisers, Nuveen Legal or Nuveen Compliance are aware of in which the Adviser's duty to serve its clients' interests could be materially compromised.

In addition, certain conflicts may arise when a Proxy Service Provider or their affiliate(s), have determined and/or disclosed that a relationship exists with i) a Portfolio Company ii) an entity acting as a primary shareholder proponent with respect to a Portfolio Company or iii) another party. Such relationships include, but are not limited to, the products and services provided to, and the revenue obtained from, such Portfolio Company or its affiliates. The Proxy Service Provider is required to disclose such relationships to the Advisers, and the RI Team reviews and evaluates the Proxy Service Provider's disclosed conflicts of interest and associated controls annually and reports its assessment to the Committee.

***Household Member*** includes any of the following who reside or are expected to reside in your household for at least 90 days a year: i) spouse or Domestic Partner, ii) sibling, iii) child, stepchild, grandchild, parents, grandparent, stepparent, and in-laws (mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister).

***Domestic Partner*** is defined as an individual who is neither a relative of, or legally married to, a Nuveen employee but shares a residence and is in a mutual commitment similar to marriage with such Nuveen employee.

***Material Conflicts of Interest*** ("Material Conflict") A conflict of interest that reasonably could have the potential to influence a recommendation based on the criteria described in this Policy.

***Nuveen Affiliated Entities*** refers to TIAA and entities that are under common control with the Advisers and that provide investment advisory services to third party clients<sup>2</sup>. TIAA and the Advisers will undertake reasonable efforts to identify and manage any potential TIAA-related conflicts of interest.

***Portfolio Company*** refers to any publicly traded company held in an account that is managed by an Adviser or a Nuveen Affiliated Entity.

***Proxy Service Provider(s)*** refers to any independent third-party vendor(s) who provides proxy voting administrative, research and/or recordkeeping services to Nuveen.

***Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines'')*** are a set of pre-determined principles setting forth the manner in which the Advisers generally intend to vote on specific voting categories and serve to assist clients, Portfolio Companies, and other interested parties in understanding how the Advisers generally intend to vote proxy-related matters. The Guidelines are not exhaustive and do not necessarily dictate how the Advisers will ultimately vote with respect to any proposal or resolution.

***Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Escalation Form ("Escalation Form")*** Used in limited circumstances as described below to formally document certain requests to deviate from the Guidelines, the rationale supporting the request, and the ultimate resolution.

**Policy Requirements**

The Advisers have a fiduciary duty to vote proxies in the best interests of their clients and must not subrogate the interests of their clients to their own.

The RI Team and Advisory Personnel are prohibited from being influenced in their proxy voting decisions by any individual outside the established proxy voting process. The RI Team and Advisory Personnel are required to report to Nuveen Compliance any individuals or parties seeking to influence proxy votes outside the established proxy voting process.

The RI Team generally seeks to vote proxies in adherence to the Guidelines. In the event that a potential Material Conflict has been identified, the Committee, the RI Team, Advisory Personnel and Nuveen Compliance are required to comply with the following:

------

Such criteria is defined in a separate standard operating procedure.

Such list is maintained in a separate standard operating procedure.

------

Proxies are generally voted in accordance with the Guidelines. In instances where a proxy is issued by a Portfolio Company on the Watch List, and the RI Team's vote direction is in support of company management and either contrary to the Guidelines or the Guidelines require a case by case review, then the RI Team vote recommendation is evaluated using established criteria<sup>3</sup> to determine whether a potential conflict exists. In instances where it is determined a potential conflict exists, the vote direction shall default to the recommendation of an independent third-party Proxy Service Provider based on such provider's benchmark policy. To the extent the RI Team believes there is a justification to vote contrary to the Proxy Service Provider's benchmark recommendation in such an instance, then such requests are evaluated and mitigated pursuant to an Escalation Form review process as described in the Roles and Responsibilities section below. In all cases votes are intended to be in line with the Guidelines and in the best interests of clients.

The Advisers are required to adhere to the baseline standards and guiding principles governing client and personnel conflicts as outlined in the TIAA Conflicts of Interest Policy to assist in identifying, escalating and addressing proxy voting conflicts in a timely manner.

**Roles and Responsibilities**

**Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Annually, review and approve the criteria constituting a Material Conflict involving the individuals and entities named on the Watch List.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Review and approve the Policy annually, or more frequently as required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Review Escalation Forms as described above to determine whether the rationale of the recommendation is clearly articulated and reasonable relative to the potential Material Conflict.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Review RI Team Material Conflicts reporting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Review and consider any other matters involving the Advisers' proxy voting activities that are brought to the Committee.

**Responsible Investing Team**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Promptly disclose RI Team members' Material Conflicts to Nuveen Compliance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. RI Team members must recuse themselves from all decisions related to proxy voting for the Portfolio Company seeking the proxy for which they personally have disclosed, or are required to disclose, a Material Conflict.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Compile, administer and update the Watch List promptly based on the Watch List criteria described herein as necessary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Evaluate vote recommendations for Portfolio Companies on the Watch List, based on established criteria to determine whether a vote shall default to the third-party Proxy Service Provider, or whether an Escalation Form is required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. In instances where an Escalation Form is required as described above, the RI Team member responsible for the recommendation completes and submits the form to an RI Team manager and the Committee. The RI Team will specify a response due date from the Committee typically no earlier than two business days from when the request was delivered. While the RI Team will make reasonable efforts to provide a two business day notification period, in certain instances the required response date may be shortened. The Committee reviews the Escalation Form to determine whether a Material Conflict exists and whether the rationale of the recommendation is clearly articulated and reasonable relative to the existing conflict. The Committee will then provide its response in writing to the RI Team member who submitted the Escalation Form.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Provide Nuveen Compliance with established reporting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Prepare Material Conflicts reporting to the Committee and other parties, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. Retain Escalation Forms and responses thereto and all other relevant documentation in conformance with Nuveen's Record Management program.

------

Such criteria is defined in a separate standard operating procedure.

------

**Advisory Personnel**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Promptly disclose Material Conflicts to Nuveen Compliance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Provide input and/or vote recommendations to the RI Team upon request. Advisory Personnel are prohibited from providing the RI Team with input and/or recommendations for any Portfolio Company for which they have disclosed, or are required to disclose, a Material Conflict.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. From time to time as part of the Adviser's normal course of business, Advisory Personnel may initiate an action to override the Guidelines for a particular proposal. For a proxy vote issued by a Portfolio Company on the Watch List, if Advisory Personnel request a vote against the Guidelines and in favor of Portfolio Company management, then the request will be evaluated by the RI Team in accordance with their established criteria and processes described above. To the extent an Escalation Form is required, the Committee reviews the Escalation Form to determine whether the rationale of the recommendation is clearly articulated and reasonable relative to the potential Material Conflict.

**Nuveen Compliance**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Determine criteria constituting a Material Conflict involving the individuals and entities named on the Watch List.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Determine parties responsible for collection of, and providing identified Material Conflicts to, the RI Team for inclusion on the Watch List.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Perform periodic reviews of votes where Material Conflicts have been identified to determine whether the votes were cast in accordance with this Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Develop and maintain, in consultation with the RI Team, standard operating procedures to support the Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Perform periodic monitoring to determine adherence to the Policy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Administer training to the Advisers and the RI Team, as applicable, to ensure applicable personnel understand Material Conflicts and disclosure responsibilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Assist the Committee with the annual review of this Policy.

**Nuveen Legal**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Provide legal guidance as requested.

**Governance**

**Review and Approval**

This Policy will be reviewed at least annually and will be updated sooner if changes are necessary. The Policy Leader, the Committee and the NEFI Compliance Committee are responsible for the review and approval of this Policy.

**Implementation**

Nuveen has established the Committee to provide centralized management and oversight of the proxy voting process administered by the RI Team for the Advisers in accordance with its Proxy Voting Committee Charter and this Policy.

**Exceptions**

Any request for a proposed exception or variation to this Policy will be submitted to the Committee for approval and reported to the appropriate governance committee(s), where appropriate.

**Related Documents** 

• Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee Charter

• Nuveen Proxy Voting Guidelines

• Nuveen Proxy Policy

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Nuveen Policy Statement on Responsible Investing

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Policy Adoption Date  | February 3, 2020  |
| Current Policy Effective Date  | October 1, 2022  |
| Current Policy Approval Date  | August 31, 2022  |
| Policy Owner  | Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee  |
| Policy Leader | Managing Director, Nuveen Compliance  |
| Policy Portal Administration | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leader: Managing Director, Nuveen Compliance<br> Owner: Managing Director, Head of Affiliate Compliance <br>|
| Criticality/Tier | Moderate |

---

------

**APPENDIX E**

**[ISS Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines to be included in the subsequent amendment]**

------

**SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.**

**SPDR**<sup>®</sup> **SERIES TRUST (THE "TRUST")**

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

[October 31, 2025]

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus. With respect to each of the Trust's series listed below, this SAI should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated [October 31, 2025] (the "Prospectus"), as may be revised from time to time.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ETF** | **TICKER** |
| SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | NZUS |
| SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF | SHE |
| SPDR S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ESG ETF | EFIV |
| SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF | ESIX |

---

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for each ETF: NYSE Arca, Inc. (except the SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZUS) is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC)

Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. Copies of the Prospectus, the Trust's Form N-CSR filing and the Funds' Annual Reports to Shareholders dated June 30, 2025 may be obtained without charge by writing to State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, the Trust's principal underwriter (referred to herein as "Distributor" or "Principal Underwriter"), One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, by visiting the Trust's website at www.statestreet.com/im or by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, financial highlights and financial statements of the Funds included in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 are incorporated by reference into this SAI.

SPDRSERESGSAI

------

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Description of the Trust](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 3 |
| [Investment Policies](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 3 |
| [Special Considerations and Risks](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_13) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 15 |
| [Investment Restrictions](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_18) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 20 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_19) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 21 |
| [Management of the Trust](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_19) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 21 |
| [Investment Advisory and Other Services](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_29) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 31 |
| [Brokerage Transactions](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_35) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 37 |
| [Book Entry Only System](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_36) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 38 |
| [Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_37) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 39 |
| [Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_38) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 40 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_44) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 46 |
| [Dividends and Distributions](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_45) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 47 |
| [Taxes](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_45) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 47 |
| [Capital Stock and Other Securities](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_51) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 53 |
| [Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_51) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 53 |
| [Local Market Holiday Schedules](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_51) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 53 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_e536effe-d05a-4131-886e-f1019a52a67d_52) | &nbsp;&nbsp; 54 |
| [Appendices](#xx_f726572a-43c8-410d-b3ce-6dbcfb872e4c_1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; A-1 |

---

------

**General Description of the Trust** 

The Trust is an open-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on June 12, 1998 and consists of multiple investment series, including the SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF, SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF, SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF and SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (each, a "Fund" and, collectively, the "Funds"). The table below provides the establishment date for each Fund.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund Name** | **Establishment Date** |
| SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | January 24, 2022 |
| SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF | December 18, 2015 |
| SPDR S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ESG ETF | May 11, 2020 |
| SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF | June 24, 2021 |

---

The offering of each Fund's shares ("Shares") is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The investment objective of each Fund is to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return of a specified market index (each, an "Index"). SSGA Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM" or the "Adviser") serves as the investment adviser for each Fund. State Street Investment Management, consisting of the Adviser and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation, is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation.

Each Fund offers and issues Shares at their net asset value (sometimes referred to herein as "NAV") only in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a "Creation Unit"). Each Fund generally offers and issues Shares in exchange for (i) a basket of securities designated by the Fund ("Deposit Securities") together with the deposit of a specified cash payment ("Cash Component") or (ii) a cash payment equal in value to the Deposit Securities ("Deposit Cash") together with the Cash Component. The primary consideration accepted by a Fund (i.e., Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash) is set forth under "Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units" later in this SAI. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a "cash in lieu" amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security and reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash (subject to applicable legal requirements). The Shares have been approved for listing and secondary trading on a national securities exchange (the "Exchange"). The Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices. These prices may differ from the Shares' net asset values. The Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and generally in exchange for either (i) portfolio securities and a specified cash payment or (ii) cash (subject to applicable legal requirements).

Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to a specified percentage of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities as set forth in the Participant Agreement (as defined below). See "Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units." The Trust may impose a transaction fee for each creation or redemption. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. In addition to the fixed creation or redemption transaction fee, an additional transaction fee of up to three times the fixed creation or redemption transaction fee and/or an additional variable charge may apply.

**Investment Policies**

Each Fund may invest in the following types of investments, consistent with its investment strategies and objective. Please see the Funds' Prospectus for additional information regarding its principal investment strategies.

**DIVERSIFICATION STATUS**

The SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF and SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF are each classified as a "diversified" investment company under the 1940 Act. The SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF and SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF are each classified as a "non-diversified" investment company under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment company, as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than

------

10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities would be held by the investment company. A "non-diversified" classification means that a Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act with regard to the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. This means that a Fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a diversified fund. The securities of a particular issuer may constitute a greater portion of an Index of a Fund and, therefore, the securities may constitute a greater portion of the Fund's portfolio. This may have an adverse effect on a Fund's performance or subject a Fund's Shares to greater price volatility than more diversified investment companies.

Each Fund (whether diversified or non-diversified for purposes of the 1940 Act) intends to maintain the required level of diversification and otherwise conduct its operations so as to qualify as a "regulated investment company" ("RIC") for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), and to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent that its earnings are distributed to shareholders. Compliance with the diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may severely limit the investment flexibility of a Fund and may make it less likely that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

**COMMERCIAL PAPER**

Commercial paper consists of short-term, promissory notes issued by banks, corporations and other entities to finance short-term credit needs. These securities generally are discounted but sometimes may be interest bearing.

**COMMON STOCK**

Risks inherent in investing in equity securities include the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities and therefore a decrease in the value of Shares of the Fund). Common stock is susceptible to general stock market fluctuation and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies; inflation and interest rates; economic expansion or contraction; and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.

Holders of common stock incur more risk than holders of preferred stock and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the issuer, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or preferred stock issued by, the issuer. Further, unlike debt securities which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stock which typically has a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stock has neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.

**CONCENTRATION**

Each Fund will concentrate its investments in securities of issuers in the same industry as may be necessary to approximate the composition of the Fund's underlying Index. The securities of issuers in particular industries may dominate the benchmark Index of a Fund and consequently a Fund's investment portfolio. This may adversely affect a Fund's performance or subject its Shares to greater price volatility than that experienced by less concentrated investment companies. The Trust's general policy is to exclude securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities when measuring industry concentration.

In pursuing its objective, each Fund may hold the securities of a single issuer in an amount exceeding 10% of the market value of the outstanding securities of the issuer, subject to restrictions imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. In particular, as a Fund's size grows and its assets increase, it will be more likely to hold more than 10% of the securities of a single issuer if the issuer has a relatively small public float as compared to other components in its benchmark Index.

**CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES**

Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer

------

after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stock. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stock, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their "conversion value," which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stock and interest rates. When the underlying common stock declines in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stock rises in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stock. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

**EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS** 

Each Fund may invest in other exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (including ETFs managed by the Adviser). ETFs may be structured as investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, typically as open-end funds or unit investment trusts. These ETFs are generally based on specific domestic and foreign market securities indices. An "index-based ETF" seeks to provide investment results that match the performance of an index by holding in its portfolio either the contents of the index or a representative sample of the securities in the index. An "actively-managed ETF" invests in securities based on an adviser's investment strategy. An "enhanced ETF" seeks to provide investment results that match a positive or negative multiple of the performance of an underlying index. In seeking to provide such results, an ETF and, in particular, an enhanced ETF, may engage in short sales of securities included in the underlying index and may invest in derivatives instruments, such as equity index swaps, futures contracts, and options on securities, futures contracts, and stock indices. Alternatively, ETFs may be structured as grantor trusts or other forms of pooled investment vehicles that are not registered or regulated under the 1940 Act. These ETFs typically hold commodities, precious metals, currency or other non-securities investments. ETFs, like mutual funds, have expenses associated with their operation, such as advisory and custody fees. When a Fund invests in an ETF, in addition to directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, including the brokerage costs associated with the purchase and sale of shares of the ETF, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the ETF's expenses. In addition, it may be more costly to own an ETF than to directly own the securities or other investments held by the ETF because of ETF expenses. The risks of owning shares of an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities or other investments held by the ETF, although lack of liquidity in the market for the shares of an ETF could result in the ETF's value being more volatile than the underlying securities or other investments.

**FUTURES CONTRACTS, OPTIONS AND SWAP AGREEMENTS**

Each Fund may invest in derivatives, including exchange-traded futures on indices, exchange-traded futures on Treasuries or Eurodollars, U.S. exchange-traded or over-the-counter ("OTC") put and call options contracts and exchange-traded or OTC swap transactions (including NDFs, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, excess return swaps, and credit default swaps).

<u>Futures and Options on Futures:</u> Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified commodity or security at a specified future time and at a specified price. Index futures contracts are settled daily with a payment by one party to the other of a cash amount based on the difference between the level of the index specified in the contract from one day to the next. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract originally was written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, physical delivery of these securities is not always made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes, as well as financial instruments, including, without limitation: U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; GNMA Certificates; three-month U.S. Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank certificates of deposit; Eurodollar certificates

------

of deposit; the Australian Dollar; the Canadian Dollar; the British Pound; the Japanese Yen; the Swiss Franc; the Mexican Peso; and certain multinational currencies, such as the Euro. It is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Futures contracts are standardized as to maturity date and underlying instrument and are traded on futures exchanges.

The Funds may purchase and write (sell) call and put options on futures. Options on futures give the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price upon expiration of, or at any time during the period of, the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.

A Fund is required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or U.S. government securities (or other eligible collateral) with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying commodity or payment of the cash settlement amount) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin deposits which may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.

After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy price changes, additional payments will be required. Conversely, change in the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains open. In such case, a Fund would expect to earn interest income on its margin deposits. Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying commodity, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (involving the same exchange, underlying commodity, security or index and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs also must be included in these calculations.

<u>Options:</u> A Fund may purchase and sell put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities and may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options on particular securities may be more volatile than the underlying securities, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying securities themselves.

<u>Short Sales</u> <u>"</u><u>Against the Box</u><u>"</u><u>:</u> The Funds may engage in short sales "against the box." In a short sale against the box, a Fund agrees to sell at a future date a security that it either contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire at no extra cost. If the price of the security has declined at the time the Fund is required to deliver the security, the Fund will benefit from the difference in the price. If the price of the security has increased, the Fund will be required to pay the difference.

<u>Swap Transactions:</u> Each Fund may enter into swap transactions, including interest rate swap, credit default swap, NDF, and total return swap transactions. Swap transactions are contracts between parties in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to the other party based on the change in market value or level of a specified rate, index or asset. In return, the other party agrees to make payments to the first party based on the return of a different specified rate, index or asset. Swap transactions will usually be done on a net basis, i.e., where the two parties make net payments with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or equivalents having an aggregate value at least equal to the accrued excess is maintained by the Fund. Swaps may be used in conjunction with other instruments to offset interest rate, currency or other underlying risks. For example, interest rate swaps may be offset with "caps," "floors" or "collars." A "cap" is essentially a call option which places a limit on the amount of floating rate interest that must be paid on a certain principal amount. A "floor" is essentially a put option which places a limit on the minimum amount that would be paid on a certain principal amount. A "collar" is essentially a combination of a long cap and a short floor where the limits are set at different levels.

The use of swap transactions by a Fund entails certain risks, which may be different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the securities and other investments that are the referenced asset for the swap agreement. Swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques, risk analyses, and tax planning different from those associated with stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments. The use of a swap requires an

------

understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index, but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all the possible market conditions. Because some swap transactions have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate, or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the swap itself. Certain swaps have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.

Bilateral OTC transactions differ from exchange-traded or cleared derivatives transactions in several respects. Bilateral OTC transactions are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation. Without the availability of a clearing corporation, bilateral OTC transaction pricing is normally done by reference to information from market makers and/or available index data, which information is carefully monitored by the Adviser and verified in appropriate cases. As bilateral OTC transactions are entered into directly with a dealer, there is a risk of nonperformance by the dealer as a result of its insolvency or otherwise. Under regulations adopted by the CFTC and federal banking regulators ("Margin Rules"), a Fund is required to post collateral (known as variation margin) to cover the mark-to-market exposure in respect of its uncleared swaps. The Margin Rules also mandate that collateral in the form of initial margin be posted to cover potential future exposure attributable to uncleared swap transactions. In the event a Fund is required to post collateral in the form of initial margin or variation margin in respect of its uncleared swap transactions, all such collateral will be posted with a third party custodian pursuant to a triparty custody agreement between the Fund, its dealer counterparty and an unaffiliated custodian.

The requirement to execute certain OTC derivatives contracts on exchanges or electronic trading platforms called swap execution facilities ("SEFs") may offer certain advantages over traditional bilateral OTC trading, such as ease of execution, price transparency, increased liquidity and/or favorable pricing. However, SEF trading may make it more difficult and costly for a Fund to enter into highly tailored or customized transactions and may result in additional costs and risks. Market participants such as the Funds that execute derivatives contracts through a SEF, whether directly or through a broker intermediary, are required to submit to the jurisdiction of the SEF and comply with SEF and CFTC rules and regulations which impose, among other things disclosure and recordkeeping obligations. In addition, a Fund will generally incur SEF or broker intermediary fees when it trades on a SEF. A Fund may also be required to indemnify the SEF or broker intermediary for any losses or costs that may result from the Fund's transactions on the SEF.

<u>Total Return Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into total return swap transactions for investment purposes. Total return swaps are transactions in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of the underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or security indexes during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate of the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swaps may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or market, including in cases in which there may be disadvantages associated with direct ownership of a particular security. In a typical total return equity swap, payments made by a Fund or the counterparty are based on the total return of a particular reference asset or assets (such as an equity security, a combination of such securities, or an index). That is, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, basket of stocks, or stock index in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, for example, the index receiver can gain exposure to stocks making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those stocks. Total return swaps involve not only the risk associated with the investment in the underlying securities, but also the risk of the counterparty not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.

<u>Credit Default Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into credit default swap transactions for investment purposes. A credit default swap transaction may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. A Fund may be either the protection buyer or protection seller in the transaction. Credit default swaps may also be structured based on the debt of a basket of issuers, rather than a single issuer, and may be customized with respect to the default event that triggers purchase or other factors. As a protection seller, a Fund would generally receive an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap, which typically is between six months and three years, provided that there is no credit event. If a credit event occurs, generally the protection seller must pay the protection buyer the full face amount of the reference obligations that may have little or no value. If a Fund were a protection buyer and no credit event occurred during the term of the swap, the Fund would recover nothing if the swap were held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurred, the protection buyer may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of the reference obligation that may have little or no value. Where a Fund is the protection buyer, credit default swaps involve the risk that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund in the event of a default. The purchase of credit default swaps involves costs, which will reduce a Fund's return.

------

<u>Currency Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into currency swap transactions for investment purposes. Currency swaps are similar to interest rate swaps, except that they involve multiple currencies. A Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has exposure to one currency and desires exposure to a different currency. Typically, the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. In addition to paying and receiving amounts at the beginning and end of the transaction, both sides will have to pay in full on a periodic basis based upon the currency they have borrowed. Change in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.

<u>Interest Rate Swaps:</u> A Fund may enter into an interest rate swap in an effort to protect against declines in the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. In such an instance, the Fund may agree to pay a fixed rate (multiplied by a notional amount) while a counterparty agrees to pay a floating rate (multiplied by the same notional amount). If interest rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value.

<u>Options on Swaps:</u> An option on a swap agreement, or a "swaption," is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. In return, the purchaser pays a "premium" to the seller of the contract. The seller of the contract receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes on the underlying swap. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions. A Fund may also enter into swaptions on either an asset-based or liability-based basis, depending on whether the Fund is hedging its assets or its liabilities. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions to the same extent it may make use of standard options on securities or other instruments. A Fund may enter into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its holdings, as a duration management technique, to protect against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or for any other purposes, such as for speculation to increase returns. Swaptions are generally subject to the same risks involved in a Fund's use of options.

Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When a Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.

<u>Government Regulation:</u> The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") that was signed into law on July 21, 2010 created a new statutory framework that comprehensively regulated the OTC derivatives markets for the first time. Prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, the OTC derivatives markets were traditionally traded on a bilateral basis (so-called "bilateral OTC transactions"). Under the Dodd-Frank Act, certain OTC derivatives transactions are now required to be centrally cleared and traded on SEFs.

On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 (the "Derivatives Rule") under the 1940 Act which replaced prior SEC and staff guidance with an updated, comprehensive framework for registered funds' use of derivatives. The Derivatives Rule permits a Fund to enter into derivatives transactions and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of "senior securities" under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Derivatives Rule requires the Funds to trade derivatives and certain other instruments that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, develop and implement a derivatives risk management program and new testing requirements, and comply with new requirements related to board and SEC reporting. These requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user," as defined in the Derivatives Rule. Complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase the cost of a Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. Other new regulations could adversely affect the value, availability and performance of certain derivative instruments, may make them more costly, and may limit or restrict their use by the Funds.

<u>Regulation Under the Commodity Exchange Act:</u> Each Fund intends to use commodity interests, such as futures, swaps and options on futures in accordance with Rule 4.5 of the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA"). A Fund may use exchange-traded futures and options on futures, together with positions in cash and money market instruments, to simulate full investment in its underlying Index. Exchange-traded futures and options on futures contracts may not be currently available for an Index. Under such circumstances, the Adviser may seek to utilize other instruments that it believes to be correlated to the applicable Index components or a subset of the components. An exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" has been claimed with respect to each series of the Trust in accordance with Rule 4.5 such that registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA is not necessary.

------

<u>Restrictions on Trading in Commodity Interests:</u> Each Fund reserves the right to engage in transactions involving futures, options thereon and swaps to the extent allowed by the CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with a Fund's policies.

Certain additional risk factors related to derivatives are discussed below:

<u>Derivatives Risk:</u> Under recently adopted rules by the CFTC, transactions in some types of interest rate swaps and index credit default swaps on North American and European indices are required to be cleared. In addition, the CFTC may promulgate additional regulations that require clearing of other classes of swaps. In a cleared derivatives transaction (which includes futures, options on futures, and cleared swaps transactions), a Fund's counterparty is a clearing house (such as CME, ICE Clear Credit or LCH.Clearnet), rather than a bank or broker. Since each Fund is not a member of a clearing house and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, a Fund holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members, who are futures commission merchants that are members of the clearing houses and who have the appropriate regulatory approvals to engage in cleared derivatives transactions. A Fund makes and receives payments owed under cleared derivatives transactions (including margin payments) through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house. In contrast to bilateral OTC transactions, clearing members generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time and increases in margin above the margin that it required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions and to terminate transactions in accordance with their rules. Any such increase or termination could interfere with the ability of a Fund to pursue its investment strategy. Also, a Fund is subject to execution risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or that the Advisor expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund's behalf. While the documentation in place between a Fund and its clearing members generally provides that the clearing members will accept for clearing all transactions submitted for clearing that are within credit limits specified by the clearing members in advance, the Fund could be subject to this execution risk if the Fund submits for clearing transactions that exceed such credit limits, if the clearing house does not accept the transactions for clearing, or if the clearing members do not comply with their agreement to clear such transactions. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of any increase in the value of the transaction after the time of the transaction. In addition, new regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund or increasing margin or capital requirements. If a Fund is not able to enter into a particular derivatives transaction, the Fund's investment performance and risk profile could be adversely affected as a result.

<u>Counterparty Risk:</u> Counterparty risk with respect to OTC derivatives may be affected by new regulations promulgated by the CFTC and SEC affecting the derivatives market. As described under "Derivatives Risk" above, all futures and options on futures and some swap transactions are required to be cleared, and a party to a cleared derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared derivatives position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivative transaction. Clearing members are required to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to cleared derivatives transactions from the clearing member's proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are generally held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account, and the clearing broker may also invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. Also, the clearing member transfers to the clearing house the amount of margin required by the clearing house for cleared derivatives transactions, which amounts are generally held in the relevant omnibus account at the clearing house for all customers of the clearing member.

For commodities futures positions, the clearing house may use all of the collateral held in the clearing member's omnibus account to meet a loss in that account, without regard to which customer in fact supplied that collateral. Accordingly, in addition to bearing the credit risk of its clearing member, each customer to a futures transaction also bears "fellow customer" risk from other customers of the clearing member. However, with respect to cleared swaps positions, recent regulations promulgated by the CFTC require that the clearing member notify the clearing house of the amount of initial margin provided by the clearing member to the clearing house that is attributable to each customer. Because margin in respect of cleared swaps must be earmarked for specific clearing member customers, the clearing house may not use the collateral of one customer to cover the obligations of another customer. However, if the clearing member does not provide accurate reporting, a Fund is subject to the risk that a clearing house will use the Fund's assets held in an omnibus

------

account at the clearing house to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing house. In addition, clearing members may generally choose to provide to the clearing house the net amount of variation margin required for cleared swaps for all of its customers in the aggregate, rather than the gross amount for each customer.

**FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS**

A Fund may take advantage of opportunities in the area of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, warrants, swaps and any other investments which are not presently contemplated for use by the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Fund's investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Before entering into such transactions or making any such investment, a Fund will provide appropriate disclosure.

**ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS**

Each Fund may invest in illiquid investments. A Fund may not acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment means any investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If illiquid investments exceed 15% of a Fund's net assets, certain remedial actions will be taken as required by Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act and the Funds' policies and procedures.

**INVESTMENT COMPANIES**

Each Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including affiliated funds and money market funds, subject to applicable limitations under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1), a Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the "acquired company") provided that the Fund, immediately after such purchase or acquisition, does not own in the aggregate: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; (ii) securities issued by the acquired company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (iii) securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies (other than Treasury stock of the Fund) having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. To the extent allowed by law, regulation, and/or a Fund's investment restrictions, a Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies, including affiliated funds and/or money market funds, in excess of the limits discussed above.

If a Fund invests in and, thus, is a shareholder of, another investment company, the Fund's shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by such other investment company, including advisory fees, in addition to both the management fees payable directly by the Fund to the Fund's own investment adviser and the other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with the Fund's own operations.

**INVESTMENTS IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY STRUCTURES**

Each Fund may gain investment exposure to certain Chinese companies through variable interest entity ("VIE") structures. Such investments are subject to the investment risks associated with the Chinese-based company. The VIE structure enables foreign investors, such as the Funds, to obtain investment exposure to a Chinese company in situations in which the Chinese government has limited or prohibited non-Chinese ownership of such company. The VIE structure does not involve direct equity ownership in a China-based company, but rather involves claims to the China-based company's profits and control of the assets that belong to the China-based company through contractual arrangements. The contractual arrangements in place with the China-based company provide limited ability to exercise control over the China-based company and the China-based company's actions may negatively impact the value of an investment through a VIE structure. Control may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds an equity interest in the China-based company breaches the terms of the contractual arrangements or is subject to legal proceedings, or if any physical instruments such as chops and seals are used without authorization.

Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to the VIE structure could significantly affect the Chinese operating company's performance and thus, the value of a Fund's investment through a VIE structure, as well as the enforceability of the contractual arrangements of the VIE structure. In the event of such an occurrence, a Fund, as a foreign investor, may have little or no legal recourse. If the Chinese government were to determine that the contractual arrangements establishing the VIE structure did not comply with Chinese law or regulations, the Chinese operating company could be

------

subject to penalties, revocation of its business and operating license, or forfeiture of ownership interests. In addition to the risk of government intervention, investments through a VIE structure are subject to the risk that the China-based company (or its officers, directors, or Chinese equity owners) may breach the contractual arrangements, or Chinese law changes in a way that adversely affects the enforceability of the arrangements, or the contracts are otherwise not enforceable under Chinese law, in which case a Fund may suffer significant losses on its investments through a VIE structure with little or no recourse available.

**LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES**

Each Fund may lend portfolio securities to certain creditworthy borrowers in U.S. and non-U.S. markets in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets. The borrowers provide collateral that is marked to market daily in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned. A Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the securities loaned. A Fund receives the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned securities. A Fund cannot vote proxies for securities on loan, but may recall loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Fund's economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Efforts to recall such securities promptly may be unsuccessful, especially for foreign securities or thinly traded securities. Distributions received on loaned securities in lieu of dividend payments (i.e., substitute payments) would not be considered qualified dividend income.

With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, a Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in certain high quality short-term instruments either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser. A Fund could lose money due to a decline in the value of collateral provided for loaned securities or any investments made with cash collateral. Certain non-cash collateral or investments made with cash collateral may have a greater risk of loss than other non-cash collateral or investments.

A Fund may pay a portion of the interest or fees earned from securities lending to a borrower as described above, and to one or more securities lending agents approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") who administer the lending program for the Funds in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. In such capacity, the lending agent provides the following services to the Funds in connection with the Funds' securities lending activities: (i) locating borrowers among an approved list of prospective borrowers; (ii) causing the delivery of loaned securities from a Fund to borrowers; (iii) monitoring the value of loaned securities, the value of collateral received, and other lending parameters; (iv) seeking additional collateral, as necessary, from borrowers; (v) receiving and holding collateral from borrowers, and facilitating the investment and reinvestment of all or substantially all cash collateral in an investment vehicle designated by the Funds; (vi) returning collateral to borrowers; (vii) facilitating substitute dividend, interest, and other distribution payments to the Funds from borrowers; (viii) negotiating the terms of each loan of securities, including but not limited to the amount of any loan premium, and monitoring the terms of securities loan agreements with prospective borrowers for consistency with the requirements of the Funds' Securities Lending Authorization Agreement; (ix) selecting securities, including amounts (percentages), to be loaned; (x) recordkeeping and accounting servicing; and (xi) arranging for return of loaned securities to the Fund in accordance with the terms of the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement. State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), an affiliate of the Trust, has been approved by the Board to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds and the Trust has entered into an agreement with State Street for such services. Among other matters, the Trust has agreed to indemnify State Street for certain liabilities. State Street has received an order of exemption from the SEC under Sections 17(a) and 12(d)(1) under the 1940 Act to serve as the lending agent for affiliated investment companies such as the Trust and to invest the cash collateral received from loan transactions to be invested in an affiliated cash collateral fund.

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including operational risk (i.e., the risk of losses resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process especially so in certain international markets such as Taiwan), "gap" risk (i.e., the risk of a mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees a Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), risk of loss of collateral, credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. If a securities lending counterparty were to default, a Fund would be subject to the risk of a possible delay in receiving collateral or in recovering the loaned securities, or to a possible loss of rights in the collateral. In the event a borrower does not return a Fund's securities as agreed, the Fund may experience losses if the proceeds received from liquidating the collateral do not at least equal the value of the loaned security at the time the collateral is liquidated, plus the transaction costs incurred in purchasing

------

replacement securities. Although State Street has agreed to provide a Fund with indemnification in the event of a borrower default, a Fund is still exposed to the risk of losses in the event a borrower does not return a Fund's securities as agreed. For example, delays in recovery of lent securities may cause a Fund to lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price.

**LEVERAGING**

While the Funds do not anticipate doing so, a Fund may borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets. However, under normal circumstances, a Fund will not borrow money from a bank in an amount greater than 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets. Borrowing for investment purposes is one form of leverage. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk, but also increases investment opportunity. Because substantially all of a Fund's assets will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowings may be fixed, the NAV of a Fund will increase more when such Fund's portfolio assets increase in value and decrease more when the Fund's portfolio assets decrease in value than would otherwise be the case. Moreover, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the returns on the borrowed funds.

**OTHER SHORT-TERM INSTRUMENTS**

Each Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, (including money market funds advised by the Adviser), cash and cash equivalents, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may include but are not limited to: (i) shares of money market funds (including those advised by the Adviser); (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (iii) negotiable certificates of deposit ("CDs"), bankers' acceptances, fixed time deposits and other obligations of U.S. and foreign banks (including foreign branches) and similar institutions; (iv) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase "Prime-1" by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") or "A-1" by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P"), or if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (v) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that present minimal credit risk; and (vi) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of the Adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by a Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or a forward-settled basis. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers' acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions. Money market instruments also include shares of money market funds. The SEC and other government agencies continue to review the regulation of money market funds. The SEC has adopted changes to the rules that govern money market funds over the years, most recently in July 2023. Legislative developments may also affect money market funds. These changes and developments may affect the investment strategies, performance, yield, operating expenses and continued viability of a money market fund.

**PREFERRED SECURITIES**

Preferred securities pay fixed or adjustable rate interest or dividends to investors, and are generally senior to common stock, but may be subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure and therefore may be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. There is no assurance that interest payments, dividends or distributions on the preferred securities in which a Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. In the case of preferred stock, in order to be payable, distributions on preferred securities must be declared by the issuer's board of directors. The market value of preferred securities may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting companies in the utilities and financial services sectors, which are prominent issuers of preferred securities, and by actual and anticipated changes in tax laws.

Because the claim on an issuer's earnings represented by preferred securities may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, a Fund's holdings of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced and the Fund would be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.

------

**PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES**

Each Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements and, accordingly, are subject to restrictions on resale as a matter of contract or under federal securities laws. While such private placements may offer attractive opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so purchased are often "restricted securities," i.e., securities which cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act or the availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or which are not readily marketable because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Generally speaking, restricted securities may be sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or in a privately negotiated transaction to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act.

Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. Market quotations for such securities are generally less readily available than for publicly traded securities. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a market value for such securities for purposes of computing a Fund's net asset value, and the judgment of the Adviser may at times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of publicly traded securities. Disposing of such securities, which may be illiquid investments, can involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult or impossible for a Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. A Fund may have to bear the extra expense of registering such securities for resale and the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration.

A Fund may be deemed to be an "underwriter" for purposes of the Securities Act when selling restricted securities to the public, and in such event the Fund may be liable to purchasers of such securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part of it, is materially inaccurate or misleading.

**REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("REITs")**

REITs pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income producing real estate or real estate loans or interests. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year. REITs can generally be classified as Equity REITs, Mortgage REITs and Hybrid REITs. Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages, derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs. The Funds will not invest in real estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies. However, the Funds may be subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate (in addition to securities markets risks) to the extent they invest in the securities of companies in the real estate industry. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependency on management skill, heavy cash flow dependency, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, the appeal of properties to tenants and changes in interest rates. Investments in REITs may subject Fund shareholders to duplicate management and administrative fees.

In addition to these risks, Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, Equity and Mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and Mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, Equity and Mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for the beneficial tax treatment available to REITs under the Internal Revenue Code, or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower's or a lessee's ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting investments.

------

**REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS** 

Each Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires a financial instrument (e.g., a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next Business Day—as defined below). A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by a Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.

In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by a Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Custodian until repurchased. No more than an aggregate of 15% of a Fund's net assets will be invested in illiquid investments, including repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.

The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, a Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by a Fund not within the control of the Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.

**REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS**

Each Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which involve the sale of securities with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment and have the characteristics of borrowing. The securities purchased with the funds obtained from the agreement and securities collateralizing the agreement will have maturity dates no later than the repayment date. Generally the effect of such transactions is that a Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase agreement, while in many cases a Fund is able to keep some of the interest income associated with those securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if a Fund has an opportunity to earn a greater rate of interest on the cash derived from these transactions than the interest cost of obtaining the same amount of cash. Opportunities to realize earnings from the use of the proceeds equal to or greater than the interest required to be paid may not always be available and a Fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only when the Adviser believes it will be advantageous to the Fund. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may exaggerate any interim increase or decrease in the value of a Fund's assets. A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements if it either meets the relevant asset coverage requirements of Section 18 of the 1940 Act for senior securities representing indebtedness, or elects to treat such arrangements as derivatives transactions under the Derivatives Rule. Each Fund does not expect to engage, under normal circumstances, in reverse repurchase agreements with respect to more than 10% of its total assets.

**U.S. REGISTERED SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS**

Investing in U.S. registered, dollar-denominated, securities issued by non-U.S. issuers involves some risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions of the flow of international capital. Foreign companies may be subject to less governmental regulation than U.S. issuers. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.

A Fund's investment in equity securities of foreign corporations may also be in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") (collectively "Depositary Receipts"). Depositary Receipts are receipts, typically issued by a bank or trust company, which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. For ADRs, the depository is typically a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a foreign issuer. For other Depositary Receipts, the depository may be a foreign or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a foreign or a U.S. issuer. Depositary Receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for

------

use in the U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designated for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. A Fund may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts.

**WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES**

Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to a Fund until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, a Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, a Fund may be disadvantaged.

Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by a Fund are subject to changes in market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates — i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Therefore, if a Fund purchases securities on a "when-issued" basis, there may be a greater possibility of fluctuation in the Fund's NAV.

**Special Considerations and Risks**

A discussion of the risks associated with an investment in each Fund is contained in the Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.

**GENERAL**

Investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of a Fund's portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of securities generally and other factors.

An investment in a Fund should also be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the securities markets may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of Shares). Securities are susceptible to general market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic and banking crises. Securities of issuers traded on exchanges may be suspended on certain exchanges by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by government authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and instruments that reference the securities, such as participatory notes (or "P-notes") or other derivative instruments, may be halted.

The principal trading market for some of the securities in an Index may be in the over-the-counter market. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of a Fund's Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for a Fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent or if bid/ask spreads are wide.

**CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RISK**

An investment in a Fund may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to a Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. A Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at

------

which a Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates, will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser may have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of a Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest.

**CONTINUOUS OFFERING** 

The method by which Creation Units of Shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of Shares are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, at any point a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to Shares of a Fund are reminded that under Securities Act Rule 153, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that a Fund's Prospectus is available at the Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.

SSGA FM or its affiliates (the "Selling Shareholder") may purchase Creation Units through a broker-dealer to "seed" (in whole or in part) Funds as they are launched, or may purchase shares from broker-dealers or other investors that have previously provided "seed" for a Fund when they were launched or otherwise in secondary market transactions, and because the Selling Shareholder may be deemed an affiliate of such Funds, the Shares are being registered to permit the resale of these shares from time to time after purchase. The Funds will not receive any of the proceeds from the resale by the Selling Shareholders of these Shares.

The Selling Shareholder intends to sell all or a portion of the Shares owned by it and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more broker-dealers, and may also hedge such positions. The Shares may be sold on any national securities exchange on which the Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, in the over-the-counter market or in transactions other than on these exchanges or systems at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve cross or block transactions.

The Selling Shareholder may also loan or pledge Shares to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Shares, to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Selling Shareholder may also enter into options or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of Shares, which Shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell.

The Selling Shareholder and any broker-dealer or agents participating in the distribution of Shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions paid to any such broker-dealer or agent and any profit on the resale of the Shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The Selling Shareholder who may be deemed an "underwriter" within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the applicable prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

------

**COUNTERPARTY RISK**

Counterparty risk with respect to derivatives has been and may continue to be affected by new rules and regulations affecting the derivatives market. Some derivatives transactions are required to be centrally cleared, and a party to a cleared derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivatives transaction. Credit risk of market participants with respect to derivatives that are centrally cleared is concentrated in a few clearing houses, and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted, what effect the insolvency proceeding would have on any recovery by a Fund, and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system more generally.

**FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS** 

There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract or option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a futures or options position. In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. In such situations, if a Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a Fund may be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts it has sold.

Each Fund will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures or options contract by only entering into futures and options for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.

The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or uncovered call options in some strategies (e.g., selling uncovered index futures contracts) is potentially unlimited. The Funds do not plan to use futures and options contracts, when available, in this manner. The risk of a futures position may still be large as traditionally measured due to the low margin deposits required. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. A Fund, however, may utilize futures and options contracts in a manner designed to limit its risk exposure to that which is comparable to what it would have incurred through direct investment in securities.

Utilization of futures transactions by a Fund involves the risk of imperfect or even negative correlation to its benchmark Index if the index underlying the futures contracts differs from the benchmark Index or if the futures contracts do not track the benchmark Index as expected. There is also the risk of loss by a Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom a Fund has an open position in the futures contract or option.

Certain financial futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The "daily price fluctuation limit" or "daily limit" establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, generally no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.

**RISKS OF SWAP AGREEMENTS** 

Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the swap counterparty will default on its obligations. If such a default occurs, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund's rights as a creditor.

The use of interest-rate and index swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index, but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. These transactions generally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal.

The absence of a regulated execution facility or contract market and lack of liquidity for swap transactions has led, in some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared

------

derivatives transaction, a Fund's counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Funds are not members of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, each Fund holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, a Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less favorable to a Fund than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, a Fund may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to bilateral derivatives transactions, in some cases following a period of notice to a Fund, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time or an increase in margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to terminate transactions at any time in accordance with their rules. A Fund is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which SSGA FM expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund's behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between a Fund and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Fund than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.

These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations, as applicable to swaps, are relatively new and evolving, so their potential impact on a Fund and the financial system are not yet known.

Because they are two party contracts that may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid and subject to a Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid investments. To the extent that a swap is not liquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Like most other investments, swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a Fund's interest.

If a Fund uses a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the Fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund investments. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.

**EUROPE – RECENT EVENTS** 

A number of countries in Europe, including Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have substantial government debt levels. The concern over these debt levels has led to volatility in the European financial markets, which has adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect every country in Europe. For some countries, the ability to repay sovereign debt is in question, and default is possible, which could affect their ability to borrow in the future. Several countries have agreed to multi-year bailout loans from the European Central Bank, the IMF, and other institutions. A default or debt restructuring by any European country can adversely impact holders of that country's debt and can affect exposures to other European Union ("EU") countries and their financial companies as well. These financial difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within or outside Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences.

Uncertainties regarding the viability of the EU have impacted and may continue to impact markets in the United States and around the world. On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom ("UK") formally withdrew from the EU (commonly known as "Brexit"). An agreement between the UK and the EU governing their future trade relationship became effective January 1, 2021, but that agreement does not include an agreement on financial services, and it is unlikely that such agreement will be concluded. Moreover, the UK government has started a program of financial services law reform with the ultimate aim of repealing many EU financial services laws that were assimilated into UK law from January 1, 2021, and replacing them with legislation or rules made by the UK government or financial services regulators. Accordingly, uncertainty

------

remains in certain areas as to the future relationship between the UK and the EU. Brexit has already had a significant impact on the UK, Europe, and global economies, and could continue to result in volatility and illiquidity, legal, political, economic and regulatory uncertainties and lower economic growth for these economies that could in turn have an adverse effect on the value of a Fund's investments. Any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, or the abandonment of the euro, may cause additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.

**MARKET TURBULENCE RESULTING FROM INFECTIOUS ILLNESS**

A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as COVID-19, may lead to governments and businesses world-wide taking aggressive measures, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations. As occurred in the wake of COVID-19, the spread of such an illness may result in the disruption of and delays in the delivery of healthcare services and processes, the cancellation of organized events and educational institutions, the disruption of production and supply chains, a decline in consumer demand for certain goods and services, and general concern and uncertainty, all of which may contribute to increased volatility in global markets. COVID-19, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations, the global economy, individual companies, sectors and industries, and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. In addition, the impact of infectious diseases in developing or emerging market countries may be greater due to limited health care resources. Political, economic and social stresses caused by infectious illness also may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries. The duration of such an illness and its effects cannot be determined at this time, but the effects could be present for an extended period of time.

