# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000088525
**File Stem:** 0001193125-26-265633
**Filing Date:** 2026-6
**Character Count:** 952041
**Document Hash:** 164d965d833502205a96b39d2e6e341d
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-26-265633.hdr.sgml**: 20260610

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-26-265633

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 30

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260610

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260610

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260610

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000088525

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0930

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-01136
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261079310

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 702 KING FARM BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 200
- **CITY:** ROCKVILLE
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20850
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 301-296-5100

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 702 KING FARM BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 200
- **CITY:** ROCKVILLE
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20850

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** SECURITY EQUITY FUND
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000088525

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0930

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 002-19458
- **FILM NUMBER:** 261079309

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 702 KING FARM BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 200
- **CITY:** ROCKVILLE
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20850
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 301-296-5100

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 702 KING FARM BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 200
- **CITY:** ROCKVILLE
- **STATE:** MD
- **ZIP:** 20850

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** SECURITY EQUITY FUND
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (Series ID: S000102311)

| Class ID   | Class Name                            | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000272780 | Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF | GEEQ            |

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? Guggenheim Funds Trust

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 10, 2026

**Registration No. 811-01136**

**Registration No. 002-19458**

------

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549** 

------

**Form N-1A** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☒ |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. <u>322</u> | ☒ |
| and/or |  |
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ |
| Amendment No. <u>322</u> | ☒ |

---

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

**GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST**

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

**702 KING FARM BOULEVARD, SUITE 200, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850**

**(Address of Principal Executive Offices/Zip Code)**

**Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code:**

**(301) 296-5100** 

Amy J. Lee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer 702 King Farm Boulevard Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20850 J. Stephen Feinour, Jr., Esq. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600 Philadelphia, PA 19103

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

Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of the registration statement

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

☐ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

☒ On June 10, 2026 pursuant to paragraph (b)

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

☐ on _____________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

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

☐ on _____________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

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

Titles of Securities Being Registered:

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF

------

![](g139913imgcaa0dedb1.jpg)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Exchange-Traded Funds | \| | Equity | \| | **6.10.2026** |

---

**Guggenheim ETFs Prospectus**

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Ticker Symbol** | **Fund Name** | **Listing Exchange** |
| **GEEQ** | Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF | 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.

EQ-ETF-PRO-0626x1026 guggenheiminvestments.com

------

**Table of Contents**

------

**[FUND SUMMARY](#xx_41be428f-b22a-40dc-9343-ed9925725159_1)** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF](#xx_a2a6a5bf-b58e-41f3-8f96-96d13b96d365_1) | 2 |
| [Additional Information Regarding Investment Objective and Strategies](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_1) | 10 |
| [Descriptions of Principal Risks](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_2) | 11 |
| [Portfolio Holdings](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_15) | 24 |
| [Investment Management](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_15) | 24 |
| [Management Fees](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_15) | 24 |
| [Portfolio Managers](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_16) | 25 |
| [Conflicts of Interest](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_16) | 25 |
| [Sub-Advisers](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_17) | 26 |
| [Buying and Selling Fund Shares](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_17) | 26 |
| [Continuous Offering](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_18) | 27 |
| [Book Entry](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_18) | 27 |
| [Premiums and Discounts](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_18) | 27 |
| [Investments by Other Investment Companies](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_19) | 28 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_19) | 28 |
| [Distributions](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_19) | 28 |
| [Distribution Schedule](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_19) | 28 |
| [How Distributions Affect the Fund's NAV](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_19) | 28 |
| [Taxes](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_19) | 28 |
| [Taxes on Distributions](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_20) | 29 |
| [Taxes on Sales](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_20) | 29 |
| [Taxation of the Fund](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_20) | 29 |
| [Determination of Net Asset Value](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_21) | 30 |
| [Distribution](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_23) | 32 |
| [Distribution of the Fund](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_23) | 32 |
| [Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_23) | 32 |
| [Fund Service Providers](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_23) | 32 |
| [Payments to Financial Intermediaries by the Investment Manager or its Affiliates](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_23) | 32 |
| [Frequent Trading](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_24) | 33 |
| [Fund Website and Availability of Portfolio Holdings Information](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_25) | 34 |
| [General Information](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_25) | 34 |
| [Other Information](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_25) | 34 |
| [Householding](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_25) | 34 |
| [Financial Highlights](#xx_02417d71-ed24-4b78-9689-d128e567cd39_25) | 34 |
| [For More Information](#xx_fac7d6c5-81ec-4a53-805d-8834f3350092_1) | 35 |
| [Annual/Semi-Annual Report and Form N-CSR](#xx_fac7d6c5-81ec-4a53-805d-8834f3350092_1) | 35 |
| [Statement of Additional Information](#xx_fac7d6c5-81ec-4a53-805d-8834f3350092_1) | 35 |

---

------

**Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF**

------

**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE**

The Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (the "Fund") seeks to provide current income while maintaining prospects for capital appreciation.

**FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND**

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **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 | 0.35<br> %<br>|
| Other Expenses<sup>1</sup> | 0.00<br> %<br>|
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.35<br> %<br>|

---

<sup>1</sup>

Other expenses are estimated for the current fiscal year.

**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. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although the actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **1 Year** | **3 Years** |
| $36 | $113 |

---

**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. No portfolio turnover rate is provided for the Fund because the Fund has not yet commenced operations.

**PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will pursue an enhanced equity income strategy by utilizing a systematic, quantitative factor selection model to (1) create a portfolio of equity securities and (2) "enhance" income through the employment of an options overlay by writing (selling) call options which provide exposure to indices of U.S. large capitalization companies, such as the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index. In the equity portion of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund invests primarily in common stocks of U.S. large capitalization companies. Equity securities in which the Fund invests may also include real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). The Fund may focus its investments on high dividend yielding stocks and high free cash flow yielding stocks. The Fund may obtain exposure to U.S. large capitalization stocks (including dividend paying stocks) by investing in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") that seek to track U.S. large capitalization stock indices (including dividend stock indices).

In the options overlay portion of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund may write (sell) call options based upon equity indices or on ETFs which track an equity index. Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, also known as Guggenheim Investments (the "Investment Manager"), expects that, under normal circumstances, it will seek to sell call options with a reference index/asset value (i.e., the cumulative investment exposure of the options) less than, or equal to, 100% of the value of the Fund's equity holdings. As the seller of the call options, the Fund will receive cash (the "premium") from the purchaser. The premium, the exercise price and the market price of the reference index/asset determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as the seller of the call option. The call options the Fund sells may be uncovered, meaning the Fund does not directly own the securities underlying the reference index/asset upon which the call options are based. The options utilized by the Fund may include FLexible EXchange Options ("FLEX

2 \| PROSPECTUS

------

Options") as well as more traditional exchange-traded and over-the-counter ("OTC") options. FLEX Options are customized options contracts that trade on an exchange, but provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates.

The Fund may also invest in equity-linked notes ("ELNs") as part of its options overlay strategy. ELNs are structured as notes that are issued by counterparties, including banks, broker-dealers or their affiliates, and that are designed to offer a return linked to the underlying instruments within the ELN. ELNs in which the Fund invests are derivative instruments that are specially designed to combine the economic characteristics of equity index exposure and written call options in a single note form and are not traded on an exchange. The options underlying the ELNs will be based on indices or on ETFs which track an equity index. The ELNs utilized by the Fund are structured to use a covered call strategy and have short call positions embedded within them. When the Fund purchases the ELN from the issuing counterparty, the Fund is entitled to the premium generated by the short call position within the ELN. The ELNs are reset periodically to seek to better capitalize on current market conditions and opportunities.

When the Fund sells call options (including within an ELN), it receives a premium but limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying reference index/asset to the exercise price (plus the premium received). The maximum potential gain on an underlying instrument will be equal to the difference between the exercise price and the purchase price of the underlying reference index/asset at the time the option is written, plus the premium received.

The Fund is managed in a way that seeks, under normal circumstances, to provide monthly distributions at a relatively stable level.

The Fund intends to pursue its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstance, at least 80% of its assets (net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities and in derivatives and other instruments that have economic characteristics and provide investment exposure similar to equity securities. Equity securities include common stock, securities of REITs, and warrants and rights. The Fund may also invest in a variety of investment vehicles, such as closed-end funds, ETFs and mutual funds. The Fund may hold non-registered or restricted securities. The Fund may engage in other derivative transactions, including options (including, in addition to writing call options as described above, writing (selling) put options), futures contracts and swap agreements (including equity total return swaps), for various purposes, including enhancing Fund returns, increasing liquidity, gaining long or short exposure to particular instruments in more efficient or less expensive ways and/or hedging risks relating to its other portfolio investments or changes in certain equity markets.

The Investment Manager seeks to provide regular distributions and equity market exposure with lower volatility than the Fund's benchmark, the S&P 500® Index, by employing a systematic, quantitative portfolio construction process with qualitative oversight and flexibility in option selection and underlying allocations. The Investment Manager utilizes a proprietary security selection factor model, including, but not limited to, factors such as optimizing for dividend yield and free cash flow yield, along with a dynamic risk management system that considers market risk factors generally and risks specific to the securities in which the Fund invests (including the basis risk between the equity and options overlay portions of the Fund's portfolio). The Investment Manager seeks to enhance equity allocation performance by dynamically targeting the most attractive volatility risk premiums, adjusting option strikes and exposures based on prevailing market conditions. Equity securities in the equity portion of the Fund's portfolio may be required to be sold to raise cash in order to satisfy option obligations. The Fund's investment strategies may involve active and frequent trading resulting in high portfolio turnover.

During periods in which the U.S. equity markets are flat, declining or modestly rising it is expected that the Fund's portfolio may outperform a similar portfolio that did not engage in a call selling strategy because of the premiums received from writing call options. However, in rising markets (where the aggregate appreciation of the reference index/asset over the option exercise price exceeds the income from premiums) it is expected the Fund's portfolio could significantly underperform a similar portfolio that did not engage in a call selling strategy.

The Fund is a "non-diversified" fund, which means it may invest a greater proportion of its assets in the securities of one or more issuers and invests overall in a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund.

**PRINCIPAL RISKS**

The value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate and is subject to investment risks, which means investors could lose money, including all or part of their investment in the Fund. **An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any governmental agency.** There is no assurance that the

PROSPECTUS \| 3

------

Fund will achieve its investment objective. An investment in the Fund does not constitute a complete investment program. The Fund is subject to certain risks and the principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below in alphabetical order, and not in the order of importance or potential exposure. The relative significance of each principal risk summarized below may change over time and you should review each risk carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. Please see "Descriptions of Principal Risks" in the Fund's prospectus for a more detailed description of the risks of investing in the Fund.

**Authorized Participant Risk**—The Fund may have a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants ("APs"). Only APs who have entered into agreements with the Fund's distributor may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. These APs have no obligation to submit creation or redemption orders and, as a result, there is no assurance that an active trading market for the Fund's shares will be established or maintained. This risk may be heightened to the extent that the securities underlying the Fund are traded outside of a collateralized settlement system. In that case, APs may be required to post collateral on certain trades on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants), which only a limited number of APs may be willing or able to do. In addition, to the extent that APs exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, this may result in a significantly diminished trading market for the Fund's shares, and shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's NAV and to face trading halts and/or delisting.

**Cash Transaction Risk**—To the extent the Fund effects Creation Unit transactions for cash, rather than in-kind securities, cash purchases may cause the Fund to incur portfolio transaction fees or charges or delays in investing the cash that it would otherwise not incur if a purchase was made on an in-kind basis. Because the Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds and thereby may recognize a capital gain on such sales, Creation Unit redemption on a cash basis may be less tax-efficient for the Fund compared to an in-kind redemption. In addition, Creation Unit redemptions for cash may cause the Fund to incur portfolio transaction fees or charges it would not otherwise incur with an in-kind redemption, to the extent such fees or charges are not offset by the redemption transaction fee paid by APs. In addition, the Fund's use of cash transactions may result in wider bid-ask spreads in Fund shares trading in the secondary market as compared to ETFs that transact exclusively on an in-kind basis.

**Derivatives Risk**—Derivatives and other similar instruments (collectively referred to in this paragraph as "derivatives") pose risks in addition to and greater than those associated with investing directly in securities, currencies or other investments, including risks relating to leverage, market conditions and market risk, imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the Fund's other portfolio holdings, high price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty credit, illiquidity, valuation, operational and legal restrictions and risk. Their use is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in leverage, which may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if it had not been leveraged. Changes in the value of a derivative may also create sudden margin delivery or settlement payment obligations for the Fund, which can materially affect the performance of the Fund and its liquidity and other risk profiles. If the Investment Manager is incorrect about its expectations of market conditions, the use of derivatives could also result in a loss, which in some cases may be unlimited. In addition, the Fund's use of derivatives may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short term capital gains (generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates) than if the Fund had not used such instruments. Some of the derivatives in which the Fund invests may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the OTC market. OTC derivatives are subject to heightened counterparty credit, legal, liquidity and valuation risks. Certain risks also are specific to the derivatives in which the Fund invests.

**Futures Contracts Risk**—Futures contracts are exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset at a certain price and date, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. Risks of futures contracts may be caused by an imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the instruments and the price of the underlying assets. In addition, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market. Exchanges can limit the number of positions that can be held or controlled by the Fund or the Investment Manager, thus limiting the ability to implement the Fund's strategies. Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund's NAV. Futures are also subject to leverage and liquidity risks.

**Options Risk**— Options give the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium paid, the right, but not the obligation, to buy an underlying reference instrument (such as a specified security or index) from the writer of the option (in the case of a call option), or to sell a specified reference instrument to the writer of the option (in the case of a put option), at a designated price. Writing (selling) call options (including selling call options within

4 \| PROSPECTUS

------

an ELN) limits the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of stocks in exchange for up-front cash (the premium) at the time of selling the call option. In a sharp rising market, the Fund could significantly underperform the market. Furthermore, premium received from the Fund's call option writing strategies may not fully protect it against market declines because the Fund will continue to bear the risk of a decline in the value of its portfolio securities. In a sharply-falling equity market, the Fund will likely also experience sharp declines in its NAV. In addition, the performance of the equity portion of the Fund's portfolio may not move in the same direction or have a similar magnitude of movement as the reference index/asset of the options being sold, and the equity portion may depreciate while the reference index/asset simultaneously appreciates, resulting in losses in both the equity portion and the options overlay portion of the Fund's portfolio.

As a seller (writer) of a put option, the Fund will tend to lose money if the value of the reference index/asset falls below the strike price.

Options are subject to correlation risk because there may be an imperfect correlation between the options and the markets for underlying instruments that could cause a given transaction to fail to achieve its objectives. The successful use of options depends on the Investment Manager's ability to predict correctly future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the markets for options and the underlying instruments. Exchanges can limit the number of positions that can be held or controlled by the Fund or the Investment Manager, thus limiting the ability to implement the Fund's strategies. Exchanges may suspend the trading of options in volatile markets. If trading is suspended, the Fund may be unable to trade options at times that may be desirable or advantageous to the Fund to do so. Options are also particularly subject to leverage risk and can be subject to liquidity risk.

**Swap Agreements Risk**—Swap agreements are contracts among the Fund and a counterparty to exchange the return of the pre-determined underlying investment (such as the rate of return of the underlying index). Swap agreements may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC between two parties or, for certain standardized swaps, must be traded on a designated contract market or swap execution facility. Risks associated with the use of swap agreements are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions, due in part to the fact they could be considered illiquid and many swaps trade on the OTC market. Swaps are particularly subject to counterparty credit, correlation, valuation, liquidity and leveraging risks. While exchange trading and central clearing are intended to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity, they do not make swap transactions risk-free. Additionally, applicable regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on OTC swaps, which may result in the Fund and its counterparties posting higher margin amounts for OTC swaps, which could increase the cost of swap transactions to the Fund and impose added operational complexity.

**Equity-Linked Notes Risk**—When the Fund invests in ELNs, it receives cash but limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the instrument because of the limits relating to the call options written within the particular ELN. Investing in ELNs may be more costly to the Fund than if the Fund had invested in the underlying instruments directly. Investments in ELNs often have risks similar to the underlying instruments, which include market risk. In addition, since ELNs are in note form, ELNs are subject to certain debt securities risks, such as credit or counterparty risk. Should the prices of the underlying instruments move in an unexpected manner, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of an investment in an ELN, and may realize losses, which could be significant and could include the Fund's entire principal investment. Investments in ELNs are also subject to liquidity risk, which may make ELNs difficult to sell and value. A lack of liquidity may also cause the value of the ELN to decline. In addition, ELNs may exhibit price behavior that does not correlate with the underlying securities. The Fund's ELN investments are subject to the risk that issuers and/or counterparties will fail to make payments when due or default completely. Prices of the Fund's ELN investments may be adversely affected if any of the issuers or counterparties it is invested in are subject to an actual or perceived deterioration in their credit quality.

**Equity Market Risk**—The price of equity securities may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, sectors or industries selected for the Fund's portfolio or the securities market as a whole, such as changes in economic or political conditions. When the value of the Fund's portfolio securities goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value.

PROSPECTUS \| 5

------

**Exchange Listing and Trading Risk**—Although Fund shares are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "Exchange"), there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained. The lack of an active market for Fund shares, as well as periods of high volatility, disruptions in the creation/redemption process, or factors affecting the liquidity of the underlying securities held by the Fund, may result in the Fund's shares trading at a premium or discount to its NAV.

Trading in Fund shares 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 is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the Fund's listing will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.

**Fluctuation of NAV and Market Price Risk**—The NAV of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund's securities holdings. The market prices of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's NAV and supply and demand of shares on the Exchange. Volatile market conditions, an absence of trading in shares of the Fund, or a high volume of trading in the Fund, may result in trading prices in the Fund's shares that differ significantly from the Fund's NAV. Additionally, during a "flash crash," the market prices of the Fund's shares may decline suddenly and significantly, resulting in Fund shares trading at a substantial discount to NAV. Such a decline may not reflect the performance of the portfolio securities held by the Fund. Flash crashes may cause APs and other market makers to limit or cease trading in the Fund's shares for temporary or longer periods, which may result in an increase in the variance between market prices of the Fund's shares and the Fund's NAV. Shareholders could suffer significant losses to the extent that they sell shares at these temporarily low market prices.

It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above the Fund's NAV. Further, the securities held by the Fund may be traded in markets that close at a different time than the Exchange. Liquidity in those securities may be reduced after the applicable closing times. Accordingly, during the time when the Exchange is open but after the applicable market closing or fixing settlement times, bid-ask spreads and the resulting premium or discount to the Fund shares' NAV is likely to widen. Similarly, the Exchange may be closed at times or days when markets for securities held by the Fund are open, which may increase bid-ask spreads and the resulting premium or discount to the Fund shares' NAV when the Exchange re-opens. The Fund's bid-ask spread and the resulting premium or discount to the Fund's NAV may also be impacted by the liquidity of the underlying securities held by the Fund, particularly in instances of significant volatility of the underlying securities.

**Industry and Sector Focus Risk**—At times, the Fund may increase the relative emphasis of its investments in a particular industry or sector. The prices of securities of issuers in a particular industry or sector may be more susceptible to fluctuations due to changes in economic or business conditions, government regulations, availability of basic resources or supplies, contagion risk within a particular industry or sector or to other industries or sectors, or other events that affect that industry or sector more than securities of issuers in other industries and sectors. To the extent that the Fund increases the relative emphasis of its investments in a particular industry or sector, the value of the Fund's shares may fluctuate in response to events affecting that industry or sector.

**Investment in Investment Vehicles Risk**—The Fund may seek to obtain certain exposure through investments in other investment vehicles. Investing in other investment vehicles, including ETFs, closed-end funds, short-term funds advised by the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates and mutual funds, subjects the Fund to those risks affecting the investment vehicle, including the possibility that the value of the underlying securities held by the investment vehicle could decrease or the portfolio becomes illiquid. Moreover, the Fund and its shareholders will incur its pro rata share of the underlying vehicles' expenses, which will reduce the Fund's performance. In addition, investments in an ETF or a listed closed-end fund are subject to, among other risks, the risk that the shares may trade at a discount or premium relative to the net asset value of the shares and the listing exchange may halt trading of the shares.

**Investment Style Factors Risk**—There can be no assurance that the Investment Manager's systematic, quantitative factor selection model will enhance performance. Exposure to such investment factors may detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for extended periods. Securities that pay high dividends as a group can fall out of favor with the market, causing such companies to underperform companies that do not pay high dividends. Also, changes in the dividend policies of the companies in which the Fund invests and the capital resources available for such companies' dividend payments may adversely affect the Fund. There is no assurance that companies with current high free cash flow yields will continue to maintain high free cash flow yields in the future.

6 \| PROSPECTUS

------

**Large-Capitalization Securities Risk**—The Fund is subject to the risk that large-capitalization securities may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole. Larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.

**Large Shareholder Risk**—Certain large shareholders, including other funds or accounts advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund's shares. In addition, a third-party investor, the Investment Manager or an affiliate of the Investment Manager, an AP, a lead market maker, or another entity may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a limited period of time solely to facilitate commencement of the Fund or to facilitate the Fund's achieving a specified size or scale. There can be no assurance that any large shareholder would not redeem its investment, that the size of the Fund would be maintained at such levels or that the Fund would continue to meet applicable listing requirements. Redemptions by large shareholders could have a significant negative impact on the Fund. In addition, transactions by large shareholders may account for a large percentage of the trading volume on the Exchange and may, therefore, have a material upward or downward effect on the market price of the shares.

**Liquidity and Valuation Risk**—It may be difficult for the Fund to purchase and sell particular investments to meet redemption orders or otherwise within a reasonable time at a fair price, or the price at which it has been valued by the Investment Manager for purposes of the Fund's net asset value, causing the Fund to be less liquid and unable to realize what the Investment Manager believes should be the price of the investment. Valuation of portfolio investments may be difficult, such as during periods of market turmoil or reduced liquidity, and for investments that may, for example, trade infrequently or irregularly. In these and other circumstances, an investment may be valued using fair value methodologies, which are inherently subjective, reflect good faith judgments based on available information and may not accurately estimate the price at which the Fund could sell the investment at that time. Liquidity and valuation risks are heightened in a changing interest rate or volatile environment.

**Management Risk**—The Fund is actively managed, which means that investment decisions are made based on investment views. There is no guarantee that the investment views will produce the desired results or expected returns. As a result of these and other factors, the Fund may lose value or fail to meet its investment objective or underperform its benchmark index or funds with similar investment objectives and strategies. Furthermore, active and frequent trading that can accompany active management, also called "high turnover," may have a negative impact on performance. Active and frequent trading may result in higher brokerage costs or mark-up charges and tax costs, which are ultimately passed on to shareholders of the Fund. Active and frequent trading may also result in adverse tax consequences.

**Market Risk**—The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund may fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably. These fluctuations may be frequent and significant. In addition, the Fund may incur losses as a result of various market and economic factors, such as those affecting (or perceived to affect) individual companies or issuers or particular industries, or from broader influences, such as general market conditions. In addition, responses to government actions or interventions as well as developments related to economic, political (including geopolitical), social, public health, market, extreme weather, natural or man-made disasters, U.S. trade disputes or other disputes with specific countries that result in additional tariffs, trade barriers and/or investment restrictions in certain securities in those countries, or other conditions or events may cause volatility in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or debt markets, which could adversely impact the Fund and its investments and their value and performance. Certain securities may be difficult to value under such conditions. The Fund's investments may perform poorly or underperform the general securities markets or other types of securities.

**Non-Diversified Fund Risk**—The Fund is non-diversified and may invest in a smaller number of instruments than a diversified fund would. This increased investment in fewer issuers may result in the Fund's shares being more sensitive to economic results of those issuing the securities. The value of the Fund's shares may also be more volatile than the value of a fund which invests in more securities.

**Portfolio Turnover Risk**—The Fund's strategy may frequently involve buying and selling portfolio securities, which may lead to increased costs to the Fund. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

**Quantitative Investing Risk**—There is no guarantee that a quantitative model or algorithm used by the Investment Manager, and the investments selected based on the model or algorithm, will produce the desired results. The Fund may be adversely affected by imperfections, errors or limitations in the construction and implementation of the model

PROSPECTUS \| 7

------

or algorithm and the Investment Manager's ability to properly analyze or timely adjust the metrics or update the data underlying the model or features of the algorithm. Other quantitative methods and techniques used by the Investment Manager, and the investments selected based on these methods and techniques, are also subject to these types of risks.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**—U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional regulations (or amend regulations) and legislators pass new laws that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund, its investments or service providers. These developments impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund or taxation of shareholders.

**REITs Risk**—The value of real estate investment trusts ("REITs") may be affected by factors including the condition of the economy as a whole, changes in the value of the underlying real estate, the creditworthiness of the issuers of the investments, property taxes, interest rates, liquidity of the credit markets, poor performance by the REIT's manager, and the real estate regulatory environment. REITs that concentrate their holdings in specific businesses, such as apartments, offices or retail space, will be affected by conditions affecting those businesses.

**Restricted Securities Risk**—Restricted securities, including those acquired through private placement transactions, generally cannot be sold to the public and may involve a high degree of business, financial and liquidity risk, which may result in substantial losses to the Fund.

**Strategy Risk**—The Investment Manager may not be successful in managing the Fund with a lower level of volatility than the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index. Depending on market conditions during a particular time in a market cycle, the Fund's volatility at that time may not be lower than that of the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index. Because the Fund seeks lower relative volatility, the Fund may underperform the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index, particularly in rising markets. In addition, the Fund does not guarantee that distributions will always be paid or will be paid at a relatively stable level.

**PERFORMANCE INFORMATION**

No performance information is shown for the Fund because the Fund has not yet commenced operations. Once the Fund has commenced operations, updated performance information will be available on the Fund's website at www.guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 1-800-820-0888. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND**

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, also known as Guggenheim Investments, serves as the investment manager of the Fund. Guggenheim Investments utilizes a team-based approach that follows a disciplined investment process. The portfolio managers for the Fund are:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name\*** | **Experience with the Fund** | **Primary Title with Investment Manager** |
| Anne B. Walsh | Since Inception | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer, and <br> Portfolio Manager<br>|
| Steven H. Brown | Since Inception | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Investment Officer - Fixed Income, Senior <br> Managing Director, and Portfolio Manager<br>|
| Daniel R. Cheeseman | Since Inception | Managing Director and Portfolio Manager |
| Jay D. Doshi | Since Inception | Vice President and Portfolio Manager |

---

\*

Each portfolio manager is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

**PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES**

The Fund is an actively-managed ETF. Unlike shares of traditional mutual funds, shares of the Fund are not individually redeemable and may only be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund at NAV in large increments called "Creation Units" through APs. The Investment Manager may modify the Creation Unit size with prior notification to the Fund's APs. See the ETF portion of the Guggenheim Investments website for the Fund's current Creation Unit size. Creation Unit transactions are generally conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a basket of instruments (including cash in lieu of any portion of such instruments) and/or an amount of cash that the Fund specifies each day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Fund shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are listed and trade on the Exchange, and individual investors can purchase or sell shares in much smaller increments for cash in the secondary market through a broker-dealer. These transactions,

8 \| PROSPECTUS

------

which do not involve the Fund, are made at market prices that may vary throughout the day and differ from the Fund's NAV. As a result, you may pay more than NAV (at a premium) when you purchase shares, and receive less than NAV (at a discount) when you sell shares, in the secondary market.

Investors purchasing or selling shares in the secondary market may also incur additional costs, including brokerage commissions, and an investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread"). Information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, when available, can be accessed on Guggenheim Investments' website at www.guggenheiminvestments.com and then selecting the Fund.

**TAX INFORMATION**

The Fund's distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income, capital gains, or some combination of both, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) or an IRA, in which case your distributions may be taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn from such arrangement. A sale of Fund shares may result in a capital gain or loss.

**PAYMENTS TO BROKER/DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES**

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker/dealer or other financial intermediary, the Investment Manager and its related companies may pay the intermediary for certain Fund-related activities, including those that are designed to make the intermediary more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, such as the Fund, as well as for marketing, education or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Fund shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker/dealer or other intermediary and your sales person to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your sales person or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

PROSPECTUS \| 9

------

**Additional Information Regarding Investment Objective and Strategies**

------

The Board of Trustees of the Fund may change its investment objective and strategies at any time without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide written notice to shareholders prior to, or concurrent with, any such change as required by applicable law. Should the Fund change its policy of investing at least 80% of its assets (net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities and in derivatives and other instruments that have economic characteristics and provide investment exposure similar to equity securities, the Fund will provide shareholders at least 60 days' notice prior to making the change. As with any investment, there can be no guarantee the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

Because of the Fund's practice of writing call options based upon equity indices (or on ETFs which track an equity index), the possibility exists that an overlap between the Fund's equity investments and the components of the indices, if substantial enough, might cause a deferral of the Fund's recognition of losses for tax purposes or a reduction in the amount of the Fund's distributions that qualify for the favorable tax rate applicable to dividends. The Fund intends to seek to manage its investments in a manner designed to avoid being subject to the "straddle rules" under federal income tax laws to the extent reasonably practicable, but there is no assurance that the Fund will accomplish this objective at all times.

The Fund is managed in a way that seeks, under normal circumstances, to provide monthly distributions at a relatively stable level. As a result, it is anticipated that shareholders will periodically receive distributions which constitute a return of capital for tax purposes. A return of capital is not taxable, but it will have the effect of reducing your cost basis in the Fund's shares and thereby increasing the amount of capital gain, if any, or decreasing the amount of capital loss, if any, that you will realize when selling Fund shares. A return of capital in excess of your tax basis in your shares will be taxable as a capital gain.

The Fund may, from time to time and in the discretion of the Investment Manager, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse or unstable market, economic, political, or other conditions or abnormal circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest some or all of its assets in cash, derivatives, fixed-income instruments, government bonds, money market instruments, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds. The Fund may be unable to pursue or achieve its investment objective during that time and temporary investments could reduce the benefit to the Fund from any upswing in the market.

The Fund's investments are not subject to a maximum percentage of assets, unless set forth in the Prospectus or SAI or required by applicable law or regulation, or the Fund's fundamental policies. Percentage limitations are set forth in this Prospectus and/or the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). While the percentage limitations provide a useful level of detail about the Fund's investment programs, they should not be viewed as an accurate gauge of the potential risk of the investment. For example, in a given period, a 5% investment in futures contracts could have significantly more of an impact on the Fund's share price than its weighting in the portfolio. The net effect of a particular investment depends on its volatility and the size of its overall return or risk profile in relation to the performance of the Fund's other investments. In seeking to meet its investment objective or to adapt to changing economic or market environments, the Fund may invest in any type of security or instrument whose investment characteristics are considered by the Portfolio Managers to be consistent with the Fund's investment program, including some that may not be listed in this Prospectus.

Investments made by the Fund and the results achieved by the Fund at any given time are not expected to be the same as those made by other clients for which the Investment Manager acts as investment adviser, including mutual funds with names, investment objectives, strategies and policies similar to the Fund. Also, investment strategies and types of investments will evolve over time, sometimes without prior notice to shareholders. In addition, the Investment Manager may from time to time utilize a sleeve structure in managing the Fund. In this structure, the Investment Manager implements the Fund's investment strategies using component sleeves of investments comprising distinct sub-strategies or grouping similar investments in sub-accounts of an individual Fund that, collectively, comprise the Fund's overall portfolio and investment strategies. This approach facilitates internal allocations and tracking of investments within a portfolio.

10 \| PROSPECTUS

------

The Fund's investment policies, limitations and other guidelines typically apply at the time an investment is made. As a result, the Fund generally may continue to hold positions that met a particular investment policy or limitation at the time the investment was made but subsequently do not meet the investment policy or limitation.

The Fund is subject to certain investment policy limitations referred to as "fundamental policies." The full text of the Fund's fundamental policies is included in the SAI.

**Descriptions of Principal Risks**

------

An investment or type of security specifically identified in this Prospectus generally reflects a principal investment for the Fund. The Fund also may invest in or use certain other types of investments and investing techniques that are described in the SAI. An investment or type of security only identified in the SAI typically is treated as a non-principal investment. Additional information on the principal risks and certain non-principal risks of the Fund is set forth below. The risks are listed in alphabetical order, not in the order of importance or potential exposure. The relative significance of each risk may change over time and you should review each risk carefully because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund. The fact that a particular risk is not indicated as a principal risk for the Fund does not mean that the Fund is prohibited from investing its assets in securities or investments that give rise to that risk. It simply means that the risk is not a principal risk for the Fund. Although the Fund will not generally trade for short-term profits, circumstances may warrant a sale without regard to the length of time a security was held. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities and other assets. A high turnover rate may increase transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, dealer markups and other transaction costs on the sale of the assets and on reinvestment in other assets, which decreases the value of investments, and may result in additional taxable gains (including short term gains) for the Fund and adversely affect the Fund's performance. An investment in the Fund does not constitute a complete investment program.