**RUSSIA SANCTIONS RISK**

Sanctions threatened or imposed by a number of jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, and other intergovernmental actions that have been or may be undertaken in the future, against Russia, Russian entities or Russian individuals, may result in the devaluation of Russian currency, a downgrade in the country's credit rating, an immediate freeze of Russian assets, a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities, property or interests, and/or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy or a Fund. The scope and scale of sanctions in place at a particular time may be expanded or otherwise modified in a way that have negative effects on a Fund. Sanctions, or the threat of new or modified sanctions, could impair the ability of a Fund to buy, sell, hold, receive, deliver or otherwise transact in certain affected securities or other investment instruments. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or other actions in response, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. These sanctions, and the resulting disruption of the Russian economy, may cause volatility in other regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, which could have a negative effect on the performance of a Fund, even if a Fund does not have direct exposure to securities of Russian issuers. As a collective result of the imposition of sanctions, Russian government countermeasures and the impact that they have had on the trading markets for Russian securities, certain Funds have used, and may in the future use, fair valuation procedures approved by the Fund's Board to value certain Russian securities, which could result in such securities being deemed to have a zero value.

A reduction in liquidity of certain Fund holdings as a result of sanctions and related actions may cause a Fund to experience increased premiums or discounts to its NAV and/or wider bid-ask spreads. Additionally, if it becomes impracticable or unlawful for a Fund to hold securities subject to, or otherwise affected by, sanctions, or if deemed appropriate by the Fund's investment adviser, the Fund may prohibit in-kind deposits of the affected securities in connection with creation transactions and instead require a cash deposit, which may also increase the Fund's transaction costs.

**TAX RISKS**

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares of a Fund will be taxed. The tax information in the Prospectus and this SAI is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares of a Fund.

Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-advantaged retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when a Fund makes distributions or you sell Shares.

------

**Investment Restrictions**

The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to each Fund. These restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund means the vote, at an annual or a special meeting of the security holders of the Trust, of the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Except with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, each Fund may not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Concentrate its investments in securities of issuers in the same industry, except as may be necessary to approximate the composition of the Fund's underlying Index;<sup>(1)</sup>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Make loans to another person except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Issue senior securities or borrow money except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Invest directly in real estate unless the real estate is acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not preclude the Fund from investing in companies that deal in real estate or in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with the Fund's purchase and sale of portfolio securities; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Invest in commodities except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

In addition to the investment restrictions adopted as fundamental policies as set forth above, each Fund observes the following restrictions, which may be changed by the Board without a shareholder vote. Each Fund will not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control, provided that the Trust may vote the investment securities owned by the Fund in accordance with its views; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise its relevant Index.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. With respect to SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF and SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of United States companies. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. With respect to SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF, under normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of small-capitalization companies. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.

The Funds define the foregoing terms in accordance with the definition of such terms per the applicable Index. If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect to the borrowing of money will be observed continuously. With respect to the limitation on borrowing, in the event that a subsequent change in net assets or other circumstances cause a Fund to exceed its limitation, the Fund will take steps to bring the aggregate amount of borrowing back within the limitations within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays).

The 1940 Act currently permits each Fund to loan up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. With respect to borrowing, the 1940 Act presently allows each Fund to: (1) borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, (2) borrow money for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the time of the loan, and (3) enter into reverse repurchase agreements. However, under normal circumstances any borrowings by the Fund will not exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets. The 1940 Act

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<sup>(1)</sup>

The SEC Staff considers concentration to involve more than 25% of a fund's assets to be invested in an industry or group of industries.

------

generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, with appropriate asset coverage. With respect to investments in commodities, the 1940 Act presently permits the Funds to invest in commodities in accordance with investment policies contained in its prospectus and SAI. Any such investment shall also comply with the CEA and the rules and regulations thereunder. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company's ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every investment company have the fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Funds will not purchase or sell real estate, except that a Fund may invest in companies that deal in real estate (including REITs) or in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate.

**Exchange Listing and Trading**

A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in a Fund is contained in the Prospectus under "PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION" and "ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION." The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the Prospectus.

The Shares of each Fund are approved for listing and trading on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance. Shares trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to some degree from their net asset value. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of Shares of a Fund will continue to be met.

The Exchange may consider the suspension of trading in, and may initiate delisting proceedings of, the Shares of a Fund under any of the following circumstances: (i) if the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act; (ii) if the Fund no longer complies with the applicable listing requirements set forth in the Exchange's rules; (iii) if, following the initial twelve-month period after commencement of trading on the Exchange of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial holders of the Fund; or (iv) if such other event shall occur or condition exists which, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the Shares from listing and trading upon termination of a Fund.

The Trust reserves the right to adjust the Share price of a Fund in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund or an investor's equity interest in the Fund.

As in the case of other publicly traded securities, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

The base and trading currencies of each Fund is the U.S. dollar. The base currency is the currency in which a Fund's net asset value per Share is calculated and the trading currency is the currency in which Shares of a Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange.

**Management of the Trust**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "MANAGEMENT."

**BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES**

The management and affairs of the Trust and its series, including the Funds described in this SAI, are overseen by the Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described in this SAI, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.

Like most mutual funds, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as the Adviser, Distributor, Administrator and Sub-Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trust's service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Funds. The Funds and their service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each service provider is responsible for

------

one or more discrete aspects of the Trust's business (e.g., the Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of a Fund's portfolio investments) and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Funds' service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.

The Trustees' role in risk oversight begins before the inception of a Fund, at which time the Fund's Adviser presents the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies and risks of the Fund, as well as proposed investment limitations for the Fund. Additionally, the Fund's Adviser provides the Board with an overview of, among other things, its investment philosophies, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructures. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of the Adviser and other service providers, such as the Fund's independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which a Fund may be exposed.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Funds by the Adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis, in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser, the Board meets with the Adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the Adviser's adherence to each Fund's investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about each Fund's investments.

The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues. At least annually, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust's policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser and any sub-adviser. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.

The Board receives reports from the Funds' service providers regarding operational risks and risks related to the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. Regular reports are made to the Board concerning investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of each Fund's financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the Fund and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Fund's internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund management's implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board also oversees the Trust's internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trust's financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust's financial statements.

From their review of these reports and discussions with the Adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn in detail about the material risks of the Funds, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect a Fund can be identified and/or quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve a Fund's goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the Funds' investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the Fund's Adviser and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the Funds' and each other's in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board's ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.

**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

There are eight members of the Board of Trustees, seven of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act ("Independent Trustees"). Carl Verboncoeur, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and

------

circumstances of the Trust. The Board made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the Independent Trustees constitute a super-majority (87.5%) of the Board, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an Independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from fund management.

The Board of Trustees has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and Trustee Committee. The Audit Committee and Trustee Committee are each chaired by an Independent Trustee and composed of all of the Independent Trustees.

Set forth below are the names, year of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations during the last five years and other directorships held of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee or Officer of the Trust.

**TRUSTEES** 

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With**<br> **Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal** <br> **Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee†**<br>| **Other**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by** <br> **Trustee**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>|
| **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** | **INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES** |
| DWIGHT D. CHURCHILL<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1953<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee, <br> Chairman; <br> Trustee <br> Committee, <br> Chairman<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since April <br> 2010<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Self-employed <br> consultant since 2010.<br>| [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Affiliated Managers <br> Group, Inc. (Director) <br> (2010 - present).<br>|
| CARL G. VERBONCOEUR<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1952<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since April <br> 2010<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Self-employed <br> consultant since 2009.<br>| [144] | None. |
| CLARE S. RICHER<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1958<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since July <br> 2018<br>| Retired. | [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Principal Financial <br> Group (Director and <br> Financial Committee <br> Chair) (2020 – present); <br> Bain Capital Specialty <br> Finance (Director) (2019 <br> – present); Bain Capital <br> Private Credit (Director) <br> (2022 – present); <br> University of Notre <br> Dame (Trustee) (2015 – <br> present).<br>|
| SANDRA G. SPONEM<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1958<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee, Audit <br> Committee <br> Chair<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since July <br> 2018<br>| Retired. | [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Rydex Series Funds (52 <br> portfolios), Rydex <br> Dynamic Funds (8 <br> portfolios) and Rydex <br> Variable Trust (49 <br> portfolios) (Trustee) <br> (2016 – present); <br> Guggenheim Strategy <br> Funds Trust (3 <br> portfolios), Guggenheim <br> Funds Trust (18 <br> portfolios), Guggenheim <br> Taxable Municipal Bond <br> & Investment Grade <br> Debt Trust, Guggenheim <br> Strategic Opportunities <br> Fund, Guggenheim <br> Variable Funds Trust (14 <br> portfolios), and <br> Transparent Value Trust <br> (5 portfolios) (Trustee) <br> (2019-present); <br>|

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With**<br> **Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal** <br> **Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee†**<br>| **Other**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by** <br> **Trustee**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>|
|  |  |  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp; Guggenheim Active <br> Allocation Fund <br> (Trustee) <br> (2021-present); <br> Fiduciary/Claymore <br> Energy Infrastructure <br> Fund (Trustee) <br> (2019-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund and <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (Trustee) (2019-2021); <br> and Guggenheim <br> Energy & Income Fund <br> (Trustee) (2015 - 2023).<br>|
| CAROLYN M. CLANCY<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1960<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since <br> October <br> 2022<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Retired. Executive Vice <br> President, Head of <br> Strategy, Analytics and <br> Market Readiness, <br> Fidelity Investments <br> (April 2020 – June <br> 2021); Executive Vice <br> President, Head of <br> Broker Dealer Business, <br> Fidelity Investments <br> (July 2017 – March <br> 2020).<br>| [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Assumption University <br> (Trustee) (2011 – 2021) <br> and (2022 – present); <br> Big Sister Association of <br> Greater Boston <br> (Director) (2016 – 2023).<br>|
| KRISTI L. ROWSELL<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since <br> October <br> 2022<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Partner and President, <br> Harris Associates (2010 <br> – 2021).<br>| [144] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Harris Oakmark ETF <br> Trust (1 portfolio) <br> (Trustee) 2024-present); <br> Harris Associates <br> Investment Trust (8 <br> portfolios) (Trustee) <br> (2010 – present); Board <br> of Governors, <br> Investment Company <br> Institute (Member) (2018 <br> – present); Habitat for <br> Humanity Chicago <br> (Director) (2015 – <br> present).<br>|
| JAMES E. ROSS\*<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1965<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Independent <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since April <br> 2010<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President, Winnisquam <br> Capital LLC (December <br> 2022 – present); <br> Non-Executive <br> Chairman, Fusion <br> Acquisition Corp II <br> (February 2020 – <br> present); Non-Executive <br> Chairman, Fusion <br> Acquisition Corp. (June <br> 2020 – September <br> 2021); Retired Chairman <br> and Director, SSGA <br> Funds Management, Inc. <br> (2005 – March 2020); <br> Retired Executive Vice <br> President, State Street <br> Investment Management <br> (2012 – March 2020); <br> Retired Chief Executive <br> Officer and Manager, <br> State Street Global <br> Advisors Funds<br>| [166] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Investment Managers <br> Series Trust (50 <br> Portfolios) (2022 – <br> present); The Select <br> Sector SPDR Trust (11 <br> portfolios) (2005 – <br> present); SSGA SPDR <br> ETFs Europe I plc <br> (Director) (2016 – 2020); <br> SSGA SPDR ETFs <br> Europe II plc (Director) <br> (2016 – 2020); State <br> Street Navigator <br> Securities Lending Trust <br> (2016 – 2020); SSGA <br> Funds (2014 – 2020); <br> State Street Institutional <br> Investment Trust (2007 <br> –2020); State Street <br> Master Funds (2007 <br> –2020).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With**<br> **Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal** <br> **Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>| **Number of**<br> **Portfolios**<br> **in Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by Trustee†**<br>| **Other**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by** <br> **Trustee**<br> **During Past** <br> **Five Years**<br>|
|  |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp; Distributors, LLC (May <br> 2017 – March 2020).<br>|  |  |
| **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** |
| JEANNE LAPORTA\*\*<br> c/o SPDR Series Trust<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1965<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Interested <br> Trustee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term <br> Unlimited <br> Served: <br> since <br> November <br> 2024<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chair and Director, <br> SSGA Funds <br> Management, Inc. <br> (October 2024 – <br> Present); Senior <br> Managing Director, State <br> Street Investment <br> Management (August <br> 2024 – Present); Chief <br> Administrative Officer at <br> ClearAlpha <br> Technologies LP <br> (FinTech startup) <br> (January 2021 – August <br> 2024); Senior Managing <br> Director at State Street <br> Investment Management <br> (July 2016 – 2021); <br> Manager of State Street <br> Global Advisors Funds <br> Distributors, LLC (May <br> 2017 – 2021); Director <br> of SSGA Funds <br> Management, Inc. <br> (March 2020 - 2021); <br> President of State Street <br> Institutional Funds and <br> State Street Variable <br> Insurance Series Funds, <br> Inc. (April 2014 – March <br> 2020).<br>| [224] | &nbsp;&nbsp; Interested Trustee, <br> Select Sector SPDR <br> Trust (November <br> 2024-present). <br> Interested Trustee/<br> Director of Elfun <br> Diversified Fund, Elfun <br> Government Money <br> Market Fund, Elfun <br> Income Fund, Elfun <br> International Equity <br> Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt <br> Income Fund, Elfun <br> Trusts, State Street <br> Navigator Securities <br> Lending Trust, SSGA <br> Funds, State Street <br> Variable Insurance <br> Series Funds, Inc., State <br> Street Master Funds, <br> and State Street <br> Institutional Investment <br> Trust (January 2025 – <br> present). <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Interested Trustee, Elfun <br> Government Money <br> Market Fund, Elfun <br> Tax-Exempt Income <br> Fund, Elfun Income <br> Fund, Elfun Diversified <br> Fund, Elfun International <br> Equity Fund, and Elfun <br> Trusts (2016 – 2021).<br>|

---

†

For the purpose of determining the number of portfolios overseen by the Trustees, "Fund Complex" comprises registered investment companies for which SSGA Funds Management, Inc. serves as investment adviser, which includes series of SPDR Series Trust, SSGA Active Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.

\*

Mr. Ross previously served as an Interested Trustee from November 2005 to December 2009 and from April 2010 to May 2024. He became an Independent Trustee on May 16, 2024.

\*\*

Ms. LaPorta is an Interested Trustee because of her positions with the Adviser.

------

**OFFICERS** 

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years**<br>|
| ANN M. CARPENTER<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1966<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and <br> Principal Executive <br> Officer; Deputy <br> Treasurer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> May 2023 (with <br> respect to <br> President and <br> Principal <br> Executive <br> Officer); <br> Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2016 <br> (with respect to <br> Deputy <br> Treasurer)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. <br> (April 2005 - present)\*; Managing Director, State Street <br> Investment Management (April 2005 - present).\*<br>|
| BRUCE S. ROSENBERG<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1961<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer and <br> Principal Financial <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, State Street Investment <br> Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July <br> 2015 - present).<br>|
| CHAD C. HALLETT<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1969<br>| Deputy Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (November 2014 - <br> present).<br>|
| ANDREW J. DELORME<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1975<br>| Chief Legal Officer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2024<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director and Managing Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (March 2023 - present); <br> Counsel, K&L Gates (February 2021 - March 2023); <br> Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (August 2014 - February <br> 2021).<br>|
| DAVID URMAN<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1985<br>| Secretary | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> August 2019<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (April 2019 - present).<br>|
| DAVID BARR<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1974<br>| Assistant Secretary | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2020<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street <br> Investment Management (October 2019 - present).<br>|
| E. GERARD MAIORANA, JR.<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1971<br>| Assistant Secretary | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> May 2023<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Assistant Vice President, State Street Investment <br> Management (July 2014 - present).<br>|
| DARLENE ANDERSON-VASQUEZ<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1968<br>| Deputy Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2016<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, State Street Investment <br> Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May <br> 2016 - present).<br>|
| ARTHUR A. JENSEN<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> 1600 Summer Street<br> Stamford, CT 06905<br> 1966<br>| Deputy Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> August 2017<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2016 - <br> present).<br>|
| DAVID LANCASTER<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1971<br>| Assistant Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2020<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2017 - <br> present).\*<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address**<br> **and Year of Birth**<br>| **Position(s)**<br> **With Funds**<br>| **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time Served**<br>| **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past Five Years**<br>|
| JOHN BETTENCOURT<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc. <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1976<br>| Assistant Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> May 2022<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> and SSGA Funds Management Inc. (March 2020 – <br> present).<br>|
| VEDRAN VUKOVIC<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc. <br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1985<br>| Assistant Treasurer | &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> February 2024<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Vice President, State Street Investment Management <br> (2023 – present); Assistant Vice President, Brown <br> Brothers Harriman & Co. (2011 – 2023).<br>|
| BRIAN HARRIS<br> SSGA Funds Management, Inc.<br> One Iron Street<br> Boston, MA 02210<br> 1973<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Compliance <br> Officer; Anti-Money <br> Laundering Officer; <br> Code of Ethics <br> Compliance Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Term: Unlimited <br> Served: since <br> November 2013<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Director, State Street Investment <br> Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June <br> 2013 - present); Chief Compliance Officer, SSGA Funds <br> Management, Inc. (June 2023 – Present).\*<br>|

---

\*

Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during the noted time period.

**INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEE QUALIFICATIONS**

The Board has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of his or her ability to review and understand information about the Funds provided to him or her by management, to identify and request other information he or she may deem relevant to the performance of his or her duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Funds, and to exercise his or her business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of each Fund's shareholders. The Board has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on his or her own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.

The Board has concluded that Mr. Churchill should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the Head of the Fixed Income Division of one of the nation's leading mutual fund companies and provider of financial services and his knowledge of the financial services industry. Mr. Churchill was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in April 2010.

The Board has concluded that Mr. Verboncoeur should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the Chief Executive Officer of a large financial services and investment management company, his knowledge of the financial services industry and his experience serving on the boards of other investment companies. Mr. Verboncoeur was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in April 2010.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Richer should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services and investment management company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the board of a major educational institution. Ms. Richer was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in July 2018 and elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Sponem should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of other investment companies. Ms. Sponem was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in July 2018 and elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Clancy should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as an Executive Vice President of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of a major educational institution and a charitable foundation. Ms. Clancy was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Ms. Rowsell should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the President and Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of a financial services company, a leading association representing regulated investment funds and a charitable foundation. Ms. Clancy was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.

The Board has concluded that Mr. Ross should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained in his various roles with the Adviser, his knowledge of the financial services industry, and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of the Trust since 2005 (Mr. Ross did not serve as Trustee from December 2009 until April 2010).

------

The Board has concluded that Ms. LaPorta should serve as Trustee because of the experience she has gained in her various roles with the Adviser and her knowledge of the financial services industry. Ms. LaPorta was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in November 2024.

In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board's overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Funds.

**REMUNERATION OF THE TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

The Trust, SSGA Active Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds (together with the Trust, the "Trusts") pay, in the aggregate, each Trustee (other than Ms. LaPorta) an annual fee of $300,000 plus $15,000 per in-person meeting attended and $2,500 for each telephonic or video conference meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual fee of $115,000 and the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual fee of $40,000. The Trusts also reimburse each Trustee (other than Ms. LaPorta) for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by him/her in connection with attending such meetings and in connection with attending industry seminars and meetings. Trustee fees are allocated between the Trusts and each of their respective series in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the relative net assets of the series. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, no officer of the Trust received compensation in excess of $60,000 from the Trust. Additionally, no Trustee or officer of the Trust is entitled to any pension or retirement benefits from the Trust.

------

The table below shows the compensation that the Trustees received during the Funds' fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Name of**<br> **Trustee**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation**<br> **from the Trust**<br>| **Pension or**<br> **Retirement**<br> **Benefits**<br> **Accrued**<br> **as Part**<br> **of Trust**<br> **Expenses**<br>| **Estimated**<br> **Annual**<br> **Benefits**<br> **Upon**<br> **Retirement**<br>| **Total**<br> **Compensation**<br> **from the**<br> **Trust and**<br> **Fund Complex**<br> **Paid to**<br> **Trustees**<sup>(1)</sup> <br>|
| *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* |
| Dwight D. Churchill | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Carl G. Verboncoeur | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Clare S. Richer | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Sandra G. Sponem | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Carolyn M. Clancy | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Kristi L. Rowsell | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| James E. Ross | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* |
| Jeanne LaPorta<sup>(2)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<sup>(1)</sup>

The Fund Complex includes SPDR Series Trust, SSGA Active Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<sup>(2)</sup>

Not compensated by the Trust due to Ms. LaPorta's positions with the Adviser. Ms. LaPorta was appointed to serve as an Interested Trustee on November 7, 2024.

**STANDING COMMITTEES** 

<u>Audit Committee:</u> The Board has an Audit Committee consisting of all the Independent Trustees. Ms. Sponem serves as Chair. The Audit Committee meets with the Trust's independent auditors to review and approve the scope and results of their professional services; to review the procedures for evaluating the adequacy of the Trust's accounting controls; to consider the range of audit fees; and to make recommendations to the Board regarding the engagement of the Trust's independent auditors. The Audit Committee met [four (4)] times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

<u>Trustee Committee:</u> The Board has established a Trustee Committee consisting of all the Independent Trustees. Mr. Churchill serves as Chairman. The responsibilities of the Trustee Committee are to: 1) nominate Independent Trustees; 2) review on a periodic basis the governance structures and procedures of the Funds; 3) review proposed resolutions and conflicts of interest that may arise in the business of the Funds and may have an impact on the investors of the Funds; 4) select any independent counsel of the independent trustees as well as make determinations as to that counsel's independence; 5) review matters that are referred to the Committee by the Chief Legal Officer or other counsel to the Trust; and 6) provide general oversight of the Funds on behalf of the investors of the Funds. The Trustee Committee does not have specific procedures in place with respect to the consideration of nominees recommended by security holders, but may consider such nominees in the event that one is recommended. The Trustee Committee met [four (4)] times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

**OWNERSHIP OF FUND SHARES** 

As of December 31, 2024, neither the Independent Trustees nor their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities in the Adviser, Principal Underwriter or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser or Principal Underwriter.

The following table shows, as of December 31, 2024, the amount of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Trust.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Fund** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Trust**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Funds Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in Family of**<br> **Investment Companies**<sup>(1)</sup> <br>|
| *Independent Trustees:* | *Independent Trustees:* |  |  |
| Dwight D. Churchill | SPDR S&P 500<sup>®</sup> ESG ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Treasury ETF | Over $100,000 |  |

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Trustee** | **Fund** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Trust**<br>| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All**<br> **Funds Overseen**<br> **by Trustee in Family of**<br> **Investment Companies**<sup>(1)</sup><br>|
| Carl G. Verboncoeur | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | $10001 - $50000 | $50001 - $100000 |
|  | SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
| Clare S. Richer | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
| Sandra G. Sponem | SPDR S&P Kensho New Economies Composite ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
| Carolyn M. Clancy | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market <br> ETF<br>| Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
| Kristi L. Rowsell | SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Bloomberg 1-10 Year TIPS ETF  | $50001 - $100000 |  |
| James E. Ross | SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF | $10001 - $50000 | Over $100,000 |
|  | SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF | $1 - $10000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF | $10001 - $50000 |  |
|  | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF | Over $100,000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF | $50001 - $100000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF | $50001 - $100000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P Biotech ETF | $1 - $10000 |  |
|  | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | $50001 - $100000 |  |
| *Interested Trustee:* | *Interested Trustee:* |  |  |
| Jeanne LaPorta |  |  |  |

---

(1) The family of investment companies includes series of SSGA Active Trust, SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.

**CODES OF ETHICS**

The Trust and the Adviser (which includes applicable reporting personnel of the Distributor) each have adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Funds (which may also be held by persons subject to the Codes of Ethics). Each Code of Ethics permits personnel, subject to that Code of Ethics, to invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, subject to certain limitations, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds.

There can be no assurance that the Codes of Ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each Code of Ethics, filed as exhibits to this registration statement, may be examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C. or on the Internet at the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov.

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES** 

The Board has delegated the responsibility to vote proxies on securities held by the Funds to the Adviser for all Funds, subject to certain exceptions. The Board has retained authority to vote proxies for certain bank and bank holding company securities ("Bank Securities") that may be held by one or more Funds from time to time. The Board has adopted the Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.'s ("ISS") benchmark proxy voting policy with respect to voting such Bank Securities' proxies. The Board has retained this authority in order to permit the Adviser to utilize exemptions from limitations arising under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, that might otherwise prevent the Adviser from investing a Fund's assets in Bank Securities.

Certain Funds that employ an equity index strategy (each such Fund, an "Eligible Fund" and, collectively, the "Eligible Funds") participate in a proxy voting program (the "Program") administered by the Adviser through which Eligible Fund shareholders identified by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (as described below) have the option of selecting an alternative, third-party proxy voting policy that the Fund will use to vote proxies on securities, including Bank Securities, corresponding to the percentage of the Eligible Fund owned by the shareholder as of the record date of the applicable shareholder meeting. The proxy voting policies made available through the Program comprise proxy voting policies maintained by ISS (each such proxy voting policy, a "Program Proxy Voting Policy"). If an Eligible Fund shareholder does not make a Program Proxy Voting Policy selection, the Eligible Fund's proxies corresponding to the percentage of such shareholder's ownership of the Eligible Fund will be voted in accordance with the Adviser's proxy voting policy, except with respect to proxies on Bank Securities, which will be voted in accordance with the ISS benchmark proxy voting policy. In an unusual case, the Adviser may override a vote that would otherwise be made pursuant to a Program Proxy Voting Policy if the Adviser determines that it is not in the best interests of the Eligible Fund and its shareholders to vote pursuant to such

------

Program Proxy Voting Policy. This might be the case, for example, if the Adviser becomes aware that ISS is planning to vote in a way that creates material concerns related to a conflict of interest with ISS; if the Adviser believes that the voting position, if successful, might have a material impact on an Eligible Fund's ability to trade the security; if the Adviser determines that sanctions affecting a company or an individual prevent such a vote; if issuer specific documentation or market confirmation is required; or if the Adviser determines that custodial restrictions or expenses make voting in accordance with the policy inadvisable or impracticable. In the unusual event the Adviser overrides a proxy vote that would otherwise be made pursuant to a Program Proxy Voting Policy, such proxy will be voted in accordance with the Adviser's proxy voting policy, except with respect to proxies on Bank Securities, which will be voted in accordance with the ISS benchmark proxy voting policy.

The Adviser has engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge") to periodically, but at least annually, identify beneficial owners of Eligible Fund shares held through a financial intermediary for participation in the Program. Eligible Fund shareholders that do not own their Eligible Fund shares as of the most recent date used by Broadridge for shareholder identification purposes will not be able to participate in the Program (but may be eligible to participate in the future if identified as an Eligible Fund shareholder by Broadridge at a later date). It is also possible that some Eligible Fund shareholders that own Eligible Fund shares as of the most recent date used by Broadridge for shareholder identification purposes may not be able to participate in the Program if the beneficial ownership information for their shares is not immediately available to Broadridge (e.g., where a shareholder's financial intermediary is not part of Broadridge's network of financial intermediaries that provides shareholder information to Broadridge or where a shareholder has objected to its financial intermediary releasing the shareholder's personal information to issuers for proxy voting purposes). Eligible Fund shareholders identified by Broadridge will receive a communication that will invite such shareholders to participate in the Program by selecting a Program Proxy Voting Policy on the Program's website. Shareholders should carefully read Program communications and the Program's website for more details regarding how Eligible Fund shareholders may participate in the Program, how Eligible Fund shareholders may change or cancel their Program Proxy Voting Policy selection, risk factors associated with the Program and how an Eligible Fund shareholder's selection of a specific Program Proxy Voting Policy will be implemented. Shareholders may call 1-866-787-2257 for a list of Funds that are currently participating in the Program.

Each of the Trust's and the Adviser's proxy voting policy, ISS' benchmark proxy voting policy, as well as each Program Proxy Voting Policy, is attached as an appendix to this SAI. Information regarding how a Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available: (1) without charge by calling 1-866-787-2257; (2) on the Funds' website at www.statestreet.com/im; and (3) on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS POLICY** 

The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Trust's portfolio holdings. The Board must approve all material amendments to this policy. The Funds' portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day a Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services including publicly accessible Internet web sites. In addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities to deliver in exchange for Shares, together with estimates and actual cash components, is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC"). The basket represents one Creation Unit of a Fund. The Trust, the Adviser or State Street will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust, except information may be made available prior to its public availability: (i) to a party for a legitimate business purpose related to the day-to-day operations of the Funds, including (a) a service provider, (b) the stock exchanges upon which an ETF is listed, (c) the NSCC, (d) the Depository Trust Company, and (e) financial data/research companies such as Morningstar, Bloomberg L.P., and Reuters, or (ii) to any other party for a legitimate business or regulatory purpose, upon waiver or exception, with the consent of an applicable Trust officer.

**Investment Advisory and Other Services**

**THE INVESTMENT ADVISER**

SSGA FM acts as investment adviser to the Trust and, subject to the oversight of the Board, is responsible for the investment management of each Fund. As of June 30, 2025, the Adviser managed approximately $[ ] trillion trillion in assets. The Adviser's principal address is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. The Adviser, a Massachusetts corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held financial holding company. State Street Investment Management, consisting of the Adviser and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation, is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation.

On behalf of the SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF (the "Gender Diversity ETF"), the Adviser and certain of its affiliates intend to make contributions to a charitable organization, which is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, developed to provide financial support to third party charitable organizations which seek to

------

enhance gender equity through educational efforts. Charitable contributions from the Adviser and certain of its affiliates will be benchmarked to the assets under management of the Gender Diversity ETF. The charitable organization will seek to make donations to identified charitable organizations that support continuing educational efforts designed to mitigate gender inequality in corporate America, and will aim to engage with other organizations in an effort to increase the amount of philanthropic dollars available for such initiatives.

The charitable organization will not participate in, or have any influence on the day-to-day operations of, the Gender Diversity ETF or the Adviser's management of the Gender Diversity ETF. These contributions are made annually, based on the Fund's average assets during the calendar year, with the Adviser maintaining the option to increase the contribution in its sole discretion. The total amount of contributions made to such charitable organization for the calendar year ended December 31, 2024 was $[ ].

The Adviser serves as investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement ("Investment Advisory Agreement") between the Trust and the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement, with respect to each Fund, continues in effect for two years from its effective date, and thereafter is subject to annual approval by (1) the Board or (2) vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, provided that in either event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to each Fund is terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. The Investment Advisory Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days' notice by the Adviser and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board and in conformity with the stated investment policies of each Fund, manages the investment of each Fund's assets. The Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the investment portfolio of each Fund. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement regarding the Funds is available in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2025.

[For the services provided to the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets as set forth in each Fund's Prospectus. From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its fee. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse expenses in an amount equal to any acquired fund fees and expenses (excluding holdings in acquired funds for cash management purposes, if any) for each Fund until October 31, 2026. This waiver and/or reimbursement does not provide for the recoupment by the Adviser of any amounts previously waived or reimbursed. The Adviser may continue the waiver and/or reimbursement from year to year, but there is no guarantee that the Adviser will do so and the waiver and/or reimbursement may be cancelled or modified at any time after October 31, 2026. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated prior to October 31, 2026 except with the approval of the Board. The Adviser pays all expenses of each Fund other than the management fee, brokerage, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustee's counsel fees), acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses.]

For the past three fiscal years ended June 30, the Funds paid the following amounts to the Adviser:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $68723 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $97599 |
| SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $439079 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $412399 |
| SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1069556 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $646859 |
| SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $5581 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3646 |

---

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

The Adviser manages the Funds using a team of investment professionals. The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of each Fund are:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Management Team** | **Fund** |
| Lisa Hobart, Emiliano Rabinovich and Karl Schneider | SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF |
| Amy Cheng, Kathleen Morgan and Amy Scofield | SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF |
| Emiliano Rabinovich, Karl Schneider and Olga Winner | SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Management Team** | **Fund** |
| Emiliano Rabinovich and Karl Schneider | SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF |

---

The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each of the key professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management for each Fund and assets under management in those accounts. The total number of accounts and assets have been allocated to each respective manager. Therefore, some accounts and assets have been counted twice.

**Other Accounts Managed as of June 30, 2025:** 

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered**<br> **Investment**<br> **Company**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment**<br> **Vehicle** <br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Other**<br> **Accounts**<br>| **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)\***<br>| **Total**<br> **Assets**<br> **Managed**<br> **(billions)**<br>|
| Karl Schneider | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Amy Cheng | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Lisa Hobart | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Kathleen Morgan | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Emiliano Rabinovich | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Amy Scofield | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |
| Olga Winner | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] |

---

<sup>\*</sup>

There are no performance-based fees associated with these accounts.

[None of the portfolio managers listed above beneficially owned Shares of the Funds as of June 30, 2025].

<u>Conflicts of Interest.</u> A portfolio manager that has responsibility for managing more than one account may be subject to potential conflicts of interest because he or she is responsible for other accounts in addition to the Funds. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of: (a) the portfolio manager's execution of different investment strategies for various accounts; or (b) the allocation of resources or of investment opportunities.

Portfolio managers may manage numerous accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include registered investment companies, other types of pooled accounts (e.g., collective investment funds), and separate accounts (i.e., accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private institutions). Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager's responsibility for multiple accounts with similar investment guidelines. Under these circumstances, a potential investment may be suitable for more than one of the portfolio manager's accounts, but the quantity of the investment available for purchase is less than the aggregate amount the accounts would ideally allocate to the opportunity. Similar conflicts may arise when multiple accounts seek to dispose of the same investment. The portfolio managers may also manage accounts whose objectives and policies differ from that of the Funds. These differences may be such that under certain circumstances, trading activity appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager. For example, an account may sell a significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while a Fund maintained its position in that security.

A potential conflict may arise when the portfolio managers are responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees—the difference in fees could create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in terms of access to investment opportunities. This conflict may be heightened if an account is subject to a performance-based fee, as applicable. Another potential conflict may arise when the portfolio manager has a personal investment in one or more accounts that participate in transactions with other accounts. His or her personal investment(s) may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address these potential material conflicts. For instance, portfolio managers are normally responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate among the various accounts when allocating resources. Additionally, the Adviser and its advisory affiliates have processes and procedures for allocating investment opportunities among portfolios that are designed to provide a fair and equitable allocation. With respect to conflicts arising from personal investments, all employees, including portfolio managers, must comply with personal trading controls established by each of the Adviser's and Trust's Code of Ethics.

<u>Compensation.</u> State Street Investment Management's culture is complemented and reinforced by a total rewards strategy that is based on a pay for performance philosophy which seeks to offer a competitive pay mix of base salary, benefits, cash incentives and deferred compensation.

Salary is based on a number of factors, including external benchmarking data and market trends, and performance both at the business and individual level. State Street Investment Management's Global Human Resources department regularly participates in compensation surveys in order to provide State Street Investment Management with market-based compensation information that helps support individual pay decisions.

------

Additionally, subject to State Street and State Street Investment Management business results, an incentive pool is allocated to State Street Investment Management to reward its employees. The size of the incentive pool for most business units is based on the firm's overall profitability and other factors, including performance against risk-related goals. For most State Street Investment Management investment teams, State Street Investment Management recognizes and rewards performance by linking annual incentive decisions for investment teams to the firm's or business unit's profitability and business unit investment performance over a multi-year period.

Incentive pool funding for most active investment teams is driven in part by the post-tax investment performance of fund(s) managed by the team versus the return levels of the benchmark index(es) of the fund(s) on a one-, three- and, in some cases, five-year basis. For most active investment teams, a material portion of incentive compensation for senior staff is deferred over a four-year period into the State Street Investment Management Long-Term Incentive ("State Street Investment Management LTI") program. For these teams, the State Street Investment Management LTI program indexes the performance of these deferred awards against the post-tax investment performance of fund(s) managed by the team. This is intended to align our investment team's compensation with client interests, both through annual incentive compensation awards and through the long-term value of deferred awards in the State Street Investment Management LTI program.

For the index equity investment team, incentive pool funding is driven in part by the post-tax 1 and 3-year tracking error of the funds managed by the team against the benchmark indexes of the funds.

The discretionary allocation of the incentive pool to the business units within State Street Investment Management is influenced by market-based compensation data, as well as the overall performance of each business unit. Individual compensation decisions are made by the employee's manager, in conjunction with the senior management of the employee's business unit. These decisions are based on the overall performance of the employee and, as mentioned above, on the performance of the firm and business unit. Depending on the job level, a portion of the annual incentive may be awarded in deferred compensation, which may include cash and/or Deferred Stock Awards (State Street stock), which typically vest over a four-year period. This helps to retain staff and further aligns State Street Investment Management employees' interests with State Street Investment Management clients' and shareholders' long-term interests.

State Street Investment Management recognizes and rewards outstanding performance by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Promoting employee ownership to connect employees directly to the company's success.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Using rewards to reinforce mission, vision, values and business strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Seeking to recognize and preserve the firm's unique culture and team orientation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Providing all employees the opportunity to share in the success of State Street Investment Management.

**THE ADMINISTRATOR, SUB-ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT**

<u>Administrator:</u> SSGA FM serves as the administrator to each series of the Trust, pursuant to an Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the "SSGA FM Administration Agreement"). Pursuant to the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and its series and will generally, subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust.

<u>Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent:</u> State Street serves as the sub-administrator to each series of the Trust, pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the "Sub-Administration Agreement"). Under the Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street is obligated to provide certain sub-administrative services to the Trust and its series. State Street is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held financial holding company, and is affiliated with the Adviser. State Street's mailing address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.

State Street also serves as Custodian for the Trust's series pursuant to a custodian agreement ("Custodian Agreement"). As Custodian, State Street holds Fund assets, calculates the net asset value of the Shares and calculates net income and realized capital gains or losses. State Street and the Trust will comply with the self-custodian provisions of Rule 17f-2 under the 1940 Act.

State Street also serves as Transfer Agent for each series of the Trust pursuant to a transfer agency agreement ("Transfer Agency Agreement").

<u>Compensation:</u> As compensation for its services provided under the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, SSGA FM shall receive fees for the services, calculated based on the average aggregate net assets of the Trust and SIS, which are accrued daily and paid monthly out of its management fee.

As compensation for its services under the Sub-Administration Agreement, Custodian Agreement and Transfer Agency Agreement, State Street shall receive a fee for the services, calculated based on the average aggregate net assets of the Trust and SIS, which are accrued daily and paid monthly by the Adviser from its management fee. For each series of the Trust and SIS, an annual minimum fee applies. In addition, State Street shall receive global safekeeping and transaction

------

fees, which are calculated on a per-country basis, in-kind creation (purchase) and redemption transaction fees (as described below) and revenue on certain cash balances. State Street may be reimbursed for its out-of-pocket expenses. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser will pay certain operating expenses of the Trust, including the fees due to State Street under the Custodian Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement.

<u>Additional Sub-Administration Services:</u> Also under the Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street receives: (i) an annual per Fund fee for certain services required in the preparation (including preparing a schedule of quarterly portfolio investments) and filing of Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN with the SEC ("N-PORT Related Services"); (ii) an annual per Fund fee for services regarding certain liquidity analytics ("Liquidity Risk Measurement Services") under the Sub-Administration Agreement; and (iii) an annual per Fund fee for certain services related to the preparation of tailored shareholder reports ("Tailored Shareholder Report Services"). N-PORT Related Services, Liquidity Risk Measurement Services, and Tailored Shareholder Report Services fees are paid by the Adviser from its management fee.

**SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES**

The Trust's Board has approved each Fund's participation in a securities lending program. Under the securities lending program, each Fund has retained State Street to serve as the securities lending agent.

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, certain Funds earned income by participating in the securities lending program. That income, as well as the fees and/or compensation paid by such Funds (in dollars) pursuant to the Master Amended and Restated Securities Lending Authorization Agreement among SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Active Trust, each on behalf of its respective series, and State Street (the "Securities Lending Authorization Agreement") were as follows:

[To be updated in a subsequent draft]

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | ***Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and***<br> ***related services*** | **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
|  | **Gross**<br> **income**<br> **earned by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** | **Fees**<br> **paid**<br> **to State**<br> **Street**<br> **from a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Fees**<br> **paid for**<br> **any cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **management**<br> **service**<br> **(including**<br> **fees**<br> **deducted**<br> **from a**<br> **pooled cash**<br> **collateral**<br> **reinvestment**<br> **vehicle)**<br> **that are not**<br> **included in a**<br> **revenue split**<br>| **Admini-**<br> **strative**<br> **fees not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Indemnifi-**<br> **cation**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included in**<br> **a revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Rebate**<br> **(paid to**<br> **borrower)**<br>| **Other**<br> **fees**<br> **not**<br> **included**<br> **in a**<br> **revenue**<br> **split**<br>| **Aggregate**<br> **fees**<br> **and/or**<br> **compensation**<br> **paid by**<br> **the Fund**<br> **for**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities**<br> **and related**<br> **services** | **Net income**<br> **from**<br> **securities**<br> **lending**<br> **activities** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR MSCI <br> USA Climate <br> Paris Aligned <br> ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR MSCI <br> USA Gender <br> Diversity ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $12640 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $460 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $65 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $8512 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9037 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3604 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P 500 <br> ESG ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPDR S&P <br> SmallCap 600 <br> ESG ETF<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $0 |

---

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, State Street, acting as agent of the Funds, provided the following services to the Funds in connection with the Funds' securities lending activities: (i) locating borrowers among an approved list of prospective borrowers; (ii) causing the delivery of loaned securities from a Fund to borrowers; (iii) monitoring the value of loaned securities, the value of collateral received, and other lending parameters; (iv) seeking additional collateral, as necessary, from borrowers; (v) receiving and holding collateral from borrowers, and facilitating the investment and reinvestment of all or substantially all cash collateral in an investment vehicle designated by the Funds; (vi) returning collateral to borrowers; (vii) facilitating substitute dividend, interest, and other distribution payments to the Funds from borrowers; (viii) negotiating the terms of each loan of securities, including but not limited to the amount of any loan premium, and monitoring the terms of securities loan agreements with prospective borrowers for consistency with the

------

requirements of the Funds' Securities Lending Authorization Agreement; (ix) selecting securities, including amounts (percentages), to be loaned; (x) recordkeeping and accounting services; and (xi) arranging for return of loaned securities to a Fund in accordance with the terms of the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement.

**THE DISTRIBUTOR**

State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC serves as the principal underwriter and Distributor of Shares. Its principal address is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Investor information can be obtained by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Distributor has entered into a distribution agreement ("Distribution Agreement") with the Trust pursuant to which it distributes Shares of each Fund. The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable annually thereafter. Shares will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in Creation Units, as described in the Prospectus and below under "PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS." Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver the Prospectus to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Trust or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust. An affiliate of the Distributor may assist Authorized Participants (as defined below) in assembling shares to purchase Creation Units or upon redemption, for which it may receive commissions or other fees from such Authorized Participants. An affiliate of the Distributor also receives compensation from State Street for providing on-line creation and redemption functionality to Authorized Participants through its Fund Connect application.

The Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, may directly or indirectly make cash payments to certain broker-dealers for participating in activities that are designed to make registered representatives and other professionals more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the SPDR funds, or for other activities, such as participation in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems.

In addition, as of the date of this SAI, the Adviser and/or Distributor had arrangements whereby they may make payments, other than for the educational programs and marketing activities described above, to Pershing LLC ("Pershing"), RBC Capital Markets, LLC ("RBC"), LPL Financial, LLC ("LPL"), and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, LLC. These amounts, which may be significant, are paid by the Adviser and/or Distributor from their own resources and not from Fund assets. Pursuant to these arrangements, Pershing, RBC and LPL have agreed to offer certain SPDR funds to their customers and not to charge certain of their customers any commissions when those customers purchase or sell shares of certain SPDR funds. Payments to a broker-dealer or intermediary may create potential conflicts of interest between the broker dealer or intermediary and its clients.

In addition, the Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, as well as an index provider that is not affiliated with the Adviser or Distributor, may reimburse expenses or make payments from their own assets to other persons in consideration of services, provision of data, or other activities that they believe may benefit the SPDR business or facilitate investment in SPDR funds.

The Distribution Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, as to a Fund: (i) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, on at least 60 days' written notice to the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement is also terminable upon 60 days' notice by the Distributor and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).

The continuation of the Distribution Agreement and any other related agreements is subject to annual approval of the Board, including by a majority of the Independent Trustees, as described above.

The allocation among the Trust's series of fees and expenses payable under the Distribution Agreement will be made pro rata in accordance with the daily net assets of the respective series.

The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers ("Soliciting Dealers") who will solicit purchases of Creation Unit aggregations of Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Participating Parties (as defined in the "Book Entry Only System" section below) and/or DTC Participants (as defined below).

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Trust has agreed to indemnify the Distributor, and may indemnify Soliciting Dealers and Authorized Participants (as described below) entering into agreements with the Distributor, for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement or other agreement, as applicable.

------

**Brokerage Transactions**

All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of the Funds by the Adviser. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are affected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions are not charged on over-the-counter orders (e.g., fixed income securities) because the Funds pay a spread which is included in the cost of the security and represents the difference between the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to sell the security and the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to buy the security. When a Fund executes an over-the-counter order with an electronic communications network or an alternative trading system, a commission is charged by such electronic communications networks and alternative trading systems as they execute such orders on an agency basis. Securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.

In placing a portfolio transaction, the Adviser seeks to achieve best execution. The Adviser's duty to seek best execution requires the Adviser to take reasonable steps to obtain for the client as favorable an overall result as possible for Fund portfolio transactions under the circumstances, taking into account various factors that are relevant to the particular transaction.

The Adviser refers to and selects from the list of approved trading counterparties maintained by the Adviser's Credit Risk Management team. In selecting a trading counterparty for a particular trade, the Adviser seeks to weigh relevant factors including, but not limited to the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Prompt and reliable execution;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The competitiveness of commission rates and spreads, if applicable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The financial strength, stability and/or reputation of the trading counterparty;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The willingness and ability of the executing trading counterparty to execute transactions (and commit capital) of size in liquid and illiquid markets without disrupting the market for the security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Local laws, regulations or restrictions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The ability of the trading counterparty to maintain confidentiality;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The availability and capability of execution venues, including electronic communications networks for trading and execution management systems made available to Adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Market share;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Liquidity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Price;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Execution related costs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•History of execution of orders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Likelihood of execution and settlement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Order size and nature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Clearance and settlement capabilities, especially in high volatility market environments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Availability of lendable securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Sophistication of the trading counterparty's trading capabilities and infrastructure/facilities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The operational efficiency with which transactions are processed and cleared, taking into account the order size and complexity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Speed and responsiveness to the Adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Access to secondary markets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Counterparty exposure; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Depending upon the circumstances, the Adviser may take other relevant factors into account if the Adviser believes that these are important in taking all sufficient steps to obtain the best possible result for execution of the order.

In selecting a trading counterparty, the price of the transaction and costs related to the execution of the transaction typically merit a high relative importance, depending on the circumstances. The Adviser does not necessarily select a trading counterparty based upon price and costs but may take other relevant factors into account if it believes that these are important in taking reasonable steps to obtain the best possible result for a Fund under the circumstances. Consequently, the Adviser may cause a client to pay a trading counterparty more than another trading counterparty might have charged for the same transaction in recognition of the value and quality of the brokerage services provided. The following matters may influence the relative importance that the Adviser places upon the relevant factors:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The nature and characteristics of the order or transaction. For example, size of order, market impact of order, limits, or other instructions relating to the order;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The characteristics of the financial instrument(s) or other assets which are the subject of that order. For example, whether the order pertains to an equity, fixed income, derivative or convertible instrument;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) The characteristics of the execution venues to which that order can be directed, if relevant. For example, availability and capabilities of electronic trading systems;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Whether the transaction is a 'delivery versus payment' or 'over-the-counter' transaction. The creditworthiness of the trading counterparty, the amount of existing exposure to a trading counterparty and trading counterparty settlement capabilities may be given a higher relative importance in the case of 'over-the-counter' transactions; and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Any other circumstances that the Adviser believes are relevant at the time.