Investors should note that the Fund reserves the right to merge or reorganize itself, or to cease operations and liquidate at any time. In addition, portfolio managers can change at any time, the investment manager can be replaced, and an investment sub-adviser can be appointed to manage the Fund.

Investors should be aware that economies and financial markets have in recent periods experienced increased uncertainty and volatility because of, among other factors, geopolitical tensions, labor and public health conditions around the world, inflation, tariffs and changing interest rates. To the extent these or similar conditions continue or occur in the future, the risks below could be heightened significantly compared to normal conditions and therefore the Fund's investments and a shareholder's investment in the Fund may be particularly subject to reduced yield and/or income and sudden and substantial losses. The fact that a particular risk below is not specifically identified as being heightened under current conditions does not mean that the risk is not greater than under normal conditions.

**Authorized Participant Risk**—The Fund may have a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants ("APs"). Only APs who have entered into agreements with the Fund's distributor may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. These APs have no obligation to submit creation or redemption orders and, as a result, there is no assurance that an active trading market for the Fund's shares will be established or maintained. This risk may be heightened to the extent that the securities underlying the Fund are traded outside of a collateralized settlement system. In that case, APs may be required to post collateral on certain trades on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants), which only a limited number of APs may be willing or able to do. In addition, to the extent that APs exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, this may result in a significantly diminished trading market for the Fund's shares, and shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to the Fund's NAV and to face trading halts and/or delisting.

**Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk**—When the Fund's assets are allocated to cash or cash equivalents, the Fund's potential for gain during a market upswing may be limited or the Fund may not participate in the market upswing and there is a possibility that the Fund will be unable to keep pace with inflation. Cash equivalents include, among other things, shares in money market funds that invest in short-term, high-quality instruments, the value of which generally are tied to changes in interest rates. Cash equivalents are not guaranteed as to principal or interest, and the Fund could lose money through these investments.

**Cash Transaction Risk**—To the extent the Fund effects Creation Unit transactions for cash, rather than in-kind securities, cash purchases may cause the Fund to incur portfolio transaction fees or charges or delays in investing the cash that it would otherwise not incur if a purchase was made on an in-kind basis. Because the Fund may be

PROSPECTUS \| 11

------

required to sell portfolio securities to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds and thereby may recognize a capital gain on such sales, Creation Unit redemption on a cash basis may be less tax-efficient for the Fund compared to an in-kind redemption. In addition, Creation Unit redemptions for cash may cause the Fund to incur portfolio transaction fees or charges it would not otherwise incur with an in-kind redemption, to the extent such fees or charges are not offset by the redemption transaction fee paid by APs. In addition, the Fund's use of cash transactions may result in wider bid-ask spreads in Fund shares trading in the secondary market as compared to ETFs that transact exclusively on an in-kind basis.

**Counterparty Credit Risk**—Counterparty risk is the risk that a counterparty to Fund transactions (e.g., prime brokerage or securities lending arrangement or derivatives transaction) will be unable or unwilling to perform its contractual obligation to the Fund. The Fund may invest in financial instruments and derivatives involving counterparties for the purpose of seeking to gain exposure to a particular group of securities, index, asset class or reference asset without actually purchasing those securities or investments, or seeking to hedge a position. The Fund may use counterparty agreements to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized in particular predetermined investments or instruments. Through these investments and related arrangements (e.g., prime brokerage or securities lending arrangements or derivatives transactions), the Fund is exposed to credit risks that the counterparty may be unwilling or unable to make timely payments or otherwise meet its contractual obligations. If the counterparty becomes bankrupt or defaults on (or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling to perform) its payment or other obligations to the Fund, the Fund may not receive the full amount that it is entitled to receive or may experience delays in recovering the collateral or other assets held by, or on behalf of, the counterparty. If this occurs, or if exercising contractual rights involves delays or costs for the Fund, the value of your shares in the Fund may decrease. Such risk is heightened in market environments where interest rates are changing, notably when rates are rising. Counterparty credit risk also includes the related risk of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty.

The Fund bears the risk that counterparties may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, increased competition, and/or wide scale credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of the counterparties' other trading partners or borrowers.

**Derivatives Risk**—The Fund may invest in derivatives, such as swaps, futures contracts and options contracts and other similar instruments described in the Fund's principal investment strategies, to pursue its investment objective and to create economic leverage in the Fund; to seek to enhance Fund returns; to seek to increase liquidity; to seek to gain long or short exposure to particular instruments in more efficient or less expensive ways; and/or to seek to hedge risks relating to its other portfolio investments or changes in certain equity markets. The use of such derivatives exposes the Fund to risks in addition to and greater than those associated with investing directly in the instruments underlying those derivatives, including risks relating to leverage, market conditions and market risk, imperfect correlation (imperfect correlations with underlying instruments or the Fund's other portfolio holdings), high price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty credit, illiquidity, valuation, operational and legal restrictions and risk. The use of such derivatives may also expose the Fund to the performance of securities that the Fund does not own. To the extent the Fund engages in derivatives in an attempt to hedge certain exposures or risks, there can be no assurance that the Fund's hedging investments or transactions will be effective. In addition, hedging investments or transactions involve costs and may reduce gains or result in losses, which may adversely affect the Fund. The use of derivatives may result in leverage, which may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if it had not been leveraged. Changes in value of a derivative may also create sudden margin delivery or settlement payment obligations for the Fund, which can materially affect the performance of the Fund and its liquidity and other risk profiles. The skills necessary to successfully execute derivatives strategies may be different from those for more traditional portfolio management techniques, and if the Investment Manager is incorrect about its expectations of market conditions, the use of derivatives could also result in a loss, which in some cases may be unlimited. Use of derivatives may also cause the Fund to be subject to additional regulations, which may generate additional costs. These practices also entail transactional expenses and may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains than if the Fund had not engaged in such transactions.

Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund invests are traded (and privately negotiated) in the over-the-counter ("OTC") market. OTC derivatives are complex and often valued subjectively, which exposes the Fund to heightened credit, legal, liquidity, mispricing and valuation risks. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. In addition, OTC derivative instruments are often highly customized and tailored to meet the needs of the Fund and its trading counterparties. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. Similar to other privately negotiated contracts, the Fund is subject to

12 \| PROSPECTUS

------

counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts. Certain derivatives are subject to mandatory exchange trading and/or clearing, which exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the clearing broker or clearinghouse. While exchange trading and central clearing are intended to reduce counterparty credit risk and to increase liquidity, they do not make derivatives transactions risk-free. Certain risks also are specific to the derivatives in which the Fund invests.

**Futures Contracts Risk**—Futures contracts are exchange-traded contracts that call for the future delivery of an asset at a certain price and date, or cash settlement (i.e., payment of the gain or loss on the contract). Futures are often used to manage or hedge risk because they enable an investor to buy or sell an asset in the future at an agreed-upon price. Futures also are used for other reasons, such as to manage or adjust exposure; in an effort to enhance income; and to protect the value of portfolio securities or other instruments. Futures are subject to correlation risk. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market. Futures markets can be highly volatile, and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value ("NAV"). Exchanges can limit the number of futures and options that can be held or controlled by the Fund or its Investment Manager, thus limiting the ability to implement the Fund's strategies. Futures are also subject to leveraging risk and can be subject to liquidity risk.

**Options Risk**—Options give the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium paid, the right, but not the obligation, to buy an underlying reference instrument (such as a specified security or index) from the writer of the option (in the case of a call option), or to sell a specified reference instrument to the writer of the option (in the case of a put option), at a designated price. Writing (selling) call options (including selling call options within an ELN) limits the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of stocks in exchange for up-front cash (the premium) at the time of selling the call option. When the Fund writes (sells) call options, it receives cash but limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the index/reference asset beyond the exercise price (plus the premium received) of the option. In a sharp rising market, the Fund could significantly underperform the market. Furthermore, premium received from the Fund's call option writing strategies may not fully protect it against market declines because the Fund will continue to bear the risk of a decline in the value of its portfolio securities. Cash received from premiums will enhance return in moderately declining markets, but the Fund will continue to bear the risk of a decline in the value of the securities held in its portfolio and in a period of a sharply falling equity market, the Fund will likely also experience sharp declines in its NAV. In addition, the performance of the equity portion of the Fund's portfolio may not move in the same direction or have a similar magnitude of movement as the reference index/asset of the options being sold, and the equity portion may depreciate while the reference index/asset simultaneously appreciates, resulting in losses in both the equity portion and the options overlay portion of the Fund's portfolio.

As a seller (writer) of a put option, the Fund will tend to lose money if the value of the reference index/asset falls below the strike price.

The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity. Options are subject to correlation risk because there may be an imperfect correlation between the options and the markets for underlying instruments that could cause a given transaction to fail to achieve its objectives. The successful use of options depends on the Investment Manager's ability to predict correctly future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the markets for options and the underlying instruments. There is no assurance that a liquid market will be available at all times for the Fund to write call options or to enter into closing purchase transactions. Exchanges can limit the number of positions that can be held or controlled by the Fund or the Investment Manager, thus limiting the ability to implement the Fund's strategies. Exchanges may suspend the trading of options in volatile markets. If trading is suspended, the Fund may be unable to trade options at times that may be desirable or advantageous to the Fund to do so. Options are also particularly subject to leverage risk and can be subject to liquidity risk. Because option premiums paid or received by the Fund are small in relation to the market value of the investments underlying the options, the Fund is exposed to the risk that buying and selling put and call options can be more speculative than investing directly in securities. In addition, the premiums the Fund receives for writing call options may decrease as a result of a number of factors, including a reduction in interest rates generally, a decline in stock market volumes or a decrease in the price volatility of the underlying securities.

Positions held by the Fund may be treated as "straddles" for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the amount, timing, and character of gains (or losses) realized by the Fund. In addition, gains or losses realized by the Fund on positions that are part of a straddle are subject to special (and generally disadvantageous) tax rules.

PROSPECTUS \| 13

------

**Swap Agreements Risk**—Swap agreements are contracts for periods ranging from one day to more than one year and may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC between two parties or, for certain standardized swaps subject to mandatory central clearing, must be traded on a designated contract market or swap execution facility. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. Risks associated with the use of swap agreements are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions, largely due to the fact they could be considered illiquid and many swaps currently trade on the OTC market. Swaps are particularly subject to counterparty credit, correlation, valuation, liquidity and leveraging risks and could result in substantial losses to the Fund. In addition, the Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement.

As noted above, certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory exchange trading and central clearing. While exchange trading and central clearing are intended to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity, they do not make swap transactions risk-free. Margin requirements, including minimums, on OTC swaps, which may result in the Fund and its counterparties posting higher margin amounts for OTC swaps, could increase the cost of swap transactions to the Fund and impose added operational complexity. The Dodd-Frank Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of many OTC derivative instruments that the CFTC and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") have defined as "swaps." In addition, CFTC position limits rules could limit the ability of the Fund to place certain trades. It is possible that positions held by the Fund may have to be liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits. These limitations could adversely affect the operations and performance of the Fund.

**Equity-Linked Notes (ELNs) Risk**—When the Fund invests in ELNs, it receives cash but limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the instrument because of the limits relating to the call options written within the particular ELN. Investing in ELNs may be more costly to the Fund than if the Fund had invested in the underlying instruments directly. Investments in ELNs often have risks similar to the underlying instruments, which include market risk. In addition, since ELNs are in note form, ELNs are subject to certain debt securities risks, such as credit or counterparty risk. Should the prices of the underlying instruments move in an unexpected manner, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of an investment in an ELN, and may realize losses, which could be significant and could include the Fund's entire principal investment. Investments in ELNs are also subject to liquidity risk, which may make ELNs difficult to sell and value. A lack of liquidity may also cause the value of the ELN to decline. In addition, ELNs may exhibit price behavior that does not correlate with the underlying securities.

ELN investments are subject to the risk that issuers and/or counterparties will fail to make payments when due or default completely. Prices of the Fund's ELN investments may be adversely affected if any of the issuers or counterparties it is invested in are subject to an actual or perceived deterioration in their credit quality.

If the ELN is held to maturity, the issuer would pay to the purchaser the underlying instrument's value at maturity with any necessary adjustments. The holder of an ELN that is linked to a particular underlying security or instrument may be entitled to receive dividends paid in connection with that underlying equity security, but typically does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying equity security. In addition, there can be no assurance that there will be a trading market for an ELN or that the trading price of the ELN will equal the underlying value of the instruments that it seeks to replicate. Unlike a direct investment in equity securities, ELNs typically involve a term or expiration date, potentially increasing a Fund's turnover rate, transaction costs and tax liability.

**Equity Securities Risk**—The Fund may invest in equity securities and equity-related securities, which include common stocks and other equity securities, and the prices of equity securities generally fluctuate in value more than other investments. The price of equity securities may rise or fall rapidly or unpredictably and may reflect real or perceived changes in the issuing company's financial condition and changes in the overall market or economy or other conditions. Equity securities have sometimes experienced heightened volatility over recent periods and therefore, the Fund's investments in equity securities are subject to heightened risks related to volatility. Price movements in equity securities may result from factors or events affecting individual issuers, industries or the market as a whole, such as changes in economic or political conditions. In addition, equity markets tend to move in cycles that may cause downward price movements over prolonged periods of time. Certain events can have a dramatic adverse effect on equity markets and may lead to periods of high volatility in an equity market or a segment of an equity market.

14 \| PROSPECTUS

------

Common stocks generally represent the riskiest investment in a company and dividend payments (if declared) to preferred stockholders generally rank junior to payments due to a company's debtholders. If the prices of the equity securities held by the Fund fall, the value of your investment in the Fund will be adversely affected. The Fund may lose a substantial part, or even all, of its investment in a company's stock.

**Exchange Listing and Trading Risk**—Although Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained. The lack of an active market for Fund shares, as well as periods of high volatility, disruptions in the creation/redemption process, or factors affecting the liquidity of the underlying securities held by the Fund, may result in the Fund's shares trading at a premium or discount to its NAV.

Trading in Fund shares 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 is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange's "circuit breaker" rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the Fund's listing will continue to be met or will remain unchanged.

A potential investor in the Fund will likely also incur the cost of the "spread" (the difference between the bid price and the ask price for a share of the Fund). The spread varies over time for a share of the Fund. This cost is generally smaller for a fund with significant daily trading volumes and larger for funds with smaller daily trading volumes.

**Fluctuation of NAV and Market Price Risk**—The NAV of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund's securities holdings. The market prices of the Fund's shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund's NAV and supply and demand of shares on the Exchange. Volatile market conditions, an absence of trading in shares of the Fund, or a high volume of trading in the Fund, may result in trading prices in the Fund's shares that differ significantly from the Fund's NAV. Additionally, during a "flash crash," the market prices of the Fund's shares may decline suddenly and significantly, resulting in Fund shares trading at a substantial discount to NAV. Such a decline may not reflect the performance of the portfolio securities held by the Fund. Flash crashes may cause APs and other market makers to limit or cease trading in the Fund's shares for temporary or longer periods, which may result in an increase in the variance between market prices of the Fund's shares and the Fund's NAV. Shareholders could suffer significant losses to the extent that they sell shares at these temporarily low market prices.

It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above the Fund's NAV. Further, the securities held by the Fund may be traded in markets that close at a different time than the Exchange. Liquidity in those securities may be reduced after the applicable closing times. Accordingly, during the time when the Exchange is open but after the applicable market closing or fixing settlement times, bid-ask spreads and the resulting premium or discount to the Fund shares' NAV is likely to widen. Similarly, the Exchange may be closed at times or days when markets for securities held by the Fund are open, which may increase bid-ask spreads and the resulting premium or discount to the Fund shares' NAV when the Exchange re-opens. The Fund's bid-ask spread and the resulting premium or discount to the Fund's NAV may also be impacted by the liquidity of the underlying securities held by the Fund, particularly in instances of significant volatility of the underlying securities.

**Hedging Risk**—The Fund may, but is not required to, engage in various investments or transactions that are designed to hedge a position that the Fund holds. A hedge is an investment, transaction or strategy designed to reduce the risk and impact of adverse market movements or changes in the price or value of a portfolio security or other investment.

Hedging may be ineffective as a result of unexpected changes in the market, changes in the prices or values of the related instrument, or changes in the correlation of the instrument and the Fund's hedging investment or transaction. Hedging investments or transactions involve costs and may reduce gains or result in losses, which may adversely affect the Fund.

**Industry and Sector Focus Risk**—At times, the Fund may increase the relative emphasis of its investments in a particular industry or sector. The prices of securities of issuers in a particular industry or sector may be more susceptible to fluctuations due to changes in economic or business conditions, government regulations, availability of basic resources or supplies, contagion risk within a particular industry or sector or to other industries or sectors, or other events that affect that industry or sector more than securities of issuers in other industries and sectors. To the extent that the Fund increases the relative emphasis of its investments in a particular industry or sector, the value of the Fund's shares may fluctuate in response to events affecting that industry or sector.

PROSPECTUS \| 15

------

**Investment in Investment Vehicles Risk**—The Fund may seek to obtain certain exposure through investments in other investment vehicles. Investments in investment companies or other investment vehicles may include index-based unit investment trusts or other index funds/ETFs and securities of investment companies that are not index-based, including closed-end funds, mutual funds, short-term funds advised by the Investment Manager and/or its affiliates or ETFs and other investment vehicles. Index-based investments sometimes hold substantially all of their assets in securities representing a specific index. The Fund may use index-based investments (including ETFs designed to track an index) as a way of managing its cash position, or to maintain liquidity while gaining exposure to the equity markets, or a particular sector of such markets, or to seek to avoid losses in declining market conditions. The Fund may invest in index-based investment vehicles for a variety of other reasons, including to obtain exposure or to seek to enhance return. In addition, an index-based investment vehicle in which the Fund invests may not replicate exactly the composition or performance of the index it seeks to track for a number of reasons, such as operating expenses, transaction costs and imperfect correlation of holdings relative to the index.

The Fund and its shareholders may incur its pro rata share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies or vehicles in which the Fund invests, such as investment advisory and other management expenses, and shareholders will incur the operating expenses of these investment vehicles. In addition, the Fund will be subject to those risks affecting the investment vehicle, including the effects of business and regulatory developments that affect an underlying investment company or vehicle or the investment company industry generally as well as the possibility that the value of the underlying securities held by the investment vehicle could decrease or the portfolio becomes illiquid. Shares of investment vehicles that trade on an exchange may trade at a discount or premium from their NAV. The purchase of shares of some investment companies (such as closed-end investment companies and ETFs) may require the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such companies' portfolio securities or NAVs.

An underlying investment vehicle may buy the same securities that another underlying investment vehicle sells. If this happens, an investor in the Fund would indirectly bear the costs of these trades without accomplishing any investment purpose. In addition, certain of the underlying investment vehicles may hold common portfolio positions, thereby reducing the diversification benefits. The underlying investment vehicles may engage in investment strategies or invest in specific investments in which the Fund would not engage or invest directly.

The performance of those underlying investment vehicles, in turn, depends upon the performance of the securities in which they invest.

The underlying investment companies or other investment vehicles in which the Fund invests are often institutional funds owned by a small number of shareholders and are thus also subject to the risk that shareholders redeem their shares rapidly, which may adversely affect the performance and liquidity of the underlying investment vehicles and the Fund.

Investments in other investment companies or investment vehicles may expose the Fund to financial leverage and, thus, expose the Fund to the risks associated with financial leverage (such as higher risk of volatility and magnified financial losses).

An investment by the Fund in ETFs or closed-end funds generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a mutual fund. In addition, an investment in an ETF or a listed closed-end fund may be subject to additional risk, including: the shares may trade at a discount or premium relative to the NAV of the shares; an active trading market may not develop for the shares; the listing exchange may halt trading of the fund's shares; the fund may fail to correctly track the referenced asset (if any); and the fund may hold troubled securities.

**Investment Style Factors Risk**—There can be no assurance that the Investment Manager's systematic, quantitative factor selection model will enhance performance. Exposure to such investment factors may detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for extended periods.

There is no guarantee that the issuers of stocks held by the Fund will pay dividends in the future or that, if dividends are paid, they will remain at their current levels or increase over time. As a group, securities that pay high dividends can fall out of favor with the market (such as in periods of rising interest rates, high inflation and/or strong economic growth), causing such companies to underperform companies that do not pay high dividends. Also, changes in the dividend policies of companies and the capital resources available for such companies' dividend payments may affect the Fund. In addition, the value of dividend-paying common stocks can decline when interest rates rise, as fixed-income investments become more attractive to investors.

16 \| PROSPECTUS

------

There is no assurance that companies with current high free cash flow yields will continue to maintain high free cash flow yields in the future. The free cash flow yield of a company will increase in circumstances where market pricing of a security reflects negative sentiment, including lower future earnings, which may decrease a company's current share price relative to cash flow. Free cash flow is a trailing calculation, and may not be reflective of future earnings or future cash obligations, such as debt repayment, capital expenditures, and working capital needs. Higher free cash flow may also arise as a result of a company limiting current investment or capital expenditure, which may have an impact of the future earnings of such company. Companies with high free cash flow have the potential to react differently to geopolitical and or macro-economic trends than other companies.

**Large-Capitalization Securities Risk**—The Fund may be subject to the risk that large-capitalization securities may underperform, or outperform, if the Fund has net short exposure to large-capitalization securities, other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole. Although the securities of larger companies may be less volatile than those of companies with smaller market capitalizations, larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.

**Large Shareholder Risk**—Certain large shareholders, including other funds or accounts advised by the Investment Manager or an affiliate of the Investment Manager, may from time to time own a substantial amount of the Fund's shares. In addition, a third party investor, the Investment Manager or an affiliate of the Investment Manager, an AP, a lead market maker, or another entity may invest in the Fund and hold its investment for a limited period of time solely to facilitate commencement of the Fund or to facilitate the Fund's achieving a specified size or scale. There can be no assurance that any large shareholder would not redeem its investment. Dispositions of a large number of shares by these shareholders may adversely affect the Fund's liquidity and net assets to the extent such transactions are executed directly with the Fund in the form of redemptions through an AP, rather than executed in the secondary market. These redemptions may also force the Fund to sell portfolio securities when it might not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund's NAV and increase the Fund's brokerage costs. To the extent these large shareholders transact in shares on the secondary market, such transactions may account for a large percentage of the trading volume on the listing exchange and may, therefore, have a material upward or downward effect on the market price of the shares.

**Liquidity and Valuation Risk**—It may be difficult for the Fund to purchase and sell particular investments to meet redemption orders or otherwise within a reasonable time at a favorable price. As a result, the Fund may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to certain issuers, asset classes or sectors. The Fund potentially could be unable to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of adverse market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption orders or other reasons, unless it sells other portfolio investments under unfavorable conditions, thereby adversely impacting the Fund. The Fund's ability to sell an instrument under favorable conditions also may be negatively impacted by, among other things, a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a willing buyer, other market participants selling the same or similar instruments at the same time or legal restrictions on the instrument's resale. If the Fund is unable to sell an investment at its desired time, the Fund may also miss other investment opportunities while it holds investments it would prefer to sell, which could adversely affect the Fund's performance. In addition, the liquidity of any Fund investment may change significantly or disappear over time as a result of market, economic, trading, issuer-specific and other factors. Liquid investments may become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil, adverse economic conditions or issuer-specific developments. There can be no assurance that a security or instrument that is deemed to be liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid for as long as it is held by the Fund. Dislocations in markets often result in reduced liquidity for investments. Liquidity of financial markets is also affected by government intervention and political, social, public health, economic or market developments (including rapid interest rate changes).

To the extent that there is not an established liquid market for instruments in which the Fund invests, or there is a reduced number or capacity of market makers with respect to such instruments, trading in such instruments may be relatively inactive or irregular. In addition, during periods of reduced market liquidity, market turmoil or in the absence of readily available market quotations for particular investments in the Fund's portfolio, the ability of the Fund to assign an accurate daily value to these investments may be difficult and the Fund's Investment Manager may be required to fair value the investments. Fair value determinations are inherently subjective and reflect good faith judgments based on available information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the determination of a security's fair value in accordance with the Fund's and the Investment Manager's fair valuation policy and procedures will in fact approximate the price at which the Fund could sell that security at that time (i.e., the sale price could differ, sometimes significantly, from the Fund's last valuation for the security). The Fund (or the Investment Manager) relies

PROSPECTUS \| 17

------

on various sources of information to value investments and calculate net asset value. The Fund may obtain pricing information from third parties that are believed to be reliable. In certain cases, this information may be unavailable or this information may be inaccurate because of errors by the third parties, technological issues, absence of current market data, or otherwise. As a result, the Fund's ability to effectively value investments or calculate net asset value may be adversely affected.

For additional information about valuation determinations, see "Determination of Net Asset Value". Proportions of the Fund's investments that are fair valued or difficult to value vary from time to time. In addition, during periods of market stress, a large portion of the Fund's assets could potentially experience significant levels of illiquidity. Liquidity and valuation risks are heightened in a changing interest rate environment.

**Management Risk**—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio, which means that investment decisions are made based on investment views. The Investment Manager and each individual portfolio manager will apply investment techniques and risk analysis in making decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that these decisions will produce the desired results or expected returns, causing the Fund to lose value or fail to meet its investment objective or underperform its benchmark index or funds with similar investment objectives and strategies. Although the Investment Manager considers several factors when making investment decisions, the Investment Manager may not evaluate every factor prior to investing in an issuer or security or disposing of an investment, and the Investment Manager may determine that certain factors are more significant than others. Additionally, legislative, regulatory or tax restrictions, policies or developments may affect the investment techniques available to the Investment Manager and each individual portfolio manager in connection with managing the Fund and may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. Active and frequent trading that can accompany active management will increase the costs the Fund incurs because of higher brokerage charges or mark-up charges and tax costs, which are passed on to shareholders of the Fund and, as a result, may lower the Fund's performance. In addition, active and frequent trading also may result in increased capital gains and/or the acceleration of the recognition of capital gains.

The Investment Manager may utilize proprietary quantitative models, algorithms, methods or other similar techniques in connection with making investment decisions for the Fund. These techniques may be used to analyze current or potential future financial or economic conditions or conduct related statistical or other research. There is no guarantee that the use of such techniques, and the investments selected based on such techniques, will perform as expected, produce the desired results or enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective and the Fund may be adversely affected by imperfections, errors or limitations in construction and implementation (for example, limitations in a model, proprietary or third-party data imprecision or unavailability, software or other technology malfunctions, or programming inaccuracies) and the Investment Manager's ability to monitor and timely adjust the metrics or update the data or features underlying these techniques and related tools. The Fund may also be adversely affected by the Investment Manager's ability to make accurate qualitative judgments regarding the techniques and related tools' output or operational complications relating to any techniques and related tools.

**Market Risk**—The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of frequent, significant, rapid and/or unpredictable fluctuation, and loss. These fluctuations may occur frequently and in large amounts. The value of certain asset classes (e.g., those traded on exchanges) tends to fluctuate more dramatically over the shorter term than the value of other asset classes. These movements may result from factors affecting (or that are perceived to affect) individual companies or issuers or particular industries, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates, deflation, adverse investor confidence or sentiment, general outlook for corporate earnings, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, bank failures, actual or threatened imposition of tariffs (which may be imposed by U.S. and foreign governments) and trade disruptions, recession, changes in currency and inflation rates, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental or natural disasters, extreme weather or geological events, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, terrorism, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects thereof) or ratings downgrades, technological developments (including those related to artificial intelligence) or failures (for example, widespread system outages or disruptions or faulty updates to software applications) and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. For example, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions) could adversely affect the Fund's

18 \| PROSPECTUS

------

investments, including by leading to price volatility, overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets, reduced liquidity and investment losses. During a general downturn in the securities markets or economies, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously even if the performance of those asset classes is not otherwise historically correlated.

Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, technological, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region and economies, markets and issuers generally because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. As a result, there is an increased risk that these and other events will disrupt economies and markets globally. For example, local or regional armed conflicts (notably the Russia-Ukraine conflict) have led to significant sanctions by the United States, Europe and other countries against certain countries (as well as persons and companies connected with certain countries) and have led to indirect adverse regional and global market, economic and other effects. It is difficult to accurately predict or foresee when events or conditions affecting the U.S. or global financial markets, economies, and issuers may occur, the effects of such events or conditions, potential escalations or expansions of these events, possible retaliations in response to sanctions or similar actions and the duration or ultimate impact of those events. There is an increased likelihood that these types of events or conditions can, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, result in a variety of adverse developments and circumstances, such as reduced liquidity, supply chain disruptions and market volatility, as well as increased general uncertainty and broad ramifications for markets, economies, issuers, businesses in many sectors and societies globally. In addition, adverse changes in one sector or industry or with respect to a particular company could negatively impact companies in other sectors or industries or increase market volatility as a result of the interconnected nature of economies and markets and thus negatively affect the Fund's performance, even if the Fund does not invest directly in issuers that participate in the sectors or industries experiencing such types of change. These types of adverse developments could result from under-regulated markets, novel and maturing markets (for example, the markets for artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies and digital or blockchain assets and technologies), systemic risk, natural market forces, bad actors or other scenarios and negatively affect the Fund's performance or operations. For example, developments in the banking or financial services sectors (or one or more companies operating in these sectors) could adversely impact a wide range of companies and issuers, resulting in systemic adverse consequences across a broad segment of financial markets and economies (regionally, domestically and globally) in unanticipated or unforeseen ways.

Similarly, the increasingly widespread use of artificial intelligence by issuers and market participants and investments in such technologies by issuers may significantly impact the economy, financial markets and issuers. In addition, the increased prevalence and acceptance of cryptocurrencies and digital assets throughout the economy and financial markets may also significantly impact the investments made by the Fund, even indirectly. For example, issuers that engage in artificial intelligence-related businesses or simply increasingly use these technologies are particularly susceptible to the risks associated with artificial intelligence and its rapid and unpredictable evolution, including (but not limited to) market and business risks, technology and product risks, cybersecurity and data security risks, and intellectual property risks. Similarly, issuers that engage in cryptocurrency, digital assets-related businesses or blockchain technology or otherwise have exposure to cryptocurrencies or digital assets are particularly susceptible to the risks associated with cryptocurrencies or digital or blockchain assets and technologies, including (but not limited to) potential fraud and market manipulation, extreme market volatility, theft, losses related to cyber incidents, confidence in and development of these markets, or related errors. In addition, the prices of securities issued by companies in these market segments are subject to increased volatility, changes in the regulatory environment and risks associated with changes in investor sentiment. As a result, the Fund may be adversely affected by developments impacting these issuers.

Different sectors, industries and security types may go through different cycles of under-performance and out-performance and therefore react differently to the types of adverse developments discussed above and, when the market performs well, there is no assurance that the Fund's investments will increase in value along with the broader markets. The Fund's investments may underperform general securities markets or other investments, particularly during such periods. Periods of market stress and volatility of financial markets, including potentially extreme stress and volatility caused by the events described above or similar circumstances, can expose the Fund to greater market risk than normal, possibly resulting in greatly reduced liquidity, increased volatility and valuation risks, lower than usual sale prices and longer than usual trade settlement periods. The fewer the number of issuers in which the Fund invests and/or the greater the use of leverage, the greater the potential volatility in the Fund's portfolio. In addition, liquidity and sales challenges can be exacerbated by large Fund redemptions, which often result from or are related to market or other similar disruptions. The Investment Manager potentially will be prevented from considering, managing and executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price or at all as a result of any domestic

PROSPECTUS \| 19

------

or global market or other disruptions, particularly disruptions causing heightened market volatility and reduced market liquidity, which have in the past and could in the future result in impediments to the normal functioning of workforces, including personnel and systems of the Fund's service providers and market intermediaries.

The domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, such as the U.S. budget and deficit reduction plan including related agency or departmental actions and uncertainty related to the debt ceiling, and foreign policy tensions with foreign nations, including embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other similar developments, has in the past resulted, and may in the future result, in developments that present additional risks to the Fund's investments and operations. For example, U.S. federal government shutdowns, U.S. foreign policy, the actual or threatened imposition of tariffs, deficit levels and any reduction plans and other federal government initiatives, or U.S. economic policies and any related domestic and/or geopolitical tensions may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. Market, economic and other disruptions could also prevent the Fund from executing its investment strategies and processes in a timely manner. As an additional example, when the United States is a significant trading partner of a foreign country in which the Fund may invest or be exposed to, such foreign country may be particularly sensitive to changes in U.S. foreign trading policies, including the institution of additional tariffs. Changes or disruptions in market conditions also may lead to increased regulation of the Fund and the instruments in which the Fund may invest, which may, in turn, affect the Fund's ability to pursue its investment objective and the Fund's performance. Legislation and regulation can also change the ways in which the Fund or the Investment Manager are regulated. In general, the securities or other instruments in which the Fund's Portfolio Managers believe represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in an investment vehicle. This may adversely affect the Fund. In addition, many economies and markets may experience, and have experienced in recent periods, high inflation rates. In response to such inflation, governmental and quasi-governmental authorities have in the past implemented, and may implement in the future, significant fiscal and monetary policies, such as increasing interest rates and quantitative tightening (reduction of money available in the market), which may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, as well as the Fund's performance. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments may not be effective and could lead to increased market volatility and adverse economic conditions. An unexpected or sudden reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of these policies, could increase volatility in securities markets and have other downstream impacts on financial markets and economic conditions and, thus, the Fund's investments. The frequency and magnitude of the resulting changes in the value of the Fund's investments cannot be predicted.

**Non-Diversified Fund Risk**—The Fund is non-diversified and may invest in a smaller number of instruments than a diversified fund would. This increased investment in fewer issuers may result in the Fund's shares being more sensitive to economic results of those issuing the securities. The value of the Fund's shares may also be more volatile than the value of a fund which invests in more securities.

**Portfolio Turnover Risk**—The Fund's strategy may frequently involve buying and selling portfolio securities, which may lead to increased costs to the Fund. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

**Quantitative Investing Risk**—There is no guarantee that the use of quantitative models, algorithms, methods or other similar techniques ("quantitative investing"), and the investments selected based on such techniques, will produce the desired results or enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may be adversely affected by imperfections, errors or limitations in construction and implementation (for example, limitations in a model, proprietary or third-party data imprecision or unavailability, software or other technology malfunctions, or programming inaccuracies) and the Investment Manager's ability to monitor and timely adjust the metrics or update the data or features underlying the model, algorithm or other similar analytical tools ("quantitative tools"). The Fund may also be adversely affected by the Investment Manager's ability to make accurate qualitative judgments regarding the quantitative tool's output or operational complications relating to any quantitative tool, such as the failure to properly gather, arrange and analyze data. A qualitative tool may be more effective with certain instruments or strategies than others. The Fund is subject to the risk that any quantitative tools used by an Investment Manager will not be successful as to, for example, selecting or weighting investment positions, and that these tools may not perform as expected and may result in misidentified investments and investment losses.

20 \| PROSPECTUS

------

**Real Estate Investments Risk**—The Fund may invest in securities of real estate companies and companies related to the real estate industry, including real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), which are subject to the same risks as direct investments in real estate and the real estate market generally, such as the possible decline in the value of (or income generated by) the real estate, variations in rental income, fluctuations in occupancy levels and demand for properties or real estate-related services, and changes in the availability or terms of mortgages and other financing that may render the sale or refinancing of properties difficult or unattractive. Real estate values or income generated by real estate may be affected by many additional factors and risks, including, but not limited to: losses from casualty or condemnation; changes in national, state and local economic conditions (such as the turmoil experienced during 2007 through 2009 in the residential and commercial real estate market) and real estate market conditions (such as an oversupply of real estate for rent or sale or vacancies, potentially for extended periods); changes in real estate values and rental income, rising interest rates (which could result in higher costs of capital); changes in building, environmental, zoning and other regulations and related costs; possible environmental liabilities; regulatory limitations on rents; increased property taxes and operating expenses; the attractiveness, type and location of the property; reduced demand for commercial and office space as well as increased maintenance or tenant improvement costs to convert properties for other uses; default risk and credit quality of tenants and borrowers, the financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers, and the inability to re-lease space on attractive terms or to obtain mortgage financing on a timely basis at all; overbuilding and intense competition, including for real estate and related services and technology; construction delays and the supply of real estate generally; extended vacancies of properties due to economic conditions and tenant bankruptcies; and catastrophic events (such as earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and terrorist acts) and other public crises and relief responses thereto. Investments in real estate companies and companies related to the real estate industry are also subject to risks associated with the management skill, insurance coverage and credit worthiness of the issuer. Real estate companies tend to have micro-, small- or mid-capitalization, making their securities more volatile and less liquid than those of companies with larger-capitalizations, and may be subject to heightened cash flow sensitivity. In addition, the real estate industry has historically been cyclical and particularly sensitive to economic downturns and other events that limit demand for real estate, which would adversely impact the value of real estate investments.

Real estate income and values and the real estate market also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes, preferences (such as remote work arrangements) and values, or increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from legal, cultural, technological, global or local economic developments, as well as reduced demand for properties. If the Fund's real estate-related investments are concentrated in one geographic area or in one property type, the Fund will be particularly subject to the risks associated with that area or property type or related real estate conditions. Similarly, real estate industry companies whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also particularly subject to risks affecting such industries and regions or related real estate conditions.

The value or price of real estate company securities may drop because of, among other adverse events, defaults by tenants and the failure of borrowers to repay their loans and the inability to obtain financing either on favorable terms or at all. Changing interest rates and credit quality requirements will also affect real estate companies, including their cash flow and their ability to meet capital needs. If real estate properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including, where applicable, debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements, third-party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability (or perceived ability) of a real estate company to make payments of interest and principal on their loans will be adversely affected, which, as a result, may adversely affect the Fund. Many real estate companies, and companies operating in the real estate industry, utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a company's operations and market value in periods of rising interest rates.

REITs are exposed to the risks affecting real estate investments generally in addition to other investment risks. The value of a REIT can depend on the structure of and cash flow generated by the REIT. The value of a REIT will also rise and fall in response to the management skill and credit worthiness of the issuer. In particular, the value of these securities may decline when interest rates rise and will also be affected by, among other factors, the real estate market and by the management, development or occupancy rates of the underlying properties, which may also be subject to mortgage loans and the underlying mortgage loans (and other types of financing) are subject to the risks of default. REITs may be more volatile and/or less liquid than other types of securities. REITs may invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property, which may increase the risk that the Fund could be unfavorably affected by the poor performance of a single investment or investment type. Because REITs are pooled investment vehicles that have expenses of their own, the Fund and its shareholders will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses paid by each REIT in which it invests. REITs are also subject to unique federal tax requirements. A REIT that fails to comply with federal tax requirements affecting REITs may be subject to

PROSPECTUS \| 21

------

federal income taxation, which may affect the value of the REIT and the characterization of the REIT's distributions, and a REIT that fails to comply with the federal tax requirement that a REIT distribute substantially all of its net income to its shareholders may result in a REIT having insufficient capital for future expenditures. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing return to the Fund on its investment in such company. In the event of a default of an underlying borrower or lessee, a REIT could experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. Investments in REIT equity securities may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund's investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings; if the Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income. REITs often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission from the IRS to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV.

**Regulatory and Legal Risk**—The Fund's activities may be limited or restricted because of laws and regulations applicable to the Fund or the Investment Manager. U.S. and non-U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement additional regulations (or amend or change existing regulations) and legislators pass new laws that affect the investments held by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of regulation or taxation applying to the Fund (such as regulations related to investments in derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment strategies, performance, costs and operations of the Fund, as well as the way investments in, and shareholders of, the Fund are taxed.

**Restricted Securities Risk**—Restricted securities cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"). Unless registered for sale, restricted securities can be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Restricted securities may be classified as illiquid investments. There is no guarantee that a trading market will exist at any time for a particular restricted security. Thus, the Fund may be unable to sell these securities at an advantageous time or at all.

Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses. These securities may be less liquid and more difficult to value than publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund. The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities initially acquired through private placement transactions, offered and sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act ("Rule 144A Securities") and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S under the 1933 Act ("Regulation S Securities"). Rule 144A Securities and Regulation S Securities generally may be traded freely among certain qualified institutional investors, such as the Fund, and non-U.S. persons, but resale to a broader base of investors in the United States may be permitted only in significantly more limited circumstances. The Fund may bear certain costs associated with the resale of these securities and may be subject to delays in being permitted to sell these holdings.

Investing in Rule 144A Securities and other restricted and non-registered securities (such as privately placed securities purchased through transactions complying with the requirements in Regulation D or S under the 1933 Act) could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund's assets invested in illiquid investments to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested, for a time, in purchasing these securities and for other relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations.

**Securities Lending Risk**—Securities lending involves the lending of portfolio securities owned by the Fund to qualified borrowers, including broker-dealers and financial institutions. Therefore, loans of securities involve the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities or deliver the proper amount of collateral, which may result in a loss to the Fund. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the borrower or lending agent, the Fund could experience losses or delays in recovering the loaned securities or foreclosing on collateral. In some cases, these risks may be mitigated by an indemnification provided by the Fund's lending agent. When lending portfolio securities, the Fund initially will require the borrower to provide the Fund with collateral, most commonly cash, which the Fund will invest. Although the Fund invests cash collateral in a conservative manner, it is possible that it could lose money from such an investment or fail to earn sufficient income from its investment to cover the fee or rebate that it has agreed to pay the borrower. To the extent a borrower pledges non-cash collateral, the Fund will earn lending fees paid by the borrower through the lending agent. It is possible that, should the Fund's lending agent experience financial difficulties or bankruptcy, the Fund may not receive the fees it is owed.

22 \| PROSPECTUS

------

**Strategy Risk**—The Investment Manager may not be successful in managing the Fund with a lower level of volatility than the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index. Depending on market conditions during a particular time in a market cycle, the Fund's volatility at that time may not be lower than that of the S&P 500® Index. Because the Fund seeks lower relative volatility, the Fund may underperform the S&P 500® Index, particularly in rising markets. In addition, the Fund does not guarantee that distributions will always be paid or will be paid at a relatively stable level.

The SAI describes the Fund's principal investment risks in more detail and also describes other risks applicable to the Fund. The additional risks include the following:

**Cyber Security, Market Disruptions and Operational Risk**—As in other parts of the economy, the Fund and its service providers, as well as exchanges and market participants through, with which or on which the Fund (or its shares) trades (including the Exchange) and other infrastructures and services on which the Fund or its service providers rely, are susceptible to ongoing risks related to cyber incidents and the risks associated with financial, economic, public health, labor and other global market developments and disruptions. Cyber incidents, which can be perpetrated by a variety of means, including ransomware attacks, may result in actual or potential adverse consequences for critical information and communications technology, systems and networks that are vital to the operations of the Fund or its service providers. Geopolitical tensions may, from time to time, increase the scale and sophistication of cyber incidents and other disruptions. Technological developments such as the use of cloud-based service providers and/or services and the integration of artificial intelligence in systems and operations create new risks that are difficult to assess and anticipate. For example, the Fund's service providers and market participants on which the Fund relies may use artificial intelligence (such as machine learning, generative artificial intelligence or blockchain technology) and similar technologies in the provision of services to the Fund and its operations generally. Such use may subject these service providers and market participants and, in turn, their services and operations to increased risks associated with such technologies, including risk of errors, cybersecurity, data protection and information technology risk, operational risk, and legal, regulatory and compliance risk. In addition, any controls in place designed to mitigate such risks may be ineffective and the use of these technologies may change over time, which may present new risks and vulnerabilities. As a result, the Fund may experience adverse consequences, such as operational errors, from such use of artificial intelligence and similar technologies. A cyber incident or sudden market, operational, technological (including widespread system outages or faulty updates to software applications) or other disruption could adversely impact the Fund, its service providers or its shareholders by, among other things, interfering with the processing of shareholder transactions or other operational functionality, impacting the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value or other data, causing the release of private or confidential information, impeding trading, causing reputational damage, and subjecting the Fund to fines, penalties or financial losses or otherwise adversely affecting the operations, systems and activities of the Fund, their service providers and market intermediaries. These types of adverse consequences could also result from other operational disruptions or failures arising from, for example, processing errors, human errors, and other technological issues. In each case, the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value correctly, in a timely manner or process trades or transactions may be adversely affected, including over a potentially extended period. The Fund and its service providers may directly bear these risks and related costs. In addition, the use of work-from-home arrangements or the use of contingency plans by the Fund or the Investment Manager (or their service providers) could increase all of the above risks, create additional data and information accessibility concerns, and make the Fund or the Investment Manager (or their service providers) more susceptible to operational disruptions, any of which could adversely impact their operations. Furthermore, the Fund may be an appealing target for cybersecurity threats such as hackers and malware. In addition, to the extent that the Investment Manager utilizes a sleeve structure and sub-accounts of an individual Fund in managing the Fund, the Fund would be more susceptible to operational risks, including (but not limited to) settlement, administrative and accounting errors in monitoring the sub-accounts and processing trades and other transactions within and between sub-accounts.

**Redemption Risk**—The Fund may need to sell a significant amount of portfolio securities or other assets to meet redemption orders. The Fund could incur considerable losses when selling portfolio securities or other assets to meet redemption orders if, among other reasons, (i) there is a disruption in the normal operation of the markets in which the Fund buys and sells portfolio securities or other assets and/or (ii) the Fund is unable to sell portfolio securities or other assets at a favorable time or price because such assets are less liquid or illiquid. In such events, the Fund could be forced to sell portfolio securities or other assets at unfavorable prices, including potential highly unfavorable prices, in an effort to generate sufficient cash to satisfy redemption orders. The Fund may suspend redemptions or the payment of redemption proceeds when permitted by applicable regulations.

PROSPECTUS \| 23

------

**Portfolio Holdings**

------

On each business day before commencement of trading in shares on the Exchange, the Fund will disclose on www.guggenheiminvestments.com the identities and quantities of each portfolio position held by the Fund that will form the basis for the Fund's next calculation of the NAV per share. A description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings is available in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

**Investment Management**

------

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC ("GPIM," "Investment Manager" or "Guggenheim Investments"), located at 330 Madison Avenue, 10<sup>th</sup> Floor, New York, NY 10017, is the investment manager to the Fund.

On December 31, 2025, the aggregate assets under the investment management and supervision of GPIM were approximately $240.5 billion. GPIM is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Guggenheim Capital, LLC, an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, LLC.

The Investment Manager makes investment decisions for the assets of the Fund and continuously reviews, supervises and administers the Fund's investment program. In carrying out these functions, the personnel of the Investment Manager operate in teams with various roles. For example, the macroeconomic research team develops the outlook for key economic themes and trends; a sector/security research team selects specific securities for investment consideration and identifies the outlook for different sectors; a portfolio construction team targets investment portfolio positionings and sector weightings; and the portfolio management team provides portfolio monitoring and implementation and risk management services. The Investment Manager has created an investment process designed around the specialization of functions and advances in behavioral finance in an effort to make investment decisions that seek to avoid behavioral anomalies and cognitive biases. To accomplish this, the Investment Manager has disaggregated the primary functions of investment management into four specialized teams that work in a systematic process. The teams are (1) Macroeconomic Research and Market Strategy, (2) Sector Teams, (3) Portfolio Construction, and (4) Portfolio Management.

**Management Fees** 

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between the Investment Manager and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the "Investment Management Agreement"), the Fund has agreed to pay a unitary management fee to the Investment Manager in an amount equal to the annual rate of 0.35% of its average daily net assets. This unitary management fee is designed to pay the Fund's ordinary operating expenses and to compensate the Investment Manager for the services it provides to the Fund. Under the Investment Management Agreement, the Investment Manager pays all of the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund, excluding (i) the Fund's investment management fee; (ii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iii) payments under the Fund's Rule 12b-1 plan (if any); (iv) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or other instruments); (v) taxes; (vi) interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges); (vii) litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or the Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto); and (viii) other non-routine or extraordinary expenses (including expenses arising from mergers, acquisitions or similar transactions involving the Fund). The Fund's management fee is calculated daily and paid monthly.

The Investment Manager has contractually agreed through October 1, 2027 to waive the amount of the Fund's management fee to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to any Fund investment in an underlying fund for which the Investment Manager or any of its affiliates also serves as investment manager. The Investment Manager is not entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived under this agreement. This agreement will automatically renew for one-year terms, unless the Investment Manager provides written notice to the Fund of the termination of the agreement.

A contractual waiver agreement will expire when it reaches its termination, or when the Investment Manager ceases to serve as such and it may be terminated by the Fund's Board of Trustees.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the Investment Management Agreement on behalf of the of the Fund will be available in the Fund's first report filed on Form N-CSR.

24 \| PROSPECTUS

------

**Portfolio Managers** 

The Portfolio Managers of the Investment Manager oversee the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The composition of the portfolio management team of the Fund may change from time to time.

Anne B. Walsh, Steven H. Brown, Daniel R. Cheeseman, and Jay D. Doshi are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

The biographies of the portfolio managers of the Fund are as follows:

**Anne B. Walsh**. Ms. Walsh is a Managing Partner of Guggenheim Partners and the Chief Investment Officer of Guggenheim Investments. Ms. Walsh provides the vision guiding the firm's investment strategies and leads the investment process to include the macroeconomic outlook, portfolio design, sector allocation, and risk management. Ms. Walsh, whose career in financial services spans over four decades, joined Guggenheim Investments (or its affiliate or predecessor) in 2007. She is highly regarded for her active fixed-income, alternatives, and broad portfolio management expertise in addition to a deep background in credit and liability managed investing. In January 2024, Ms. Walsh joined the Investor Advisory Committee on Financial Markets (IACFM), an advisory body to the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Walsh's professional accomplishments include six consecutive years (2020–2025) as one of Barron's 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance, one of Forbes Magazine's "50 Over 50" in 2025, CIO of the Year at the 2022 Women in Asset Management Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at Market Media Group's 2022 Women in Finance Awards. Ms. Walsh holds a BSBA and MBA from Auburn University, and a JD from the University of Miami School of Law. She has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst<sup>®</sup> designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.

**Steven H. Brown**. Mr. Brown is Chief Investment Officer - Fixed Income, Senior Managing Director, and a Portfolio Manager for Guggenheim Investments' Active Fixed Income, Total Return, and Insurance Mandates. Mr. Brown works with the Chief Investment Officer, the Sector Teams, Portfolio Management, Macroeconomic Research and Market Strategy Group, and the Portfolio Construction Group to develop and execute investment strategy. Mr. Brown was previously a member of the structured credit sector team at Guggenheim Investments. Prior to joining Guggenheim Investments, Mr. Brown held roles focused on structured products at Bank of America and ABN AMRO. Mr. Brown received a B.S. in Finance from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. He has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst<sup>®</sup> designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.

**Daniel R Cheeseman**. Mr. Cheeseman joined Guggenheim in 2011 and is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Guggenheim's Quantitative Equity and Derivatives mandates. Mr. Cheeseman works with the Chief Investment Officer of Guggenheim Investments, other portfolio managers, and research analysts to develop quantitative equity strategies and derivatives-based investment solutions. He oversees quantitative research, strategy implementation, portfolio construction, and manages day-to-day risk. Prior to joining Guggenheim, he worked in Quantitative and Derivatives Strategy at Morgan Stanley and Equity Derivatives Research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York. Mr. Cheeseman earned B.A.s in Applied Mathematics and Economics from the University of California, San Diego and earned an M.A. in Mathematics in Finance from the Courant Institute at New York University.

**Jay D. Doshi**. Mr. Doshi joined Guggenheim Investments in 2017 and is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager for Guggenheim's Quantitative Equity and Derivatives mandates. Mr. Doshi works with other portfolio managers and research analysts to develop quantitative equity strategies and derivatives-based investment solutions. He implements systematic trading, portfolio construction, and risk management across equity and derivatives markets. Mr. Doshi oversees day-to-day portfolio management, including trade execution, position monitoring, and risk oversight. Prior to Guggenheim, Mr. Doshi was an analyst at Beach Point Capital Management, LP and an associate at State Street IMS and Ares Management, LLC. Mr. Doshi holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Economics from the University of California, Riverside.

The SAI provides information about each portfolio manager's compensation, other accounts managed by each portfolio manager, and each portfolio manager's ownership of Fund shares.

**Conflicts of Interest** 

An investment in the Fund is subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Investment Manager and its affiliates are engaged in a variety of business activities that are unrelated to managing the Fund, which may give rise to actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in connection with making investment decisions for the Fund. The Fund and the Investment Manager (and its affiliates) have established

PROSPECTUS \| 25

------

various policies and procedures that are designed to minimize conflicts and prevent or limit the Fund from being disadvantaged. There can be no guarantee that these policies and procedures will be successful in every instance. In certain circumstances, these various activities may prevent the Fund from participating or restrict the Fund's participation in an investment decision, disadvantage the Fund or benefit the Investment Manager or its affiliates. For more information about conflicts of interest see the Information Regarding Potential Conflicts of Interest section of the SAI.

**Sub-Advisers**

------

The Board of Trustees has authorized the Fund to operate in a "manager of managers" structure whereby the Investment Manager can appoint and replace both affiliated and unaffiliated sub-advisors, and enter into, amend and terminate sub-advisory agreements with such sub-advisors, each subject to Board approval but without obtaining prior shareholder approval ("Manager of Managers Structure"). The Fund will, however, inform shareholders of the hiring of any new sub-advisor within 90 days after the hiring. The Manager of Managers Structure provides the Fund with greater flexibility and efficiency and alleviates the need for the Fund to incur the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of such sub-advisory agreements.

The use of the Manager of Managers Structure with respect to the Fund is subject to certain conditions that are set forth in SEC exemptive relief and no-action letter guidance issued by the SEC staff. Under the Manager of Managers Structure, the Investment Manager has the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Fund's Board of Trustees, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The Investment Manager will also, subject to the review and oversight of the Fund's Board of Trustees: set the Fund's overall investment strategy; evaluate, select and recommend sub-advisors to manage all or a portion of the Fund's assets; and implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that each sub-advisor complies with the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions. Subject to review and oversight by the Fund's Board of Trustees, the Investment Manager will allocate and, when appropriate, reallocate the Fund's assets among sub-advisors and monitor and evaluate the sub-advisors' performance.

**Buying and Selling Fund Shares**

------

Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on a national securities exchange during the trading day. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like shares of other publicly traded companies. However, there can be no guarantee that an active trading market will develop or be maintained, or that the Fund shares listing will continue or remain unchanged. The Fund does not impose any minimum investment for shares of the Fund purchased on an exchange. Buying or selling the Fund's shares involves certain costs that apply to all securities transactions. When buying or selling shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, you may incur a brokerage commission or other charges determined by your financial intermediary. Due to these brokerage costs, if any, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment returns. In addition, you may also incur the cost of the spread (the difference between the bid price and the ask price). The commission may be a significant cost for investors seeking to buy or sell small amounts of shares.

Shares of the Fund may be acquired through the Distributor (defined below) or redeemed directly with the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof, as discussed in the "Creation and Redemption of Creation Units" section of the Fund's SAI. Only an AP may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. APs may acquire Fund shares directly from the Fund, and APs may tender their Fund shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV per share, only in Creation Units and in accordance with the procedures described in the Fund's SAI. Once created, shares of the Fund generally trade in the secondary market in amounts less than a Creation Unit.

The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

A Business Day with respect to the Fund is each day the Exchange is open. Orders from APs to create or redeem Creation Units will only be accepted on a Business Day. On days when the Exchange or the bond market closes earlier than normal (or on days the bond market is closed but the Exchange is open), the Fund may require orders to

26 \| PROSPECTUS

------

create or redeem Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, to minimize brokerage and other related trading costs associated with securities that cannot be readily transferred in-kind, the Fund may establish early trade cut-off times for APs to submit orders for Creation Units, in accordance with the 1940 Act. See the Fund's SAI for more information.

Certain affiliates of the Fund may purchase and resell Fund shares pursuant to this Prospectus.

**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 Fund on an ongoing basis, a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), may occur at any point. 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 requirements 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 the 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 characterization 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)(C) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an unsold allotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

**Book Entry** 

Shares of the Fund are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The DTC or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares of the Fund and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

Investors owning shares of the Fund are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for shares of the Fund. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other exchange- traded securities that you hold in book-entry or "street name" form.

**Premiums and Discounts** 

There may be differences between the daily market prices on secondary markets for shares of the Fund and the Fund's NAV. NAV is the price per share at which the Fund issues and redeems shares. See "Determination of Net Asset Value" below. The Fund's market price may be at, above, or below its NAV. The NAV of the Fund will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio holdings. The market price of the Fund will fluctuate in accordance with changes in its NAV, as well as market supply and demand for shares of the Fund.

Premiums or discounts are the differences (expressed as a percentage) between the NAV and the market price of the Fund on a given day, generally at the time the NAV is calculated. A premium is the amount that the Fund is trading above the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount is the amount that the Fund is trading below the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount or premium could be significant.

PROSPECTUS \| 27

------

Information regarding the Fund's premium/discount to NAV for the most recently completed calendar year and the most recently completed calendar quarters since that calendar year end (or the life of the Fund, if shorter) will be available at www.guggenheiminvestments.com by selecting the Fund for additional details.

**Investments by Other Investment Companies** 

Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including the Fund's shares. Registered investment companies are permitted to invest in the Fund beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions.

**Dividends, Distributions and Taxes**

------

**Distributions** 

To avoid taxation of the Fund, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), requires the Fund to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and any net capital gains realized on its investments at least annually.

**Distribution Schedule** 

Dividends from net investment income are generally declared and distributed to shareholders monthly. Distributions of net capital gains are declared and distributed at least annually. Dividends may be declared and paid more frequently to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. The date you receive your distribution may vary depending on how your intermediary processes trades. Dividend payments are made through Depository Trust Company ("DTC") participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners then of record with proceeds received from the Fund. Please consult your financial intermediary for details.

Because the Fund seeks to provide monthly distributions at a relatively stable level, it is anticipated that shareholders will periodically receive distributions which constitute a return of capital. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces the shareholder's basis in its shares, which (i) increases the possibility that future payments constituting a return of capital will be taxable, (ii) increases the amount of gain (or decreases the amount of loss), if any, on a subsequent taxable disposition by such shareholder of the shares, and (iii) could create a taxable gain even if the shares are sold at price less than their original cost. A return of capital in excess of your tax basis in your shares will be taxable as a capital gain.

**How Distributions Affect the Fund's NAV** 

Distributions are paid to shareholders as of the record date of a distribution of the Fund, regardless of how long the shares have been held. Undistributed income and net capital gains are included in the Fund's daily NAV until the ex-dividend date (i.e., the NAV as of the ex-dividend date, which is the first date following the declaration of a dividend and/or distribution on which the purchaser of shares is not entitled to receive the payment, exclude the amount of the dividend and/or distribution to be paid). You should be aware that distributions from a taxable fund do not increase the value of your investment and may create income tax obligations.

No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Trust. Financial intermediaries may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of Fund shares for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their financial intermediary to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Financial intermediaries may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and net capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

**Taxes** 

As with any investment, you should consider the tax consequences of investing in the Fund. The following is a general discussion of certain federal income tax consequences of investing in the Fund. The discussion does not apply to qualified tax-advantaged accounts or other non-taxable entities, nor is it a complete analysis of the federal income tax implications of investing in the Fund. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the effect that an investment in the Fund may have on your particular tax situation, including the federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences of your investment.

28 \| PROSPECTUS

------

**Taxes on Distributions** 

Distributions by the Fund are subject to federal income tax, regardless of whether the distribution is made in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Distributions from net investment income (which includes dividends, interest, and realized net short- term capital gains), other than qualified dividend income, are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of qualified dividend income are taxed to individuals and other noncorporate shareholders at long-term capital gain rates, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Because the income of the Fund is primarily derived from investments earning interest rather than dividend income, generally none or only a small portion of the income dividends paid by the Fund is anticipated to be qualified dividend income.

Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Individuals, trusts, and estates whose income exceeds certain threshold amounts are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on net investment income. Net investment income includes dividends paid by the Fund and capital gains from any sale or exchange of Fund shares. The Fund's net investment income and capital gains are distributed to (and may be taxable to) those persons who are shareholders of the Fund at the record date of such payments. Although the Fund's total net income and net realized gain are the results of its operations, the per share amount distributed or taxable to shareholders is affected by the number of Fund shares outstanding at the record date. Distributions declared to shareholders of record in October, November, or December and paid on or before January 31 of the succeeding year will be treated for federal income tax purposes as if received by shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the distribution was declared. Generally, account tax information will be made available to shareholders on or before February 15 of each year. Information regarding distributions may also be reported to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS").

**Taxes on Sales** 

Any time you sell the shares of the Fund in a taxable account, it is considered a taxable event. Depending on the purchase price and the sale price, you may have a gain or loss on the transaction. The gain or loss will generally be treated as a long- term capital gain or loss if you held your shares for more than one year and if not held for such period, as a short-term capital gain or loss. Any tax liabilities generated by your transactions are your responsibility.

U.S. federal income tax withholding may be required on all distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide their correct taxpayer identification number, fail to make certain required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. The current backup withholding rate is applied.

For shares purchased and sold from a taxable account, your financial intermediary will report cost basis information to you and to the IRS. Your financial intermediary will permit shareholders to elect their preferred cost basis method. In the absence of an election, your cost basis method will be your financial intermediary's default method, which is often the average cost method. Please consult your tax adviser to determine the appropriate cost basis method for your particular tax situation and to learn more about how the cost basis reporting laws apply to you and your investments.

**Taxation of the Fund** 

Dividends, interest, and some capital gains received by the Fund on foreign securities may be subject to foreign tax withholding or other foreign taxes.

Certain fund transactions may involve futures, options, swap agreements, hedged investments, and other similar transactions, and may be subject to special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that, among other things, can potentially affect the character, amount, and timing of distributions to shareholders, and utilization of capital loss carryforwards. The Fund will monitor their transactions and may make certain tax elections and use certain investment strategies where applicable in order to mitigate the effect of these tax provisions, if possible.

In particular, the Fund's investments in derivative instruments may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to liquidate other investments in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold, including at times when it is not advantageous to do so. The Fund's transactions in derivatives will be subject to special tax rules (including, but not limited to, requirements for certain investments to be marked to market annually), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the

PROSPECTUS \| 29

------

amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund's use of these types of transactions may result in the Fund realizing more short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions. Please see the SAI for additional discussion of the tax consequences of the above-described and other investments to the Fund and its shareholders.

The Fund does not expect to pay any federal income or excise taxes because they intend to meet certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, including the distribution each year of substantially all its net investment income and net capital gains. It is important for the Fund to meet these requirements so that any earnings on your investment will not be subject to federal income tax twice. If the Fund invests in a partnership, however, it may be subject to state tax liabilities.

If the Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may recognize more capital gains than it will if it redeems Creation Units in-kind.

For additional information, see the "Dividends and Taxes" section of the SAI.

**Determination of Net Asset Value**

------

The Fund calculates its net asset value per share, which also is referred to as NAV, by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Taking the current value of its total assets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Subtracting any liabilities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Dividing that amount by the total number of shares owned by shareholders.

The Fund generally calculates its NAV once each Business Day as of the regularly scheduled close of normal trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). The NYSE is open Monday through Friday, except on observation of the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If the NYSE has an earlier closing time (scheduled or unscheduled), such as on days in advance of holidays generally observed by the NYSE, the Fund may calculate its NAV as of the earlier closing time or calculate its NAV as of the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Fund's Investment Manager believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations. The Fund generally does not calculate its NAV on any day that the NYSE is not open for business. However, if the NYSE is closed for any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, the Fund may calculate its NAV as of the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Fund's Investment Manager believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations. The Fund discloses its NAV on a daily basis. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agent after the Fund's NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not be used to retroactively adjust the price of a security or the Fund's previously determined NAV. For more information, or to obtain the Fund's NAV, please call 1-800-820-0888 or visit the Guggenheim Investments website at www.guggenheiminvestments.com.

The Board has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund's investments (the "Valuation Procedures"). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated the Investment Manager as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and/or other assets. As the Fund's valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Investment Manager has adopted separate procedures ("Valuation Designee Procedures") reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4 under the 1940 Act. The Investment Manager, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim's investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the "Valuation Committee"), in determining fair value of the Fund's securities and/or other assets. The Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures permit the Fund to use a variety of valuation methodologies in connection with valuing the Fund's investments. The methodology used for a specific type of investment may vary based on available market data or other relevant considerations. As a general matter, valuing securities and assets accurately is difficult and can be based on inputs and assumptions which may not always be accurate.

In general, portfolio securities and assets of the Fund will be valued on the basis of readily available market quotations at their current market value. With respect to portfolio securities and assets of the Fund for which market quotations are not readily available or deemed unreliable by the Investment Manager, the Fund will fair value those securities and assets in good faith in accordance with the Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures.