The process by which trading counterparties are selected to effect transactions is designed to exclude consideration of the sales efforts conducted by broker-dealers in relation to the Funds.

The Adviser does not currently use the Funds' assets in connection with third-party soft dollar arrangements. While the Adviser does not currently use "soft" or commission dollars paid by the Funds for the purchase of third-party research, the Adviser reserves the right to do so in the future.

The table below shows the aggregate dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the past three fiscal years ended June 30. None of the brokerage commissions paid were paid to affiliated brokers. Brokerage commissions paid by a Fund may be substantially different from year to year for multiple reasons, including market volatility, the demand for a particular Fund, or increases or decreases in trading volume.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $359 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1202 |
| SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $11794 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $43723 |
| SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $15427 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $9581 |
| SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $[ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp; $361 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $232 |

---

<u>Securities of</u> <u>"</u><u>Regular Broker-Dealers</u><u>"</u><u>:</u> The Trust is required to identify any securities of its "regular brokers and dealers" (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. "Regular brokers or dealers" of the Trust are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (i) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Trust's portfolio transactions; (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Trust; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Trust's shares.

The Trust's holdings in Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers as of June 30, 2025:

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

[ ] $[ ]

<u>Portfolio Turnover:</u> Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. The Funds may experience higher portfolio turnover when migrating to a different benchmark index. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses or transaction costs. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions and transaction costs is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions and transaction costs paid by other institutional investors for comparable services.

**Book Entry Only System**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION."

The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") acts as securities depositary for the Shares. Shares of each Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Except in the limited circumstance provided below, certificates will not be issued for Shares.

------

DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the "DTC Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the "Indirect Participants").

Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares.

**Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows.** Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares of each Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through a third party service, shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through a third party service, shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant and/or third party service a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in Shares of a Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a "street name," and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.

The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspects of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.

DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.

**Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities**

Although the Funds do not have information concerning their beneficial ownership held in the names of DTC Participants, as of October [ ], 2025, the names, addresses and percentage ownership of each DTC Participant that owned of record 5% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Funds were as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR MSCI USA CLIMATE PARIS ALIGNED ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR MSCI USA GENDER DIVERSITY ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P SMALLCAP 600 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

An Authorized Participant (as defined below) may hold of record more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of a Fund. From time to time, Authorized Participants may be a beneficial and/or legal owner of a Fund, may be affiliated with an index provider, may be deemed to have control of the applicable Fund and/or may be able to affect the outcome of matters presented for a vote of the shareholders of the Fund. Authorized Participants may execute an irrevocable proxy granting the Distributor or another affiliate of State Street (the "Agent") power to vote or abstain from voting such Authorized Participant's beneficially or legally owned Shares of a Fund. In such cases, the Agent shall mirror vote (or abstain from voting) such Shares in the same proportion as all other beneficial owners of the Fund.

As of October [ ], 2025, to the knowledge of the Trust, the following persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 25% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Funds.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Name and Address** | **% Ownership** |
| SPDR MSCI USA CLIMATE PARIS ALIGNED ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |
| SPDR S&P SMALLCAP 600 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ] | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [ ]% |

---

The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, own less than 1% of the Trust's voting securities as of the date of this SAI.

**Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

Each Fund issues and redeems its Shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in a large specified number of Shares called a "Creation Unit." The value of each Fund is determined once each business day, as described under "Determination of Net Asset Value." The Creation Unit size for a Fund may change. Authorized Participants (as defined below) will be notified of such change. The principal consideration for creations and redemptions for the Funds are set forth in the table below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Creation\*** | **Redemption\*** |
| SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Creation\*** | **Redemption\*** |
| SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |
| SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind | &nbsp;&nbsp; In-Kind |

---

\*

May be revised at any time without notice.

**PURCHASE (CREATION)**

The Trust issues and sells Shares of each Fund only: in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Principal Underwriter, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees), at their NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day (as defined below), in proper form pursuant to the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement ("Participant Agreement"). A "Business Day" with respect to a Fund is, generally, any day on which the NYSE is open for business.

**FUND DEPOSIT**

The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of a Fund generally consists of either (i) the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below or (ii) the cash value of the Deposit Securities and "Cash Component," computed as described below. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for cash, a Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser.

Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component constitute the "Fund Deposit," which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. The "Cash Component" which may include a Dividend Equivalent Payment, is an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares (per Creation Unit) and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. The "Dividend Equivalent Payment" enables a Fund to make a complete distribution of dividends on the day preceding the next dividend payment date, and is an amount equal, on a per Creation Unit basis, to the dividends on all the portfolio securities of the Fund ("Dividend Securities") with ex-dividend dates within the accumulation period for such distribution (the "Accumulation Period"), net of expenses and liabilities for such period, as if all of the Dividend Securities had been held by the Fund for the entire Accumulation Period. The Accumulation Period begins on the ex-dividend date for each Fund and ends on the day preceding the next ex-dividend date. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the net asset value per Creation Unit exceeds the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the net asset value per Creation Unit is less than the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined below).

The Custodian, through NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, to be included in the current standard Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund. Such standard Fund Deposit is subject to any applicable adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units of a Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, is made available.

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities or the amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, required for a Fund Deposit for a Fund may be changed from time to time with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. Information regarding the Fund Deposit necessary for the purchase of a Creation Unit is made available to Authorized Participants and other market participants seeking to transact in Creation Unit aggregations.

As noted above, the Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Cash to replace any Deposit Security, which shall be added to the Cash Component, including, without limitation, in situations where the Deposit Security: (i) may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, (ii) may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC for corporate securities and municipal securities or the Federal Reserve System for U.S. Treasury securities; (iii) may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined below) or the investor for which it is acting; (iv) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, or (v) in certain other situations (collectively, "non-standard orders"). The Trust also reserves the right to: (i) permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash; and (ii) include or remove Deposit

------

Securities from the basket in anticipation of portfolio changes. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, in the composition of the subject Index being tracked by the relevant Fund or resulting from certain corporate actions.

**PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASE OF CREATION UNITS**

To be eligible to place orders with the Principal Underwriter, as facilitated via the Transfer Agent, to purchase a Creation Unit of a Fund, an entity must be (i) a "Participating Party", i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the "Clearing Process"), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see "BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM"). In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an "Authorized Participant") must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Principal Underwriter and the Transfer Agent, and that has been accepted by the Trust, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (described below) and any other applicable fees, taxes and additional variable charge.

All orders to purchase Shares directly from a Fund, including non-standard orders, must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement and/or the applicable order form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the "Order Placement Date."

An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order (e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Shares directly from a Fund in Creation Units have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants may have international capabilities.

On days when the Exchange or the bond markets close earlier than normal, a Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which a Fund's investments are primarily traded is closed, the Fund will also generally not accept orders on such day(s). Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement and in accordance with the applicable order form. Those placing orders through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order by the cut-off time. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.

Fund Deposits must be delivered by an Authorized Participant through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S. government securities), or through DTC (for corporate securities and municipal securities), through a subcustody agent (for foreign securities) and/or through such other arrangements allowed by the Trust or its agents. With respect to foreign Deposit Securities, the Custodian shall cause the subcustodian of a Fund to maintain an account into which the Authorized Participant shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, such Deposit Securities. Foreign Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local subcustodian.

The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, to the account of a Fund or its agents by no later than the Settlement Date. The "Settlement Date" with respect to a creation order for a Fund is generally the first Business Day ("T+1") after the Order Placement Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash to be delivered, as applicable, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities or cash, as applicable, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash represented by the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than the Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, are not received in a timely manner by the Settlement Date, the creation order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the first Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.

The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions), with the Custodian on the Settlement Date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00

------

p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. A creation request is considered to be in "proper form" if all procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, order form and this SAI are properly followed.

Shortened settlement cycles are expected to be available, through which creation transactions can be settled on the trade date in accordance with instructions provided by the Trust and/or Distributor.

**ISSUANCE OF A CREATION UNIT**

Except as provided herein, Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities or payment of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian or subcustodians, the Principal Underwriter and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.

In instances where the Trust accepts Deposit Securities for the purchase of a Creation Unit, the Creation Unit may be purchased in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) an additional amount of cash equal to a percentage of the market value as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the "Additional Cash Deposit"), which shall be maintained in a general non-interest bearing collateral account. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to the applicable percentage, as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. The Trust may use such Additional Cash Deposit to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Trust for all costs, expenses, dividends, income and taxes associated with missing Deposit Securities, including the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Principal Underwriter plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee as set forth below under "Creation Transaction Fees" will be charged in all cases and an additional variable charge may also be applied. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

**ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS OF CREATION UNITS**

The Trust reserves the right to reject an order for Creation Units transmitted in respect of a Fund at its discretion, including, without limitation, if (a) the order is not in proper form or the Deposit Securities delivered do not consist of the securities that the Custodian specified; (b) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Authorized Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (c) the investor(s), upon obtaining the Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (d) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (e) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; or (f) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent, the Distributor and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Principal Underwriter, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The Trust or its agents shall communicate to the Authorized Participant its rejection of an order. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units. Given the importance of the ongoing issuance of Creation Units to maintaining a market price that is at or close to the underlying net asset value of the Fund, the Trust does not intend to suspend acceptance of orders for Creation Units.

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.

------

**REDEMPTION**

Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their net asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by a Fund through the Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. EXCEPT UPON LIQUIDATION OF A FUND, THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Investors must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.

With respect to each Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the list of the names and share quantities of securities designated by the Fund that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day ("Redemption Securities"). Redemption Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities. The identity and number of shares of the Redemption Securities or the Cash Redemption Amount (defined below) may be changed from time to time with a view to the investment objective of a Fund.

Redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit are paid either in-kind or in cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Trust. With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will consist of Redemption Securities plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Redemption Securities (the "Cash Redemption Amount"), less a fixed redemption transaction fee and any applicable additional variable charge as set forth below. In the event that the Redemption Securities have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the Trust's discretion, an Authorized Participant may receive the corresponding cash value of the securities in lieu of the in-kind securities value representing one or more Redemption Securities.

**PROCEDURES FOR REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS**

After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption received, the Trust will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to the Authorized Participant by the Settlement Date. The "Settlement Date" with respect to a redemption order for a Fund is generally T+1. With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, the calculation of the value of the Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by the Custodian according to the procedures set forth under "Determination of Net Asset Value", computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the Principal Underwriter by a DTC Participant by the specified time on the Order Placement Date, and the requisite number of Shares of a Fund are delivered to the Custodian prior to 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, then the value of the Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by the Custodian on such Order Placement Date. If the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are not delivered by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, the Fund will not release the underlying securities for delivery unless collateral is posted in such percentage amount of missing Shares as set forth in the Participant Agreement (marked to market daily).

With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, in connection with taking delivery of shares of Redemption Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, an Authorized Participant must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Redemption Securities are customarily traded (or such other arrangements as allowed by the Trust or its agents), to which account such Redemption Securities will be delivered. Delivery of redemption proceeds is generally T+1. The order form specifies the date at which the delivery of redemption proceeds for a specific Fund is generally expected to occur.

Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds may take longer than one Business Day, after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. If the Authorized Participant has not made appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Redemption Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities in such jurisdiction, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the Authorized Participant will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.

If it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities, the Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the redeeming investor will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that a Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Shares based on the NAV of Shares of the relevant Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to

------

offset the Trust's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Redemption Securities). A Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Redemption Securities but does not differ in net asset value.

An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that, as of the close of the Business Day on which the redemption request was submitted, it (or its client) will own (within the meaning of Rule 200 of Regulation SHO) or has arranged to borrow for delivery to the Trust on or prior to the Settlement Date of the redemption request, the requisite number of Shares of the relevant Fund to be redeemed as a Creation Unit. In either case, the Authorized Participant is deemed to acknowledge that: (i) it (or its client) has full legal authority and legal right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Shares of the applicable Fund and to receive the entire proceeds of the redemption; and (ii) if such Shares submitted for redemption have been loaned or pledged to another party or are the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or any other arrangement affecting legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares being tendered, there are no restrictions precluding the tender and delivery of such Shares (including borrowed shares, if any) for redemption, free and clear of liens, on the redemption Settlement Date. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion, but will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from a Fund in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.

Redemptions of Shares for Redemption Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and each Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Redemption Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Redemption Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Redemption Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a "qualified institutional buyer," ("QIB") as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Redemption Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status in order to receive Redemption Securities.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to a Fund (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of the NAV of the Shares is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

**REQUIRED EARLY ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS**

Notwithstanding the foregoing, as described in the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form, certain series of the Trust may require orders to be placed prior to the trade date, as described in the Participant Agreement or the applicable order form, in order to receive the trade date's net asset value. The cut-off time to receive the trade date's net asset value will not precede the calculation of the net asset value of a Fund's shares on the prior Business Day. Orders to purchase Shares of such Funds that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) that the equity markets in the relevant foreign market are closed may not be accepted. Authorized Participants may be notified that the cut-off time for an order may be earlier on a particular Business Day, as described in the Participant Agreement and the applicable order form.

**CREATION AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES**

A transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or redemption of Creation Units, as applicable. Authorized Participants will be required to pay a fixed creation transaction fee and/or a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, on a given day regardless of the number of Creation Units created or redeemed on that day. A Fund may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. An additional charge or a variable charge (discussed below) will be applied to certain creation and redemption transactions, including non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions. With respect to creation orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust and with respect to redemption orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the Redemption Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may also be charged a fee for such services.

------

**Creation and Redemption Transaction Fees:** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>| **Maximum**<br> **Transaction**<br> **Fee\***<sup>,</sup> **\*\***<br>|
| SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $250 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 |
| SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $750 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $3000 |
| SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $500 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $2000 |
| SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF | &nbsp;&nbsp; $300 | &nbsp;&nbsp; $1200 |

---

\*

From time to time, a Fund may waive all or a portion of its applicable transaction fee(s). An additional charge of up to three (3) times the standard transaction fee may be charged to the extent a transaction is outside of the clearing process.

\*\*

In addition to the transaction fees listed above, the Funds may charge an additional variable fee for creations and redemptions in cash to offset brokerage and impact expenses associated with the cash transaction. The variable transaction fee will be calculated based on historical transaction cost data and the Adviser's view of current market conditions; however, the actual variable fee charged for a given transaction may be lower or higher than the trading expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to that transaction.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the sections in the Prospectus entitled "PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION" and "ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION."

NAV per Share for each Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including the management fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is calculated by State Street and determined once daily as of the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that such exchange is open. Creation/redemption order cut-off times may be earlier on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (or applicable exchange or market on which a Fund's investments are traded) announces an early closing time. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at market rates on the date of valuation (generally as of 4:00 p.m. London time) as quoted by one or more sources.

In calculating a Fund's net asset value per Share, the Fund's investments are generally valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer). Each Fund relies on a third-party service provider for assistance with the daily calculation of the Fund's NAV. The third-party service provider, in turn, relies on other parties for certain pricing data and other inputs used in the calculation of the Fund's NAV. Therefore, each Fund is subject to certain operational risks associated with reliance on its service provider and that service provider's sources of pricing and other data. NAV calculation may be adversely affected by operational risks arising from factors such as errors or failures in systems and technology. Such errors or failures may result in inaccurately calculated NAVs, delays in the calculation of NAVs and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. A Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such failures. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such fund's published net asset value per share. Each Fund may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service. Fixed-income assets are generally valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments in a particular market or exchange, and generally 4:00 p.m. EST for U.S. fixed-income assets. Fixed-income assets are generally valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices for bank loans and inflation protected securities, and at the bid price for all other fixed-income assets.

Pursuant to Board approved valuation procedures, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee for each Fund. These procedures address, among other things, (i) determining (a) when market quotations are not readily available or reliable and (b) the methodologies to be used for determining the fair value of investments, and (ii) the use and oversight of third-party pricing services for fair valuation. The Adviser is responsible for periodically reviewing the procedures, and the selected methodologies used, for their continuing appropriateness and accuracy, and making any changes or adjustments to the procedures and methodologies as appropriate.

In the event that current market valuations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, the Trust's procedures require the Adviser to determine a security's fair value. In determining a fair value, the Adviser may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii) a review of relevant financial indicators (e.g., movement in interest rates, market indices, and prices from a Fund's index provider).

In these cases, a Fund's net asset value may reflect certain portfolio securities' fair values rather than their market prices. The fair value of a portfolio instrument is generally the price which a Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon its current sale in an orderly market between market participants. Ascertaining fair value requires a determination of the amount that an arm's-length buyer, under the circumstances, would currently pay for the portfolio instrument. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different

------

than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate a Fund's net asset value and the prices used by the Index. This may result in a difference between a Fund's performance and the performance of the Index.

**Dividends and Distributions**

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "DISTRIBUTIONS."

**GENERAL POLICIES** 

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly by the SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF, SPDR MSCI USA Gender Diversity ETF, SPDR S&P 500 ESG ETF, and SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF, but may vary significantly from period to period. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make distributions on a more frequent basis for a Fund to improve index tracking or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.

Dividends and other distributions on Shares are distributed, as described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Trust.

Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve a Fund's eligibility for treatment as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes at the Fund level.

**DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT** 

Broker dealers, at their own discretion, may offer a dividend reinvestment service under which Shares are purchased in the secondary market at current market prices. Investors should consult their broker dealer for further information regarding any dividend reinvestment service offered by such broker dealer.

**Taxes**

The following is a summary of certain federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that supplements the discussion in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning.

The following general discussion of certain federal income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

The following information should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION."

**TAXATION OF THE FUNDS**

Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. A Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein and in the Prospectus. Losses in one series of the Trust do not offset gains in any other series of the Trust and the requirements (other than certain organizational requirements) for qualifying for treatment as a RIC are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level. Each Fund has elected or will elect and intends to qualify each year to be treated as a separate RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, each Fund should not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it timely distributes such income and capital gains to its shareholders. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, a Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its taxable net investment income (generally including the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, if any (the "Distribution Requirement") and also must meet several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of a Fund's gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the "Qualifying Income Requirement"); and (ii) at the end of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, its assets must be diversified so that (a) at least 50% of the market value of its total assets must be

------

represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that it controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the "Diversification Requirement").

If a Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income Requirement or the Diversification Requirement in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the Diversification Requirement where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Diversification Requirement, a Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions were not available to a Fund and it were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions (including capital gains distributions) generally would be taxable as ordinary income dividends to its shareholders, subject to the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders. To requalify for treatment as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and to distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. If a Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a Fund-level tax on certain net built-in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of a Fund for treatment as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

As discussed more fully below, each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its capital gains for each taxable year.

If a Fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some or all of its income or gains, it will be subject to federal income tax to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. A Fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their Shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits. If a Fund failed to satisfy the Distribution Requirement for any taxable year, it would be taxed as a regular corporation, with consequences generally similar to those described in the preceding paragraph.

Given the concentration of certain of the Indexes in a relatively small number of securities, it may not be possible for certain Funds to fully implement sampling methodologies while satisfying the Diversification Requirement. A Fund's efforts to satisfy the Diversification Requirement may affect the Fund's execution of its investment strategy and may cause the Fund's return to deviate from that of the applicable Index, and the Fund's efforts to track the applicable Index may cause it inadvertently to fail to satisfy the Diversification Requirement.

A Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount at least equal to 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the twelve months ended October 31 of such year, subject to an increase for any shortfall in the prior year's distribution. Each Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.

A Fund may elect to treat part or all of any "qualified late year loss" as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund's taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such "qualified late year loss" as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A "qualified late year loss" generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as "post-October losses") and certain other late-year losses.

Capital losses in excess of capital gains ("net capital losses") are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC's net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, each Fund may carry a net capital loss from any taxable year forward indefinitely to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to its shareholders. Generally, the Funds may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses.

------

**TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS—DISTRIBUTIONS**

Each Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), its net tax-exempt income, if any, and any net capital gain (net recognized long-term capital gains in excess of net recognized short-term capital losses, taking into account any capital loss carryforwards). Each Fund will report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends paid from ordinary income, the amount of distributions of net capital gain, the portion of dividends which may qualify for the dividends-received deduction, and the portion of dividends which may qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.

Subject to certain limitations, dividends reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income will be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Dividends may be reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund. Qualified dividend income includes, in general, subject to certain holding period requirements and other requirements, dividend income from certain U.S. and foreign corporations. Subject to certain limitations, eligible foreign corporations include those incorporated in possessions of the United States, those incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States and other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is tradable on an established securities market in the United States. A dividend generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income to the extent that (i) the shareholder has not held the stock on which the dividend was paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins on the date that is 60 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend or, in the case of certain preferred stock, for more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date, (ii) the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property, or (iii) the shareholder elects to treat such dividend as investment income under section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. The holding period requirements described in this paragraph apply to the shareholders' investments in the Funds and to the Funds' investments in underlying dividend-paying stocks. Dividends treated as received by a Fund from a REIT or another RIC may be treated as qualified dividend income generally only to the extent the dividend distributions are attributable to qualified dividend income received by such REIT or RIC. It is expected that any dividends received by a Fund from a REIT and distributed by that Fund to a shareholder generally will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Additionally, income derived in connection with a Fund's securities lending activities will, in general, not be treated as qualified dividend income. If 95% or more of a Fund's gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, that Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

Certain dividends received by a Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by a Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) when distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Internal Revenue Code. Dividends received by a Fund from REITs will not be eligible for that deduction. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their Shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those Shares. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its Shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the Shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required.

Distributions from a Fund's net short-term capital gains will generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions from a Fund's net capital gain will be taxable to shareholders at long-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long shareholders have held their Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Certain capital gain dividends attributable to dividends a Fund receives from REITs may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at a rate other than the reduced rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains.

Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by a Fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared.

If a Fund's distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made in the taxable year may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce the shareholder's cost basis and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the Shares on which the distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder's basis in the Shares has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder's Shares.

Under Section 163(j) of the Code, a taxpayer's business interest expense is generally deductible to the extent of its business interest income plus certain other amounts. If a Fund earns business interest income, it may report a portion of its dividends as "Section 163(j) interest dividends," which its shareholders may be able to treat as business interest

------

income for purposes of Section 163(j) of the Code. The Fund's "Section 163(j) interest dividend" for a tax year will be limited to the excess of its business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. In general, a Fund's shareholders may treat a distribution reported as a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income only to the extent the distribution exceeds the sum of the portions of the distribution reported as other types of tax-favored income. To be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income, a shareholder may need to meet certain holding period requirements in respect of Shares and must not have hedged its position in Shares in certain ways.

Distributions that are reinvested in additional Shares through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if offered by your broker-dealer, will nevertheless be taxable dividends to the same extent as if such dividends had been received in cash.

A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a "surviving spouse" for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends, and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized on the sale of Shares) are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income.

Distributions of ordinary income and capital gains may also be subject to foreign, state and local taxes depending on a shareholder's circumstances.

**TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS – SALE OF SHARES**

In general, a sale of Shares results in capital gain or loss, and for individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length of time the Shares were held. A sale of Shares held for a period of one year or less at the time of such sale will, for tax purposes, generally result in short-term capital gains or losses, and a sale of those held for more than one year will generally result in long-term capital gains or losses. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates.

Gain or loss on the sale of Shares is measured by the difference between the amount received and the adjusted tax basis of the Shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the tax basis of their Shares.

A loss realized on a sale of Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical Shares are acquired (whether through the reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a sixty-one (61) day period beginning thirty (30) days before and ending thirty (30) days after the date that the Shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired must be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss upon the sale of Shares held for six (6) months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains).

**COST BASIS REPORTING**

The cost basis of Shares acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for the Shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of Shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your Shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account.

**TAXATION OF FUND INVESTMENTS**

Dividends and interest received by a Fund on foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Funds do not expect to satisfy the requirements for passing through to its shareholders any share of any foreign taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that shareholders will not include such taxes in their gross incomes and will not be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such taxes on their own returns.