30 \| PROSPECTUS

------

Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security's (or asset's or liability's) "fair value." Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of a security. Fair value determinations may be based on limited inputs and involve the consideration of a number of subjective factors, an analysis of applicable facts and circumstances, and the exercise of judgment. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. As a result, it is possible that the fair value for a security determined in good faith in accordance with the Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures may differ from valuations for the same security determined by other funds using their own valuation procedures. Although the Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures are designed to value a portfolio security or asset at the price the Fund may reasonably expect to receive upon its sale in an orderly transaction, there is no assurance that any fair value determination thereunder would, in fact, approximate the amount that the Fund could reasonably expect to receive upon the sale of the portfolio security or asset.

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. E.T. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments.

The Fund may also fair value securities and assets when a significant event is deemed to have occurred after the time of a market quotation including for securities and assets traded on foreign markets and securities and assets for which market quotations are provided by independent third party pricing services as of a time that is prior to the time when the Fund's determine their NAV. There can be no assurance in each case that significant events will be identified.

With respect to any portion of the Fund's assets invested in open-end investment companies, the Fund's NAV is calculated based upon the NAV of the open-end investment companies in which the Fund invests, except ETFs and closed-end investment companies, which are generally valued based on market prices.

Valuations of the Fund's securities and other assets are supplied primarily by independent third party pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Designee Procedures. Valuations provided by independent third party pricing services are generally based on methods designed to approximate the amount that the Fund could reasonably expect to receive upon the sale of the portfolio security or asset. When providing valuations to the Fund, pricing services use various inputs, methods, models and assumptions, which may include information provided by broker-dealers and other market makers. Independent third party pricing services face the same challenges as the Fund in valuing securities and assets and may rely on limited available information. If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Investment Manager. The Fund may also use third party service providers to model certain securities, using models to determine fair market value. While the Fund's use of fair valuation is intended to result in calculation of NAV that fairly reflects values of the Fund's portfolio securities as of the time of pricing, the Fund cannot guarantee that any fair valuation will, in fact, approximate the amount the Fund would actually realize upon the sale of the securities in question.

Proportions of the Fund's investments that are fair valued vary from time to time and the Fund may fair value a significant amount of its portfolio securities and assets. The Fund's report on Form N-CSR contains more information about the Fund's holdings that are fair valued. Investors should consult the Fund's report on Form N-CSR for additional information.

Please see the SAI for additional information about the valuations of the Fund's securities and other assets and on how NAV is calculated.

PROSPECTUS \| 31

------

**Distribution**

------

**Distribution of the Fund** 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor") serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. The Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The Distributor is an affiliate of the Investment Manager.

**Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan** 

The Board has adopted a Distribution and Servicing Plan for shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan"). The Plan permits compensation in connection with the distribution and marketing of Fund shares and/or the provision of certain shareholder services. The Plan permits the Fund to pay the Distributor, or its designee, a fee for the sale and distribution and/or shareholder servicing of the shares at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets of the shares of the Fund ("12b-1 fee"). However, payment of a 12b-1 fee has not been authorized at this time.

Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund is authorized to make payments to the Distributor or its designee for remittance to retirement plan service providers, broker-dealers, bank trust departments, financial advisors, and other financial intermediaries, as compensation for distribution and/or shareholder services performed by such entities for their customers who are investors in the Fund.

Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, to the extent that a fee is authorized and payments are made, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in the Fund. The 12b-1 fee may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges.

**Fund Service Providers**

------

The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, is the administrator, custodian, transfer agent and fund accounting and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund.

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as legal counsel to the ETF series of the Trust.

Ernst & Young LLP, 1775 Tysons Boulevard, Tysons, Virginia 22102, serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.

**Payments to Financial Intermediaries by the Investment Manager or its Affiliates**

------

From their own assets, the Investment Manager or its affiliates pay selected brokerage firms or other financial intermediaries for making Guggenheim Investments funds available to their clients for distribution, marketing, promotional, data, or related services and/or for providing transaction processing and other shareholder or administrative services. The Investment Manager or its affiliates also make payments to one or more intermediaries for information about transactions and holdings in the funds, such as the amount of fund shares purchased, sold or held through the intermediary and or its salespersons, the intermediary platform(s) on which shares are transacted and other information related to the funds. Payments made by the Investment Manager and its affiliates may eliminate or reduce trading commissions that the intermediary would otherwise charge its customers or its salespersons in connection with the purchase or sale of certain funds. Payment by the Investment Manager or its affiliates to eliminate or reduce a trading commission creates an incentive for salespersons of the intermediary to sell the Guggenheim Investments funds over other funds for which a commission would be charged. The amount of these payments is determined from time to time by the Investment Manager, may be substantial, and may differ for different intermediaries. The Investment Manager may determine to make payments based on any number of factors or metrics. For example, the Investment Manager may make payments at year-end and/or other intervals in a fixed amount, an amount based upon an intermediary's services at defined levels, an amount based upon the total assets represented by funds subject to arrangements with the intermediary, an amount based on the intermediary's net

32 \| PROSPECTUS

------

sales of one or more funds in a year or other period, or a fee based on the management fee received by the Investment Manager, any of which arrangements may include an agreed-upon minimum or maximum payment, or any combination of the foregoing. Payments based primarily on sales create an incentive to make new sales of shares, while payments based on assets create an incentive to retain previously sold shares. The Investment Manager currently maintains asset-based agreements with certain intermediaries on behalf of the Trust. The amount of compensation paid by the Investment Manager varies from intermediary to intermediary. More information regarding these payments is contained in the Fund's SAI.

With respect to non-exchange-traded Guggenheim Investments funds not offered in this Prospectus, the Investment Manager or its affiliates pay fees, from their own assets, to selected brokerage firms, banks, financial advisors, retirement plan service providers, and other financial intermediaries that sell the Guggenheim Investments funds for distribution, marketing, promotional, or related services, and/or for providing recordkeeping, subaccounting, transaction processing, and other shareholder or administrative services (including payments for processing transactions via National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") or other means), and the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures ("CUSIP") and fund setup fees in connection with investments in the Guggenheim Investments funds. These fees are in addition to any fees that may be paid by the Guggenheim Investments funds for certain of these types of services or other services. Shareholders investing through an intermediary should consider whether such arrangements exist when evaluating any recommendations from an intermediary.

In addition, the Investment Manager or its affiliates may also share certain marketing expenses with selected intermediaries, or pay for or sponsor informational meetings, seminars, client awareness events, and support for marketing materials, sales reporting, or business building programs for such intermediaries to raise awareness of the Guggenheim Investments funds. The Investment Manager or its affiliates make payments to participate in selected intermediary marketing support programs which may provide the Investment Manager or its affiliates with one or more of the following benefits: attendance at sales conferences, participation in meetings or training sessions, access to or information about intermediary personnel, use of an intermediary's marketing and communication infrastructure, fund analysis tools, data, business planning and strategy sessions with intermediary personnel, information on industry- or platform- specific developments, trends and service providers, and other marketing-related services. Such payments may be in addition to, or in lieu of, the payments described above. These payments are intended to promote the sales of Guggenheim Investments funds and to reimburse financial intermediaries, directly or indirectly, for the costs that they or their salespersons incur in connection with educational seminars, meetings, and training efforts about the Guggenheim Investments funds to enable the intermediaries and their salespersons to make suitable recommendations, provide useful services, and maintain the necessary infrastructure to make the Guggenheim Investments funds available to their customers.

The receipt of (or prospect of receiving) payments, reimbursements and other forms of compensation described above may provide a financial intermediary and its salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of Guggenheim Investments funds' shares over sales of other funds (or non-mutual fund/ETF investments), with respect to which the financial intermediary does not receive such payments or receives them in a lower amount. The receipt of these payments may cause certain financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Guggenheim Investments funds within such financial intermediary's organization by, for example, placement on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or the provision of preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the Guggenheim Investments funds in various ways within such financial intermediary's organization.

From time to time, certain financial intermediaries approach the Investment Manager to request that the Investment Manager make contributions to certain charitable organizations. In these cases, the Investment Manager's contribution may result in the financial intermediary, or its salespersons, recommending Guggenheim Investments funds over other funds (or non-mutual fund/ETF investments).

The payment arrangements described above will not change the price an investor pays for shares nor the amount that a Guggenheim Investments fund receives to invest on behalf of the investor. You should consider whether such arrangements exist when evaluating any recommendations from an intermediary to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. Please contact your financial intermediary or plan sponsor for details on such arrangements.

**Frequent Trading**

------

Unlike traditional mutual funds, the frequent trading of Fund shares generally does not disrupt portfolio management, increase the Fund's trading costs, lead to realization of capital gains by the Fund, or otherwise harm Fund shareholders. The vast majority of trading in Fund shares occurs on the secondary market. Because these trades do

PROSPECTUS \| 33

------

not involve the Fund, they do not harm the Fund or its shareholders. APs are authorized to purchase and redeem Fund shares directly with the Fund in Creation Units. Creation Unit transactions that are effected using securities (i.e., in-kind) do not cause any of the harmful effects to the issuing fund (as previously noted). However, Creation Unit transactions effected using cash can potentially subject the Fund and its shareholders to those harmful effects. As a result, the Fund requires APs to pay transaction fees to cover brokerage and certain related costs when purchasing or redeeming Creation Units. Those fees are designed to protect the Fund and its shareholders from the dilutive costs associated with frequent creation and redemption activity. For these reasons, the Board of Trustees of the Fund have determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter frequent trading and market timing of Fund shares. However, the Fund's policies and procedures regarding frequent purchases and redemptions may be modified by the Trustees at any time.

**Fund Website and Availability of Portfolio Holdings Information**

------

Each Business Day, the Fund's portfolio holdings information is provided by its custodian or other agent for dissemination through the facilities of the NSCC and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Fund in the secondary market. In addition, on each Business Day before commencement of trading in shares on the Exchange, the Fund will disclose on its website (www.guggenheiminvestments.com) the identities and quantities of each portfolio position held by the Fund that will form the basis for the Fund's next calculation of the NAV. A complete schedule of the Fund's portfolio holdings is also available semiannually and annually in Form N-CSR and, after the first and third fiscal quarters, in Form N-PORT. Information reported in Form N-CSR and in Form N-PORT will be made publicly available within 70 and 60 days, respectively, after the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund's Form N-CSR and Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

For additional information on these disclosures and the availability of portfolio holdings information, please refer to the Fund's SAI.

**General Information**

------

**Other Information** 

The Prospectus and SAI, related regulatory filings, and any other Fund communications or disclosure documents do not purport to create any contractual obligations between the Fund and shareholders. The Fund may amend any of these documents or enter into (or amend) a contract on behalf of the Fund without shareholder approval except where shareholder approval is specifically required. Further, shareholders are not intended third-party beneficiaries of any contracts entered into by (or on behalf of) the Fund, including contracts with the Investment Manager or other parties who provide services to the Fund.

**Householding** 

Householding is an option that may be available through certain broker-dealers. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Please contact your broker-dealer if you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, or if you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status.

**Financial Highlights**

------

The Fund is new and has no performance history as of the date of this prospectus. Financial information therefore is not available.

34 \| PROSPECTUS

------

**For More Information**

------

**By Telephone**—Call 1-800-820-0888

**By Mail**—Write to:

Guggenheim Investments

PO Box 534493

Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4493

**On the Internet**—Reports and other information about the Fund can be viewed online or downloaded, without charge, from:

**SEC:** The EDGAR Database at http://www.sec.gov

**Guggenheim Investments**: http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com

The information contained in or otherwise accessible through http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com does not form part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this Prospectus.

Copies of additional information about the Fund (including the SAI) may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

**Annual/Semi-Annual Report and Form N-CSR** 

Additional information about the Fund's investments will be available in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. The Fund's annual and semi-annual reports and other information such as Fund financial statements will be available, without charge, upon request by calling the Fund's toll-free telephone number 1-800-820-0888 or by visiting http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com. In the Fund's annual reports, among other things, you will find a brief summary of key factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period, including the relevant market conditions and the investment strategies and techniques used by the Investment Manager. In Form N-CSR, you will find, among other things, the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.

**Statement of Additional Information** 

The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, is available, without charge, upon request by calling the Fund's toll-free telephone number 1-800-820-0888 or by visiting http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Shareholder inquiries should be addressed to Guggenheim Investments, PO Box 534493, Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4493, or by calling the Fund's toll-free telephone number listed above. The SAI is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference and thus is deemed to be legally part of this Prospectus.

If you buy your shares through a financial intermediary, you should contact that financial intermediary directly for more information.

The Fund's Investment Company Act file number is 811-01136.

**Family of Funds**, for disclosure purposes in this Prospectus, include—series of Guggenheim Funds Trust: Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF, Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF, Guggenheim Core Bond Fund, Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund, Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund, Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund, Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund and Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund; the Rydex Series Funds; and the Rydex Dynamic Funds.

PROSPECTUS \| 35

------

![](g139913gugg_sailogolarge.gif)

702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200

Rockville, Maryland 20850

1-800-820-0888

http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com

------

**Guggenheim Funds Trust**

**Statement of Additional Information**

**June 10, 2026**

This Statement of Additional Information provides information relating to the following series of Guggenheim Funds Trust (the "Fund"):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Ticker** | **Listing Exchange** |
| Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF | GEEQ | NYSE Arca, Inc. |

---

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. This Statement of Additional Information relates to the Fund's prospectus dated June 10, 2026, as may be supplemented from time to time (the "Prospectus"), and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

The Prospectus (and the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports and other information such as the Fund's financial statements, when available) may be obtained without charge by writing Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, 702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200, Rockville, Maryland 20850, by calling 1-800-820-0888 or by visiting www.guggenheiminvestments.com/services/prospectuses-and-reports.

As described herein, the investment manager to the Fund is Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, 330 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

------

**Table of Contents**

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [General Information](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_1) | 3 |
| [Exchange Listing and Trading](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_1) | 3 |
| [Investment Methods and Risk Factors](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_2) | 4 |
| [Investment Restrictions](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_38) | 40 |
| [Fundamental Policies](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_38) | 40 |
| [Operating Policies](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_39) | 41 |
| [Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_40) | 42 |
| [Management of the Fund](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_41) | 43 |
| [Trustees and Officers](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_41) | 43 |
| [Board Leadership Structure](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_48) | 50 |
| [Qualifications and Experience of Trustees](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_49) | 51 |
| [Board's Role in Risk Oversight](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_50) | 52 |
| [Board Committees](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_52) | 54 |
| [Audit Committee](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_52) | 54 |
| [Contracts Review Committee](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_52) | 54 |
| [Executive Committee](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_52) | 54 |
| [Nominating and Governance Committee](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_52) | 54 |
| [Remuneration of Trustees](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_53) | 55 |
| [Trustees' Ownership of Securities](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_53) | 55 |
| [Investment Management](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_54) | 56 |
| [Management Agreement](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_54) | 56 |
| [Code of Ethics](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_55) | 57 |
| [Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Transfer Agent and Dividend-Paying Agent, and Custodian](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_55) | 57 |
| [Portfolio Managers](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_56) | 58 |
| [Compensation](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_56) | 58 |
| [Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_56) | 58 |
| [Portfolio Manager Ownership of Fund Shares](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_56) | 58 |
| [Information Regarding Potential Conflicts of Interest](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_57) | 59 |
| [Payments to Financial Intermediaries by the Investment Manager or its Affiliates](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_65) | 67 |
| [Principal Shareholders](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_66) | 68 |
| [Proxy Voting](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_66) | 68 |
| [Distributor](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_68) | 70 |
| [Portfolio Turnover](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_69) | 71 |
| [Portfolio Brokerage and Investment Allocation](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_69) | 71 |
| [Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_70) | 72 |
| [How Net Asset Value Is Determined](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_70) | 72 |
| [Distribution of Shares](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_72) | 74 |
| [Book-Entry Only System](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_73) | 75 |
| [Creation and Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_74) | 76 |
| [Fund Deposit](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_74) | 76 |
| [Procedures for Creating Creation Units](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_75) | 77 |
| [Role of the Authorized Participant](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_75) | 77 |
| [Placement of Creation Orders](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_76) | 78 |
| [Purchase Orders](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_76) | 78 |

---

i

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_77) | 79 |
| [Acceptance of Orders for Creation Units](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_77) | 79 |
| [Issuance of a Creation Unit](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_77) | 79 |
| [Redemption of Creation Units](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_78) | 80 |
| [In-Kind Redemption Method](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_78) | 80 |
| [Cash Redemption Method](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_79) | 81 |
| [Costs Associated with Creation and Redemption Transactions](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_79) | 81 |
| [Placement of Redemption Orders](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_79) | 81 |
| [Custom Baskets](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_81) | 83 |
| [Taxation on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_81) | 83 |
| [Regular Holidays](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_82) | 84 |
| [Dividends and Taxes](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_82) | 84 |
| [Fund Taxation](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_82) | 84 |
| [Shareholder Taxation](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_86) | 88 |
| [Non-U.S. Investors](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_87) | 89 |
| [Organization](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_87) | 89 |
| [Securities Lending](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_88) | 90 |
| [Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_88) | 90 |
| [Legal Counsel](#xx_26c7e99c-f480-4d8d-83d6-74568e9a7f58_89) | 91 |
| [Financial Statements](#xx_0303535b-5e5b-4bad-b11c-f9acd3c9cc09_1) | 92 |
| [Appendix A – Description of Securities Ratings](#xx_ab549624-cd51-4ff2-82a4-2cab97b27879_1) | A-1 |

---

ii

------

**General Information**

------

Guggenheim Funds Trust (the "Trust"), which was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 8, 2013, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Trust is an open-end management investment company that is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios. The offering of the Trust's shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") relates to the series of the Trust set forth on the cover hereto (the "Fund").

The fiscal year end for the Fund is May 31 of each year.

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC ("GPIM") is the investment manager to the Fund. GPIM is also referred to as the "Investment Manager."

The investment objective and policies of the Fund, unless otherwise noted, may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") without the approval of shareholders. The Fund is also required to operate within limitations imposed by its fundamental investment policies, which may not be changed without shareholder approval. These limitations are set forth under "Investment Restrictions." The Fund is classified as a "non-diversified company" within the meaning of the 1940 Act. An investment in the Fund does not constitute a complete investment program.

As disclosed in the Fund's prospectus, as may be supplemented from time to time, investors should note that the Fund reserves the right to merge or reorganize itself, or to cease operations and liquidate at any time. In the event the Board determines to liquidate the Fund, shareholders may be adversely affected such as being subject to adverse tax consequences. In addition, the shareholder may receive a liquidating amount that is less than the shareholder's original investment.

The Fund offers and issues shares at net asset value ("NAV") per share only in aggregations of a specified number of shares ("Creation Unit"), in exchange for a designated portfolio of securities, assets or other positions (including any portion of such securities, assets or other positions for which cash may be substituted) and/or cash (the "Deposit Securities"), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the "Cash Component"). Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "Exchange"), a national securities exchange. Shares of the Fund are traded in the secondary market and elsewhere at market prices that may be at, above or below the Fund's NAV. Unlike mutual funds, the Fund's shares are not individually redeemable securities. Rather, the Fund's shares are redeemable only in Creation Units, and Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities/instruments with a cash balancing amount and/or all cash. The size of a Creation Unit may be modified by GPIM with prior notification to the Fund's Authorized Participants. In the event of liquidation of the Fund, the number of shares in a Creation Unit may be significantly reduced.

**Exchange Listing and Trading**

------

Shares of the Fund are listed for trading and trade throughout the day on the Exchange and other secondary markets. Shares of the Fund may also be listed on certain foreign (non U.S.) exchanges. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of shares of the Fund will continue to be met. The Exchange may, but is not required to, remove the shares of the Fund from listing under the following circumstances, as may be applicable: (i) if the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under 1940 Act; (ii) if the Fund fails to meet certain continuing listing standards of the Exchange; (iii) if following the initial 12-month period beginning upon the commencement of trading of Fund shares, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of shares of the Fund; or (iv) if any other event shall occur or condition shall exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

As in the case of other publicly traded securities, when you buy or sell shares through a financial intermediary you may incur a brokerage commission determined by that financial intermediary.

------

Shares of the Fund trade on the Exchange or in the secondary market at prices that may differ from their NAV because such prices may be affected by market forces (such as supply and demand for the Fund's shares). The Trust reserves the right to adjust the share prices of the 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.

**Investment Methods and Risk Factors**

------

The Fund's principal investment strategies and the summaries of risks associated with the same are described in the "Fund Summary" and "Descriptions of Principal Risks" sections of the Prospectus. The following discussion provides additional information about certain of those principal investment strategies and related risks, as well as information about other investment strategies that the Fund may utilize and related risks that may apply to the Fund, even though they are not considered to be "principal" investment strategies of the Fund. Accordingly, an investment strategy and related risk that is described below, but which is not described in the Fund's Summary Prospectus, should not be considered to be a principal investment strategy or principal risk applicable to the Fund.

Some of the risk factors related to certain securities, instruments and techniques that may be used by the Fund are described in the "Fund Summaries" and "Descriptions of Principal Risks" sections of the Prospectus and in this SAI. The following is a description of certain additional risk factors related to various securities, instruments and techniques. Also included is a general description of some of the investment instruments, techniques and methods that may be used by the Fund. Although the Fund may employ the techniques, instruments and methods described below, consistent with its investment objective and policies and any applicable law, the Fund is not required to do so.

Investors should be aware that economies and financial markets have in recent periods experienced increased uncertainty and volatility because of, among other factors, economic developments, geopolitical tensions, labor and public health conditions around the world, inflation, tariffs and changing interest rates. To the extent these or similar conditions continue or occur in the future, the risks below could be heightened significantly compared to normal conditions and therefore the Fund's investments and a shareholder's investment in the Fund may be particularly subject to reduced yield and/or income and to sudden and substantial losses. The fact that a particular risk is not specifically identified as being heightened under current conditions does not mean that the risk is not greater than under normal conditions.

Investment objectives and policies of the Fund are described in the Prospectus. Below are additional details about the investment policies of the Fund. There are risks inherent in the ownership of any security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective(s) will be achieved. The objective(s) and policies of the Fund, except those enumerated under "Investment Restrictions—Fundamental Policies," may be modified at any time without shareholder approval.

The investment methods and risk factors are presented below in alphabetical order and not in the order of importance or potential exposure.

**General Risk Factors**— The NAV and market price per share of the Fund is expected to fluctuate, reflecting fluctuations in the market value of its portfolio positions. The Fund is subject to the risks associated with financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, including those arising out of or relating to, real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates, deflation, adverse investor confidence or sentiment, general outlook for corporate earnings, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, bank failures, actual or threatened imposition of tariffs (which may be imposed by U.S. and foreign governments) and trade disruptions, recession, changes in currency and inflation rates, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental or natural disasters, extreme weather or geological events, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, terrorism, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects thereof) or ratings downgrades, technological developments (including those related to artificial intelligence) or failures (for example, widespread system outages or disruptions or faulty updates to software applications) and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Such events may result in, among other things, travel restrictions, closing of borders, exchange closures, health screenings, healthcare service delays, quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, lower consumer demand, market volatility and general uncertainty. These events may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments, which are

------

particularly sensitive to these types of market risks given increased globalization and interconnectedness of markets, and the ability of the Investment Manager to execute investment decisions for the Fund (and thus, liquidity may be affected). Such events could adversely impact issuers, markets and economies over the short- and long-term, including in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. Furthermore, the interconnectedness of certain markets, particularly the markets for novel or emerging products or services, such as artificial intelligence or blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies and digital assets, and the related impacts on economies, markets and issuers as well as systemic risk may not be known until a future time, making the potential impact of adverse events occurring in those markets on the Fund difficult to predict. In addition, the Fund and its investments may be adversely impacted by volatility and other developments associated with domestic and global economies, market trading activity and investor interest, including those driven by factors unrelated to financial performance or market conditions. The value of investments, particularly short positions or exposures, may fluctuate dramatically in these circumstances. Also, changes in inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. Government efforts to support the economy and financial markets may increase the risk that asset prices have a higher degree of correlation than historically seen across markets and asset classes. In addition, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt ceiling, which may occur from time to time, could result in increased volatility in both stock and bond markets and various adverse market and economic developments. It may be difficult for the market to assess the immediate impact of an event on an issuer or security due to uncertainty that may surround such events; the impact of such an event on a security's valuation may be delayed. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

**American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs")**—ADRs are dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by U.S. banks and which represent the deposit with the bank of a foreign company's securities. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter ("OTC") in the United States. Investors should consider carefully the substantial risks involved in investing in securities issued by companies of foreign nations, which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. See "Foreign Investment Risks," below. ADRs, European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") or other securities convertible into securities of issuers based in foreign countries are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. In general, ADRs, in registered form, are denominated in U.S. dollars and are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, while EDRs (also referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts ("CDRs")), in bearer form, may be denominated in other currencies and are designed for use in European securities markets. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. EDRs are European receipts evidencing a similar arrangement. GDRs are global receipts evidencing a similar arrangement. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, ADRs, EDRs and GDRs usually are deemed to have the same classification as the underlying securities they represent. Thus, an ADR, EDR or GDR representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock.

Depositary receipts are issued through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the cost of such facilities, and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities.

**Availability and Quality of Data**—The Investment Manager faces the general risk regarding the availability and quality of information concerning a particular asset or investment, and employs a variety of policies, practices and methodologies to minimize that risk. For example, there is less readily available and reliable information about most bank loans than is the case for many other types of instruments, including listed securities. Another example is the consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") criteria where the Investment Manager believes it could have a material impact on an investment's return or issuer's financial performance (though, for avoidance of doubt, the Investment Manager does not offer any ESG products). Similar to the Investment Manager's ability to evaluate traditional factors in making investment decisions, the ability for the Investment Manager to identify and evaluate ESG characteristics and risks, or to engage with an issuer, is limited to the availability and quality of information on an asset or issuer. In some cases, the Investment Manager may decline to consider ESG criteria in an investment decision due to the unavailability of information on an issuer, or the quality of that information. In addition, the Investment Manager often uses data and insights from third-party research to provide additional input in the analysis of ESG-related criteria. Third-party information and data will, from time to time, be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable. As a result, there is a risk that the Investment Manager could incorrectly assess the ESG criteria or risks associated with a particular asset or issuer. The Investment Manager expects from time to time to directly engage

------

with certain corporate credit issuers by requesting improved issuer disclosure relating to ESG factors, as well as discussing potential opportunities to improve various ESG metrics and other related topics. Direct engagement will occur with only a minority of portfolio investments and issuers the Investment Manager considers for investment and will depend on a variety of considerations, including the materiality of ESG criteria to the specific issuer or sector and the size of the Investment Manager's clients' investments in the issuer. There can be no assurance that the Investment Manager's engagement efforts will be successful or provide benefit to clients.

The application of ESG criteria and risk factors to portfolio investments (if any) could result in one or more assets or issuers being excluded from a portfolio, which could have an adverse effect on the performance of that portfolio. Additionally, in some circumstances a client mandate or applicable regulations can cause the Investment Manager to restrict specific investments based on particular ESG characteristics. The Investment Manager also reserves the right, in the future, to implement restrictions or prohibitions on investments within certain industries for all or a sub-set of all client accounts which could be based on particular ESG criteria or other relevant factors. As a result of any of the aforementioned circumstances, clients may be limited as to available investments, which could hinder performance when compared to investments with no such restrictions.

**Borrowing**—The Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other purposes consistent with the Fund's investment objective and program. For example, it may be advantageous for the Fund to borrow money rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. As recognized by the SEC, a line of credit can enhance the Fund's ability to manage liquidity risk and to meet shareholder redemption requests.

Accordingly, the Fund may borrow from banks and may borrow through reverse repurchase agreements, derivatives, unfunded commitments and "roll" transactions in connection with meeting requests for the redemption of Fund shares. To the extent that the Fund purchases securities while it has outstanding borrowings, it is using leverage, i.e., using borrowed funds for investment. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed for leveraging will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by any interest or appreciation earned on the securities purchased; in certain cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities purchased. When market conditions are deemed appropriate, the Fund may use leveraging as part of its investment strategy to the full extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and applicable law. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage of 300% with respect to borrowing and to sell (within three days) sufficient portfolio holdings or restore such coverage if it should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or otherwise, even if such liquidations of the Fund's holdings may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate. The Fund's policy on borrowing is not intended to limit the ability to pledge assets to secure loans as may be permitted under the Fund's policies.

The Fund has established a line of credit with certain banks from which they may borrow funds for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund may use lines of credit to meet large or unexpected redemptions that would otherwise force the Fund to liquidate securities under circumstances which are unfavorable to the Fund's remaining shareholders. The Fund may be required to pay fees to the banks to maintain the lines of credit, which increases the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate. If the Fund accesses its line of credit, the Fund would bear the cost of the borrowing through interest expenses and other expenses (e.g., commitment fees) that adversely affect the Fund's performance. In some cases, such expenses and the resulting adverse effect on the Fund's performance can be significant. Moreover, if the Fund accesses its line of credit to meet shareholder redemption requests, the Fund's remaining shareholders would bear such costs of borrowing.

**Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances**—Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.

------

**Commercial Paper**—The Fund may invest in fixed rate or variable rate commercial paper, issued by U.S. or foreign entities. Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days), unsecured promissory notes issued by U.S. or foreign corporations in order to finance their current operations. Any commercial paper issued by a foreign entity corporation and purchased by the Fund must be U.S. dollar-denominated and must not be subject to foreign withholding tax at the time of purchase. Investing in foreign commercial paper generally involves risks relating to obligations of foreign banks or foreign branches and subsidiaries of U.S. and foreign banks. The Fund may also invest in commercial paper collateralized by other financial assets, such as asset-backed commercial paper, which is a type of securitized commercial paper that is often used to finance purchases of assets (such as pools of trade receivables, car loans and leases, and credit card receivables) by special purpose vehicles. Asset-backed commercial paper may be rated by one or more credit rating agencies and some asset-backed commercial paper programs are supported by liquidity or similar back-up facilities. Investment in asset-backed commercial paper is subject to the risk that proceeds from the projected cash flows of the underlying assets are insufficient or unavailable to repay the commercial paper timely or at all. Asset-backed commercial paper is also subject to risks associated with the underlying assets and asset-backed securities generally as well as those associated with commercial paper. The Fund may also invest in variable rate master demand notes. A variable rate master demand note (a type of commercial paper) represents a direct borrowing arrangement involving periodically fluctuating rates of interest under a letter agreement between a commercial paper issuer and an institutional lender pursuant to which the lender may determine to invest varying amounts.

**Convertible Securities and Warrants**—A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to non-convertible debt or preferred securities, as applicable. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed-income security. Convertible securities are subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the issuer, and, therefore, an issuer's convertible securities entail more risk than its debt obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar credit quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. In addition, convertible securities are often lower-rated securities.

Because of the conversion feature, the price of the convertible security will normally fluctuate in some proportion to changes in the price of the underlying asset, and as such is subject to risks relating to the activities of the issuer and/or general market and economic conditions. The income component of a convertible security may tend to cushion the security against declines in the price of the underlying asset. However, the income component of convertible securities causes fluctuations based upon changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer.

Warrants are options to buy a stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the life of the warrants (generally two or more years).

**Credit Derivative Transactions**—Credit default derivatives are linked to the price of reference securities or loans after a default by the issuer or borrower, respectively. Market spread derivatives are based on the risk that changes in market factors, such as credit spreads, can cause a decline in the value of a security, loan or index. There are three basic transactional forms for credit derivatives: swaps, options and structured instruments. The use of credit derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions.

The Fund may invest in credit default swap transactions and credit-linked notes (described below) for hedging and investment purposes. The "buyer" in a credit default swap contract is obligated to pay the "seller" a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value, or "par value," of the reference obligation. Credit default swap transactions are either "physical delivery" settled or "cash" settled. Physical delivery entails the actual delivery of the reference asset to the seller in exchange for the payment of the full par value of the reference asset. Cash settled entails a net cash payment from the seller to the buyer based on the difference of the par value of the reference asset and the current value of the reference asset that may, after a default, have lost some, most, or all of its value.

------

The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap transaction and generally will be a buyer in instances in which the Fund actually owns the underlying debt security and seeks to hedge against the risk of default in that debt security. If the Fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Fund will have made a series of periodic payments (in an amount more or less than the value of the cash flows received on the underlying debt security) and recover nothing of monetary value. However, if an event of default occurs, the Fund (if the buyer) will receive the full notional value of the reference obligation either through a cash payment in exchange for such asset or a cash payment in addition to owning the reference asset. The Fund generally will be a seller when it seeks to take the credit risk of a particular debt security and, as a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between six months and ten years, provided that there is no event of default. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation through either physical settlement and/or cash settlement. Credit default swap transactions involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly, including counterparty credit risk and leverage risk.