Certain of the Funds' investments may be subject to complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions, straddles, integrated transactions, foreign currency contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, and notional principal contracts) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by a Fund (e.g., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require a Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to

------

make distributions to its shareholders in amounts necessary to satisfy the RIC distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Funds intend to monitor their transactions, intend to make appropriate tax elections, and intend to make appropriate entries in their books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and preserve the Funds' qualification for treatment as RICs.

Each Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark-to-market and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from futures and options contracts on broad-based indexes required to be marked to market will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. A Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts, options contracts and swaps to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. It is anticipated that certain net gain realized from the closing out of futures or options contracts will be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Requirement.

For tax years beginning before January 1, 2026, a noncorporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer's "qualified REIT dividends." If a Fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of U.S. REIT shares, the Fund may report its own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the Fund's income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for a Fund's dividends to be eligible for this deduction when received by a noncorporate shareholder, the Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the U.S. REIT shares on which the Fund received the eligible dividends, and the noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the Shares.

**TAX-EXEMPT SHAREHOLDERS**

Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k) plans, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"). Under current law, a Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, tax-exempt shareholders could realize UBTI by virtue of their investment in a Fund where, for example, (i) the Fund invests in REITs that hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") or (ii) Shares constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholders within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisors. There are no restrictions preventing a Fund from holding investments in REITs that hold residual interests in REMICs, and a Fund may do so. The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding these issues.

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of Shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income.

**FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS**

Dividends, other than capital gains dividends, "short-term capital gain dividends" and "interest-related dividends" (described below), paid by a Fund to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% United States withholding tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gain or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United States. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax and the proper withholding form(s) to be submitted to a Fund. A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an appropriate IRS Form W-8 may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate.

Dividends reported by a Fund as (i) interest-related dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund's "qualified net interest income," or (ii) short-term capital gain dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund's "qualified short-term gain," are generally exempt from this 30% withholding tax. "Qualified net interest income" is a Fund's net income derived from U.S. source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. "Qualified short-term gain" generally means the excess of a Fund's net short-term capital gain for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. In the case of Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund reports the payment as an interest-related dividend or as a short-term capital gain dividend. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund distributions payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

------

Non-U.S. persons are subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a "United States real property interest" (a "USRPI"). Gain on such a disposition is sometimes referred to as "FIRPTA gain". The Internal Revenue Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of "FIRPTA gain" if certain requirements are met. If the look-through rule applies, certain distributions attributable to income treated as received by a Fund from REITs may be treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing distributions to be subject to U.S. withholding taxes, and requiring non-U.S. investors to file nonresident U.S. income tax returns. Also, FIRPTA gain may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. shareholder that is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Under certain circumstances, Shares may qualify as USRPIs, which could result in 15% withholding on certain distributions and gross redemption proceeds paid to certain non-U.S. investors.

**BACKUP WITHHOLDING**

A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as "backup withholding") on amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.

**CREATION UNITS**

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.

Any gain or loss realized upon a creation of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the securities exchanged therefor as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Similarly, any gain or loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the Shares comprising the Creation Units as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise, will generally be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six (6) months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).

A Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in any deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. A Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial Share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If a Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

If a Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may bear additional costs and recognize more capital gains than it would if it redeems Creation Units in kind.

Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.

**CERTAIN POTENTIAL TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS**

Under promulgated Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of a Fund's shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS

------

may be subject to adverse tax consequences, including significant penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

The foregoing discussion is a summary only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of Shares should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in such Shares, including under state, local and other tax laws. Finally, the foregoing discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, judicial authority and administrative interpretations in effect on the date hereof. Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions discussed above, and such changes often occur.

**Capital Stock and Other Securities**

Each Fund issues Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per Share. The Board may designate additional funds.

Each Share issued by the Trust has a pro rata interest in the assets of the corresponding series of the Trust. Shares have no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to each Fund, and in the net distributable assets of each Fund on liquidation.

Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all series of the Trust vote together as a single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund it will be voted on only by that fund and if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other funds, that fund will vote separately on such matter. Under Massachusetts law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy of the Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. All Shares of the Trust (regardless of the fund) have noncumulative voting rights for the election of Trustees. Under Massachusetts law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders.

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust, requires that Trust obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of the Trust's property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and the nature of each Fund's assets and operations, the risk to shareholders of personal liability is believed to be remote.

Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Trust, c/o the Distributor, State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC at One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

**Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, serves as counsel to the Trust. [ ], located at [ ], serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Trust. [ ] performs annual audits of the Funds' financial statements and provides other audit, tax and related services.

**Local Market Holiday Schedules**

The Trust generally intends to effect deliveries of the Funds' portfolio securities on T+1. The ability of the Trust to effect in-kind redemptions within one Business Day of receipt of a redemption request is subject, among other things, to the condition that, within the time period from the date of the request to the date of delivery of the securities, there are no days that are local market holidays on the relevant Business Days. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the local market that are not holidays observed in the United States, the redemption settlement cycle may be extended by the number of such intervening local holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust from delivering securities within one Business Day.

The securities delivery cycles currently practicable for transferring portfolio securities to redeeming investors, coupled with local market holiday schedules, may require a delivery process longer than the standard settlement period. In certain circumstances during the calendar year, the settlement period may be greater than seven calendar days.

------

**Financial Statements**

The financial statements and financial highlights of the Funds that were operating during the year ended June 30, 2025, along with the Report of [ ], the Trust's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing, and are incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information.

------

**Appendix A**

**<u>SPDR</u>**<sup>®</sup> **<u>Series Trust</u>** <br> **<u>SPDR</u>**<sup>®</sup>  **<u>Index Shares Funds</u>** <br> **<u>SSGA Active Trust</u>** <br> **<u>(each, a</u> <u>"</u><u>Trust</u><u>"</u> <u>or</u> <u>"</u><u>Fund,</u><u>"</u> <u>and, collectively, the</u> <u>"</u><u>Trusts</u><u>"</u> <u>or</u> <u>"</u><u>Funds</u><u>"</u><u>)</u>**

**<u>PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES</u>**

The Board of Trustees of the Trusts has adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts' investment portfolios.

**1.** **Proxy Voting Policy**

The policy of each Trust is to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trusts' investment adviser (the "Adviser"), subject to the Trustees' continuing oversight.

**2.** **Fiduciary Duty**

The right to vote proxies with respect to portfolio securities held by each Trust is an asset of the Trusts. The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trusts and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Trusts and its shareholders.

**3.** **Proxy Voting Procedures**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board of Trustees (the "Board") its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies ("Policy") and the Policy of any Sub-adviser (defined below) to which proxy voting authority has been delegated (see Section 9 below). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Board of material changes to its Policy or the Policy of any Sub-adviser promptly and no later than the next regular meeting of the Board after such amendment is implemented.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policy for managing the conflicts of interests that may arise through the Adviser's proxy voting activities. In addition, the Adviser shall report any Policy overrides involving portfolio securities held by the Trusts to the Trustees at the next regular meeting of the Board after such override(s) occur.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees that a record is available for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of each Trust during the year. Also see Section 5 below.

**4.** **Revocation of Authority to Vote**

The delegation by the Trustees of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Trusts may be revoked by the Trustees, in whole or in part, at any time.

**5.** **Annual Filing of Proxy Voting Record**

The Adviser shall provide the required data for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of a Trust to that respective Trust or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to be filed in the Trust's annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.

**6.** **Retention and Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firms**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. In considering whether to retain or continue retaining a particular proxy advisory firm, the Adviser will ascertain whether the proxy advisory firm has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues, act as proxy voting agent as requested, and implement the Policy. In this regard, the Adviser will consider, at least annually, among other things, the adequacy and quality of the proxy advisory firm's staffing and personnel and the robustness of its policies and procedures regarding its ability to identify and address any conflicts of interest. The Adviser shall, at least annually, report to the Board regarding the results of this review.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. The Adviser will request quarterly and annual reporting from any proxy advisory firm retained by the Adviser, and hold ad hoc meetings with such proxy advisory firm, in order to determine whether there has been any business changes that might impact the proxy advisory firm's capacity or competency to provide proxy voting advice or services or changes to the proxy advisory firm's conflicts policies or procedures. The Adviser will also take reasonable steps to investigate any material factual error, notified to the Adviser by the proxy advisory firm or identified by the Adviser, made by the proxy advisory firm in providing proxy voting services.

**7.** **Periodic Sampling**

The Adviser will periodically sample proxy votes to review whether they complied with the Policy.

**8.** **Disclosures**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. A Trust shall include in its registration statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. A description of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") website.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. A Trust shall include in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. A statement disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SEC's website; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC's website.

**9.** **Sub-Advisers**

For certain Funds, the Adviser retains investment management firms ("Sub-advisers") to provide day-to-day investment management services to the Trusts pursuant to sub-advisory agreements. It is the policy of the Trusts that the Adviser may delegate proxy voting authority with respect to a Fund to a Sub-adviser. Pursuant to such delegation, a Sub-adviser is authorized to vote proxies on behalf of the applicable Fund or Funds for which it serves as sub-adviser, in accordance with the Sub-adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures.

**10.** **Review of Policy**

The Trustees shall review this policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Adopted (SPDR Series Trust/SPDR Index Shares Funds): | May 31, 2006  |
| Updated: | August 1, 2007 |
| Amended: | May 29, 2009 |
| Amended: | November 19, 2010 |
| Adopted (SSGA Active Trust)/Amended: | May 25, 2011  |
| Amended: | February 25, 2016 |
| Amended: | August 17, 2023 |

---

------

**Appendix B**

Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

![](g445500img47e38d591.jpg)

**March 2025**

**Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy**

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial services to institutional investors. As an asset manager, State Street Global Advisors votes its clients' proxies where the client has delegated proxy voting authority to it, and State Street Global Advisors votes these proxies and engages with companies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments, as described in this document.<sup>1</sup>

When engaging with and voting proxies with respect to the portfolio companies in which we invest our clients' assets, we do so on behalf of and in the best interests of the client accounts we manage and do not seek to change or influence control of any such portfolio companies. The State Street Global Advisors Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy (the "Policy") contains certain policies that State Street Global Advisors will only apply in jurisdictions where permitted by local law and regulations. State Street Global Advisors will not apply any policies contained herein in any jurisdictions where State Street Global Advisors believes that implementing or following such policies would be deemed to constitute seeking to change or influence control of a portfolio company.

**Introduction**

At State Street Global Advisors, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager very seriously. Our primary fiduciary obligation to our clients is to maximize the long-term value of their investments. State Street Global Advisors focuses on risks and opportunities that may impact long-term value creation for our clients. We rely on the elected representatives of the companies in which we invest — the board of directors — to oversee these firms' strategies. We expect effective independent board oversight of the material risks and opportunities to a firm's business and operations. We believe that appropriate consideration of these risks and opportunities is an essential component of a firm's long-term business strategy, and expect boards to actively oversee the management of this strategy.

**Our Asset Stewardship Program**

State Street Global Advisors' Asset Stewardship Team is responsible for developing and implementing this Policy, the implementation of third-party proxy voting guidelines where applicable, case-by-case voting items, issuer engagement activities, and research and analysis of corporate governance issues and proxy voting items. The Asset Stewardship Team's activities are overseen by our internal governance body, State Street Global Advisors' Global Fiduciary and Conduct Committee ("GFCC"). The GFCC is responsible for reviewing State Street Global Advisors' stewardship strategy, engagement priorities, the Policy, and for monitoring the delivery of voting objectives.

In order to facilitate the execution of our proxy votes, we retain Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS"). We utilize ISS to: (1) act as our proxy voting agent (providing State Street Global Advisors with vote execution and administration services), (2) assist in applying the Policy, and (3) provide research and analysis relating to general corporate governance issues and specific proxy items. State Street Global Advisors does not follow the voting recommendations of any policy offered by ISS or any other proxy voting policy provider in implementing the Policy.

All voting decisions and engagement activities for which State Street Global Advisors has been given voting discretion are undertaken in accordance with this Policy, ensuring that the interests of our clients remain the sole consideration when discharging our stewardship responsibilities. Exceptions to this policy include the use of an independent third party to vote on State Street Corporation ("State Street") stock and the stock of other State Street affiliated entities, to mitigate a

------

This Policy is applicable to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., State Street Global Advisors Trust Company, and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation.

------

conflict of interest of voting on our parent company or affiliated entities, and other situations where we believe we may be conflicted from voting (for example, stock of a public company for which a State Street director also serves as a director, or due to an outside business interest). In such cases, delegated third parties exercise vote decisions based on their independent voting policy.

We aim to vote at all shareholder meetings where our clients have given us the authority to vote their shares and where it is feasible to do so. However, when we deem appropriate, we may refrain from voting at meetings in cases where:

• Power of attorney documentation is required.

• Voting would have a material impact on our ability to trade the security.

• Voting is not permissible due to sanctions affecting a company or individual.

• Issuer-specific special documentation is required or various market or issuer certifications are required.

• Certain market limitations would prohibit voting (e.g., partial/split voting prohibitions or residency restrictions).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Unless a client directs otherwise in so-called "share blocking" markets (markets where proxy voters have their securities blocked from trading during the period of the annual meeting).

Additionally, we are unable to vote proxies when certain custodians used by our clients do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction or when they charge a meeting-specific fee in excess of the typical custody service agreement.

Voting authority attached to certain securities held by State Street Global Advisors pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or other requirements. Under such arrangements, voting will be conducted by the independent third party pursuant to its proxy voting policy and not pursuant to this Policy.

**The State Street Global Advisors Proxy Voting Choice Program**

In addition to the option of delegating proxy voting authority to State Street Global Advisors pursuant to this Policy, clients may alternatively choose to participate in the State Street Global Advisors Proxy Voting Choice Program (the "Proxy Voting Choice Program"), which empowers clients to direct the proxy voting of shares held by the eligible fund or segregated account they own. Clients that participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program have the option of selecting a third-party proxy voting guideline from the policies included in the Proxy Voting Choice Program to apply to the vote of the client's pro rata share of the securities held by the eligible fund or segregated account they own. This Policy does not apply to shares voted under the Proxy Voting Choice Program.

**Securities Not Voted Pursuant to the Policy**

Where clients have asked State Street Global Advisors to vote the client's shares on their behalf, including where a pooled fund fiduciary has delegated the responsibility to vote the fund's securities to State Street Global Advisors, State Street Global Advisors votes those securities in a unified manner, consistent with the principles described in this Policy. Exceptions to this unified voting policy are: (1) where State Street Global Advisors has made its Proxy Voting Choice Program available to its separately managed account clients and investors within a fund managed by State Street Global Advisors, in which case a pro rata portion of shares held by the fund or segregated account attributable to clients who choose to participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program will be voted consistent with the third-party proxy voting guidelines selected by the clients, (2) where a pooled investment vehicle managed by State Street Global Advisors utilizes a third party proxy voting guideline as set forth in that fund's organizational and/or offering documents, and (3) where voting authority with respect to certain securities held by State Street Global Advisors pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or other requirements. With respect to such funds and separately managed accounts utilizing third-party proxy voting guidelines, the terms of the applicable third-party proxy voting guidelines shall apply in place of the Policy described herein and the proxy votes implemented with respect to such a fund or account may differ from and be contrary to the votes implemented for other portfolios managed by State Street Global Advisors pursuant to this Policy.

**Regional Nuances**

When voting and engaging with companies, we may consider market-specific nuances that may be relevant to that company. We expect companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets, as well as country-specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes, and to publicly disclose their level of compliance with the applicable provisions and requirements. Except where specified, this Policy applies globally.

------

**Our Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles**

State Street Global Advisors' proxy voting and engagement program focuses on three broad principles:

1. **Effective Board Oversight:** We believe that well-governed companies can protect and pursue shareholder interests better and withstand the challenges of an uncertain economic environment. Principally, a board acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors undertake activities that include setting strategy and providing guidance on strategic matters, selecting the CEO and other senior executives, overseeing executive management, creating a succession plan for the board and management, and providing effective oversight of material risks and opportunities relevant to their business. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board. <br>We view board quality as a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board diversity, evaluations and refreshment, and company governance practices. We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance; they help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management, maintaining appropriate governance practices, and performing oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. We also believe the right mix of skills, independence, diversity, and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and experience to manage risks and operating structures that are often complex and industry-specific.

2. **Disclosure:** It is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should also provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their economic interests have been safeguarded by the board and provides insights into the quality of the board's oversight of management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.

3. **Shareholder Protection:** State Street Global Advisors believes it is in the best interest of shareholders for companies to have appropriate shareholder rights and accountability mechanisms in place. As a starting place for voting rights, it is necessary for ownership rights to reflect one vote for one share to ensure that economic interests and proxy voting power are aligned. This share structure best supports the shareholders' right to exercise their proxy vote on matters that are important to the protection of their investment, such as share issuances and other dilutive events, authorization of strategic transactions, approval of a shareholder rights plan, and changes to the corporate bylaws or charter, among others. In terms of accountability to shareholders and appropriate checks and balances, we believe there should be annual elections of the full board of directors.

**Application of Principles**

These three principles of effective board oversight, disclosure and shareholder protection apply across all of State Street Global Advisors' proxy voting decisions. When voting at portfolio companies in different markets, State Street Global Advisors may apply the principles in ways that are specific to a given market based on factors such as availability of data, resources, disclosure practices, and size of holdings in our clients' accounts.

**Shareholder Proposals**

When voting our clients' proxies, we may be presented with shareholder proposals at portfolio companies that must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the principles set forth above. For proposals related to commonly requested disclosure topics, we have developed the criteria found in Appendix A to assess the effectiveness of disclosure on such topics in connection with these types of proposals.

**Engagement**

We conduct engagements with individual issuers to communicate the principles set forth in this Policy and to learn more about companies' strategy, board oversight and disclosure practices. We do not seek to change or influence control of any portfolio company through these engagements. In addition, we encourage issuers to increase the amount of direct communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members and independent non- executive directors is critical to helping companies understand shareholder concerns.

------

**Section I. Effective Board Oversight**

**Director Independence**

We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance; they help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. We have developed criteria for determining director independence, which vary by region and/or local jurisdiction. These criteria generally follow relevant listing standards, local regulatory requirements and/or local market practice standards. Such criteria may include:

• Participation in related-party transactions or other material business relations with the company

• Employment history with the company

• Status as founder or member of the founding family

• Government representative

• Excessive tenure and preponderance of long-tenured directors

• Relations with significant shareholders

• Close family ties with any of the company's advisers, directors or senior employees

• Cross-directorships

• Receipt of non-board related compensation from the issuer, its auditors or advisors

• Company's own classification of a director as non-independent

In some cases, State Street Global Advisors' criteria may be more rigorous than applicable local or listing requirements.

**Majority Independent Board**

We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management, maintaining appropriate governance practices, and performing oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

**Separation of Chair/CEO**

Our primary focus is to ensure there is strong independent leadership of the board, in accordance with the principles discussed above. We generally believe the board is best placed to choose the governance structure that is most appropriate for that company.

**Board Committees**

We believe that board committees are crucial to robust corporate governance and should be composed of a sufficient number of independent directors. We use the same criteria for determining committee independence as we do for determining director independence, which varies by region and/or local jurisdiction. Although we recognize that board structures may vary by jurisdiction, where a board has established an audit committee and/or compensation/remuneration committee, we generally expect the committee to be primarily, and in some cases, fully independent.

**Refreshment and Tenure**

We believe that average board tenure should generally align with the length of the business cycle of the respective industry in which a company operates. In assessing excessive tenure, we consider factors such as the preponderance of long tenured directors, board refreshment practices, classified board structures and the business cycle for the industry in which a company operates.

**Director Time Commitments**

We believe a company's nominating committee is best placed to determine appropriate time commitments for the company's directors. We consider if a company publicly discloses its director time commitment policy (e.g., within corporate governance guidelines, proxy statement, annual report, company website, etc.) and if this policy or associated disclosure outlines the factors that the nominating committee considers to assess director time commitments during the annual policy review process.

------

**Board Composition**

We believe effective board oversight of a company's long-term business strategy necessitates a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which may include a range of characteristics such as skills, gender, race, ethnicity, and age. By having a critical mass of diverse perspectives, boards could experience the benefits that may lead to innovative ideas and foster more robust conversations about a company's strategy.

We recognize that many factors may influence board composition, including board size, geographic location, and local regulations, among others. Further, we believe that a robust nominating and governance process is essential to achieving a board composition that is designed to facilitate effective, independent oversight of a company's long-term strategy. We believe nominating committees are best placed to determine the most effective board composition and we encourage companies to ensure that there are sufficient levels of diverse experiences and perspectives represented in the boardroom.

**Board Expertise**

We believe board members should have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations, and risks, including sustainability-related issues.

Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues, such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy, and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. We believe nominating committees are best positioned to evaluate the skillset and expertise of both existing and prospective board members. However, we may take such considerations into account in certain circumstances.

**Board Accountability**

**Oversight of Strategy and Risk** <br>We believe that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. We allow boards to have discretion regarding the ways in which they provide oversight in this area. However, we expect companies to disclose how the board provides oversight of its risk management system and risk identification. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks that evolve in tandem with the changing political and economic landscape or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

As responsible stewards, we believe in the importance of effective risk management and oversight of issues that are material to a company. To effectively manage and assess the risk of our clients' portfolios, we expect our portfolio companies to manage risks and opportunities that are material and industry-specific and that have a demonstrated link to long-term value creation, and to provide high-quality disclosure of this process to shareholders.

When evaluating a board's oversight of risks and opportunities, we assess the following factors, based on disclosures by, and engagements with, portfolio companies:

1. Oversees Long-term Strategy

–Articulates the material risks and opportunities and how those risks and opportunities fit into the firm's long-term business strategy

–Regularly assesses the effectiveness of the company's long-term strategy, and management's execution of this strategy

2. Demonstrates an Effective Oversight Process

–Describes which committee(s) have oversight over specific risks and opportunities, as well as which topics are overseen and/or discussed at the full-board level

–Includes risks and opportunities in board and/or committee agendas, and articulates how often specific topics are discussed at the committee and/or full- board level

–Utilizes KPIs or metrics to assess the effectiveness of risk management processes

–Engages with key stakeholders including employees and investors

3. Ensures Effective Leadership

–Holds management accountable for progress on relevant metrics and targets

------

–Integrates necessary skills and perspectives into the board nominating and executive hiring processes, and provides training to directors and executives on topics material to the company's business or operations

–Conducts a periodic effectiveness review

4. Ensures Disclosures of Material Information

–Ensures publication of relevant disclosures, including those regarding material topics

**Compliance with Corporate Governance Principles** <br>Our minimum expectation is that companies will comply with their respective market governance codes and/or stewardship principles. Issuers are encouraged to provide explanations of their level of compliance with their local market code and why their preferred governance structure (if not compliant with the code) serves shareholders' long-term interests.

We will review governance practices at companies in selected indexes for their adherence to market governance codes and/or stewardship principles.

**Proxy Contests** <br>We believe nominating committees that are comprised of independent directors are best placed to assess which individuals are adequately equipped with the skills and expertise to fulfill the duties of board members, and to act as effective fiduciaries.

While our default position is to support the committees' judgement, we consider the following factors when evaluating dissident nominees:

• Strategy presented by dissident nominees versus that of current management, as overseen by the incumbent board

• Effectiveness, quality, and experience of the management slate

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Material governance failures and the level of responsiveness to shareholder concerns and market signals by the incumbent board

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Quality of disclosure and engagement practices to support changes to shareholder rights, capital allocation and/or governance structure

• Company performance and, if applicable, the merit of a recovery plan

• Expertise of board members with respect to company industry and strategy

**Board Oversight of Geopolitical Risk** <br>As stewards of our clients' assets, we are aware of the financial risks associated with geopolitical risk, including risks arising from unexpected conflict between or among nations. We expect portfolio companies that may be impacted by geopolitical risk to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Manage and mitigate risks related to operating in impacted markets, which may include financial, sanctions-related, regulatory, and/or reputational risks, among others;

• Strengthen board oversight of these efforts; and

• Describe these efforts in public disclosures.