**Cyber Security, Market Disruptions and Operational Risk**—Like other funds and other parts of the modern economy, the Fund and its service providers, as well as exchanges and market participants through, with which or on which the Fund (or its shares) trades (including the Exchange) and other infrastructures, services and parties on which the Fund or its service providers rely, are susceptible to ongoing risks related to cyber incidents and the risks associated with financial, economic, public health, labor and other global market developments and disruptions, including those arising out of geopolitical events, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), natural/environmental disasters (such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods), war, terrorism and governmental or quasi-governmental actions as well as technological developments (including those related to artificial intelligence or blockchain technology) or failures (for example, widespread system outages or disruptions or fault updates to software applications) and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Cyber incidents can result from unintentional events (such as an inadvertent release of confidential information) or deliberate attacks (such as cyber extortion) by insiders or third parties, including cyber criminals, competitors, nation-states and "hacktivists," and can be perpetrated by a variety of complex means, including the use of stolen access credentials, malware or other computer viruses, ransomware, phishing, structured query language injection attacks, and distributed denial of service attacks, among other means. Cyber incidents and market or other disruptions may result in actual or potential adverse consequences for critical information and communications technology, systems and networks that are vital to the operations of the Fund or its service providers, or otherwise impair Fund or service provider operations. For example, a cyber incident may cause operational disruptions and failures impacting information systems or information that a system processes, stores, or transmits, such as by theft, damage or destruction, or corruption or modification of and denial of access to data maintained online or digitally, denial of service on websites rendering the websites unavailable to intended users or not accessible for such users in a timely manner, and the unauthorized release or other exploitation of confidential information. Recent geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate cyber attacks and other disruptions, particularly from nation-states or entities with nation-state backing.

Geopolitical tensions may, from time to time, increase the scale and sophistication of cyber incidents and other disruptions. A cyber incident or sudden market, operational, technological (including widespread outages or disruptions or fault updates to software applications) or other disruption could adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders by, among other things, interfering with the processing of transactions or other operational functionality of the Fund, its service providers or those of shareholders, impacting the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV or other data, causing the release of private shareholder information (i.e., identity theft or other privacy breaches) or confidential Fund information or otherwise compromising the security and reliability of information, impeding trading, causing reputational damage, and subjecting the Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation or remediation costs, litigation expenses and additional compliance and cyber security risk management costs, which may be substantial. A cyber incident could also adversely affect the ability of the Fund (and the Investment Manager) to invest or manage the Fund's assets.

Cyber incidents and developments and disruptions to financial, economic, public health, labor and other global market conditions can obstruct the regular functioning of business workforces (including requiring employees to work from external locations or from their homes), cause business slowdowns or temporary suspensions of business activities, each of which can negatively impact Fund service providers and Fund operations. Although the Fund and its service providers, as well as exchanges and market participants through, with which or on which the Fund (or its shares) trades and other infrastructures on which the Fund or its service providers rely, may have established business continuity plans and systems reasonably designed to protect from and/or defend against the risks or adverse consequences associated with cyber incidents and operational and market disruptions, there are inherent

------

limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not yet be identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future and the threats continue to rapidly evolve and increase in sophistication. As a result, it is not possible to anticipate and prevent every cyber incident and possible obstruction to the normal activities of these entities' employees resulting from market disruptions and attempts to mitigate the occurrence or impact of such events may be unsuccessful. For example, public health emergencies and governmental responses to such emergencies, including through quarantine measures and travel restrictions, can create difficulties in carrying out the normal working processes of these entities' employees, disrupt their operations and hamper their capabilities. The nature, extent, and potential magnitude of the adverse consequences of these events cannot be predicted accurately but may result in significant risks, adverse consequences and costs to the Fund and its shareholders.

The issuers of securities in which the Fund invests are also subject to the ongoing risks and threats associated with cyber incidents and operational and market disruptions. These incidents could result in adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund's investment in such securities to lose value. For example, a cyber incident involving an issuer may include the theft, destruction or misappropriation of financial assets, intellectual property or other sensitive information belonging to the issuer or their customers (i.e., identity theft or other privacy breaches) and a market disruption involving an issuer may include materially reduced consumer demand and output, disrupted supply chains, market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines. As a result, the issuer may experience the types of adverse consequences summarized above, among others (such as loss of revenue), despite having implemented preventative and other measures reasonably designed to protect from and/or defend against the risks or adverse effects associated with cyber incidents and/or market disruptions.

The Fund and its service providers, as well as exchanges and market participants through, with which or on which the Fund (or its shares) or shareholders trade or invest and other infrastructures on which the Fund or its service providers rely, are also subject to the risks associated with technological and operational disruptions or failures arising from, for example, processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, errors in algorithms used with respect to the Fund, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third parties or trading counterparties. In addition, to the extent that the Investment Manager utilizes a sleeve structure and sub-accounts of the Fund, the Fund would be more susceptible to operational risks, including (but not limited to) settlement, administrative and accounting errors in monitoring the sub-accounts and processing trades and other transactions within and between sub-accounts. Although the Fund attempts to minimize such failures through controls and oversight, it is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures or other disruptions in service.

Cyber incidents, market disruptions and operational errors or failures or other technological issues may adversely affect the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV correctly, in a timely manner or process trades or transactions, including over a potentially extended period. The Fund does not control the cyber security, disaster recovery, or other operational defense plans or systems of its service providers, intermediaries, companies in which it invests or other third-parties. The value of an investment in Fund shares may be adversely affected by the occurrence of the cyber incidents, market disruptions and operational errors or failures or technological issues summarized above or other similar events and the Fund and its shareholders may bear costs tied to these risks.

Technological developments such as the use of cloud-based service providers and/or services and the integration of artificial intelligence in systems and operations create new risks that are difficult to assess and anticipate. For example, the Fund's service providers and market participants on which the Fund relies may use artificial intelligence (such as machine learning, generative artificial intelligence or blockchain technology) and similar technologies in the provision of services to the Fund and its operations generally. Such use may subject these service providers and market participants and, in turn, their services and operations to increased risks associated with such technologies, including risk of errors, cybersecurity, data protection and information technology risk, operational risk, and legal, regulatory and compliance risk. In addition, any controls in place designed to mitigate such risks may be ineffective and the use of these technologies may change over time, which may present new risks and vulnerabilities. As a result, the Fund may experience adverse consequences, such as operational errors, from such use of artificial intelligence and similar technologies.

------

In addition, the use of work-from-home arrangements or the use of contingency plans by the Fund or the Investment Manager (or their service providers) could increase all of the above risks, create additional data and information accessibility concerns, and make the Fund or the Investment Manager (or its service providers) susceptible to operational disruptions, any of which could adversely impact their operations. Furthermore, the Fund may be an appealing target for cybersecurity threats such as hackers and malware.

**Debt Obligations**—Yields on short, intermediate, and long-term securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money and bond markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than obligations with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market prices of debt securities usually vary, depending upon available yields. An increase in interest rates will generally reduce the value of portfolio investments, and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio investments. The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives is also dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of the debt securities in which the Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal when due. The Fund may invest in debt obligations with different priority of payment, such as senior (or preferred) and subordinated debt obligations, consistent with the Fund's investment objectives. Despite the protection from subordinated debt obligations, senior debt obligations can experience losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of more subordinate debt obligations, and market anticipation of defaults. Additionally, senior debt obligations are also subject to the risk that a court could subordinate a senior debt obligation or take other action detrimental to the holders of senior debt obligations.

For example, corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by corporations and other business entities. Corporate bonds may be either secured or unsecured. Corporate bonds contain elements of both interest rate risk and credit risk and are subject to other risks associated with debt instruments, among other risks. The market value of a corporate bond generally is expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates and be affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. Depending on the nature of the seniority provisions, a senior corporate bond may be junior to other credit securities of the issuer. In addition, the market value of (and income generated by) a corporate bond may be affected by factors directly related to the issuer, such as investors' perceptions of the creditworthiness of the issuer, the issuer's financial performance, perceptions of the issuer in the marketplace, performance of management of the issuer, the issuer's capital structure and use of financial leverage and demand for the issuer's goods and services. There is a risk that the issuers of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument or at all. Corporate bonds of below investment grade quality are often high risk and have speculative characteristics and may be particularly susceptible to adverse issuer-specific and other developments.

**Equity Securities**—Equity securities, such as common stock, represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer and may be obtained through, among other things, an initial public offering ("IPO"). Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation. The value of a company's stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or lower demand for the company's products or services. A stock's value also may fall because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or in a number of different industries, such as increases in production costs. The value of a company's stock also may be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company or its industry, such as changes in interest rates or currency exchange rates. In addition, a company's stock generally pays dividends only after the company invests in its own business and makes required payments to holders of its bonds, other debt and preferred stock. For this reason, the value of a company's stock will usually react more strongly than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Stocks of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than those of larger companies. Stocks of companies that the portfolio managers believe are fast-growing may trade at a higher multiple of current earnings than other stocks. The value of such stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other stocks.

An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public, typically to raise additional capital. The Fund's investment in securities offered through IPOs may have a magnified performance impact, either positive or negative, on the Fund, particularly if the Fund has a small asset base. IPO securities are subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. The Fund's investments in IPOs may make it subject to more erratic price movements, greater risk of loss, lack of information about the issuer, limited operating and little public or no trading history, and higher transaction costs. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may

------

choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs, which decrease the value of investments and may result in additional taxable gains for the Fund and adversely affect the Fund's performance. The Fund may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be made available to the Fund.

The Fund may also invest in warrants and rights with respect to equity securities. Warrants entitle the holder to buy equity securities (notably, common stock) from the issuer of the warrant at a specific price for a specific period of time. Rights are similar to warrants but normally have a shorter duration and are typically distributed directly by the issuers to existing shareholders, while warrants are typically attached to new debt or preferred stock issuances. Warrants may be significantly less valuable or worthless on their expiration date and may also be postponed or terminated early, resulting in a partial or total loss. Rights and warrants have no voting rights, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer. Warrants and rights are highly volatile and, therefore, potentially more susceptible to sharp declines in value than the underlying security. The market for rights or warrants may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price and rights and warrants will expire if not exercised on or prior to the expiration date.

**Equity-Linked Notes**—Equity-linked notes ("ELNs") are hybrid derivative-type instruments that are designed to combine the characteristics of one or more reference securities (e.g., a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks ("underlying securities")) and a related equity derivative. ELNs are structured as notes that are issued by counterparties, including banks, broker-dealers or their affiliates, and are designed to offer a return linked to the underlying securities within the ELN. ELNs can provide the Fund with an efficient investment tool that may be less expensive than investing directly in the underlying securities and the related equity derivative.

Generally, when purchasing an ELN, the Fund pays the counterparty the current value of the underlying securities plus a commission. Upon the maturity of the note, the Fund generally receives the par value of the note plus a return based on the appreciation of the underlying securities. If the underlying securities have depreciated in value or if their price fluctuates outside of a preset range, depending on the type of ELN in which the Fund invested, the Fund may receive only the principal amount of the note, or may lose the principal invested in the ELN entirely.

ELNs are available with an assortment of features, such as periodic coupon payments (e.g., monthly, quarterly or semiannually), varied participation rates (the rate at which the Fund participates in the appreciation of the underlying securities), limitations on the appreciation potential of the underlying securities by a maximum payment or call right, and different protection levels on the Fund's principal investment. In addition, when the underlying securities are foreign securities or indices, an ELN may be priced with or without currency exposure. The Fund may engage in all types of ELNs, including those that: (1) provide for protection of the Fund's principal in exchange for limited participation in the appreciation of the underlying securities, and (2) do not provide for such protection and subject the Fund to the risk of loss of the Fund's principal investment.

Investing in ELNs may be more costly to the Fund than if the Fund had invested in the underlying instruments directly. Investments in ELNs often have risks similar to the underlying instruments, which include market risk and, as applicable, foreign securities and currency risk. In addition, since ELNs are in note form, ELNs are also subject to certain debt securities risks, such as credit or counterparty risk. Should the prices of the underlying instruments move in an unexpected manner, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of an investment in an ELN, and may realize losses, which could be significant and could include the entire principal investment. Investments in ELNs are also subject to liquidity risk, which may make ELNs difficult to sell and value. A lack of liquidity may also cause the value of the ELN to decline. In addition, ELNs may exhibit price behavior that does not correlate with the underlying securities.

ELN investments are subject to the risk that issuers and/or counterparties will fail to make payments when due or default completely. Prices of these investments may be adversely affected if any of the issuers or counterparties it is invested in are subject to an actual or perceived deterioration in their credit quality.

If the ELN is held to maturity, the issuer would pay to the purchaser the underlying instrument's value at maturity with any necessary adjustments. The holder of an ELN that is linked to a particular underlying security or instrument may be entitled to receive dividends paid in connection with that underlying equity security, but typically does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying equity security. In addition, there can be no assurance that

------

there will be a trading market for an ELN or that the trading price of the ELN will equal the underlying value of the instruments that it seeks to replicate. Unlike a direct investment in equity securities, ELNs typically involve a term or expiration date, potentially increasing the Fund's turnover rate, transaction costs and tax liability.

**Equity-Linked Securities**—Equity-linked securities are primarily used as an alternative means to access the securities markets of emerging market countries more efficiently and effectively. Equity-linked securities may also be known as participation notes, equity swaps, and zero strike calls and warrants. Equity-linked securities are privately issued securities whose investment results are designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified stock index or "basket" of stocks, or sometimes a single stock. The Fund deposits an amount of cash with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) in an amount near or equal to the selling price of the underlying security in exchange for an equity-linked security. Upon sale, the Fund receives cash from the broker or custodian equal to the current value of the underlying security. Aside from market risk of the underlying security, there is the risk that the issuer of an equity-linked security may default on its obligation under the security. In addition, while the Fund will seek to enter into such transactions only with parties that are capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out such a transaction with the other party or obtain an offsetting position with any other party, at any time prior to the end of the term of the underlying agreement. This may impair the Fund's ability to enter into other transactions at a time when doing so might be advantageous.

**Foreign Investment Risks**—Investment in foreign securities involves risks and considerations in addition to the risks inherent in domestic investments. Foreign companies generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The securities of non-U.S. issuers generally are not registered with the SEC, nor are these issuers usually subject to the SEC's reporting requirements. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about foreign securities and issuers than is available with respect to U.S. securities and issuers. Foreign securities markets typically have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets, and securities of foreign companies are generally less liquid and at times their prices may be more volatile than prices of comparable U.S. companies. Various trading risks are greater for foreign securities because foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies generally are subject to less government supervision and regulation than in the United States. The customary settlement time for foreign securities may be longer than the customary settlement time for U.S. securities. The Fund's income and gains from foreign investments may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, thereby reducing the Fund's income and gains on such investments. In addition, with respect to some foreign countries, there is the increased possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation or other adverse governmental action, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of the Fund, political or social instability, diplomatic and other developments that could affect the investments of the Fund in those countries, including the imposition of economic sanctions. Moreover, individual foreign economies differ from the U.S. economy in such respects, among others, as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, rate of savings and capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions.

Below is a more detailed summary of certain key risks associated with foreign investments and investments in certain foreign countries. Although a specific country or region may not be discussed below, the Fund may invest in or otherwise have exposure to such country or companies organized or operating in such country.

**Adverse Market Characteristics.** Securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. In addition, foreign securities exchanges and brokers generally are subject to less governmental supervision and regulation than in the U.S., and foreign securities exchange transactions usually are subject to commissions or other fees that generally are higher than negotiated commissions or other fees on U.S. transactions. In addition, foreign securities exchange transactions may be subject to difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions, such as delays in settlement that could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon, or cause other portfolio management or trading challenges. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause it to miss attractive opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. In addition, foreign securities may be subject to certain trading blockages that may prevent the Fund from trading in a foreign issuer's securities a period of time.

------

**Australia.** Australia's agriculture and mining sectors account for a significant portion of its economy, making its economy-and in turn, the Fund's investments in Australian issuers-particularly susceptible to adverse changes in these sectors. In addition, Australia's economy is heavily dependent on international trade, meaning the economic conditions of trading partners such as the United States, Asian nations and other regions or specific countries may affect the value of the Fund's investments in Australian issuers. Australia is also prone to natural disasters such as floods, droughts and fires, and the Fund's investments in Australia may be more likely to be affected by such events than its investments in other geographic regions.

**Brexit**—The United Kingdom ceased to be a member of the EU on January 31, 2020 (such departure from the EU, "Brexit"). A trade agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom (the "TCA") took effect on May 1, 2021, and now governs the relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom. Although the TCA covers many issues, such as economic partnership, free trade, law enforcement and judicial co-operation and governance, it is silent on items such as financial services equivalence. As such, there remains uncertainty as to the scope, nature and terms of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU and the effect and implications of the TCA. Brexit may have a negative impact on the economy and currency of the United Kingdom and EU as a result of anticipated, perceived or actual changes to the United Kingdom's economic and political relations with the EU. Brexit may also have a destabilizing impact on the EU to the extent other member states similarly seek to withdraw from the union. Any further exits from member states of the EU, or the possibility of such exits, would likely cause additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties. Any or all of these challenges may affect the value of the Fund's investments that are economically tied to the United Kingdom or the EU, and could have an adverse impact on the Fund's performance.

**Canada.** Investments in Canadian companies, or companies with significant operations in Canada, are subject to the risks associated with the Canadian economy and financial markets, in particular, adverse developments in international trade agreements and fluctuations in prices of certain commodities. The economic and financial integration of the United States, Canada, and Mexico through trade agreements has made, and will likely continue to make, the Canadian economy and financial market more sensitive to North American trade patterns and economic developments. As a result, the Canadian economy and financial markets are significantly impacted by economic, financial and other developments affecting the United States, which is Canada's largest trading partner and foreign investor, and the Canadian economy is heavily dependent on relationships with certain key trading partners, including the United States and Mexico and, for certain trade agreements, European Union countries and China. Further, a reduction in spending on Canadian products and services or the withdrawal from, or renegotiation of, key trade agreements would likely adversely impact the Canadian economy or investments in Canadian companies. In addition, the Canadian market is relatively concentrated in issuers involved in the production and distribution of natural resources and, as a result, the Canadian economy and financial markets are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity markets, such as natural resources (e.g., forest products), both domestically and internationally.

**China.** To the extent the Fund invests in Chinese securities, its investments may be impacted by the economic, political, diplomatic, and social conditions within China. Moreover, investments may be impacted by geopolitical developments such as China's posture regarding Hong Kong and Taiwan, international scrutiny of China's human rights record to include China's treatment of some of its minorities, competition between the United States and China and the resulting increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, and any of China's military or diplomatic moves or other regional developments. China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are interconnected and interdependent, with relationships and tensions build on trade, finance, culture, and politics. Despite prior economic and trade reforms and the prior expansion of private ownership of companies in certain sectors, the Chinese government still exercises substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector and may own or control many companies, including by embedding Chinese Communist Party or People's Armed Forces Department personnel in Chinese companies. In addition, the Chinese government continues to maintain a major role in economic policy making and may alter or discontinue economic or trade reforms at any time. These domestic and external conditions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the institution of tariffs, sanctions by governmental entities or other trade barriers, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China's export industry. In particular, trade tensions could escalate between the United States and China, resulting in further tariffs and other measures against China that might adversely affect investments in China. China's actual or threatened responses to such measures may also further impact Chinese economy and Chinese issuers. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and could have a negative impact on the Fund's performance, including the loss incurred from a forced sale when trade barriers or other

------

investment restrictions cause a security to become restricted. Also, China generally has less established legal, accounting and financial reporting systems than those in more developed markets, which may reduce the scope or quality of financial information relating to Chinese issuers and limited rights and remedies of investors as a matter of law. An economic downturn in China or geopolitical tensions involving China could adversely impact investments in Chinese or Chinese-related issuers. In addition, certain securities of such issuers are, or may in the future become restricted, and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and the Fund may be forced to sell such restricted securities and incur a loss as a result. These and other developments, including government actions, may result in significant illiquidity risk or forced disposition for investments in securities of Chinese or Chinese-related issuers.

Chinese operating companies sometimes rely on variable interest entity ("VIE") structures to raise capital from non-Chinese investors. In a VIE structure, a China-based operating company establishes an entity (typically offshore) that enters into contracts with the Chinese operating company designed to provide economic exposure to the Chinese operating company. The offshore entity then issues exchange-traded shares (such as on the NYSE) that are sold to the public, including non-Chinese investors (such as the Fund). Shares of the offshore entity are not equity ownership interests in the Chinese operating company. The ability of the offshore entity to control the activities at the Chinese operating company are limited and the Chinese operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. Investments through these structures are subject to risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in China, such as breaches of the contractual arrangements, changes in Chinese law or regulation with respect to enforceability or permissibility of these arrangements or failure of these contracts to function as intended. In addition, these investments are also subject to the risk of inconsistent and unpredictable application of Chinese law, loss of control over the Chinese operating company and that the equity owners of the Chinese operating company may have interests conflicting with those of the non-Chinese investors. There is also uncertainty related to the Chinese taxation of VIEs and the Chinese tax authorities may take positions that result in increased tax liabilities. Thus, there are risks and uncertainty about future actions or intervention by the government of China at any time and without notice that could suddenly and significantly affect these structures. If any of the foregoing (or similar) risks materialize, the value and liquidity of these investments could be significantly adversely affected and cause significant losses with no recourse available.

**Currency Fluctuations.** The Fund may invest a portion of its total assets in the securities of foreign issuers that are denominated (or pay dividends) in foreign currencies. To the extent the Fund makes such investments, the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against such foreign currencies will account for part of the Fund's investment performance. A decline in the value of any particular currency against the U.S. dollar will cause a decline in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's holdings of securities denominated in such currency and, therefore, will cause an overall decline in the Fund's NAV and any net investment income and capital gains to be distributed in U.S. dollars to shareholders of the Fund. In addition, derivative instruments that provide exposure to foreign currencies may also be adversely affected in these circumstances.

The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined by several factors, including the supply and demand for particular currencies, central bank efforts to support particular currencies, the movement of interest rates, the pace of business activity in certain other countries and the United States, and other economic and financial conditions affecting the global economy. In addition, currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including: changes in interest rates, sovereign debt levels and trade deficits; domestic and foreign inflation and interest rates and investors' expectations concerning those rates; currency exchange rates; investment and trading activities of other funds, including hedge funds and currency funds; global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations; and the imposition of currency controls or tax developments in the United States or abroad. Foreign governments may from time to time take actions with respect to their currencies that could significantly affect the value of the Fund's investments denominated in such currencies or the liquidity of such investments.

Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, the Fund does not intend to convert holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. The Fund will do so from time to time, and will bear the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference ("spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to sell that currency to the dealer.

------

**Eastern Europe.** Social, political (including geopolitical), economic and other developments in Eastern Europe and Russia could have long-term potential consequences for investments in this region. Because of the global sanctions on Russia due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, investments in Russia are prohibited or extremely restricted. Investment in the countries of Eastern Europe is highly speculative. Political and economic reforms have not yet established a definite trend away from centrally-planned economies and state-owned industries. In many of the countries of Eastern Europe, there is no stock exchange or formal market for securities. Such countries may also have government exchange controls, currencies with no recognizable market value relative to the established currencies of western market economies, little or no experience trading securities, no financial reporting standards, a lack of a banking and securities infrastructure to handle such trading, and a legal tradition that does not recognize private property rights. In addition, these countries may have national policies that restrict investments in companies deemed sensitive to the country's national interest. Further, the governments in such countries may require governmental or quasi-governmental authorities to act as custodian of the Fund's assets invested in such countries, and these authorities may not qualify as a foreign custodian under the 1940 Act, and exemptive relief from the 1940 Act may be required. In February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. The extent and duration of this military action, and resulting market and economic disruption and uncertainty, is difficult to accurately predict. The United States and other countries have imposed significant sanctions against Russia and could impose additional sanctions or other measures. As a result, there are significant risks and uncertainties to investment in Eastern Europe and Russia.

**Emerging and Frontier Markets.** Investing in securities in emerging countries generally entails greater risks of loss or inability to achieve the Fund's investment objective than investing in securities in developed countries. Securities issued by governments or issuers in emerging market countries are more likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities. These risks are elevated from time to time based on geopolitical conditions and include: (1) less social, political and economic stability; (2) the small size of the markets for such securities, limited access to investments in the event of market closures (including due to local holidays) and the low or nonexistent volume of trading, which result in a lack of liquidity, greater price volatility, and higher risk of failed trades or other trading issues; (3) certain national policies that may restrict the Fund's investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; (4) foreign taxation; (5) inflation and rapid fluctuations in interest rates; (6) currency devaluations; (7) dependence on a few key trading partners; and (8) the absence of developed structures governing private or foreign investment or allowing for judicial redress for investment losses or injury to private property, which may limit legal rights and remedies available to the Fund and the ability of U.S. authorities (e.g., the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice) to bring actions against bad actors may be limited. Sovereign debt of emerging countries may be in default or present a greater risk of default. In addition, emerging markets generally involve risks associated with greater market volatility, less reliable financial and other information, less stringent investor protections and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs and risks, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation. For example, certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may be unavailable or unreliable. These risks are heightened for investments in frontier markets.

The Investment Manager has broad discretion to identify countries that it considers to qualify as "emerging markets." In determining whether a country is an emerging market, the Fund's Investment Manager may take into account specific or general factors that the Investment Manager deems to be relevant, including interest rates, inflation rates, exchange rates, monetary and fiscal policies, trade and current account balances and/or legal, social and political developments, as well as whether the country is considered to be emerging or developing by supranational organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations, or other similar entities. Emerging market countries generally will include countries with low gross national product per capita and the potential for rapid economic growth and are likely to be located in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern and Central Europe and Central and South America.

**Europe.** The European Union ("EU") is an intergovernmental and supranational organization comprised of most Western European countries and an increasing number of Eastern European countries (each such country, a "Member State"). The EU aims to establish and administer a single market among Member States-consisting of a common trade policy and a single currency-and Member States established the European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") in pursuit of this goal. The EMU sets forth certain policies intended to increase

------

economic coordination and monetary cooperation. Many Member States have adopted the EMU's euro as their currency and other Member States are generally expected to adopt the euro in the future. When a Member State adopts the euro as its currency, the Member State cedes its authority to control monetary policy to the European Central Bank.

Member States face a number of challenges, including, but not limited to: tight fiscal and monetary controls, complications that result from adjustment to a new currency; the absence of exchange rate flexibility; and the loss of economic sovereignty. Unemployment in some European countries has been historically higher than in the United States, potentially exposing investors to political risk. These types of challenges may affect the value of the Fund's investments.

In addition, changes to the value of the euro against the U.S. dollar could also affect the value of the Fund's investments. Investing in euro-denominated securities or securities denominated in other European currencies entails risk of exposure to a currency that may not fully reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the disparate European economies. It is possible that the euro could be abandoned in the future by those countries that have adopted it and the effects of such abandonment on individual countries and the EMU as a whole are uncertain, but could be negative. Any change in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar can have a positive or negative effect upon valuation, and thus upon profits.

The Fund's Europe-linked investments are subject to considerable uncertainty and risk. In recent years, many European countries and banking and financial sectors have experienced significant financial and economic challenges. In addition, some European countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, in which the Fund may invest, may be dependent on assistance from other governments or international organizations. Such assistance may be subject to a country's successful implementation of certain reforms. An insufficient level of assistance (whether triggered by a failure to implement reforms or by any other factor) could cause an economic downturn and affect the value of the Fund's investments.

Certain European countries have experienced significant governmental debt levels and, for some countries, the ability to repay their debt may be in question, and the possibility of default may be heightened, any of which could affect their ability to borrow in the future. A default or debt restructuring of any European country would adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located outside the country defaulting or restructuring. Furthermore, there is the risk of contagion that could occur if one country defaults on its debt, and that a default in one country could trigger declines and cause other countries in the region to default as well.

Significant risks, such as high official debts and deficits, aging populations, over-regulation of non-financial businesses, and doubts about the sustainability of the EMU continue to present economic and financial challenges in Europe. These countries will likely need to make further economic and political decisions in order to restore sustainable economic growth and fiscal policy. While many initiatives intended to strengthen regulation and supervision of financial markets in the EU have been instituted, greater regulation may occur.

The EU currently faces major issues involving its membership, structure, procedures, and policies, including: the adoption, abandonment, or adjustment of the constitutional treaty; the EU's expansion to the south and east; and resolution of the EU's fiscal and democratic accountability problems. As Member States unify their economic and monetary policies, movements in European markets will lose the benefit of diversification within the region. One or more Member States might exit the EU, placing its currency and banking system in jeopardy. The national policies of European countries can be unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups or ideologies. The occurrence of conflicts, war or terrorist activities in Europe could have an adverse impact on financial markets. An increasingly assertive Russia poses its own set of risks for the EU, as evidenced by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Opposition to EU expansion to members of the former Soviet bloc may prompt more intervention by Russia, which may carry various negative consequences, including direct effects, such as export restrictions, Russian support for separatist groups located within EU countries, interference by Russia in internal affairs of EU countries, and externalities of ongoing conflict, such as an influx of refugees, all of which could impact EU economic activity. In connection with these uncertainties, currencies have become more volatile, subjecting the Fund's investments to additional risks.

The Fund may also invest in Eurodollar bonds and obligations, which are securities that pay interest and principal in Eurodollars (U.S. dollars held in banks outside the U.S., typically Europe) and are often issued by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. These securities are not registered with the SEC. Eurodollar bonds

------

and obligations are subject to the same types of risks that pertain to domestic issuers, such as income risk, credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk, as well as risks relating to such non-U.S. country, including the risks associated with foreign investments.

**Foreign Investment Restrictions.** Certain countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. As illustrations, certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company, or limit the investments by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company that may have less advantageous terms than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. Moreover, the national policies of certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In addition, some countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investments. These restrictions may, at times, limit or preclude investment in certain countries and may increase the costs and expenses of the Fund.

**Information and Supervision.** There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies comparable to reports and ratings that are published about companies in the United States. Foreign companies are also generally subject to less stringent and uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements than those applicable to U.S. companies. Therefore, financial information and related audits can be unreliable and not subject to verification. Also, auditing firms in some foreign countries are not subject to independent inspection or oversight of audit quality. In addition, foreign investments are subject to various operational and settlement risks, including failures or defects of the settlement system, improper recordkeeping, and other issues that may adversely affect the Fund's investments. Foreign companies and financial markets may also be subject to government involvement and control, which may adversely affect the Fund's investments.

**Investment and Repatriation Restrictions.** Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may at times limit or preclude investment in certain countries and may increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. Investments by foreign investors are subject to a variety of restrictions in many developing countries, such as requirements for prior governmental approval, limits on the amount or type of securities held by foreigners, and limits on the types of companies in which foreigners may invest. Additional or different restrictions may be imposed at any time by these or other countries in which the Fund invests. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from several foreign countries is restricted and controlled under certain regulations, including in some cases the need for certain government consents. These restrictions may make investing in these countries less desirable or undesirable.

**Japan.** Though Japan is one of the world's largest economic powers, the Fund's investments in Japan are subject to special risks. Japan's population is aging and shrinking, increasing the cost of Japan's pension and public welfare system, lowering domestic demand, and making the country more dependent on exports to sustain its economy. The economic conditions of Japan's trading partners may therefore affect the value of the Fund's Japan-linked investments. Currency fluctuations may also significantly affect Japan's economy. Japan is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and the Fund's investments in Japan may be more likely to be affected by such events than its investments in other geographic regions. In addition, in recent years, a territorial dispute between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands has heightened, which may result in discord between the two countries that, in turn, may negatively impact the Fund's investments.

**Market Characteristics.** Foreign securities may be purchased in OTC markets or on stock exchanges located in the countries in which the respective principal offices of the issuers of the various securities are located. Foreign stock markets are generally not as developed or efficient as, and may be more volatile than, those in the United States, and foreign stock markets usually have substantially less volume than U.S. markets. As a result, the Fund's portfolio securities may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Equity securities may trade at price/earnings multiples higher than comparable domestic securities, and such levels may not be sustainable. Commissions on foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the United States. As a result, foreign securities markets may be more susceptible to market manipulation. Moreover, securities trading practices in foreign countries may offer

------

fewer protections for investors such as the Fund and the settlement practices for transactions in foreign markets may differ from those in U.S. markets and may include delays beyond periods customary in the United States or less frequent settlement than in the United States. In addition, it is generally more difficult to obtain and enforce legal judgments against foreign issuers than against domestic issuers.

**Natural Disasters.** Natural disasters, public health emergencies (including pandemics and epidemics) and other global events of force majeure can negatively affect the Fund's investments. Such events can cause unemployment and economic downturns within an industry or a geographic region in which the Fund invests. They can also directly disrupt the operations, cash flows and overall financial condition of a company in which the Fund invests.

**Non-Uniform Corporate Disclosure Standards and Governmental Regulation.** Non-U.S. companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those applicable to U.S. companies. In particular, the assets, liabilities and profits appearing on the financial statements of such a company may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had such financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Foreign securities held by the Fund in many cases will not be registered with the SEC or regulators of any foreign country, nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the SEC's reporting requirements. Thus, there will be less available information concerning foreign issuers of securities held by the Fund than is available concerning U.S. issuers. In instances where the financial statements of an issuer are not deemed to accurately reflect the financial situation of the issuer, the Investment Manager will take steps it deems appropriate to evaluate the proposed investment, which may include on-site inspection of the issuer, interviews with its management, and consultations with accountants, bankers and other specialists. There is substantially less publicly available information about foreign companies than there are reports and ratings published about U.S. companies and the U.S. government. In addition, where public information is available, it may be less reliable than such information regarding U.S. issuers.

**Non-U.S. Withholding Taxes.** The Fund's investment income and gains from foreign issuers may be subject to non-U.S. withholding and other taxes, thereby reducing the Fund's investment income and gains on such investments.

**Other.** With respect to certain foreign countries, especially developing and emerging ones, there is the possibility of adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, international trade patterns, imposition or modification of foreign currency or foreign investment controls, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of the Fund, political or social instability, or diplomatic or other developments, conditions or events (such as civil unrest, hostile relations, military conflicts, war and terrorism) that could affect investments in those countries.

**Political, Economic and Other Risks.** Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies may entail additional risks due to the potential political, geopolitical and economic instability of certain countries and the risks of military and other conflicts, expropriation, nationalization, seizure, confiscation of companies or assets, or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, seizure, nationalization or other confiscation by any country, the Fund could lose its entire investment in the country.

Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital, making these markets more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against particular countries or industries, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures.

As a result of any investments in non-U.S. companies, the Fund would be subject to the political and economic risks associated with investments in emerging markets. Changes in the leadership or policies of the governments of emerging market countries or in the leadership or policies of any other government that exercises a significant influence over those countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and thereby eliminate any investment opportunities that may currently exist.

Upon the accession to power of authoritarian regimes, the governments of a number of emerging market countries previously expropriated large quantities of real and personal property similar to the property represented by the securities purchased by the Fund. The claims of property owners against those governments were never settled. There can be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by the

------

Fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized, seized or otherwise confiscated. If such confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose a substantial portion or all of its investments in such countries. The Fund's investments would similarly be adversely affected by exchange control regulation in any of those countries.

Certain countries in which the Fund may invest may have vocal factions that advocate radical or revolutionary philosophies or support independence. Any disturbance on the part of such individuals could carry the potential for widespread destruction or confiscation of property owned by individuals and entities foreign to such country and could cause the loss of the Fund's investment in those countries.

Political and economic developments, or adverse investor perceptions of such developments, may affect the Fund's foreign holdings or exposures and may cause the Fund's investments to become less liquid.

The imposition of sanctions, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the United States and other governments (such as is currently the case against Russia), or from problems in share registration, settlement or custody, may result in losses. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is difficult to accurately predict. These types of measures may include, but are not limited to, banning a sanctioned country from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting the settlement of securities transactions by certain investors, and freezing the assets of particular countries, entities, or persons. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures likely would, among other things, cause a decline in the value and/or liquidity of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country's currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. Sanctions and other similar measures could limit or prevent the Fund from buying and selling securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), significantly delay or prevent the settlement of securities transactions, and significantly impact the Fund's liquidity, valuation and performance.

**Singapore and Hong Kong.** Although the economies of Singapore and Hong Kong have experienced growth and development, they were in the past, and may in the future be, subject to over-extension of credit, currency devaluations and restrictions, high unemployment, high inflation, reliance on exports and economic cycles. These factors may affect the value of the Fund's investments. In addition, these economies are heavily dependent on international trade, meaning the economic conditions of trading partners such as the United States, Japan, China, and certain European countries may also affect the value of the Fund's investments. During recent periods, the region's exports and foreign investments experienced significant difficulties. Moreover, as demonstrated by recent protests in Hong Kong over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government's response to them, political uncertainty exists within Hong Kong and there is no guarantee that additional protests will not arise in the future. Hostilities between China and Hong Kong may present a risk to the Fund's investment in Hong Kong.

**Sovereign and Supranational Obligations.** Sovereign debt securities are debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governmental entities, such as foreign government debt or foreign treasury bills. Investments in sovereign debt securities involve special risks in addition to those risks usually associated with investments in debt securities, including risks associated with economic or political uncertainty and the risk that the governmental authority that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may be unwilling or unable to repay the principal and/or interest when due. The Fund may also invest in securities or other obligations issued or backed by supranational organizations, which are international organizations that are designated or supported by government entities or banking institutions typically to promote economic reconstruction or development. These obligations are subject to the risk that the government(s) on whose support the organization depends may be unable or unwilling to provide the necessary support. With respect to both sovereign and supranational obligations, the Fund may have little recourse against the foreign government or supranational organization that issues or backs the obligation in the event of default. These obligations may be denominated in foreign currencies and the prices of these obligations may be more volatile than corporate debt obligations.

Sovereign debt instruments in which the Fund invests may involve great risk and may be deemed to be the equivalent in terms of credit quality to securities rated below investment grade by Moody's and S&P. Some governmental entities depend on disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies, and international organizations to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt obligations. The commitment

------

on the part of these governments, agencies, and others to make such disbursements are often conditioned on a governmental entity's implementation of economic or other reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of the governmental entity's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance, or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of the commitments to lend funds or other aid to the governmental entity, which may further impair the governmental entity's ability or willingness to service its debts in a timely manner. Some of the countries in which the Fund may invest have encountered difficulties in servicing their sovereign debt obligations and have withheld payments of interest and/or principal of sovereign debt. These difficulties have also led to agreements to restructure external debt obligations, which may result in costs to the holders of the sovereign debt. Consequently, a government obligor may default on its obligations and/or the values of its obligations may decline significantly, which would adversely affect the Fund's investments.

**Futures, Options and Other Derivative Transactions—**

Futures and Options on Futures. The Fund may invest in futures and options on futures contracts for various purposes, including (i) to attempt to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; (ii) to attempt to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; (iii) to attempt to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; (iv) for hedging purposes; (v) for other risk management purposes; or (vi) as otherwise described in the Prospectus. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price.

An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. Futures contracts are traded on futures exchanges known as designed contract markets that are regulated by the CFTC, which reduces the risk that the Fund will be unable to close out a futures contract or option on a futures contract. To the extent the Fund uses futures and/or options on futures, it would do so in accordance with Rule 4.5 under the CEA.

The Fund may buy and sell index futures contracts with respect to any index traded on a recognized exchange or board of trade. An index futures contract is an agreement pursuant to which the Fund may agree to take or make a cash payment on an index value. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made. Instead, settlement in cash generally must occur daily and upon the termination of the contract. Generally, index futures contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts that are based on SOFR. These contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund may use SOFR futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in SOFR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments are linked, or for other purposes.

There are significant risks associated with the Fund's use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the ability of the Investment Manager to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund's exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

**Options.** The Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options on securities (including index based ETFs), stock indices and currencies listed on national securities exchanges or traded in the OTC market for the purpose of pursuing the Fund's investment objective and except as restricted by the Fund's investment restrictions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period or on expiration, depending on the terms. A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the

------

writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period or on expiration, depending on the terms. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or OTC markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates.

Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an "opening transaction." In order to close out an option position prior to expiration, the Fund may enter into a "closing transaction," which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.

The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities and indices for various purposes, including for the purpose of pursuing the Fund's investment objective, or to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium; therefore, if price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund's securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Fund.

The Fund may write call options on securities and indices for various purposes, including for the purpose of pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as a means of enhancing Fund returns or as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in the securities' market value. When the Fund writes such an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised and requires physical delivery, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised and requires physical delivery, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange (including FLexible EXchange Options ("FLEX Options")) or OTC. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker.

The Fund may also engage in long and short "straddles" and "strangles," which each consist of a combination of both a put option and a call option purchased or written on the same underlying security, instrument or other asset. A straddle represents a put and call purchased or written on same underlying with the same exercise or strike price. In comparison, a strangle represents the same trade (i.e., a put and call purchased or written on same underlying) with a different exercise or strike price. Additionally, the Fund may engage in swaptions, which give the buyer the right but not the obligation to enter into an underlying swap agreement. The Fund's use of swaptions is generally subject to the same risks associated with OTC options described above.

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security or reference index. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying security/index and the time remaining until the expiration date. The market value of an option also

------

may be adversely affected if the market for the option is reduced or becomes less liquid. Additionally, the market for an option may be impacted by the availability of additional expiry cycles, which may lead trading volume into contracts closer to expiration, including zero days to expiration contracts ("0DTE" contracts). 0DTE contracts may involve substantially greater volatility than other options contracts.

Risks associated with options transactions (including options transactions within an ELN) include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities or indices, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities/indices underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for all options and, in particular, for OTC options; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; (5) counterparty risk; and (6) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security or reference index.

**Forwards.** The Fund may engage in forward contracts, including non-deliverable forwards. Non-deliverable forwards are forward contracts on foreign currencies that are cash settled and that do not involve delivery of the currency specified in the contract. The Fund typically will use non-deliverable forwards for hedging purposes, but may also use such instruments for various purposes, including to increase income or investment gains. The use of forwards for hedging or to increase income or investment gains may not be successful, resulting in losses to the Fund, and the cost of such strategies may reduce the Fund's returns. Forwards are subject to the risks associated with derivatives.

The Fund must comply with the SEC rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions when engaging in the transactions discussed above. See "Legislation and Regulation Risk related to Derivatives and Certain Other Instruments" below.

**Hybrid Instruments**—A hybrid instrument is a type of potentially high-risk derivative that combines a traditional stock, bond, or commodity with an option or forward contract. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption, or interest rate of a hybrid instrument is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some commodity, currency or securities index or another interest rate or some other economic factor ("underlying benchmark"). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed-income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid instrument may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the underlying benchmark. An example of a hybrid instrument could be a bond issued by an oil company that pays a small base level of interest with additional interest that accrues in correlation to the extent to which oil prices exceed a certain predetermined level. Such a hybrid instrument would be a combination of a bond and a call option on oil.

Hybrid instruments can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, and increased total return. Hybrid instruments may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a hybrid instrument or its interest rate may be a multiple of the underlying benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the underlying benchmark. These underlying benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as commodity shortages and currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a hybrid instrument. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid instrument could be zero. Thus, an investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant market risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest. The purchase of hybrid instruments also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrid instrument. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the NAV of the Fund.

Certain hybrid instruments may provide exposure to the commodities markets. These are derivative securities with one or more commodity-linked components that have payment features similar to commodity futures contracts, commodity options, or similar instruments. Commodity-linked hybrid instruments may be either equity or debt securities, and are considered hybrid instruments because they have both security and commodity-like characteristics. A portion of the value of these instruments may be derived from the value of a commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable.

------

Certain issuers of structured products such as hybrid instruments may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, the Fund's investments in these products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies and other restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.

**Credit-Linked Notes.** Credit-linked notes are a type of structured note. The difference between a credit default swap and a credit-linked note is that the seller of a credit-linked note receives the principal payment from the buyer at the time the contract is originated. Through the purchase of a credit-linked note, the buyer assumes the risk of the reference asset and funds its exposure through the purchase of the note. The buyer takes on the exposure to the seller to the full amount of the funding it has provided. The seller has hedged its risk on the reference asset without acquiring any additional credit exposure. The Fund has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the credit-linked note at an agreed-upon interest rate and a return of principal at the maturity date.

Credit-linked notes are subject to the credit risk of the corporate credits referenced by the note. If one of the underlying corporate credits defaults, the Fund may receive the security that has defaulted, and the Fund's principal investment would be reduced by the difference between the original face value of the reference security and the current value of the defaulted security. Credit-linked notes are typically privately negotiated transactions between two or more parties. The Fund bears the risk that the issuer of the credit-linked note will default or become bankrupt. The Fund bears the risk of loss of its principal investment, and the periodic interest payments expected to be received for the duration of its investment in the credit-linked note.

The Fund may also invest in credit-linked notes and credit risk transfer securities (which may be referred to as structured agency credit risk debt instruments) issued by government sponsored enterprises or related organizations, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or a special purpose vehicle sponsored by these enterprises or organizations. Investments in these instruments are subject to the types of risks associated with mortgage and other asset-backed securities, and may be particularly sensitive to these risks as a result of the tranche of notes in which the Fund invests. In addition, these investments are unsecured and non-guaranteed notes whose principal payments are determined by the delinquency and principal payment performance of a reference pool, typically consisting of recently acquired single-family mortgages from a specified period, and are not backstopped by the federal government or obligations of the government sponsored enterprise. Where a special purpose vehicle issues the credit-linked note, it may enter into a credit default swap or similar instrument with the related government sponsored enterprise. Such a swap is subject to additional risks. See "Swap Agreements" for a description of additional risks associated with credit default swaps.

**Structured Notes.** Structured notes are debt obligations that also contain an embedded derivative component with characteristics that adjust the obligation's risk/return profile. Generally, the performance of a structured note will track that of the underlying debt obligation and the derivative embedded within it. The Fund has the right to receive periodic interest payments from the issuer of the structured notes at an agreed-upon interest rate and a return of the principal at the maturity date.

Structured notes are typically privately negotiated transactions between two or more parties. The Fund bears the risk that the issuer of the structured note would default or become bankrupt which may result in the loss of principal investment and periodic interest payments expected to be received for the duration of its investment in the structured notes.

In the case of structured notes on credit default swaps, the Fund would be subject to the credit risk of the corporate credit instruments underlying the credit default swaps. If one of the underlying corporate credit instruments defaults, the Fund may receive the security or credit instrument that has defaulted, or alternatively a cash settlement may occur wherein the Fund's principal investment in the structured note would be reduced by the corresponding face value of the defaulted security.

The market for structured notes may be, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Other parties to the transaction may be the only investors with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid, and unpredictable changes in the prices for structured notes. In certain cases, a market price for a credit-linked security may not be available. The collateral for a structured note may be one or more credit default swaps, which are subject to additional risks. See "Swap Agreements" for a description of additional risks associated with credit default swaps.

------

**Inflation-Protected Securities**—Inflation-protected securities (also called "inflation-indexed" or "inflation-linked" securities) are income-generating instruments intended to provide protection against inflation (i.e., an increase in the price of goods and services and, in effect, a reduction in the value of money) by, for example, paying an interest rate applied to inflation-adjusted principal. The interest and principal payments for these instruments are periodically adjusted for inflation (i.e., with inflation, the principal increases, and with deflation, it decreases). Inflation-linked securities are issued by governments, including foreign governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and corporations. For example, TIPS, or Treasury inflation-protected securities, are inflation-linked securities issued by the U.S. government. The principal of a TIPS increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index ("CPI"), and the interest rate is applied to such principal. Thus, the interest stream on a TIPS should rise as long as inflation continues to rise. When a TIPS matures, the investor is paid the adjusted principal or original principal, whichever is greater. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of your investment. Because of this inflation-adjustment feature, inflation-protected bonds typically have lower yields than conventional fixed-rate bonds. Municipal inflation bonds generally have a fixed principal amount, and the inflation component is reflected in the nominal coupon. There can be no assurance that the CPI or any non-U.S. inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services.

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-protected bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. TIPS, even during a period of deflation. However, because the principal amount of U.S. TIPS would be adjusted downward during a period of deflation, the Fund will be subject to deflation risk with respect to its investments in these securities. Additionally, the current market value of the securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The Fund also may invest in other inflation related securities which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.

Inflation-protected bonds normally will decline in price when real interest rates rise. A real interest rate is calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from a nominal interest rate. For example, if a 10-year Treasury note is yielding 5% and rate of inflation is 2%, the real interest rate is 3%. If inflation is negative, the principal and income of an inflation-protected bond will decline and could result in losses. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the security's inflation measure.

Investments in Guggenheim Short-Term Funds. Upon entering into certain derivatives contracts, such as futures contracts, and to maintain open positions in certain derivatives contracts, the Fund may be required to post collateral for the contract, the amount of which may vary. As such, or for other portfolio management purposes, the Fund may maintain significant cash balances (including foreign currency balances). The Fund may also have cash balances for other reasons, including cash proceeds from the Fund's short sales.

The Fund may invest in certain Guggenheim short-term funds advised by GPIM, or an affiliate of GPIM, that invest in short-term fixed-income or floating rate securities. These funds are designed primarily to provide an alternative to investing directly and separately in various short-term fixed-income or floating rate securities. These Guggenheim short-term funds invest in: (i) a broad range of high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as "junk bonds") or, if unrated, determined by the Investment Manager, to be of comparable quality; (ii) CLOs, other asset-backed securities and similarly structured debt investments; and (iii) other short-term fixed or floating rate debt securities. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund invests in such Guggenheim funds, the Fund would be subject to the risks tied to all of those investments and investment returns will vary based on the performance of those asset classes.

These investment companies are registered open-end investment companies primarily available only to other investment companies and separately managed accounts managed by the Investment Manager and its affiliates. The subscription and redemption activities of these large investors can have a significant adverse effect on these investment companies and thus the Fund. For example, the liquidity of the investment companies can be limited as a result of large redemptions.

------

**Legislation and Regulation Risk Related to Derivatives and Certain Other Instruments**—The laws and regulations that apply to derivatives (e.g., swaps, futures, etc.) and persons who use them (including the Fund, the Investment Manager and others) are continuously changing in the U.S. and abroad. As a result, restrictions and additional regulations may be imposed on these parties, trading restrictions may be adopted and additional trading costs are possible. The impact of these changes on the Fund, its investment strategy and performance is difficult to predict.

The CFTC and various exchanges have rules limiting the maximum net long or short positions which any person or group may own, hold or control in any given futures contract or option on such futures contract. The Investment Manager must consider the effect of these limits in managing the Fund. In addition, the CFTC has position limits rules that establish certain limits for specified physical commodity futures and related options contracts traded on exchanges, other futures contracts and related options directly or indirectly linked to such contracts, and any OTC transactions that are economically equivalent. These position limits may adversely affect market liquidity of the futures, options and economically equivalent derivatives in which the Fund may enter. It is possible that positions held by the Fund may have to be liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits. These limitations may adversely affect the operations and performance of the Fund.

The SEC rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies requires the Fund to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limits and derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless the Fund satisfies a "limited derivatives users" exception. When the Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund's asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether the Fund satisfies the limited derivatives users exception, but for Fund subject to the VaR testing requirement, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the rule regarding the use of securities lending collateral that may limit the Fund's potential securities lending activities. In addition, the Fund is permitted to invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security, provided that (i) the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the "Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision"). The Fund may otherwise engage in such transactions that do not meet the conditions of the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision so long as the Fund treats any such transaction as a "derivatives transaction" for purposes of compliance with the rule. Furthermore, under the rule, the Fund is permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due. These requirements limit the ability of the Fund to use derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, and the other relevant categories of transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of the Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund.

These and other regulatory changes may negatively impact the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective either through limits or requirements imposed on it or upon its counterparties. New requirements, even if not directly applicable to the Fund, including capital requirements, changes to the CFTC speculative position limits regime and mandatory clearing, exchange trading and margin requirements may increase the cost of the Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which would adversely affect the performance of the Fund.

The Investment Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has filed with the National Futures Association a notice of eligibility claiming an exclusion from the definition of "commodity pool operator" ("CPO") under CFTC Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the "CEA"), with respect to the Fund's operation. Accordingly, the Investment Manager, with respect to the Fund for which a notice has been filed, is not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO. Changes to the Fund's investment strategies or investments may cause the Fund to lose the

------

benefits of the Investment Manager's exclusion under CFTC Rule 4.5 under the CEA and may trigger additional CFTC regulation. If the Investment Manager becomes subject to CFTC regulation, the Fund or the Investment Manager may incur additional expenses.

In December 2023, the SEC adopted rule amendments providing that any covered clearing agency ("CCA") for U.S. Treasury securities require that every direct participant of the CCA (which generally would be a bank or broker-dealer) submit for clearance and settlement all eligible secondary market transactions in U.S. Treasury securities to which it is a counterparty. The clearing mandate includes in its scope all repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements of such direct participants collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities (collectively, "Treasury repo transactions") of a type accepted for clearing by a registered CCA, including both bilateral Treasury repo transactions and triparty Treasury repo transactions where a bank agent provides custody, collateral management and settlement services.

The Treasury repo transactions of registered funds with any direct participants of a CCA for U.S. Treasury securities will be subject to the mandatory clearing requirement. The Fixed Income Clearing Corporation ("FICC") is one such CCA. FICC currently operates a "Sponsored Program" for clearing of Treasury repo transactions pursuant to which a registered fund may enter into a clearing arrangement with a "sponsoring member" bank or broker-dealer that is a direct participant of FICC as a "sponsored member" of FICC.

Market participants, absent an exemption, will be required to clear Treasury repo transactions under the rule as of June 30, 2027. The clearing mandate is expected to result in the Fund being required to clear all or substantially all of its Treasury repo transactions as of the compliance date. There are currently substantial regulatory and operational uncertainties associated with the implementation which may affect the cost, terms and/or availability of cleared repo transactions.

Pursuant to regulatory changes effective May 28, 2024, many U.S. securities transitioned to a "T+1" (trade date plus one day) settlement cycle. Securities trading in many non-U.S. markets (among other securities) are not impacted by these regulatory changes and typically have longer settlement cycles. As a result, there can be potential operational, settlement and other risks for a fund with a significant portion of its assets invested in securities not subject to T+1 settlement. These risks include, but are not limited to, the need to maintain more cash and liquid securities (thereby creating cash drag on the fund's portfolio) and a potential increase in custodial overdraft charges, in each case to facilitate settlement of fund share redemptions on a T+1 basis.

**Lending of Portfolio Securities**—For the purpose of realizing additional income, the Fund may make secured loans of Fund securities. Securities loans are made to broker/dealers, institutional investors, or other persons pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously secured by collateral at least equal at all times to the value of the securities loaned, marked to market on a daily basis. The collateral received will consist of cash, U.S. government securities, letters of credit or such other collateral (or combination thereof) as may be permitted under its investment program. While the securities are being loaned, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities, as well as interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee from the borrower, although a portion can be payable to a collateral agent for certain services. When the Fund invests collateral, the Fund will bear the risk of loss, which depends on the nature and type of investment made with the collateral. Costs of underlying securities lending activities are not typically reflected in the Fund's fee and expense ratios.

The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of secured credit, consist of possible delay in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Voting rights may pass with the lending of securities, and the Fund may be obligated to call back loans of securities to vote proxies if a material event affecting the investment is to occur. The lending of portfolio securities may adversely affect pass through tax treatment afforded to regulated investment companies by Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code.

**Leverage**—Leveraging the Fund creates an opportunity for increased net income but, at the same time, creates special risk considerations. For example, leveraging may exaggerate changes in the NAV of the Fund's shares and in the yield on the Fund's portfolio. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, the Fund's assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Since any decline in value of the Fund's investments will be borne entirely by the Fund's shareholders (and not by those persons providing the leverage to the Fund), the effect of leverage in a declining market would be a greater decrease in NAV than if the Fund were not so leveraged. Leveraging will create interest and other expenses for the Fund, which can exceed the investment return from the

------

borrowed funds. To the extent the investment return derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest the Fund will have to pay, the Fund's investment return will be greater than if leveraging were not used. Conversely, if the investment return from the assets retained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the investment return of the Fund will be less than if leveraging were not used.

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage of 300% with respect to borrowings and to sell (within three days) sufficient portfolio holdings to restore such coverage if it should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or otherwise, even if such liquidations of the Fund's holdings may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint. The Fund's policy on borrowing is not intended to limit the ability to pledge assets to secure loans permitted under the Fund's policies. The Fund must comply with the SEC rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions when engaging in certain transactions that create leverage. See "Legislation and Regulation Risk Related to Derivatives and Certain Other Instruments" above.

**Liquidity and Valuation**—Many factors may influence the price at which the Fund could sell an investment at a given time. Investments are subject to liquidity risk when they are difficult to purchase or sell under favorable conditions. Investments in certain securities or other assets, such as high-yield bonds, loans or those traded in OTC markets, may be particularly subject to liquidity risk. The Fund's ability to sell an instrument may be negatively impacted as a result of various market events or circumstances, legal or regulatory changes or other governmental policies, or characteristics of the particular instrument. In addition, market participants attempting to sell the same or similar instruments at the same time as the Fund may increase the Fund's exposure to liquidity risk. Investments in less liquid or illiquid investments may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell such investments at an advantageous time or price. Thus, the Fund may be forced to accept a lower sale price for the investments, sell other investments or forgo another more attractive investment opportunity. Liquid investments purchased by the Fund may subsequently become less liquid or illiquid, and harder to value.

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 ("Liquidity Rule") under the 1940 Act, the 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 that are assets. An "illiquid investment" is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects it cannot sell or dispose of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Under Rule 22e-4, investments that the Fund reasonably expects can 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 are not considered "illiquid" investments for purposes of this limitation on illiquid investments, even if the sale or disposition is reasonably expected to settle in more than seven calendar days. As required by the Liquidity Rule, the Trust has implemented a written liquidity risk management program and related procedures ("Liquidity Program") that are reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund's "liquidity risk" (defined in the Liquidity Rule as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors' interests in the Fund). Consistent with the Liquidity Rule, among other things, the Liquidity Program provides for classification of each portfolio investment of the Fund into one of four liquidity categories (including "illiquid investments," discussed above). These liquidity classifications are made after reasonable inquiry and taking into account, among other things, market, trading and investment-specific considerations deemed to be relevant to the liquidity classification of the Fund's investments in accordance with the Liquidity Program. Liquidity classifications under the Liquidity Program also reflect consideration of whether trading varying portions of a position, in sizes that the Fund would reasonably anticipate trading, is reasonably expected to significantly affect the position's liquidity, and if so, whether that fact is taken into account when classifying the investment's liquidity.

In addition, applicable regulatory guidance and interpretations provide examples of factors that may be taken into account in determining a particular instrument's classification as illiquid or as one of the other liquidity categories defined under the Liquidity Rule. For example, certain loans may not be readily marketable and/or may be subject to restrictions on resale or assignments. Consequently, the Fund may determine that it is reasonable to expect that such a loan 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. To the extent that the Fund invest in such loans, it may be subject to increased liquidity and valuation risks. As the market develops, the liquidity of these instruments could improve. Accordingly, loans for which there is no readily available market may be classified as illiquid investments but, at the same time, other loans may be classified as other than illiquid investments under the Liquidity Program based on relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations (such as trading in the loans among specialized financial institutions). In addition, certain CLOs/CDOs may be

------

classified as illiquid investments, depending upon the assessment of relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations under the Liquidity Program. However, an active dealer market or other relevant measure of liquidity may exist for certain CLOs/CDOs, which may result in such instruments being classified as other than illiquid investments under the Liquidity Program based on relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations.

At times, market quotations may not be readily available and the Fund may be unable to obtain prices or other reliable information from third-parties to support valuation. In these circumstances, it may be difficult for the Fund to accurately value certain investments and the Fund may need to value investments using fair value methodologies. There are multiple methods to establish fair value and different methods or other factors may lead to different fair values. As a result, the price the Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund's valuation of the security, particularly during periods of market turmoil or volatility or for securities that are thinly traded, including under current conditions, or valued using a fair value methodology or information provided by third-party pricing services. Thus, the Fund may realize a loss or gain that is greater than expected upon the sale of the security. Fair valued securities may be subject to greater fluctuations than securities valued based on readily available market quotations. Some securities, while not technically fair valued, may nevertheless be difficult to value and rely on limited and difficult to assess inputs and market data.

**Management**—The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The Investment Manager and each individual portfolio manager will apply investment techniques and risk analysis in making decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these decisions will produce the desired results. Furthermore, active and frequent trading may increase the costs the Fund incurs because of higher brokerage charges or mark-up charges and tax costs, which are passed on to shareholders of the Fund and as a result, may lower the Fund's performance and have a negative tax impact. Additionally, legislative, regulatory or tax developments may affect the investment techniques available to the Investment Manager and each individual portfolio manager in connection with managing the Fund and may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives.

**Non-Diversification Risk**—Non-diversification risk is the risk that a non-diversified fund may be more susceptible to adverse financial, economic or other developments affecting any single issuer, and more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments. The Fund is classified as "non-diversified" for purposes of the 1940 Act. A "non-diversified" classification means that the 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. The securities of a particular issuer may dominate the Fund's investment portfolio. The Fund may also concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as noted in the description of the Fund. The securities of issuers in particular industries may dominate the Fund's investment portfolio. This may adversely affect its performance or subject the Fund's Shares to greater price volatility than that experienced by less concentrated investment companies.

The Fund intends to maintain the required level of diversification and otherwise conduct its operations so as to qualify as a "regulated investment company" 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 limit the investment flexibility of the Fund and may affect the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective.

**Political Uncertainty Risk**—Markets in which the Fund is invested or is exposed to may experience political uncertainty that subjects the Fund's investments to heightened risks, even when made in established markets. These risks include: greater fluctuations in currency exchange rates; increased risk of default (by both government and private issuers); greater social, economic, and political instability (including the risk of war or natural disaster); increased risk of nationalization, greater governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation of the securities markets and participants in those markets; controls on foreign investment, capital controls and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on a clients' ability to exchange currencies; inability to purchase and sell investments or otherwise settle security or derivative transactions (i.e., a market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; slower clearance; and difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments.

During times of political uncertainty, the securities, derivatives and currency markets may become volatile. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of markets while a country is experiencing political uncertainty, and the activities of investors in such markets and enforcement of existing regulations may be extremely limited. Markets experiencing political uncertainty may have substantial rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates may have negative effects on such countries' economies and securities markets. In

------

certain countries, inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. The disruption to, or adverse impact on, markets and economies caused by political uncertainty may adversely affect the Fund.

**Preferred Securities**—Preferred securities represent an equity interest in a company that generally entitles the holder to receive, in preference to the holders of other stocks such as common stocks, dividends and a fixed share of the proceeds resulting from a liquidation of the company, to the extent such proceeds are available after paying any more senior creditors. Some preferred stocks also entitle their holders to receive additional liquidation proceeds on the same basis as holders of a company's common stock, and thus also represent an ownership interest in that company.

Preferred stocks may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred stock is subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company's preferred stock generally pays dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. For this reason, the value of the preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Preferred stock of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred stock of larger companies.

**Private Securities Risk**—The Fund may invest directly or indirectly in privately issued securities of both public and private companies. Private securities have additional risk considerations relative to investments in comparable public investments and are subject to a greater degree of investment risk. Whenever the Fund invests in companies that do not publicly report financial and other material information, it assumes a greater degree of investment risk and reliance upon the Investment Manager's ability to obtain and evaluate applicable information concerning such companies' creditworthiness and other investment considerations, which information cannot be independently verified. The Funds also depends on the expertise, skill and network of business contacts of the Investment Manager to evaluate, negotiate, structure, execute and monitor the private securities. Private securities are often subject to strict restrictions on resale, and there may be no liquid secondary market or ready purchaser for such securities and such securities are often illiquid. Because there is often no readily available trading market for private securities, the Fund will not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they were more widely traded and may be subject to higher transaction costs. Subscriptions to purchase private securities are typically subject to restrictions or delays. Private securities are also more difficult to value. Valuation will require more research, and elements of judgment will play a greater role in the valuation of private securities as compared to public securities because there is less reliable objective data available. In addition to the risks discussed above, investments in private companies are also subject to risks associated with limited operating histories, concentration and non-diversification of businesses, and increased liquidity and valuation risks, among other risks.

Private securities that are debt instruments generally are of below-investment grade quality, frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as investing in high yield securities. Investing in private debt instruments is a highly specialized investment practice that depends more heavily on independent credit analysis than investments in other types of obligations.

**Qualified Financial Contracts**—Qualified financial contracts include agreements relating to swaps, currency forwards and other derivatives as well as repurchase agreements and securities lending agreements. Regulations adopted by prudential regulators require that certain qualified financial contracts entered into with certain counterparties that are part of a U.S. or foreign banking organization designated as a global-systemically important banking organization include contractual provisions that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Fund, to exercise certain close-out, cross-default and similar rights under certain conditions. Qualified financial contracts are subject to a stay for a specified time period during which counterparties, such as the Fund, will be prevented from closing out a qualified financial contract if the counterparty is subject to resolution proceedings and prohibit the Fund from exercising default rights due to a receivership or similar proceeding of an affiliate of the counterparty. Implementation of these requirements may increase credit and other risks to the Fund. Similar requirements may apply under the special resolution regime applicable to certain counterparties organized in other financial markets.