**Compensation and Remuneration** <br>We consider it the board's responsibility to determine the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the possible types of plans and awards, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides our analysis of executive compensation: we believe that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term.

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, we consider factors such as adequate disclosure of various remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance.

For example, criteria we may consider include the following:

• Overall quantum relative to company performance

• Vesting periods and length of performance targets

• Mix of performance, time and options-based stock units

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Use of special grants and one-time awards

• Retesting and repricing features

• Disclosure and transparency

**Board Meeting Attendance** <br>We expect directors to attend at least 75 percent of board meetings in the last financial year or provide an appropriate explanation for why they were unable to meet this attendance threshold.

**Section II. Disclosure**

It is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their financial interests have been protected by the board and provides insights into the board's oversight of management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.

**Reporting**

**Financial Statements** <br>We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. We expect external auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.

**Sustainability-related Disclosures** <br>We believe in the importance of effective risk management and governance of issues that are material to a company. This may include sustainability-related risks and opportunities where a company has identified such risks and opportunities as material to its business. Such disclosure allows shareholders to effectively assess companies' oversight, strategy, and business practices related to these sustainability issues identified as material.

We look to companies to provide disclosure on sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company.

**Climate-related Disclosures** <br>We believe that managing climate-related risks and opportunities is a key element in maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for our clients. As a result, we have a longstanding commitment to enhancing investor-useful disclosure related to this topic.

For companies that have identified climate risk as material to their business, we expect the company to provide disclosure on climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We encourage the disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and related targets. However, State Street Global Advisors is not prescriptive in how a company sets its targets. We expect companies that have adopted net zero ambitions to disclose interim climate targets. In each case, if a company chooses not to disclose any climate targets, we expect the company to provide an explanation of how the company measures and monitors progress on managing climate-related risks and opportunities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We do not expect any company to set Scope 3 targets. We encourage companies to identify and disclose the most relevant categories of Scope 3 emissions. However, we recognize that Scope 3 emissions estimates have a high degree of uncertainty. Therefore, if a company determines that categories of Scope 3 emissions are impracticable to estimate, we encourage the company to explain the relevant limitations. We also encourage companies to explain any efforts to address Scope 3 emissions, such as engagement with suppliers, customers, or other stakeholders across the value chain, where relevant.

**Say-on-Climate Proposals** <br>While we generally believe in the importance of effective disclosure of climate-related risks a company has deemed material to its business, we do not endorse annual advisory climate votes. Where management chooses to include a Say-on-Climate vote, we assess the company's climate-related disclosure in accordance with the criteria listed in Appendix A.

**Board and Workforce Demographics** <br>We expect disclosure on the composition of both the board and workforce.

------

**Section III. Shareholder Protection** 

**Capital**

**Share Capital Structure** <br>The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, to grow, and to achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder's ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards. When making such a decision, we believe the company should disclose a comprehensive business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilutive to its shareholders.

Our approach to share capital structure matters may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances. Such proposals may include:

• Increase in Authorized Common Shares

• Increase in Authorized Preferred Shares

• Unequal Voting Rights

• Share Repurchase Programs

**Dividend Payouts (Japan Only**) <br>For Japanese issuers, we are generally supportive of dividend payouts that constitute 30 percent or more of net income; however we consider whether the payment may damage the company's long-term financial health.

**Reorganization, Mergers and Acquisitions** <br>The reorganization of the structure of a company or mergers often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.

We expect proposals to be in the best interests of shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company's operations.

We evaluate mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis and expect transactions to maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include the following:

• Offer premium

• Strategic rationale

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including director and/or management conflicts of interest

• Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders

• Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value

We also consider the following:

• Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock

• Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders

• The current market price of the security exceeds the bid price at the time of voting

**Related-Party Transactions** <br>Some companies have a controlled ownership structure and complex cross- shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies ("related companies"). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders, such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, we expect companies to disclose details of the transaction, such as the nature, the value and the purpose of such a transaction. We also believe independent directors should ratify such transactions. Further, we believe companies should describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.

**Cross-Shareholdings (Japan Only)** <br>"Cross-shareholdings" are a long-standing feature of the balance sheets of many Japanese companies, but, in our view, can be detrimental for corporate governance practices and ultimately shareholder returns.

------

**Shareholder Rights**

**Proxy Access** <br>In general, we believe that proxy access is a fundamental right and an accountability mechanism for all long-term shareholders. We consider proposals relating to proxy access on a case-by-case basis and consider a balance between providing long-term shareholders accountability while preserving flexibility for management to design a process that is appropriate for the company's circumstances.

**Vote Standards**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Annual Elections:** We believe the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors is appropriate. We also consider the overall level of board independence and the independence of the key committees, as well as the existence of a shareholder rights plan.

• **Majority Voting:** We believe a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election of directors is appropriate.

**Shareholder Meetings**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Special Meetings and Written Consent:** We believe the ability for shareholders to call special meetings, as well as act by written consent is appropriate. We believe an appropriate threshold for both calling a special meeting and acting by written consent can be 25% of outstanding shares or less.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Notice Period to Convene a General Meeting:** We expect companies to give as much notice as is practicable when calling a general meeting, generally at least 14 days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Virtual/Hybrid Shareholder Meetings:** We believe the right to hold shareholder meetings in a virtual or hybrid format is appropriate with the following best practices:

–Afford virtual attendee shareholders the same rights as would normally be granted to in-person attendee shareholders

–Commit to time-bound renewal (five years or less) of meeting format authorization by shareholders

–Provide a written record of all questions posed during the meeting, and

–Comply with local market laws and regulations relating to virtual and hybrid shareholder meeting practices

In evaluating these proposals we also consider the operating environment of the company, including local regulatory developments and specific market circumstances impacting virtual meeting practices.

**Governance Documents & Miscellaneous Items**

**Article Amendments** <br>We believe amendments to company bylaws that may negatively impact shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection, and exclusion service bylaws) should be put to a shareholder vote.

We believe a majority voting standard is generally appropriate.

We generally believe companies should have a fixed board size, or designate a range for the board size.

**Anti-Takeover Issues** <br>Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer to make an offer, or to reduce the likelihood of a successful offer. We generally believe shareholders should have the right to vote on reasonable offers. Our approach to anti-takeover issues may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances.

**Accounting and Audit-Related Issues** <br>Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have independent non-executive directors designated as members.

We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely upon financial statements. It is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are independent from management as we expect auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.

------

State Street Global Advisors believes that a company's external auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external independent assurance. Shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their (re-)appointment at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, we will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures.

In circumstances where "other" fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard "non-audit fee" category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.

We believe a company should be able to discharge its auditors in the absence of pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges or fraud or other indication of significant concern. Further, we believe that auditors should attend the annual meeting of shareholders.

**Indemnification and Liability** <br>Generally, we believe directors should be able to limit their liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if a director has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

**Section IV. Shareholder Proposals**

We believe that company boards do right by investors and are responsible for overseeing strategy and company management. Towards that end, we generally do not support shareholder proposals that appear to impose changes to business strategy or operations, such as increasing or decreasing investment in certain products or businesses or phasing out a product or business line or if it is not a topic that the company has deemed to be material in their public disclosure documents.

When assessing shareholder proposals, we fundamentally consider whether the adoption of the resolution would promote long-term shareholder value in the context of our core governance principles:

1. Effective board oversight

2. Quality disclosure

3. Shareholder protection

We will consider supporting a shareholder proposal if:

• the request is focused on enhanced disclosure of the company's governance and/or risk oversight

• the adoption of the request would protect our clients' interests as minority shareholders; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•for common proposal topics for which we have developed assessment criteria, the extent to which the request satisfies the criteria found in Appendix A.

**Section V. Engagement**

As a fiduciary, State Street Global Advisors takes a comprehensive approach to engaging with portfolio companies. Our stewardship prioritization process allows us to proactively identify companies for engagement and voting in order to mitigate risks in our client's portfolios. Through engagement, we aim to build long-term relationships with the issuers in which we invest on behalf of our clients and to address a broad range of topics relating to the promotion of long-term shareholder value creation. We do not seek to change or influence control of any portfolio company through engagement.

**Equity Engagements**

In general, there are three types of engagements that State Street Global Advisors may hold on behalf of equity holders:

1. **Engagements with Portfolio Companies in Connection with a Ballot Item or Other Topic In our Policy:** Engagements held with portfolio companies to discuss a ballot item, event or other established topic found in our Policy. Such engagements generally, but not necessarily, occur during "proxy season." They may be held at the request of State Street Global Advisors or the portfolio company.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2. **Off-Season Engagement at the Request of a Portfolio Company:** From time- to-time, portfolio companies may seek to engage with State Street Global Advisors in the 'off-season' to discuss a particular topic.

3. **Off-Season Proactive Engagement Campaigns:** Each year, State Street Global Advisors will identify thematic engagement campaigns on important topics for which we are seeking more information to potentially inform our future voting positions.

**Fixed Income Engagements**

From time-to-time, certain corporate action election events, reclassifications or other changes to the investment terms of debt holdings may occur or an issuer may seek to engage with State Street Global Advisors to discuss matters pertaining to the debt instruments that State Street Global Advisors holds on behalf of its clients. In such instances, State Street Global Advisors may engage with the issuer to obtain further information about the matter for purposes of its investment decision making. Such engagements are the responsibility of the Fixed Income portfolio management team, but may be supported by State Street Global Advisors' Asset Stewardship Team. All election decisions are the responsibility of the relevant portfolio management team.

In addition, State Street Global Advisors may identify themes for engagement campaigns with issuers on topics that it believes may affect value of its clients' debt investments. State Street Global Advisors may proactively engage with portfolio companies and other issuers on these topics to help inform our views on the subject.

Where such themes align with those relating to equities, such engagements may be carried out jointly on behalf of both equity and fixed income holdings where there is mutual benefit for both asset classes. Such engagements are led by the State Street Global Advisors Asset Stewardship Team, but may also be attended by the relevant portfolio management teams.

**Engaging with Other Investors Soliciting State Street Global Advisors' Votes in Connection with Contested Shareholder Meetings, Vote-No Campaigns, or Shareholder Proposals**

While it may be helpful to speak to other investors that are running proxy contests, putting forth vote-no campaigns, or proposing shareholder proposals at investee companies, we limit such discussions to investors who have filed necessary documentation with regulators and engage in these discussions at our own discretion.

Our primary purpose of engaging with investors is:

1. To gain a better understanding of their position or concerns at investee companies.

2. In proxy contest situations:

–To assess possible director candidates where investors are seeking board representation in proxy contest situations

–To understand the investor's proposed strategy for the company and investment time horizon to assess their alignment with State Street Global Advisors' views and interests as a long-term shareholder

Any information about our vote decisions are available in this document and on our website. All requests for engagement should be sent to GovernanceTeam@ssga.com.

**Section VI. Other Matters**

**Securities on Loan**

As a responsible investor and fiduciary, we recognize the importance of balancing the benefits of voting shares and the incremental lending revenue for the pooled funds that participate in State Street Global Advisors' securities lending program (the "Funds"). Our objective is to recall securities on loan and restrict future lending until after the record date for the respective vote in instances where we believe that a particular vote could have a material impact on the Funds' long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone lending income.

Accordingly, we have set systematic recall and lending restriction criteria for shareholder meetings involving situations with the highest potential financial implications (such as proxy contests and strategic transactions including mergers and acquisitions, going dark transactions, change of corporate form, or bankruptcy and liquidation). Generally, these criteria for recall and restriction for lending only apply to certain large cap indices in developed markets.

------

State Street Global Advisors monitors the forgone lending revenue associated with each recall to determine if the impact on the Funds' long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone lending income.

Although our objective is to systematically recall securities based on the aforementioned criteria, we must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before the record date. When we do not receive timely notice, we may be unable to recall the shares on or before the record date.

**Reporting**

We provide transparency for our stewardship activities through our regular client reports and relevant information reported online. We publish an annual stewardship report that provides details of our stewardship approach, engagement and voting policies, and activities during the year. The annual stewardship report is complemented by quarterly stewardship activity reports as well as the publication of thought leadership on governance and sustainability on our website. Our voting record information is available on Vote View, an interactive platform that provides relevant company details, proposal types, resolution descriptions, and records of our votes cast.

**Appendix A: Assessment Criteria for Common Disclosure Topics**

As outlined above, the pillars of our Asset Stewardship Program rest on effective board oversight, quality disclosure and shareholder protection. We are frequently asked to evaluate proposals on various topics, including requests for enhanced disclosure.

Where a company receives a proposal on a topic that the company has determined is material to its business, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the below criteria that we believe represent quality disclosure on commonly requested disclosure topics. In each case, in assessing the proposal against the applicable criteria, we may review the company's relevant disclosures against industry and market practice (e.g., peer disclosure, relevant frameworks, relevant industry guidance).

**Climate Disclosure Criteria**

For companies that have identified climate-related risks or opportunities as material to their business, we expect the company to provide disclosure on climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company, as described in the section related to Climate-Related Disclosures above.

Additionally, where a company is among the highest emitters, we consider whether the company discloses:

• Scenario-planning on relevant risk assessment and strategic planning processes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The company's plans to achieve stated climate-related targets, if any, including information on timelines and expected emissions reductions; and

• Incorporation of relevant climate considerations in financial planning and/or capital allocation decisions.

**Climate Transition Plan Disclosure Criteria for Companies that have Adopted a Climate Transition Plan**

We do not expect or require companies to adopt net zero ambitions or join relevant industry initiatives. For companies that have adopted a net zero ambition and/or climate transition plan and that receive a related proposal, we assess the proposal against the disclosure criteria set out below. Given that climate related risks present differently across industries, our assessment of the below criteria may vary to account for best practices in specific industries.

**General Climate-related Disclosures**

• Description of approach to identifying and assessing climate-related risks and opportunities

• Disclosure of resilience of the company's strategy taking into consideration a range of climate-related scenarios

• Disclosure of Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant categories of Scope 3 emissions and any assurance

**Ambition**

• Disclosure of long-term climate ambitions

**Targets**

• Disclosure of short- and/or medium-term interim climate targets

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of alignment of climate targets with relevant jurisdictional commitments, specific temperature pathways, and/or sectoral decarbonization approaches

**Decarbonization Strategy**

• Disclosure of plans and actions to support stated climate targets and ambitions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of emissions management efforts within the company's operations and, as applicable, across the value chain

• Disclosure of carbon offsets utilization, if any

• Disclosure of the role of climate solutions (e.g., carbon capture and storage)

• Disclosure of potential social risks and opportunities related to climate transition plan, if any

**Capital Allocation**

• Disclosure integration of relevant climate considerations in financial planning

• Disclosure of total actual and planned capital deployed toward climate transition plan

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of approach to assessing and prioritizing investments toward climate transition plan (e.g. marginal abatement cost curves, internal carbon pricing, if any)

**Climate Policy Engagement**

• Disclosure of position on climate-related topics relevant to the company's decarbonization strategy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of assessment of stated positions on relevant climate-related topics versus those of associations and other relevant policy-influencing entities, such as trade associations, industry bodies, or coalitions, to which the company belongs, and any efforts taken as a result of this review to address potential misalignment.

**Climate Governance**

• Disclosure of the board's role in overseeing climate transition plan

• Disclosure of management's role in overseeing climate transition plan

**Physical Risk**

• Disclosure of assessment of climate-related physical risks

• Disclosure of approach to managing identified climate-related physical risks

**Stakeholder Engagement**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of engagement with relevant internal stakeholders related to climate transition plan (e.g., workforce training, cross-functional collaboration)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of engagement with relevant external stakeholders related to climate transition plan (e.g., industry collaboration, customer engagement)

**Methane Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that methane emissions-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Disclosure of methane emissions detection and monitoring efforts

• An explanation of efforts to enhance measurement, reporting, and verification

• A description of the company's strategy to manage methane emissions

• Disclosure of any methane-related metrics and targets utilized

------

**Nature-Related Disclosures: Biodiversity, Deforestation and other Land-Use, Water Management, Pollution and Waste**

Where a company has determined that one or more nature-related risks and opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• **Governance:** Board oversight of the material nature-related risks and opportunities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Risk Management:** Approach to identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating the material nature-related risks and opportunities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Strategy:** Consideration of material nature-related risks and opportunities in business strategy, resiliency, and planning

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Metrics and Targets (when relevant):** Metrics used to assess, monitor, and manage nature-related risks and opportunities

**Human Capital Management Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that human capital management-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• **Board Oversight:** Methods outlining how the board oversees human capital- related risks and opportunities;

• **Strategy:** Approaches to human capital management and how these advance the long-term business strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Compensation:** Strategies throughout the organization that aim to attract and retain employees, and incentivize contribution to an effective human capital strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Voice:** Channels to ensure the concerns and ideas from workers are solicited and acted upon, and how the workforce is engaged and empowered in the organization; and

• **Workforce Demographics:** Role of the board in overseeing workforce demographics efforts

**Diversity Equity and Inclusion Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that diversity, equity and inclusion-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Board Oversight:** Describe how the board executes its oversight role in risks and opportunities related to diversity, equity and inclusion

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Strategy:** Articulate the role that diversity, equity, and inclusion plays in the company's broader human capital management practices and long-term strategy, as well as how the company intends to implement that strategy

• **Metrics:** Provide disclosure on the company's global employee base and board demographics, where permitted

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•**Board Composition:** Articulate the role of diversity of skills, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in the board's nominating process

**Pay Equity Disclosure Criteria (United States and United Kingdom Only)**

Where a company has determined that pay equity-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of adjusted pay gaps related to race and gender within the company (disclosure of the unadjusted pay gap is also encouraged, but not expected outside of the United Kingdom market at this time);

• Disclosure of strategy to achieve and maintain pay equity; and

• Disclosure of the role of the board in overseeing pay strategies as well as diversity-related efforts

------

**Civil Rights Disclosure Criteria (United States Only)**

Where a company has determined that civil rights-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Disclosure of risk related to civil rights, including risks associated with products, practices, and services;

• Disclosure of plans to manage and mitigate these risks; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of processes at the board for overseeing such risks (e.g., committee responsible, frequency of discussions, etc.).

**Human Rights Disclosure Criteria**

Where a company has determined that human rights-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Human rights-related risks the company considers more relevant;

• Plans to manage and mitigate these risks;

• Board oversight of these risks; and

• Assessment of the effectiveness of the human rights risk management program.

**Political Contributions Disclosure Criteria (United States Only)**

For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal related to political contributions, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of all contributions, no matter the dollar value, made by the company, its subsidiaries, and/ or affiliated Political Action Committees (PACs) to individual candidates, PACs, and other political organizations at the state and federal levels in the US; and

• Disclosure of the role of the board in oversight of political contributions.

**Lobbying Disclosure Criteria (United States Only)**

For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal related to lobbying disclosure, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

• Disclosure of membership in United States trade associations (to which payments are above $50,000 per year) and

• Disclosure of the role of the board in overseeing lobbying activities.

**Trade Association Alignment Disclosure Criteria**

For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal related to trade association alignment, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Disclosure of the board's role in overseeing the company's participation in the political process, including membership in trade associations or other policy- influencing entities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Whether the company regularly performs a gap analysis of its stated positions on relevant issues versus those of the trade associations or other policy-influencing organizations of which it is a member, and

• Whether the company disclosed a list of its trade association memberships

Note: We believe that management is best suited to take positions on the matters related to their company and therefore we do not recommend any specific position. Our support of these types of shareholder proposals, if any, solely reflect our support for enhanced disclosure on assessing alignment between stated company positions and the positions of associations and other relevant policy-influencing entities to which the company belongs in line with market expectations and effective risk management.

------

**About State Street Global Advisors**

For over four decades, State Street Global Advisors has served the world's governments, institutions, and financial advisors. With a rigorous, risk-aware approach built on research, analysis, and market-tested experience, and as pioneers in index and ETF investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest. As a result, we have become the world's fourth-largest asset manager\* with US $4.72 trillion† under our care.

\*

Pensions & Investments Research Center, as of December 31, 2023.

†

This figure is presented as of December 31, 2024 and includes ETF AUM of $1,577.74 billion USD of which approximately $82.19 billion USD in gold assets with respect to SPDR products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Global Advisors are affiliated. Please note all AUM is unaudited.

ssga.com© 2025 State Street Corporation. <br>All Rights Reserved. <br>ID2658960 <br>Exp. Date: 03/31/2026