**Quantitative Investing Risk**—The Investment Manager may use quantitative models, algorithms, methods or other similar techniques or analytical tools ("quantitative tools") in managing the Fund, including to generate investment ideas, identify investment opportunities or as a component of its overall portfolio construction processes and investment selection or screening criteria. Quantitative tools may also be used in connection with risk management

------

and hedging processes. The value of securities selected using quantitative tools can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental or other similar means of analysis. The factors used in quantitative tools and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security's value or a successful weighting. In addition, factors that affect a security's value can change over time and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative tools. Thus, the Fund is subject to the risk that any quantitative tools used by the Investment Manager will not be successful in, among other things, forecasting movements in industries, sectors or companies and/or in determining the size, direction, and/or weighting of investment positions.

There is no guarantee that quantitative tools, and the investments selected based on such tools, will produce the desired results or enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may be adversely affected by imperfections, errors or limitations in construction and implementation (for example, limitations in a model, proprietary or third-party data imprecision or unavailability, software or other technology malfunctions, or programming inaccuracies) and the Investment Manager's ability to monitor and timely adjust the metrics or update the data or features underlying the quantitative tools, including accounting for changes in the overall market environment, and identify and address omissions of relevant data or assumptions.

A quantitative tool may not perform as expected and a quantitative tool that has been formulated on the basis of past market data or trends may not be predictive of future price movements. The Fund may also be adversely affected by the Investment Manager's ability to make accurate qualitative judgments regarding a quantitative tool's output or operational complications relating to a quantitative tool.

**Real Estate Securities**—The Fund may invest in equity securities of real estate companies and companies related to the real estate industry, including real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and companies with substantial real estate investments, and therefore, the Fund may be subject to certain risks associated with direct ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general. The risks associated with direct ownership of real estate and the real estate industry include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; declines in rental income; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds; extended vacancies of properties; risks related to national, state and local economic conditions (such as the turmoil experienced during 2007 through 2009 in the residential and commercial real estate market); overbuilding; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; changes in building, environmental, zoning and other laws; costs resulting from the clean-up of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes, wildfires, terrorist acts or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents; changes in interest rates; reduced demand for commercial and office space as well as increased maintenance or tenant improvement costs or costs to convert properties for other uses; default risk and credit quality of tenants and borrowers; the financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers; and the inability to re-lease space on attractive terms or to obtain mortgage financing on a timely basis or at all. The value of real estate securities are also subject to the management skill, insurance coverage and creditworthiness of their issuer. Because many real estate projects are dependent upon financing, rising interest rates, which increase the costs of obtaining financing, may cause the value of real estate securities to decline. Real estate income and values may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shirts or changing tastes and values.

The prices of real estate company securities may drop because of the failure of borrowers to repay their loans, poor management, and the inability to obtain financing either on favorable terms or at all. If the properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including, where applicable, debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements, third-party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability of the real estate company to make payments of interest and principal on their loans will be adversely affected. Many real estate companies utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a company's operations and market value in periods of rising interest rates.

Real estate-related investments that are concentrated in one geographic area, one property type or one particular industry are particularly subject to the risks affecting such areas, property types or industries.

**REIT**s—REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage

------

REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. A hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of equity REITs and mortgage REITs, generally by holding both direct ownership interests and mortgage interests in real estate.

In addition to the risks affecting real estate securities generally, REITs are also subject to additional risks. REITs may invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area or a single type of property, which may increase the risk that the Fund could be adversely affected by the poor performance of a single investment or type of investment. REITs are also susceptible to the risks associated with the types of real estate securities they own and adverse economic or market events with respect to these securities and property types (e.g., apartment properties, retail shopping centers, office and industrial properties, hotels, health-care facilities, manufactured housing and mixed-property types). REITs have their own expenses, and as a result, the Fund and its shareholders will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses paid by each REIT in which it invests. Finally, certain REITs may be self-liquidating in that a specific term of existence is provided for in the trust document. Such trusts run the risk of liquidating at an economically inopportune time.

The value of REITs may be affected by the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer, changes in interest rates and development or occupancy rates of the underlying properties. REITs may be more volatile and/or more illiquid than other types of securities.

REITs are also subject to unique federal tax requirements. A REIT that fails to comply with federal tax requirements affecting REITs may be subject to federal income taxation, which may affect the value of the REIT and the characterization of the REIT's distributions, and a REIT that fails to comply with the federal tax requirement that a REIT distribute substantially all of its net income to its shareholders may result in the REIT having insufficient capital for future expenditures. The failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could have adverse consequences for the Fund, including significantly reducing return to the Fund on its investment in such company. In the event of a default of an underlying borrower or lessee, a REIT could experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. Investments in REIT equity securities may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund's investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings; if the Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income but do qualify for a 20% deduction available for potential passthrough to Fund shareholders. REITs often do not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission from the IRS to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV.

**Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements**—The Fund may enter into bi-lateral and tri-party repurchase agreements. In a typical Fund repurchase agreement, the Fund enters into a contract with a broker, dealer, or bank (the "counterparty" to the transaction) for the purchase of securities or other assets. The counterparty agrees to repurchase the securities or other assets at a specified future date, or on demand, for a price that is sufficient to return to the Fund its original purchase price, plus an additional amount representing the return on the Fund's investment. Such repurchase agreements economically function as a secured loan from the Fund to a counterparty. If the counterparty defaults on the repurchase agreement, the Fund will retain possession of the underlying securities or other assets. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller, realization on the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited and the Fund may incur additional costs. In such case, the Fund will be subject to risks associated with changes in market value of the collateral securities or other assets. The Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only with brokers, dealers, or banks or other permitted counterparties after the Investment Manager evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparty. The Fund will not enter into repurchase agreements with the Investment Manager or their affiliates. Except as described elsewhere in this SAI and as provided under applicable law, the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements without limitation.

Repurchase agreements, the underlying collateral of which consists entirely of collateralized fully by cash items, U.S. government securities or by securities issued by an issuer that the Fund's Board of Trustees, or its delegate, has determined at the time the repurchase agreement is entered into has an exceptionally strong capacity to meet its financial obligations ("Qualifying Collateral") and meeting certain liquidity and other standards generally may be deemed to be "collateralized fully" and may be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities for certain purposes. The Fund may accept collateral other than Qualifying Collateral determined by the Investment Manager to

------

be in the best interests of the Fund to accept as collateral for such repurchase agreement (which may include high yield debt instruments that are rated below investment grade) ("Alternative Collateral"). Repurchase agreements that are secured by Alternative Collateral are not deemed to be "collateralized fully" under applicable regulations and the repurchase agreement is therefore considered a separate security issued by the counterparty to the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund must include repurchase agreements that are not "collateralized fully" in its calculations of securities issued by the selling institution held by the Fund for purposes of various portfolio diversification and concentration requirements applicable to the Fund. In addition, Alternative Collateral may not qualify as permitted or appropriate investments for the Fund under the Fund's investment strategies and limitations. Accordingly, if a counterparty to a repurchase agreement defaults and the Fund takes possession of Alternative Collateral, the Fund may need to promptly dispose of the Alternative Collateral (or other securities held by the Fund, if the Fund exceeds a limitation on a permitted investment by virtue of taking possession of the Alternative Collateral). The Alternative Collateral may be particularly illiquid, especially in times of market volatility or in the case of a counterparty insolvency or bankruptcy, which may restrict the Fund's ability to dispose of Alternative Collateral received from the counterparty. Depending on the terms of the repurchase agreement, the Fund may determine to sell the collateral during the term of the repurchase agreement and then purchase the same collateral at the market price at the time of the resale. (See "Short Sales"). In tri-party repurchase agreements, an unaffiliated third party custodian maintains accounts to hold collateral for the Fund and its counterparties and, therefore, the Fund may be subject to the credit risk of those custodians. Securities subject to repurchase agreements (other than tri-party repurchase agreements) and purchase and sale contracts will be held by the Fund's custodian (or sub-custodian) in the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system or by another authorized securities depository.

The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements with the same parties with whom they may enter into repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund would sell securities or other assets and agree to repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities or other assets retained in lieu of sale by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities or other assets the Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase. In the event the buyer of securities or other assets under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities or other assets, and the Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision.

The Fund must comply with the SEC Rule 18f-4 when engaging in reverse repurchase agreements. See "Legislation and Regulation Risk Related to Derivatives and Certain Other Instruments" above.

**Restricted Securities**—The Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities cannot be sold to the public without registration under the 1933 Act. Unless registered for sale, restricted securities can be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Restricted securities may be classified as illiquid investments.

Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk which may result in substantial losses. The securities may be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid for by the Fund. The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities initially offered and sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act ("Rule 144A Securities") and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S under the 1933 Act ("Regulation S Securities"). Rule 144A Securities and Regulation S Securities generally may be traded freely among certain qualified institutional investors, such as the Fund, and non-U.S. persons, but resale to a broader based of investors in the United States may be permitted only in significantly more limited circumstances. A qualified institutional investor is defined by Rule 144A under the 1933 Act generally as an institution, acting for its own account or for the accounts of other qualified institutional investors, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers not affiliated with the institution. A dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), acting for its own account or the accounts of other qualified institutional investors, that in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $10 million in securities of issuers not affiliated with the dealer may also qualify as a qualified institutional investor, as well as a 1934 Act registered dealer acting in a riskless principal transaction on behalf of a qualified institutional investor.

The Fund also may purchase restricted securities that are not eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S under the 1933 Act. The Fund may acquire such securities through private placement transactions, directly from the issuer or from security holders, generally at higher yields or on terms more favorable to investors than

------

comparable publicly traded securities. However, the restrictions on resale of such securities may make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of such securities at the time considered most advantageous and/or may involve expenses that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were freely marketable. Risks associated with restricted securities include the potential obligation to pay all or part of the registration expenses in order to sell certain restricted securities. A considerable period of time may elapse between the time of the decision to sell a security and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell it under an effective registration statement. If, during a period, adverse conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailing when it decided to sell.

**Risks of Private Investments in Public Companies**—The Fund may also make private investments in public companies whose stocks are quoted on stock exchanges or which trade in the OTC securities market, a type of investment commonly referred to as a "PIPE" transaction. PIPE transactions may be entered into with smaller capitalization public companies, which will entail business and financial risks comparable to those of investments in the publicly-issued securities of smaller capitalization companies, which may be less likely to be able to weather business or cyclical downturns than larger companies and are more likely to be substantially hurt by the loss of a few key personnel. In addition, PIPE transactions will generally result in the Fund acquiring either restricted stock or an instrument convertible into restricted stock. As with investments in other types of restricted securities, such an investment may be illiquid. The Fund's ability to dispose of securities acquired in PIPE transactions may depend on the registration of such securities for resale. Any number of factors may prevent or delay a proposed registration. Alternatively, it may be possible for securities acquired in a PIPE transaction to be resold in transactions exempt from registration in accordance with Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, as amended, or otherwise under the federal securities laws. There can be no guarantee that there will be an active or liquid market for the stock of any small capitalization company due to the possible small number of stockholders. As a result, even if the Fund is able to have securities acquired in a PIPE transaction registered or sell such securities through an exempt transaction, the Fund may not be able to sell all the securities on short notice, and the sale of the securities could lower the market price of the securities. There is no guarantee that an active trading market for the securities will exist at the time of disposition of the securities, and the lack of such a market could hurt the market value of the Fund's investments. For more detail, please refer to the "Restricted Securities" section of this SAI's discussion of investment methods and risk factors.

**Risks of Private Investments in Private Companies**—Private companies are generally not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, the Investment Manager may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the private companies in which the Fund invests.

There is risk that the Fund will invest on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate information, which will adversely affect the Fund's investment performance. Some private companies in which the Fund may invest may have limited financial resources, shorter operating histories, more asset concentration risk, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render such private companies more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. In addition, the management of private companies may depend on one or two key individuals, and the loss of the services of any such individual may adversely affect the performance of the private company. Private companies generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may

require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. These companies may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity. In addition, the Fund's investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until the company meets certain growth and liquidity objectives.

Typically, investments in private companies are in restricted securities that are not traded in public markets and subject to substantial holding periods, so that the Fund may not be able to resell some of its holdings for extended periods, which may be several years. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to realize the value of private company investments in a timely manner, and these investments are subject to heightened valuation risks.

------

**Shares of Other Investment Vehicles**—The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies or other investment vehicles, which may include, among others, mutual funds, closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), such as actively-managed or index-based investments, and private or foreign investment funds. The Fund may also invest in investment vehicles that are not subject to regulation as registered investment companies, which may be classified as illiquid investments.

The investment companies in which the Fund invests may have adopted certain investment restrictions that are different than the Fund's investment restrictions. For example, to the extent the Fund invests in underlying investment companies that concentrate their investments in an industry, a corresponding portion of the Fund's assets may be indirectly exposed to that particular industry.

The Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief. It is the Fund's policy that if shares of the Fund are purchased by another fund (including any other registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust advised by Guggenheim Investments or its affiliates) in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, for so long as shares of the Fund are held by such other fund, the Fund will not purchase securities of a registered open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act.

The Fund may invest in other registered investment companies, such as mutual funds, closed-end funds and ETFs, and in business development companies (an underlying fund) in excess of statutory limits imposed by the 1940 Act in reliance on Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act. These investments would be subject to the applicable conditions of Rule 12d1-4, which in part would affect or otherwise impose certain limits on the investments and operations of the underlying fund (notably such fund's ability to invest in other investment companies and private funds, which include certain structured finance vehicles).

The main risk of investing in index-based investment companies is the same as investing in a portfolio of securities comprising the index. The market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with both changes in the market value of their underlying portfolio securities and due to supply and demand for the instruments on the exchanges on which they are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate exactly the performance of their specified index because of, among other things, transaction costs and because of the temporary unavailability of certain component securities of the index.

To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, or other investment vehicles, it will incur its pro rata share of the underlying investment companies' expenses (including, for example, investment advisory and other management fees and expenses). In addition, the Fund will be subject to the effects of business and regulatory developments that affect an underlying investment company or the investment company industry generally.

The Fund may invest in other funds in the same "group of investment companies" as permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Funds in the same "group of investment companies" as the Fund are other Guggenheim open-end funds, Guggenheim closed-end funds and Rydex funds, each of which is advised by Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC or GPIM, which are under common control.

**Short Sales**—The Fund may make short sales "against the box," in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security it owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The Fund may also make short sales of securities the Fund does not own. If the Fund makes a short sale, the Fund does not immediately deliver from its own account the securities sold and does not receive the proceeds from the sale. To complete the sale, the Fund must borrow the security (generally from the broker through which the short sale is made, and potentially via repurchase agreement) in order to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund must replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement or delivering the security from its own portfolio. The Fund is said to have a "short position" in securities sold until it delivers them to the broker at which time it receives the proceeds of the sale.

The Fund may make short sales that are not "against the box." Short sales by the Fund that are not made "against the box" create opportunities to increase the Fund's return but, at the same time, involve specific risk considerations and may be considered a speculative technique. Since the Fund in effect profits from a decline in the price of the securities sold short without the need to invest the full purchase price of the securities on the date of the short sale, the Fund's NAV per share tends to increase more when the securities it has sold short decrease in value, and to decrease more when the securities it has sold short increase in value, than would otherwise be the case if it had not engaged in such short sales. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by

------

the amount of any premium, dividends or interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with the short sale. Short sales theoretically involve unlimited loss potential, as the market price of securities sold short may continually increase, although the Fund may mitigate such losses by replacing the securities sold short before the market price has increased significantly. Under adverse market conditions the Fund might have difficulty purchasing securities to meet its short sale delivery obligations and might have to sell portfolio securities to raise the capital necessary to meet its short sale obligations at a time when fundamental investment considerations would not favor such sales.

The Fund's decision to make a short sale "against the box" may be a technique to hedge against market risks when the Investment Manager believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund or a security convertible into or exchangeable for such security. In such case, any future losses in the Fund's long position would be reduced by a gain in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses in the long position are reduced will depend upon the amount of securities sold short relative to the amount of the securities the Fund owns, either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where the Fund owns convertible securities, changes in the investment values or conversion premiums of such securities. The Fund can close out its short position by purchasing and delivering an equal amount of the securities sold short, rather than by delivering securities already held by the Fund, because the Fund might want to continue to receive interest and dividend payments on securities in its portfolio that are convertible into the securities sold short.

While the short sale is outstanding, the Fund will be required to pledge a portion of its assets to the broker as collateral for the obligation to deliver the security to the broker at the close of the transaction. The broker will also hold the proceeds of the short sale until the close of the transaction. The Fund is often obligated to pay over interest and dividends on the borrowed security to the broker.

The Fund will incur transaction costs, including interest expense, in connection with opening, maintaining and closing short sales.

The Fund must comply with the SEC rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions when engaging in such transactions. See "Legislation and Regulation Risk Related to Derivatives and Certain Other Instruments" above.

**Short-Term Instruments**—The Fund may hold short-term investments at the discretion of the Investment Manager. Short-term instruments consist of: (1) short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or by any of the states; (2) other short-term debt securities; (3) commercial paper; (4) bank obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances; (5) repurchase agreements; (6) shares of money market funds; and (7) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities as of the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that are rated in the top-two short-term categories by two Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organizations ("NRSROs"), or if unrated, deemed to be of equal quality by the Investment Manager.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies**—The Fund may invest in stock, warrants, rights and other securities of special purpose acquisition companies ("SPACs") or similar special purpose entities in a private placement transaction or as part of a public offering. A SPAC, sometimes referred to as "blank check company," is a private or publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. The shares of a SPAC are typically issued in "units" that include one share of common stock and one right or warrant (or partial right or warrant) conveying the right to purchase additional shares of common stock. At a specified time, the rights and warrants may be separated from the common stock at the election of the holder, after which time each security typically is freely tradeable. Private companies can combine with a SPAC to go public by taking the SPAC's place on an exchange as an alternative to making an initial public offering.

As an alternative to obtaining a public listing through a traditional IPO, SPAC investments carry many of the same risks as investments in IPO securities. These may include, but are not limited to, erratic price movements, greater risk of loss, lack of information about the issuer, limited operating and little public or no trading history, and higher transaction costs. Please refer to the discussions of risks related to investments in "Equity Securities" for additional information concerning risks associated with IPOs.

Investments in SPACs also have risks peculiar to the SPAC structure and investment process. Until an acquisition or merger is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets, less a portion retained to cover expenses, in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. To the extent a SPAC is invested in cash or similar securities, this may impact the Fund's ability to

------

meet its investment objective. SPAC shareholders may not approve any proposed acquisition or merger, or an acquisition or merger, once effected, may prove unsuccessful. If an acquisition or merger is not completed within a pre-established period (typically, two years), the remainder of the funds invested in the SPAC are returned to its shareholders unless shareholders approve alternative options. While a SPAC investor may receive both stock in the SPAC, as well as warrants or other rights at no marginal cost, those warrants or other rights may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price. The Fund may also be delayed in receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is entitled. An investment in a SPAC is typically subject to a higher risk of dilution by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC.

SPAC investments are also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger. Because SPACs only business is to seek acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition or merger target. Among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management, directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. For example, since the sponsor, directors and officers of a SPAC may directly or indirectly own interests in a SPAC, the sponsor, directors and officers may have a conflict of interest in determining whether a particular target business is an appropriate business with which to effectuate a business combination. This risk may become more acute as the deadline for the completion of a business combination nears. In addition, the requirement that a SPAC complete a business combination within a prescribed time frame may give potential target businesses leverage over the SPAC in negotiating a business combination, and may limit the time the SPAC has in which to conduct due diligence on potential business combination targets, which could undermine the SPAC's ability to complete a business combination on terms that would produce value for its shareholders. Some SPACs pursue acquisitions and mergers only within certain market sectors or regions, which can increase the volatility of their prices. Conversely, other SPACs may invest without such limitations, in which case management may have limited experience or knowledge of the market sector or region in which the transaction is contemplated. Moreover, interests in SPACs may be illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale, which may remain for an extended time, and may only be traded in the over-the-counter market. If there is no market for some interests in a SPAC, or only a thinly traded market, the Fund may not be able to sell its interest, or may be able to sell its interest only at a price below what the Fund believes is the SPAC interest's value.

**Spread Transactions**—The Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities dealers. Such covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives the Fund the right to put, or sell, a security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to the Fund in purchasing covered spread options is the cost of the premium paid for the spread option and any transaction costs. In addition, there is no assurance that closing transactions will be available. The purchase of spread options will be used to protect the Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. Such protection is only provided during the life of the spread option.

**Swap Agreements**—The Fund may enter into swap agreements, including, but not limited to, total return swaps (including equity total return swaps), index swaps, interest rate swaps, municipal market data rate locks and credit default swaps. Swaps are particularly subject to counterparty credit, correlation (imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the Fund's other portfolio holdings), valuation, liquidity and leveraging risks and could result in substantial losses to the Fund and a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The Fund may utilize swap agreements for various purposes, including for the purpose of pursuing the Fund's investment objective, such as in an attempt to gain exposure to the securities or other assets in a market without actually purchasing those securities or other assets, or to hedge a position or to generate income. Swap agreements are contracts for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year and may be negotiated bilaterally and traded OTC between two parties or, in some instances, must be transacted through a futures commission merchant and cleared through a clearinghouse that serves as a central counterparty. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in an issuer, a "basket" of securities or other assets or ETFs. Forms of swap agreements may include (i) interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap;" (ii) interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the

------

extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or "floor;" and (iii) interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. Certain interest rate swaps and forwards are subject to mandatory central clearing and execution on swap execution facilities, as noted further herein.

An equity total return swap (also sometimes referred to as a synthetic equity swap or "contract for difference" when written with respect to an equity security or basket of equity securities) is an agreement between two parties under which the parties agree to make payments to each other so as to replicate the economic consequences that would apply had a purchase or short sale of the underlying reference instrument or index thereof taken place. For example, one party agrees to pay the other party the total return earned or realized on the notional amount of an underlying equity security and any dividends declared with respect to that equity security. In return the other party makes payments, typically at a floating rate, calculated based on the notional amount.

Another form of swap agreement is a credit default swap. A credit default swap enables the Fund to buy or sell protection against a defined credit event of an issuer or a basket of securities or other assets or ETFs. Generally, the seller of credit protection against an issuer or basket of securities or other assets receives a periodic payment to compensate against potential default events. If a default event occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation, or a cash-settlement payment. Any such physical or cash settlement may be effected through an auction settlement process, if agreed to by the parties when they enter the transaction. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the Fund selling the credit protection.

In contrast, the buyer of a credit default swap would have the right to deliver a referenced debt obligation and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of such debt obligation from the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event (such as a credit downgrade) by the reference issuer, such as a U.S. or foreign corporation, with respect to its debt obligations, or a cash-settlement payment. In return, the buyer of the credit protection would pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the counterparty would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Fund purchasing the credit protection. Certain credit default swap products are subject to mandatory central clearing and execution on swap execution facilities, as noted further herein.

The Fund also may enhance income by selling credit protection or attempt to mitigate credit risk by buying protection. Credit default swaps could result in losses if the creditworthiness of an issuer or a basket of securities or other assets is not accurately evaluated.

Most swap agreements (but generally not credit default swaps) that the Fund might enter into require the parties to calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Swap agreements may not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Consequently, the Fund's obligations (or rights) and risk of loss under such a swap agreement would generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). Other swap agreements, such as credit default swaps, may require initial premium (discount) payments as well as periodic payments (receipts) related to the interest leg of the swap or to the default of a reference obligation.

Because they may be two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be classified as illiquid investments. The Fund would not enter into any swap agreement unless the Investment Manager believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which the Fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

The Fund may enter into swap agreements, for example, to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of the underlying securities or other assets in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement would typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker-dealer or, in the case of a cleared swap, the clearinghouse. The counterparty would generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund would agree to pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest on the notional

------

amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

The Fund may also enter into swaps on an index, including credit default index swaps ("CDX"), which are swaps on an index of credit default swaps. For example, a commercial mortgage-backed index ("CMBX") is a type of CDX made up of tranches of commercial mortgage-backed securities rather than CDS. Unlike other CDX contracts where credit events are intended to capture an event of default, CMBX involves a pay-as-you-go settlement process designed to capture non-default events that affect the cash flow of the reference obligation. Pay-as-you-go settlement involves ongoing, two-way payments over the life of a contract between the buyer and the seller of protection and is designed to closely mirror the cash flow of a portfolio of cash commercial mortgage-backed securities. Certain CDX are subject to mandatory central clearing and exchange trading, which may reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity compared to other credit default swap or CDS index transactions. Investments in CMBX are also subject to the risks associated with mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") as well as the risks associated with the types of properties tied to the underlying mortgages (e.g., apartment properties, retail shopping centers, office and industrial properties, hotels, health-care facilities, manufactured housing and mixed-property types) and adverse economic or market events with respect to these property types.

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are traded in the OTC market but remains subject to significant risks. The Investment Manager is primarily responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions.

As noted above, certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory exchange-trading and/or central clearing. While exchange-trading and central clearing are intended to reduce counterparty credit risk and increase liquidity, they do not make swap transactions risk-free. The Dodd-Frank Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of certain OTC derivative instruments that the CFTC and SEC have defined as "swaps" (such as certain interest rate swaps and forwards and certain index credit default swaps). Depending on the Fund's size and other factors, the margin required under the rules of the clearinghouse and by the clearing member may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by the Fund to support its obligations under a similar bilateral swap. Moving trading to an exchange-type system may increase market transparency and liquidity but may require the Fund to incur increased expenses to access the same types of cleared and uncleared swaps. In addition, the CFTC, SEC and the prudential regulators have adopted rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps which may result in the Fund and its counterparties posting higher margin amounts for uncleared swaps. Rules also require centralized reporting of detailed information about many types of cleared and uncleared swaps. Reporting of swap data may result in greater market transparency, but may subject the Fund to additional administrative burdens and the safeguards established to protect trader anonymity may not function as expected. The Investment Manager will continue to monitor developments in this area, particularly to the extent regulatory changes affect the ability of the Fund to enter into swap agreements. Regulatory changes and additional requirements may increase costs associated with derivatives transactions and may subject the Fund to additional administrative burdens, which may adversely affect Fund performance.

The use of swap agreements, including credit default swaps, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If a counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of the swap would likely decline. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the Fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

The Fund must comply with the SEC rule related to the use of derivatives, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions when engaging in such transactions. See "Legislation and Regulation Risk Related to Derivatives and Certain Other Instruments" above.

**Temporary Investments**—The Fund may, from time to time and in the discretion of the Investment Manager, take temporary positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse or unstable market, economic, political or other conditions or abnormal circumstances. For example, the Fund may invest some or all of its assets in cash, derivatives, fixed-income instruments, government bonds, money

------

market instruments, repurchase agreements or securities of other investment companies, including money market funds. The Fund may be unable to pursue or achieve its investment objective during that time and temporary investments could reduce the benefit to the Fund from any upswing in the market.

**U.S. Government Securities**—The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, including: (1) direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury and (2) obligations issued by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities. Included among direct obligations of the U.S. are Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds, which differ in terms of their interest rates, maturities, and dates of issuance. Treasury Bills have maturities of less than one year, Treasury Notes have maturities of one to 10 years and Treasury Bonds generally have maturities of greater than 10 years from the date of issuance. Included among the obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. are: instruments that are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S., such as certificates issued by Ginnie Mae; instruments that are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as securities of Federal Home Loan Banks); and instruments that are supported solely by the credit of the instrumentality, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in conservatorship. At the same time, 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"), as amended, the U.S. Treasury has pledged to provide financial support to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in any quarter which the respective entity has a net worth deficit as defined in the respective SPA, as amended.

Also 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. The actions of the U.S. Treasury are intended to ensure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac maintain a positive net worth and meet their financial obligations, preventing mandatory triggering of receivership. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Treasury initiatives will be successful. Other U.S. government securities the Fund may invest in include (but are not limited to) securities issued or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Loan Administration, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board and Student Loan Marketing Association. Because the U.S. government is not obligated by law to provide support to an instrumentality it sponsors, the Fund will invest in obligations issued by such an instrumentality only if the Investment Manager determines that the credit risk with respect to the instrumentality does not make its securities unsuitable for investment by the Fund.

No assurance can be given as to whether the U.S. government will continue to support Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In addition, the future for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remains uncertain. Congress has considered proposals to reduce the U.S. government's role in the mortgage market of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including proposals as to whether Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be nationalized, privatized, restructured or eliminated altogether. Should the federal government adopt any such proposal, the value of the Fund's investments in securities issued by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac would be impacted. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also the subject of continuing legal actions and investigations which may have an adverse effect on these entities. In the event that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are taken out of conservatorship, it is unclear whether Treasury would continue to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under the SPAs. It is also unclear how the capital structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be constructed post-conservatorship, and what effects, if any, the privatization of the enterprises will have on their creditworthiness and guarantees of certain MBS. Accordingly, should the FHFA take the enterprises out of conservatorship, there could be an adverse impact on the value of their securities, which could cause the Fund to lose value.

Under a letter agreement entered into in January 2021, each enterprise is permitted to retain earnings and raise private capital to enable them to meet the minimum capital requirements under the FHFA's Enterprise Regulatory Capital Framework. The letter agreement also permits each enterprise to develop a plan to exit conservatorship, but may not do so until all litigation involving the conservatorships is resolved and each enterprise has the minimum capital required by FHFA's rules.

Any controversy or ongoing uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S. Congress to increase the statutory debt ceiling may impact the creditworthiness of the U.S. Government and the liquidity and/or market value of U.S. government debt securities held by the Fund. If the U.S. Congress is unable to negotiate an adjustment to the statutory debt ceiling, there is also the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on certain U.S. government securities (including U.S. Treasury securities), including those held by the Fund, which could have a

------

material negative impact on the Fund. These types of situations could result in higher interest rates, lower prices of U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government securities and could adversely affect the Fund's investments, including in other types of debt instruments.

The Fund may invest in securities issued by government agencies and sold through an auction process, which may be subject to certain risks associated with the auction process. The Fund may also invest in separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. government or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if such components trade independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities program ("STRIPS") or any similar program sponsored by the U.S. government. STRIPS may be sold as zero coupon securities.

**Investment Restrictions**

------

The Fund operates within certain fundamental policies. These fundamental policies may not be changed without the approval of the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the Fund's shares present at a meeting of shareholders if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares. Other restrictions in the form of operating policies are subject to change by the Fund's Board of Trustees without shareholder approval; however, should the Fund with a name subject to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, change its policy of investing in at least 80% of its assets (net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the type of investment suggested by that Fund's name, the Fund will provide shareholders at least 60 days' notice prior to making the change, or such other period as is required by applicable law, as interpreted or modified by a regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time. If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of an investment or transaction, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from changing values of portfolio securities or amount of total assets will not be considered a violation of any of the following limitations, except with respect to the borrowing limitation. With regard to the borrowing limitation, the Fund will comply with the applicable restrictions of Section 18 of the 1940 Act. Any investment restrictions that involve a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall not be considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition of securities or assets of the Fund. Calculation of the Fund's total assets for compliance with any of the following fundamental or operating policies or any other investment restrictions set forth in the Fund's Prospectus or SAI will not include cash collateral held in connection with the Fund's securities lending activities.

**Fundamental Policies**—The fundamental policies of the Fund are:

1. The Fund may not act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except to the extent it could be considered an underwriter in the acquisition and disposition of restricted securities.

2. The Fund may not "concentrate" its investments in a particular industry, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, as interpreted, modified, or applied by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

3. The Fund may purchase real estate or any interest therein (such as securities or instruments backed by or related to real estate) to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, as interpreted, modified, or applied by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

4. The Fund may purchase or sell commodities, including physical commodities, or contracts, instruments and interests relating to commodities to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, as interpreted, modified, or applied by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

5. The Fund may make loans to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, as interpreted, modified, or applied by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

6. The Fund may borrow money to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, as interpreted, modified, or applied by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

------

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

7. The Fund may issue senior securities to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, as interpreted, modified, or applied by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time.

For purposes of Fundamental Policy Two, the Fund may not purchase the securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry. For the purposes of this Fundamental Policy, the limitation will not apply to the Fund's investments in: (i) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities; (ii) municipal securities; (iii) repurchase agreements collateralized by the instruments described in (i); and (iv) other investment companies.

For purposes of Fundamental Policy Four, investors should note that as of the date of the Fund's SAI, the 1940 Act permits investments in commodities and commodity interests.