------

**APPENDIX C**

**[ISS Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines to be included in the subsequent amendment]**

------

**PART C** <br>**OTHER INFORMATION** 

**Item 28.**

**Exhibits** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (a)(i)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>First Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of streetTracks(SM) Series Trust (now, SPDR</u><sup>®</sup> <u>Series Trust) (the</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-aii.txt)<br> [<u>"Trust" or the "Registrant"), dated June 9, 1998, as amended September 6, 2000 (the "Declaration of Trust"), is</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-aii.txt)<br> [<u>incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-aii.txt)<br> [<u>Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 25,</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-aii.txt)<br> [<u>2000.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-aii.txt)<br>|
| (a)(i)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 1, dated August 1, 2007, to the Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013507004921/b66476a1exv99wxayxiiy.txt)<br> [<u>(a)(ii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013507004921/b66476a1exv99wxayxiiy.txt)<br> [<u>SEC on August 10, 2007.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013507004921/b66476a1exv99wxayxiiy.txt)<br>|
| (a)(i)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment No. 2, dated February 20, 2025, to the Declaration of the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99aiii.htm)<br> [<u>Exhibit (a)(iii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 321 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99aiii.htm)<br> [<u>filed with the SEC on April 24, 2025.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99aiii.htm)<br>|
| (b) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Registrant's Amended and Restated By-Laws, amended and restated as of February 20, 2025, are incorporated herein</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99b.htm)<br> [<u>by reference to Exhibit (b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 321 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99b.htm)<br> [<u>N-1A, as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2025.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99b.htm)<br>|
| (c) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Global Certificates of Beneficial Interest Evidencing Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value, are incorporated</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-c.txt)<br> [<u>herein by reference to Exhibit (c) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-c.txt)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 25, 2000.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-c.txt)<br>|
| (d)(i)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, dated September 1, 2003, between the Trust and SSGA</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013503005340/b48110stexv99wxdyxiy.txt)<br> [<u>Funds Management, Inc. ("SSGA FM") (the "Advisory Agreement") is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013503005340/b48110stexv99wxdyxiy.txt)<br> [<u>(d)(i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013503005340/b48110stexv99wxdyxiy.txt)<br> [<u>SEC on October 28, 2003.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013503005340/b48110stexv99wxdyxiy.txt)<br>|
| (d)(i)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended Exhibit A (Schedule of Series), dated August 15, 2024, to the Advisory Agreement is incorporated herein by</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99di2.htm)<br> [<u>reference to Exhibit (d)(i)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99di2.htm)<br> [<u>N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 4, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99di2.htm)<br>|
| (d)(i)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Amended Exhibit A (Schedule of Series) to the Advisory Agreement, reflecting the addition of the SPDR Portfolio <br> Ultra Short T-Bill ETF and the SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan Index ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (d)(ii)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Fee Waiver Letter Agreement, dated October 31, 2024, between the Trust and SSGA FM is incorporated herein by</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99dii1.htm)<br> [<u>reference to Exhibit (d)(ii)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99dii1.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on October 24, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99dii1.htm)<br>|
| (d)(ii)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Fee Waiver Letter Agreement, dated October 31, 2024, between the Trust and SSGA FM, with respect to the SPDR</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99dii2.htm)<br> [<u>MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(ii)(2) to</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99dii2.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99dii2.htm)<br> [<u>October 24, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99dii2.htm)<br>|
| (d)(ii)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Fee Waiver Letter Agreement, dated April 30, 2025, between the Trust and SSGA FM, with respect to the SPDR</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99dii3.htm)<br> [<u>Bloomberg Emerging Markets Local Bond ETF, SPDR Bloomberg International Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99dii3.htm)<br> [<u>Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF, SPDR Bloomberg Short Term International Treasury Bond ETF, and</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99dii3.htm)<br> [<u>SPDR FTSE International Government Inflation-Protected Bond ETF, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99dii3.htm)<br> [<u>(d)(ii)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 321 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99dii3.htm)<br> [<u>with the SEC on April 24, 2025.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99dii3.htm)<br>|
| (d)(iii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated November 20, 2014, between SSGA FM and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517270482/d436720dex99dvii.htm)<br> [<u>("Nuveen Asset Management") is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(vii) to Post-Effective Amendment</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517270482/d436720dex99dvii.htm)<br> [<u>No. 200 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on August 28, 2017.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517270482/d436720dex99dvii.htm)<br>|
| (e)(i)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement, dated May 1, 2017, between the Trust and State Street Global</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517270482/d436720dex99ei1.htm)<br> [<u>Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC ("SSGA FD") (the "Distribution Agreement") is incorporated herein by reference</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517270482/d436720dex99ei1.htm)<br> [<u>to Exhibit (e)(i)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 200 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517270482/d436720dex99ei1.htm)<br> [<u>filed with the SEC on August 28, 2017.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517270482/d436720dex99ei1.htm)<br>|
| (e)(i)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended Annex I (Schedule of Series), dated August 15, 2024, to the Distribution Agreement is incorporated herein</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99ei2.htm)<br> [<u>by reference to Exhibit (e)(i)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99ei2.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 4, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99ei2.htm)<br>|
| (e)(i)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Amended Annex I (Schedule of Series) to the Distribution Agreement, reflecting the addition of the SPDR Portfolio <br> Ultra Short T-Bill ETF and the SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan Index ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (f) | Not applicable. |
| (g)(i)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Custodian Agreement, dated September 22, 2000, between the Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-g.txt)<br> [<u>"Custodian Agreement") is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-g.txt)<br> [<u>Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 25, 2000.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-g.txt)<br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (g)(i)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment, dated October 14, 2005, to the Custodian Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013505006065/b57394ohexv99w23xgyxivy.txt)<br> [<u>(g)(iv) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013505006065/b57394ohexv99w23xgyxivy.txt)<br> [<u>the SEC on October 28, 2005.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013505006065/b57394ohexv99w23xgyxivy.txt)<br>|
| (g)(i)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Second Amendment, dated September 30, 2020, to the Custodian Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520279819/d75232dex99giii.htm)<br> [<u>Exhibit (g)(iii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 246 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520279819/d75232dex99giii.htm)<br> [<u>filed with the SEC on October 28, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520279819/d75232dex99giii.htm)<br>|
| (g)(i)(4) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended Schedule of Series, dated August 15, 2024, to the Custodian Agreement is incorporated herein by reference</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99giv.htm)<br> [<u>to Exhibit (g)(iv) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99giv.htm)<br> [<u>filed with the SEC on September 4, 2024</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99giv.htm).<br>|
| (g)(i)(5) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Amended Schedule of Series to the Custodian Agreement, reflecting the addition of the SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short <br> T-Bill ETF and the SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan Index ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (h)(i)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Administration Agreement, dated June 1, 2015, between the Trust and SSGA FM (the "Administration Agreement") is</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99hi1.htm)<br> [<u>incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(i)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 to the Registrant's</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99hi1.htm)<br> [<u>Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on October 28, 2015.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99hi1.htm)<br>|
| (h)(i)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series), dated August 15, 2024, to the Administration Agreement is incorporated</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hi2.htm)<br> [<u>herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(i)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registrant's Registration</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hi2.htm)<br> [<u>Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 4, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hi2.htm)<br>|
| (h)(i)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series) to the Administration Agreement, reflecting the addition of the SPDR <br> Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF and the SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan Index ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (h)(ii)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Master Sub-Administration Agreement, dated June 1, 2015, between SSGA FM and State Street Bank and Trust</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99hii1.htm)<br> [<u>Company (the "Sub-Administration Agreement") is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(ii)(1) to Post-</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99hii1.htm)<br> [<u>Effective Amendment No. 146 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99hii1.htm)<br> [<u>October 28, 2015.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99hii1.htm)<br>|
| (h)(ii)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment, dated June 29, 2018, to the Sub-Administration Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518310734/d631546dex99hii2.htm)<br> [<u>(h)(ii)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 211 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518310734/d631546dex99hii2.htm)<br> [<u>with the SEC on October 29, 2018.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518310734/d631546dex99hii2.htm)<br>|
| (h)(ii)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment, dated August 14, 2019, to the Sub-Administration Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hii3.htm)<br> [<u>Exhibit (h)(ii)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 306 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hii3.htm)<br> [<u>filed with the SEC on April 26, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hii3.htm)<br>|
| (h)(ii)(4) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series), dated August 15, 2024, to the Sub-Administration Agreement is</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hii4.htm)<br> [<u>incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(ii)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registrant's</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hii4.htm)<br> [<u>Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 4, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hii4.htm)<br>|
| (h)(ii)(5) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series) to the Sub-Administration Agreement, reflecting the addition of the SPDR <br> Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF and the SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan Index ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (h)(iii)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated September 22, 2000, between the Trust and State Street Bank and</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-hii.txt)<br> [<u>Trust Company (the "Transfer Agency and Service Agreement") is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(ii)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-hii.txt)<br> [<u>of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-hii.txt)<br> [<u>September 25, 2000.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-hii.txt)<br>|
| (h)(iii)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment, dated April 5, 2004, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement is incorporated herein by reference</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013505006065/b57394ohexv99w23xhyxiiiy.txt)<br> [<u>to Exhibit (h)(iii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013505006065/b57394ohexv99w23xhyxiiiy.txt)<br> [<u>filed with the SEC on October 28, 2005.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013505006065/b57394ohexv99w23xhyxiiiy.txt)<br>|
| (h)(iii)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment, dated October 31, 2006, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement is incorporated herein by</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii3.htm)<br> [<u>reference to Exhibit (h)(iii)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 223 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii3.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on March 18, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii3.htm)<br>|
| (h)(iii)(4) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment, dated May 23, 2012, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement is incorporated herein by reference</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii4.htm)<br> [<u>to Exhibit (h)(iii)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 223 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A,</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii4.htm)<br> [<u>as filed with the SEC on March 18, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii4.htm)<br>|
| (h)(iii)(5) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amendment, dated December 17, 2018, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement is incorporated herein by</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii5.htm)<br> [<u>reference to Exhibit (h)(iii)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 223 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii5.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on March 18, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520077028/d865588dex99hiii5.htm)<br>|
| (h)(iii)(6) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Amended Annex A (Schedule of Series), dated August 15, 2024, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement is</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hiii6.htm)<br> [<u>incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(iii)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registrant's</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hiii6.htm)<br> [<u>Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 4, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99hiii6.htm)<br>|
| (h)(iii)(7) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Amended Annex A (Schedule of Series) to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, reflecting the addition of the <br> SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF and the SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan Index ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (h)(iv) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Form of Participant Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(iv) to Post-Effective Amendment No.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095012309038209/b77021a1exv99w23xhyxivy.txt)<br> [<u>43 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on August 26, 2009.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095012309038209/b77021a1exv99w23xhyxivy.txt)<br>|
| (h)(v) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Form of Investor Services Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(iv) of Pre-Effective</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-hiv.txt)<br> [<u>Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 25,</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-hiv.txt)<br> [<u>2000.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-hiv.txt)<br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (h)(vi)(1) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Master Amended and Restated Securities Lending Authorization Agreement, dated January 6, 2017, between the Trust</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518261786/d601697dex99hviii1.htm)<br> [<u>and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Securities Lending Authorization Agreement") is incorporated herein</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518261786/d601697dex99hviii1.htm)<br> [<u>by reference to Exhibit (h)(viii)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 209 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518261786/d601697dex99hviii1.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on August 29, 2018.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518261786/d601697dex99hviii1.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(2) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Redemption and Purchase Request and First Amendment, dated April 12, 2019, to the Securities Lending</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312519233764/d768123dex99hviii2.htm)<br> [<u>Authorization Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(viii)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312519233764/d768123dex99hviii2.htm)<br> [<u>214 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on August 29, 2019.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312519233764/d768123dex99hviii2.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(3) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Second Amendment, dated September 6, 2019, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000139834420008419/fp0052825_ex9928hvi3.htm)<br> [<u>herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 225 to the Registrant's Registration</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000139834420008419/fp0052825_ex9928hvi3.htm)<br> [<u>Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000139834420008419/fp0052825_ex9928hvi3.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(4) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Third Amendment, dated October 31, 2019, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated herein</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi4.htm)<br> [<u>by reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 306 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi4.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on April 26, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi4.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(5) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Fourth Amendment, dated November 15, 2021, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi5.htm)<br> [<u>herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 306 to the Registrant's Registration</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi5.htm)<br> [<u>Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on April 26, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi5.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(6) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Fifth Amendment, dated February 24, 2022, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated herein</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi6.htm)<br> [<u>by reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 306 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi6.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on April 26, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523118670/d477844dex99hvi6.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(7) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Sixth Amendment, dated September 6, 2023, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523264158/d378461dex99hvi7.htm)<br> [<u>herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 311 to the Registrant's Registration</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523264158/d378461dex99hvi7.htm)<br> [<u>Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on October 26, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523264158/d378461dex99hvi7.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(8) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Seventh Amendment, dated March 28, 2024, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524141903/d823853dex99hvi8.htm)<br> [<u>herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 315 to the Registrant's Registration</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524141903/d823853dex99hvi8.htm)<br> [<u>Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on May 20, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524141903/d823853dex99hvi8.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(9) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Eighth Amendment, dated July 3, 2024, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated herein by</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99hvi9.htm)<br> [<u>reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99hvi9.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on October 24, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99hvi9.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vi)(10) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Ninth Amendment, dated January 3, 2025, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement is incorporated herein</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525035396/d894866dex99hvi10.htm)<br> [<u>by reference to Exhibit (h)(vi)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 320 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525035396/d894866dex99hvi10.htm)<br> [<u>Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525035396/d894866dex99hvi10.htm)<br>|
| (h)(vii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Form of Fund of Funds Investment Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(vii) to Post-Effective</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522028290/d298640dex99hvii.htm)<br> [<u>Amendment No. 282 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on February 4,</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522028290/d298640dex99hvii.htm)<br> [<u>2022.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522028290/d298640dex99hvii.htm)<br>|
| (i)(i) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>October 28, 2015.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515356460/d26524dex99i.htm)<br>|
| (i)(ii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515385427/d51058dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 152 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515385427/d51058dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>November 23, 2015.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515385427/d51058dex99i.htm)<br>|
| (i)(iii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515387394/d47473dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 153 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515387394/d47473dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>November 25, 2015.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312515387394/d47473dex99i.htm)<br>|
| (i)(iv) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516428032/d121396dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 164 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516428032/d121396dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>January 12, 2016.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516428032/d121396dex99i.htm)<br>|
| (i)(v) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516492935/d153869dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516492935/d153869dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>March 4, 2016.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516492935/d153869dex99i.htm)<br>|
| (i)(vi) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516608807/d197396dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 183 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516608807/d197396dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>June 1, 2016.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516608807/d197396dex99i.htm)<br>|
| (i)(vii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516631639/d214616dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516631639/d214616dex99i.htm)<br> [<u>June 24, 2016.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312516631639/d214616dex99i.htm)<br>|
| (i)(viii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i) to</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517376660/d506883dex99iviii.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517376660/d506883dex99iviii.htm)<br> [<u>December 21, 2017.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312517376660/d506883dex99iviii.htm)<br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (i)(ix) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(ix)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518303112/d639330dex99iix.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 210 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518303112/d639330dex99iix.htm)<br> [<u>on October 19, 2018.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312518303112/d639330dex99iix.htm)<br>|
| (i)(x) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xii)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520198505/d114392dex99ixii.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520198505/d114392dex99ixii.htm)<br> [<u>on July 24, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520198505/d114392dex99ixii.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xi) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xi)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520251286/d78482dex99ixi.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 243 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520251286/d78482dex99ixi.htm)<br> [<u>on September 22, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520251286/d78482dex99ixi.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xii)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520287756/d64974dex99ixii.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 248 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520287756/d64974dex99ixii.htm)<br> [<u>on November 6, 2020.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312520287756/d64974dex99ixii.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xiii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xiii)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312521106343/d166681dex99ixiii.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312521106343/d166681dex99ixiii.htm)<br> [<u>on April 5, 2021.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312521106343/d166681dex99ixiii.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xiv) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xiv)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522005328/d260294dex99ixiv.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 280 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522005328/d260294dex99ixiv.htm)<br> [<u>on January 10, 2022.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522005328/d260294dex99ixiv.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xv) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xv)</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522111113/d296755dex99ixv.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522111113/d296755dex99ixv.htm)<br> [<u>on April 20, 2022.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522111113/d296755dex99ixv.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xvi) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xvi)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522146527/d335410dex99ixvi.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522146527/d335410dex99ixvi.htm)<br> [<u>on May 11, 2022.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522146527/d335410dex99ixvi.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xvii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523231685/d549197dex99ixvii.htm)<br> [<u>(i)(xvii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 310 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523231685/d549197dex99ixvii.htm)<br> [<u>the SEC on September 11, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523231685/d549197dex99ixvii.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xviii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524141903/d823853dex99ixviii.htm)<br> [<u>(i)(xviii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 315 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524141903/d823853dex99ixviii.htm)<br> [<u>the SEC on May 20, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524141903/d823853dex99ixviii.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xiv) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (i)(xiv)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99ixiv.htm)<br> [<u>to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99ixiv.htm)<br> [<u>on September 4, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524212277/d847212dex99ixiv.htm)<br>|
| (i)(xv) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, with respect to the SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill <br> ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (i)(xvi) | &nbsp;&nbsp; Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, with respect to the SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan <br> Index ETF, to be filed by amendment.<br>|
| (j) | Consent of independent registered public accounting firm to be filed by amendment. |
| (k) | Not applicable. |
| (l) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Subscription Agreement, dated September 22, 2000, between the Trust and State Street Capital Markets, LLC is</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-l.txt)<br> [<u>incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (l) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-l.txt)<br> [<u>Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on September 25, 2000.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000095013500004418/b36800btex99-l.txt)<br>|
| (m) | Not applicable. |
| (n) | Not applicable. |
| (p)(i) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Registrant's Revised Code of Ethics, as adopted November 15, 2004 and last revised September 23, 2020, is</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99pi.htm)<br> [<u>incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 321 to the Registrant's</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99pi.htm)<br> [<u>Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2025.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99pi.htm)<br>|
| (p)(ii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Code of Ethics of SSGA FM, effective March 31, 2025 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(ii) to Post-</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99pii.htm)<br> [<u>Effective Amendment No. 321 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99pii.htm)<br> [<u>April 24, 2025.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525093669/d940940dex99pii.htm)<br>|
| (p)(iii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Code of Ethics of Nuveen Asset Management, dated July 10, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99piii.htm)<br> [<u>(p)(iii) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99piii.htm)<br> [<u>the SEC on October 24, 2024.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312524242957/d823190dex99piii.htm)<br>|
| (p)(iv) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Code of Ethics for the Independent Trustees is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(iv) to Post-Effective</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522111113/d296755dex99piv.htm)<br> [<u>Amendment No. 288 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on April 20,</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522111113/d296755dex99piv.htm)<br> [<u>2022.</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312522111113/d296755dex99piv.htm)<br>|
| (q)(i) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Power of Attorney for Mses. Chauhan, Clancy, Richer, Rowsell, Sponem and Carpenter and Messrs. Churchill, Ross,</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523163513/d501212dex99q.htm)<br> [<u>Verboncoeur and Rosenberg, dated May 18, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q) to Post-Effective</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523163513/d501212dex99q.htm)<br> [<u>Amendment No. 307 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on June 8, 2023.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312523163513/d501212dex99q.htm)<br>|

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| (q)(ii) | &nbsp;&nbsp; [<u>Power of Attorney, dated November 8, 2024, for Ms. LaPorta is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q)(ii) to</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525035396/d894866dex99qii.htm)<br> [<u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 320 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as filed with the SEC on</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525035396/d894866dex99qii.htm)<br> [<u>February 26, 2025.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1064642/000119312525035396/d894866dex99qii.htm)<br>|

---

**Item 29.**

**Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant** 

The Board of Trustees of the Trust is the same as the Boards of Trustees of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Active Trust. In addition, the officers of the Trust are substantially identical to the officers of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Active Trust. Additionally, the Trust's investment adviser, SSGA FM, also serves as investment adviser to each series of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SSGA Active Trust. Nonetheless, the Trust takes the position that it is not under common control with other trusts because the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as the result of an official position with the respective trusts.

Additionally, see the "Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities" section of the Statement of Additional Information for a list of shareholders who own more than 5% of a specific fund's outstanding shares and such information is incorporated by reference to this Item.

**Item 30.**

**Indemnification** 

Pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and under Section 4.9 of the Registrant's By-Laws, the Trust will indemnify any person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him/her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he/she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his/her being or having been a Trustee, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him/her in the settlement thereof, if he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful. In addition, indemnification is permitted only if it is determined that the actions in question did not render him/her liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of his/her duties or by reason of reckless disregard of his/her obligations and duties to the Registrant. The Registrant may also advance money for litigation expenses provided that Trustees, officers, employees and/or agents give their undertakings to repay the Registrant unless their conduct is later determined to permit indemnification.

Pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant shall be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to the Registrant. Pursuant to paragraph 9 of the Registrant's Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser shall not be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to the Registrant.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions of Rule 484 under the Act, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provision of its By-Laws in a manner consistent with Release 11330 of the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), so long as the interpretation of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) thereunder remains in effect.

The Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or who is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against him/her and incurred by him/her or arising out of his/her position. However, in no event will the Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which the Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him/her.

**Item 31.**

**Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser** 

Any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or principal officer of each investment adviser is or has been, at any time during the last two fiscal years (June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025), engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee are as follows:

------

**SSGA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC.:**

SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser for each series of the Trust. SSGA FM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. SSGA FM and other advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Global Advisors ("SSGA"), the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. The principal address of SSGA FM is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. SSGA FM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of SSGA FM and their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Principal Occupation** |
| Jeanne LaPorta | Chairperson, Director and President; Executive Vice President of SSGA |
| Sean Driscoll | Director of SSGA FM; Managing Director of SSGA |
| Apea Amoa | Director of SSGA FM; Chief Financial Officer of SSGA |
| Brian Harris | Chief Compliance Officer of SSGA FM; Managing Director of SSGA |
| Steven Hamm | Treasurer of SSGA FM; Vice President of SSGA |
| Sean O'Malley, Esq. | Chief Legal Officer of SSGA FM; General Counsel of SSGA |
| Ann M. Carpenter | Chief Operating Officer of SSGA FM; Managing Director of SSGA |
| Tim Corbett | Chief Risk Officer of SSGA FM; Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director of SSGA |
| Christyann Weltens | Derivates Risk Manager; Vice President of SSGA |
| David Ireland | CTA Chief Marketing Officer; Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director of SSGA |
| David Urman, Esq. | Clerk of SSGA FM; Vice President and Senior Counsel of SSGA |

---

**NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC:** 

Nuveen Asset Management serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Registrant's SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF, SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF and SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF. The principal business address of Nuveen Asset Management is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Nuveen Asset Management is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of Nuveen Asset Management and their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Position with and Name of Other Company** |
| William T. Huffman | President |
| Stuart J. Cohen | Managing Director and Head of Legal |
| Travis M. Pauley | Chief Compliance Officer |
| Jon Stevens | Senior Managing Director |
| Megan Sendlak | Controller |
| Saira Malik | Executive Vice President |

---

**Item 32.**

**Principal Underwriters** 

(a) SSGA FD, One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, serves as the Trust's principal underwriter and also serves as the principal underwriter for the following investment companies: SPDR Index Shares Funds, SSGA Active Trust, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, SSGA Funds, State Street Institutional Funds, State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc., Elfun Diversified Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Elfun Income Fund, Elfun International Equity Fund, Elfun Government Money Market Fund and Elfun Trusts.

(b) To the best of the Trust's knowledge, the managers and executive officers of SSGA FD are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Principal** <br> **Business Address\***<br>| **Positions and Offices with Underwriter** | **Positions and Offices** <br> **with the Trust**<br>|
| Jeanne LaPorta | Chairperson and Manager | Interested Trustee |
| Allison Bonds Mazza | President and Manager  | None |
| Editha V. Tenorio | Chief Financial Officer | None |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Principal** <br> **Business Address\***<br>| **Positions and Offices with Underwriter** | **Positions and Offices** <br> **with the Trust**<br>|
| Sean O'Malley | Chief Legal Officer | None |
| Mark Trabucco | Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer | None |
| Jessica Cross | Secretary | None |
| Sean Driscoll | Manager | None |
| David Maxham | Manager | None |
| Christine Stokes | Manager | None |
| John Tucker | Manager | None |

---

\*

The principal business address for each of the above managers and executive officers is One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

(c) Not applicable.

**Item 33.**

**Location of Accounts and Records** 

All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of SSGA FM and/or State Street Bank and Trust Company, with offices located at One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 and One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, respectively.

**Item 34.**

**Management Services** 

Not applicable.

**Item 35.**

**Undertakings** 

Not applicable.

------

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, SPDR<sup>®</sup> Series Trust has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 22nd day of August, 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| SPDR SERIES TRUST | SPDR SERIES TRUST |
| By: | /s/ Ann M. Carpenter |
|  | Ann M. Carpenter |
|  | President |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| /s/ Carolyn M. Clancy\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| Carolyn M. Clancy |  |  |
| /s/ Dwight D. Churchill\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| Dwight D. Churchill |  |  |
| /s/ Clare S. Richer\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| Clare S. Richer |  |  |
| /s/ Kristi L. Rowsell\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| Kristi L. Rowsell |  |  |
| /s/ Sandra G. Sponem\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| Sandra G. Sponem |  |  |
| /s/ Carl G. Verboncoeur\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| Carl G. Verboncoeur |  |  |
| /s/ Jeanne LaPorta\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| Jeanne LaPorta |  |  |
| /s/ James E. Ross\* | Trustee | August 22, 2025 |
| James E. Ross |  |  |
| /s/ Ann M. Carpenter | President and Principal Executive Officer | August 22, 2025 |
| Ann M. Carpenter |  |  |
| /s/ Bruce S. Rosenberg | &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer<br> (Principal Accounting Officer) | August 22, 2025 |
| Bruce S. Rosenberg | &nbsp;&nbsp; Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer<br> (Principal Accounting Officer) |  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| \*By: | /s/ Edmund Gerard Maiorana, Jr. |
|  | Edmund Gerard Maiorana, Jr.<br> As Attorney-in-Fact<br> Pursuant to Power of Attorney<br>|

---

------

## Cover

![LOGO](g846768g0818223839058.jpg)

**Beau Yanoshik** 

Partner

+1.202.373.6133

beau.yanoshik@morganlewis.com

**VIA EDGAR** 

August 22, 2025

Filing Room

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC 20549

Re: SPDR<sup>®</sup> Series Trust (File Nos. 333-57793 and 811-08839)

Filing Pursuant to Rule 485(a)<u> </u>

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of our client, SPDR<sup>®</sup> Series Trust (the "Trust"), we are filing, pursuant to Rule 485(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, Post-Effective Amendment No. 324 to the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Amendment No. 326 to the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Investment Company Act of 1940) (the "Amendment"). The purpose of the Amendment is reflect revised principal investment strategies and related changes for the Trust's SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets USD Bond ETF, SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Short Term Municipal Bond ETF), SPDR Nuveen ICE Municipal Bond ETF (formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg Municipal Bond ETF), SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (formerly, SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg High Yield Municipal Bond ETF), and SPDR MSCI USA Climate Paris Aligned ETF.

Please contact me at (202) 373-6133 with your questions or comments.

Sincerely,

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ Beau Yanoshik |
| Beau Yanoshik |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP** | **Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP** |
| 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004 | ![LOGO](g846768g79d52.jpg) +1.202.739.3000 |
| United States | ![LOGO](g846768g23y53.jpg) +1.202.739.3001 |

---