For purposes of Fundamental Policy Six, if at any time the amount of total Fund assets less all liabilities and indebtedness (but not including the Fund's borrowings) ("asset coverage") is less than an amount equal to 300% of any such borrowings, the Fund will reduce its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations so that such asset coverage is again equal to 300% or more.

For purposes of Fundamental Policies Six and Seven, the term "as permitted under the 1940 Act" indicates that, unless otherwise limited by non-fundamental investment policies, the Fund can borrow and issue senior securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and interpretations thereof, and that no further action generally would be needed to conform the Fund's Fundamental Policies relating to borrowing and senior securities to future change in the 1940 Act and interpretations thereof. Pursuant to the provisions of the 1940 Act and interpretations thereof, the Fund is permitted to borrow from banks and may also enter into certain transactions that are economically equivalent to borrowing (e.g., reverse repurchase agreements).

Under current law as interpreted by the SEC and its staff, the Fund may borrow from: (a) a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund's total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund, in accordance with Rule 18f-4, aggregates the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund's asset coverage ratio or treats all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by an investment company evidencing indebtedness. The Fund's limitation with respect to issuing senior securities is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund's engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. SEC Rule 18f-4 governs the use of derivatives and other similar transactions by an investment company. Under Rule 18f-4, the Fund's trading of derivatives and other similar transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations is generally subject to value-at-risk leverage limits, derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements, unless the Fund satisfies a "limited derivatives users" exception that is included in the rule.

**Operating Policies**—The operating policy (i.e., that which is non-fundamental) of the Fund is:

**Liquidity** The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets, which are investments that the 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.

For purposes of the Operating Policy directly above, under normal circumstances, the Fund will not hold more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets; however, if investments that were liquid at the time of purchase subsequently become illiquid and result in the Fund holding illiquid investments in excess of 15% of its net assets, the Fund will no longer purchase additional illiquid investments and may reduce its holdings of illiquid investments in an orderly manner, but it is not required to dispose of illiquid holdings immediately if it is not in the interest of the Fund. This test does not require that the disposition of holdings "settle" within seven days, which means that the Fund could meet the liquidity test but be unable to obtain proceeds to pay redemption requests within

------

seven days. In addition, in the event an instrument classified as illiquid that has no value under the Fund's valuation policy and procedures, and the Investment Manager's Rule 2a-5 fair valuation policy and Rule 2a-5 fair valuation procedures, is given a value under such procedures and, as a result, the Fund holds illiquid investments in excess of 15% of its net assets, the Fund will no longer purchase additional illiquid investments. In such case, the Fund may reduce its holdings of illiquid investments in an orderly manner, but it is not required to dispose of illiquid holdings immediately if it is not in the interest of the Fund. Funds with investments subject to liquidity risks tend to hold higher positions of uninvested cash or borrow to meet redemption requests, which hurts Fund performance.

**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**

------

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has a policy on the disclosure of portfolio holdings, which it believes is in the best interest of the Fund and their shareholders. The policy is designed to: (i) protect the confidentiality of the Fund's non-public portfolio holdings information, (ii) prevent the selective disclosure of such information, and (iii) ensure compliance by the Investment Manager and the Fund with the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder and general principles of fiduciary duty. The Fund's portfolio holdings, or information derived from the Fund's portfolio holdings, may, in the Investment Manager's discretion, be made available to third parties if (i) such disclosure has been included in the Fund's public filings with the SEC or is disclosed on the Fund's publicly accessible Website, (ii) such disclosure is determined by the Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") to be in the best interests of Fund shareholders and consistent with applicable law; (iii) such disclosure is made equally available to anyone requesting it; and (iv) the Investment Manager determines that the disclosure does not present the risk of such information being used to trade against the Fund.

Each business day portfolio holdings information will be provided to the Transfer Agent or other agent for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") and/or other fee based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee based subscription services, including Authorized Participants (defined below), and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading Shares of the Fund in the secondary market. Information with respect to the Fund's portfolio holdings is also disseminated daily on the Fund's Website.

The Distributor may also make available portfolio holdings information to other institutional market participants and entities that provide information services. This information typically reflects the Fund's anticipated holdings on the following business day. "Authorized Participants" are generally large institutional investors that have been authorized by the Distributor to purchase and redeem large blocks of Shares (known as Creation Units) pursuant to legal requirements pursuant to which the Fund offer and redeem Shares. Other than portfolio holdings information made available in connection with the creation/redemption process, as discussed above, portfolio holdings information that is not filed with the SEC or posted on the publicly available website may be provided to third parties only in limited circumstances, as described above.

Disclosure to providers of auditing, custody, proxy voting and other similar services for the Fund, as well as rating and ranking organizations, will generally be permitted; however, information may be disclosed to other third parties (including, without limitation, individuals, institutional investors, and Authorized Participants that sell Shares of the Fund) only upon approval by the CCO. The recipients who may receive non-public portfolio holdings information are as follows: the Investment Manager and its affiliates, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, the Distributor, administrator and custodian, the Fund's legal counsel, the Fund's financial printer and the Fund's proxy voting service. These entities are obligated to keep such information confidential. Third-party providers of custodial or accounting services to the Fund may release non-public portfolio holdings information of the Fund only with the permission of the CCO.

Portfolio holdings will be disclosed through required filings with the SEC. The Fund files its portfolio holdings with the SEC for each fiscal quarter on Form N-CSR (with respect to each annual period and semiannual period) and Form N-PORT (with respect to the first and third quarters of the Fund's fiscal year). Shareholders may obtain the Fund's Forms N-CSR and N-PORT filings, when available, on the SEC's website at sec.gov.

------

**Management of the Fund**

------

**<u>Trustees and Officers</u>**

Oversight of the management and affairs of the Trust and the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Investment Manager for the Fund under the Investment Management Agreement ("Management Agreement") is the responsibility of the Board. Among other things, the Board considers the approval of contracts, described herein, under which certain companies provide essential management and administrative services to the Trust. Once the contracts are approved, the Board monitors the level and quality of services. Annually, the Board evaluates the services received under the contracts by receiving reports covering, among other things, investment performance, administrative services, competitiveness of fees and the Investment Manager's profitability.

The Board currently has 6 Trustees, 5 of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Trust (each, an "Independent Trustee" and collectively, the "Independent Trustees"). Each Independent Trustee does not own, nor do any of his or her immediate family members own, any stock or other securities issued by the Investment Manager or the Distributor or a person (other than a registered investment company, if applicable) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager or the Distributor as of December 31, 2025. Ms. Amy J. Lee is an "interested person" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Trust (an "Interested Trustee") because of her position with the Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

The Trustees, their term of office and length of time served, their principal business occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Guggenheim Funds Group fund complex ("Fund Complex") overseen by each Trustee, and other directorships, if any, held by the Trustee are shown below. The Fund Complex includes all closed- and open-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Investment Manager and any funds that have an investment adviser or servicing agent that is an affiliated person of the Investment Manager. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund Complex is comprised of 4 closed-end funds and 123 open-end funds advised or serviced by the Investment Manager or its affiliates.

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name,**<br> **Address\* and** <br> **Year of Birth** <br> **of Trustees**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position(s)**<br> **Held with** <br> **Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of**<br> **Office and** <br> **Length of** <br> **Time** <br> **Served\*\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Number of** <br> **Portfolios** <br> **in Fund** <br> **Complex** <br> **Overseen** <br> **by Trustee**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Directorships**<br> **Held by Trustees**<br> **During Past** <br> **5 Years\*\*\***<br>|
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| Angela Brock-Kyle <br> (1959)<br>| Trustee | Since 2019 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Retired.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Founder and Chief <br> Executive Officer, <br> B.O.A.R.D.S. (consulting <br> firm) (2013-2023); Senior <br> Leader, TIAA (financial <br> services firm) (1987-2012).<br>| 126 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Kelly Services, <br> Inc. (2026-present); <br> Global X Venture Fund <br> (2025-present); <br> Bowhead Specialty <br> Holdings Inc. (2024-<br> present); Mutual Fund <br> Directors Forum (2022-<br> present); Hunt <br> Companies, Inc.<br> (2019-present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Transparent <br> Value Trust (4) <br> (2019-2025); Bowhead <br> Insurance GP, LLC <br> (2020-2024); <br> Guggenheim Energy & <br> Income Fund <br> (2019-2023);<br> Fiduciary/Claymore <br> Energy Infrastructure <br> Fund (2019-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund <br> (2019-2021); <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (2019-2021).<br>|
| Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.<br> (1960)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Trustee and<br> Chair of the <br> Contracts <br> Review <br> Committee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Since 2019<br> (Trustee)<br> Since 2020<br> (Chair of the<br> Contracts Review<br> Committee)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: President, Global <br> Trends Investments <br> (registered investment <br> adviser) (1996-present); <br> CEO, Lydon Media (2016- <br> present). Former: Vice <br> Chairman, VettaFi, a wholly <br> owned subsidiary of The <br> TMX Group (financial <br> advisor content, research, <br> index and digital distribution <br> provider) (2022-2024); <br> CEO, ETF Flows, LLC <br> (financial advisor education <br> and research provider) <br> (2019-2023); Director, GDX <br> Index Partners, LLC (index <br> provider) (2021-2023).<br>| 126 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: The 2023 ETF <br> Series Trust (12) (2023-<br> present); US Global <br> Investors, Inc. (GROW) <br> (1995-present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: The 2023 ETF <br> Series Trust II (6) <br> (2023-2025); <br> Transparent Value Trust <br> (4) (2019-2025); <br> Guggenheim Energy & <br> Income Fund <br> (2019-2023); Fiduciary/<br> Claymore Energy <br> Infrastructure Fund <br> (2019-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund <br> (2019-2021); <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (2019-2021).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name,**<br> **Address\* and** <br> **Year of Birth** <br> **of Trustees**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position(s)**<br> **Held with** <br> **Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of**<br> **Office and** <br> **Length of** <br> **Time** <br> **Served\*\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Number of** <br> **Portfolios** <br> **in Fund** <br> **Complex** <br> **Overseen** <br> **by Trustee**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Directorships**<br> **Held by Trustees**<br> **During Past** <br> **5 Years\*\*\***<br>|
| Ronald A. Nyberg<br> (1953)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Trustee and<br> Chair of the <br> Nominating <br> and <br> Governance <br> Committee<br>| Since 2014 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Of Counsel <br> (formerly Partner), Momkus <br> LLP (law firm) (2016-<br> present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Partner, Nyberg & <br> Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) <br> (2000-2016); Executive <br> Vice President, General <br> Counsel, and Corporate <br> Secretary, Van Kampen <br> Investments (1982-1999).<br>| 127 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Advent <br> Convertible and Income <br> Fund (2003-present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Transparent <br> Value Trust (4) <br> (2015-2025); PPM <br> Funds (2) (2018-2024); <br> Endeavor Health <br> (2012-2024); <br> Guggenheim Energy & <br> Income Fund <br> (2015-2023); Fiduciary/ <br> Claymore Energy <br> Infrastructure Fund <br> (2004-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund <br> (2005-2021); <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (2013-2021).<br>|
| Sandra G. Sponem <br> (1958)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Trustee and<br> Chair of the <br> Audit <br> Committee<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Since 2019<br> (Trustee)<br> Since 2020<br> (Chair of the<br> Audit Committee)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Retired.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Senior Vice <br> President and Chief <br> Financial Officer, M.A. <br> Mortenson Companies, Inc. <br> (construction and real <br> estate development <br> company) (2007-2017).<br>| 126 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: SPDR Series <br> Trust (86) (2018- <br> present); SPDR Index <br> Shares Funds (25) <br> (2018-present); SSGA <br> Active Trust (35) (2018- <br> present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Transparent <br> Value Trust (4) <br> (2019-2025); <br> Guggenheim Energy & <br> Income Fund <br> (2019-2023); Fiduciary/ <br> Claymore Energy <br> Infrastructure Fund <br> (2019-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund <br> (2019-2021); <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (2019-2021).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name,**<br> **Address\* and** <br> **Year of Birth** <br> **of Trustees**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position(s)**<br> **Held with** <br> **Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of**<br> **Office and** <br> **Length of** <br> **Time** <br> **Served\*\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Number of** <br> **Portfolios** <br> **in Fund** <br> **Complex** <br> **Overseen** <br> **by Trustee**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Directorships**<br> **Held by Trustees**<br> **During Past** <br> **5 Years\*\*\***<br>|
| Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.<br> (1958)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Trustee,<br> Chair of the <br> Board and <br> Chair of the<br> Executive <br> Committee<br>| Since 2014 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Portfolio <br> Consultant (2010-present); <br> Member, Governing <br> Council, Independent <br> Directors Council (2013-<br> present); Governor, Board <br> of Governors, Investment <br> Company Institute (2018-<br> present); Member, Board of <br> Governors Investment <br> Committee, Investment <br> Company Institute (2026-<br> present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Member, Executive <br> Committee, Independent <br> Directors Council <br> (2016-2018); Vice <br> President, Manager and <br> Portfolio Manager, Nuveen <br> Asset Management <br> (1998-1999); Vice <br> President, Nuveen <br> Investment Advisory Corp. <br> (1992-1999); Vice <br> President and Manager, <br> Nuveen Unit Investment <br> Trusts (1991-1999); and <br> Assistant Vice President <br> and Portfolio Manager, <br> Nuveen Unit Investment <br> Trusts (1988-1999), each of <br> John Nuveen & Co., Inc. <br> (registered broker-dealer) <br> (1982-1999).<br>| 126 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Former: Transparent <br> Value Trust (4) <br> (2015-2025); <br> Guggenheim Energy & <br> Income Fund <br> (2015-2023); Fiduciary/ <br> Claymore Energy <br> Infrastructure Fund <br> (2004-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund <br> (2005-2021); <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (2013-2021).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name,**<br> **Address\* and** <br> **Year of Birth** <br> **of Trustees**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position(s)**<br> **Held with** <br> **Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of**<br> **Office and** <br> **Length of** <br> **Time** <br> **Served\*\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5 Years**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Number of** <br> **Portfolios** <br> **in Fund** <br> **Complex** <br> **Overseen** <br> **by Trustee**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Directorships**<br> **Held by Trustees**<br> **During Past** <br> **5 Years\*\*\***<br>|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** | **Interested Trustee** |
| Amy J. Lee\*\*\*\* <br> (1961)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Trustee, <br> Vice <br> President <br> and <br> Chief Legal <br> Officer<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Since 2018<br> (Trustee)<br> Since 2014<br> (Chief Legal <br> Officer)<br> Since 2007<br> (Vice <br> President)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Interested Trustee, <br> certain other funds in the <br> Fund Complex (2018-<br> present); Chief Legal <br> Officer, certain other funds <br> in the Fund Complex (2014-<br> present); Vice President, <br> certain other funds in the <br> Fund Complex (2007-<br> present); Senior Managing <br> Director, Guggenheim <br> Investments (2012-<br> present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: President and/or <br> Chief Executive Officer, <br> certain other funds in the <br> Fund Complex (2017- <br> 2019); Vice President, <br> Associate General Counsel <br> and Assistant Secretary, <br> Security Benefit Life <br> Insurance Company and <br> Security Benefit <br> Corporation (2004-2012).<br>| 126 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Former: Transparent <br> Value Trust (4) <br> (2018-2025); <br> Guggenheim Energy & <br> Income Fund <br> (2018-2023); Fiduciary/ <br> Claymore Energy <br> Infrastructure Fund <br> (2018-2022); <br> Guggenheim Enhanced <br> Equity Income Fund <br> (2018- 2021); <br> Guggenheim Credit <br> Allocation Fund <br> (2018-2021).<br>|

---

\*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

\*\*

Each Trustee serves during the lifetime of the Trust or until he or she dies, resigns, has reached the mandatory retirement age, is declared incompetent by a court of appropriate jurisdiction, is removed or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, subject to the Trust's Independent Trustees Retirement Policy and the Trust's organizational documents. Time served may include time served in the respective position for certain predecessor entities of the Trust.

\*\*\*

Each Trustee also serves on the boards of trustees of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, and Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust. Mr. Nyberg also serves on the board of trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund. Together with the Trust, these funds are referred to as the "Fund Complex." Figures provided in parentheses after the name of a fund complex indicate the number of funds overseen in that complex.

\*\*\*\*

This Trustee is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Trust under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds' Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

------

The executive officers of the Trust (other than Ms. Lee), length of time served, and principal business occupations during the past five years are shown below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address\*** <br> **and Year of** <br> **Birth of the** <br> **Officers**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position(s) Held** <br> **with the Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office**<br> **and Length of** <br> **Time Served\*\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s) During** <br> **the Past 5 Years**<br>|
| Brian E. Binder<br> (1972)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; President and <br> Chief Executive <br> Officer<br>| Since 2018 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Board Member and Chief <br> Executive Officer, Guggenheim <br> Investments Private Credit Fund <br> (2026-present); President, Mutual <br> Funds Boards, Guggenheim <br> Investments (2022-present); <br> President and Chief Executive <br> Officer, certain other funds in the <br> Fund Complex (2018-present); <br> President, Mutual Funds Board <br> and Senior Managing Director, <br> Guggenheim Funds Investment <br> Advisors, LLC and Security <br> Investors, LLC (2018-present); <br> Board Member, Guggenheim <br> Partners Investment Funds plc <br> (2022-present); Board Member, <br> Guggenheim Global Investments <br> plc (2022-present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Board Member and <br> Chairman, Guggenheim Credit <br> Income Fund (2024-2025); Board <br> Member, Guggenheim Partners <br> Fund Management (Europe) <br> Limited (2018-2024); Senior <br> Managing Director and Chief <br> Administrative Officer, <br> Guggenheim Investments <br> (2018-2022); Managing Director <br> and President, Deutsche Funds, <br> and Head of US Product, Trading <br> and Fund Administration, <br> Deutsche Asset Management <br> (2013-2018); Managing Director, <br> Chairman of North American <br> Executive Committee and Head of <br> Business Management and <br> Consulting, Invesco Ltd. <br> (2010-2012).<br>|
| James Howley<br> (1972)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Financial Officer, <br> Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, and <br> Treasurer<br>| Since 2022 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Managing Director, <br> Guggenheim Investments (2004-<br> present); Chief Financial Officer, <br> Chief Accounting Officer, and <br> Treasurer, certain other funds in <br> the Fund Complex (2022-present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Assistant Treasurer, <br> certain other funds in the Fund <br> Complex (2006-2022); Manager, <br> Mutual Fund Administration of <br> Van Kampen Investments, Inc. <br> (1996-2004).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address\*** <br> **and Year of** <br> **Birth of the** <br> **Officers**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position(s) Held** <br> **with the Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office**<br> **and Length of** <br> **Time Served\*\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s) During** <br> **the Past 5 Years**<br>|
| Mark E. Mathiasen<br> (1978)<br>| Secretary | Since 2014 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Secretary, certain other <br> funds in the Fund Complex (2007-<br> present); Managing Director, <br> Guggenheim Investments (2007-<br> present).<br>|
| Glenn McWhinnie<br> (1969)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Assistant <br> Treasurer<br>| Since 2016 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Vice President, <br> Guggenheim Investments (2009-<br> present); Assistant Treasurer, <br> certain other funds in the Fund <br> Complex (2016-present).<br>|
| Michael Megaris<br> (1984)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Assistant <br> Secretary<br>| Since 2014 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Assistant Secretary, <br> certain other funds in the Fund <br> Complex (2014-present); <br> Managing Director, Guggenheim <br> Investments (2012-present).<br>|
| Elisabeth Miller<br> (1968)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Chief<br> Compliance<br> Officer<br>| Since 2012 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Chief Compliance <br> Officer, certain other funds in the <br> Fund Complex (2012-present); <br> Senior Managing Director, <br> Guggenheim Investments (2012-<br> present); Senior Managing <br> Director, Guggenheim Funds <br> Distributors, LLC (2014-present).<br> Former: Chief Compliance Officer, <br> Security Investors, LLC and <br> Guggenheim Funds Investment <br> Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief <br> Compliance Officer, Guggenheim <br> Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); <br> Senior Manager, Security <br> Investors, LLC (2004-2014); <br> Senior Manager, Guggenheim <br> Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).<br>|
| Margaux Misantone<br> (1978)<br>| AML Officer | Since 2017 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Chief Compliance <br> Officer, Security Investors, LLC <br> and Guggenheim Funds <br> Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-<br> present); AML Officer, Security <br> Investors, LLC and certain other <br> funds in the Fund Complex (2017-<br> present); Managing Director, <br> Guggenheim Investments (2015-<br> present).<br>|

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address\*** <br> **and Year of** <br> **Birth of the** <br> **Officers**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Position(s) Held** <br> **with the Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Term of Office**<br> **and Length of** <br> **Time Served\*\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Principal Occupation(s) During** <br> **the Past 5 Years**<br>|
| Kimberly J. Scott <br> (1974)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Assistant <br> Treasurer<br>| Since 2014 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Director, Guggenheim <br> Investments (2012-present); <br> Assistant Treasurer, certain other <br> funds in the Fund Complex (2012-<br> present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Financial Reporting <br> Manager, Invesco, Ltd. <br> (2010-2011); Vice President/<br> Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund <br> Administration for Van Kampen <br> Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley <br> Investment Management <br> (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual <br> Fund Administration, Van Kampen <br> Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley <br> Investment Management <br> (2005-2009).<br>|
| Jon Szafran<br> (1989)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; Assistant <br> Treasurer<br>| Since 2017 | &nbsp;&nbsp; Current: Director, Guggenheim <br> Investments (2017-present); <br> Assistant Treasurer, certain other <br> funds in the Fund Complex (2017-<br> present).<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> Former: Assistant Treasurer of <br> Henderson Global Funds and <br> Manager of US Fund <br> Administration, Henderson Global <br> Investors (North America) Inc. <br> ("HGINA") (2017); Senior Analyst <br> of US Fund Administration, <br> HGINA (2014-2017); Senior <br> Associate of Fund Administration, <br> Cortland Capital Market Services, <br> LLC (2013-2014); Experienced <br> Associate, <br> PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP <br> (2012-2013).<br>|

---

\*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

\*\*

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, inability to serve, resignation or removal. Time served may include time served in the respective position for certain predecessor entities of the Trust.

**Board Leadership Structure**

------

The primary responsibility of the Board is to represent the interest of the Fund and to provide oversight of the management of the Fund. The Fund's day-to-day operations are managed by the Investment Manager and other service providers who have been approved by the Board. The Board is currently comprised of six Trustees, five of whom (including the chairperson) are Independent Trustees. The Board generally acts by majority vote of all the Trustees and, if required by applicable laws, also by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees.

The Board has appointed an Independent Chair, Ronald E. Toupin, Jr., who presides at Board meetings and who is responsible for, among other things, participating in the planning of Board meetings, setting the tone of Board meetings and seeking to encourage open dialogue and independent inquiry among the Trustees and management. In addition, the Independent Chair acts as a liaison with officers, counsel and other Trustees between meetings of the Board. The Independent Chair may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from

------

time to time. The Board has established four standing committees (as described below) and has delegated certain responsibilities to those committees, each of which is comprised solely of Independent Trustees. The Board and its committees meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, including through the review of the Trust's: contractual arrangements with service providers; the Fund's financial statements; compliance with regulatory requirements; and performance. The Board may also establish informal working groups from time to time to review and address the policies and practices of the Trust or the Board with respect to certain specified matters. The Independent Trustees are advised by independent legal counsel experienced in 1940 Act matters and are represented by such independent legal counsel at Board and committee meetings. The Board has determined that this leadership structure, including an Independent Chair, a supermajority of Independent Trustees and committee membership limited to Independent Trustees, is appropriate in light of the characteristics and circumstances of the Trust because it allocates responsibilities among the Committees and the Board in a manner that further enhances effective oversight. The Board considered, among other things: the number of portfolios that comprise the Trust and other trusts in the Guggenheim Family of Funds overseen by members of the Board; the variety of asset classes those portfolios include; the net assets of the Fund, the Trust and the Guggenheim Family of Funds; and the management, distribution and other service arrangements of the Fund, the Trust and the Guggenheim Family of Funds. The Board may at any time and in its discretion change this leadership structure.

**Qualifications and Experience of Trustees**

------

The Trustees considered the educational, business and professional experience of each Board member and the service by each Trustee as a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex. The Trustees were selected to serve on the Board based upon their skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, diligence, ability to work effectively with other Trustees, availability and commitment to attend meetings and perform the responsibilities of a Trustee and, for the Independent Trustees, a demonstrated willingness to take an independent and questioning view of management. The Trustees also considered, among other factors, the particular attributes described below with respect to the individual Board members. References to the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requirements, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having special expertise and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.

**Angela Brock-Kyle**—Ms. Brock-Kyle has served as a Trustee of the Trust since 2019 and as a trustee of certain funds in the Fund Complex since 2016. Through her service as a Trustee and a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex, her service on another registered investment company board, prior employment experience, including at TIAA where she spent 25 years in leadership roles, her professional training in law and business and her experience serving on the boards of public, private and non-profit organizations, including service as audit committee chair and as a member of governance and nominating committees, Ms. Brock-Kyle is experienced in financial, accounting, regulatory, governance and investment matters.

**Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.**—Mr. Lydon has served as a Trustee of the Trust since 2019 and as a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex since 2005. Through his service as a Trustee and a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex, as well as Chair of the Contracts Review Committee, his service on other registered investment company boards, his experience as President of Global Trends Investments, a registered investment adviser, his service on the board of U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (GROW), an investment adviser and transfer agent, and his authorship and editorial experience regarding exchange-traded funds, Mr. Lydon is experienced in financial, investment and governance matters.

**Ronald A. Nyberg**—Mr. Nyberg has served as a Trustee of the Trust since 2014 and as a trustee of certain funds in the Fund Complex since 2003. Through his service as a Trustee and a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex, as well as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, his service on other registered investment company boards, his professional training and experience as an attorney and his former experience as a partner of the law firm, Momkus LLP, and Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Van Kampen Investments, an asset management firm, Mr. Nyberg is experienced in financial, regulatory and governance matters.

**Sandra G. Sponem**—Ms. Sponem has served as a Trustee of the Trust since 2019 and as a trustee of certain funds in the Fund Complex since 2016. Through her service as a Trustee and a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex, as well as Chair of the Audit Committee, her service on other registered investment company boards, her

------

prior employment experience, including as Chief Financial Officer of Piper Jaffray Companies, Inc. (now Piper Sandler Companies) and its predecessor, U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray, Inc., and as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of M.A. Mortenson Companies, Inc., a construction and real estate development company, her Certified Public Accountant (inactive) designation and previously held securities licenses and extensive knowledge of accounting and finance and the financial services industry, Ms. Sponem is experienced in accounting, financial, governance and investment matters. The Board has determined that Ms. Sponem is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined by the SEC.

**Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.**—Mr. Toupin has served as a Trustee of the Trust since 2014 and as a trustee of certain funds in the Fund Complex since 2003. Mr. Toupin currently serves on the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council ("IDC") of the Investment Company Institute ("ICI") and on the Board of Governors of the ICI. Through his service as a Trustee and a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex, as well as the Independent Chair of the Board, his prior service on other registered investment company boards, and his professional training and prior employment experience, including as Vice President and Portfolio Manager for Nuveen Asset Management, an asset management firm, Mr. Toupin is experienced in financial, regulatory, governance and investment matters.

**Amy J. Lee**—Ms. Lee has served as a Trustee of the Trust and as a trustee of certain funds in the Fund Complex since 2018. Through her service as a Trustee and a trustee of other funds in the Fund Complex, her service as Chief Legal Officer of the Trust and certain other funds in the Fund Complex, her service as Senior Managing Director of Guggenheim Investments, as well as her prior experience as Associate General Counsel, Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation, Ms. Lee is experienced in financial, legal, regulatory and governance matters.

Each Trustee also has considerable familiarity with the Trust, the Fund, the Investment Manager and other service providers, and their operations, as well as the special regulatory requirements governing registered investment companies and the special responsibilities of investment company trustees as a result of his/her substantial prior service as a Trustee of the funds in the Fund Complex, or with respect to Ms. Lee, her extensive experience in the financial industry, including her experience with the parent of the investment advisers of the funds of the Fund Complex.

**Board's Role in Risk Oversight**

------

The day-to-day business of the Fund, including the day-to-day management and administration of the Fund and of the risks that arise from the Fund's investments and operations, is performed by third-party service providers, primarily the Investment Manager and the Distributor. Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Trust, the Board is responsible for overseeing the service providers and thus, has oversight responsibility with respect to the risk management functions performed by those service providers. Risks to the Fund and the Trust include, among others, investment risk, credit risk, derivatives risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, compliance risk and operational risk, as well as the overall business risk relating to the Fund. The risk management function seeks to identify and mitigate the potential effects of risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, investment performance or reputation of the Fund. Under the oversight of the Board, the service providers to the Fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to seek to identify risks relevant to the operations of the Fund and to lessen the probability of the occurrence of such risks 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 Fund's business and consequently, for managing risks associated with that activity. Each of the Investment Manager, the Distributor and other service providers has its own independent interest in risk management, and its policies and methods of carrying out risk management functions will depend, in part, on its analysis of the risks, functions and business models. Accordingly, Board oversight of different types of risks may be handled in different ways. As part of the Board's periodic review of the Fund's advisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of the service providers' operations and the functions for which they are responsible.

The Board oversees risk management for the Fund directly and through the committee structure it has established. The Board has established the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, and the Contracts Review Committee to assist in its oversight functions, including its oversight of the risks the Fund faces. For instance, the Audit Committee receives reports from the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm on internal control and financial reporting matters. In addition, the Board has established an Executive Committee to act on the

------

Board's behalf, to the extent permitted and as necessary, in between meetings of the Board. Each committee reports its activities to the Board on a regular basis, as applicable. The Board also oversees the risk management of the Fund's operations by requesting periodic reports from and otherwise communicating with various personnel of the Trust and its service providers, including, in particular, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, its independent registered public accounting firm and Guggenheim Investments' risk management personnel and internal auditors for the Investment Manager or its affiliates, as applicable. In this connection, the Board requires officers of the Trust to report a variety of matters at regular and special meetings of the Board and its committees, as applicable, including matters relating to risk management. On at least a quarterly basis, the Board meets with the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, including separate meetings with the Independent Trustees in executive session, to discuss compliance matters and, on at least an annual basis, receives a report from the Chief Compliance Officer regarding the adequacy of the policies and procedures of the Trust and certain service providers and the effectiveness of their implementation. The Board, with the assistance of Trust management, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of the Fund's performance. In addition, the Board receives reports from the Investment Manager on the investments and securities trading of the Fund. With respect to valuation, the Board oversees the Investment Manager as valuation designee in the performance of fair value determinations of the Fund's securities and/or other assets in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The Board has approved the Fund's valuation policy and procedures and the Investment Manager's Rule 2a-5 fair valuation policy and procedures applicable to valuing the Fund's securities and other assets, which the Board and the Audit Committee periodically review. The Board reviews, at least annually, a written report from the valuation designee that assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of the valuation designee's fair value process and also receives periodic and prompt reporting on fair value matters from the valuation designee, in accordance with the Trust's valuation policy and procedures. The Board also requires the Investment Manager to report to the Board on other matters relating to risk management on a regular and as-needed basis.

The Board oversees the Fund's liquidity risk through, among other things, receiving periodic reporting and presentations by investment and other personnel of the Investment Manager. Additionally, as required by Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Trust implemented the Liquidity Program, which is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund's liquidity risk. The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the designation of a liquidity risk management program administrator (the "Liquidity Program Administrator") which is responsible for administering the Liquidity Program. The Board reviews, no less frequently than annually, a written report prepared by the Liquidity Program Administrator that addresses the operation of the Liquidity Program and assesses its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation.

The Board oversees the Fund's use of derivatives in accordance with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act. As required by Rule 18f-4, with respect to a fund that is not classified as a "limited derivatives user fund" (as defined in Rule 18f-4) (each a "Full Compliance Fund"), the Trust has implemented a Derivatives Risk Management Program, which is reasonably designed to manage the Full Compliance Funds' derivatives risks and to reasonably segregate the functions associated with the Program from the portfolio management of such fund. The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the designation of a Derivatives Risk Manager (the "DRM"), which is responsible for administering the Derivatives Risk Management Program for the Full Compliance Funds. To facilitate the Board's oversight, the Board reviews, no less frequently than annually, a written report on the effectiveness of the Derivatives Risk Management Program and also more frequent reports regarding certain derivatives risk matters. With respect to a fund that is classified as a limited derivatives user fund (each an "LDU Fund"), the Board oversees the fund's derivatives risks through, among other things, receiving written reports by the Investment Manager regarding any LDU Fund's exceedance of the derivatives exposure threshold set forth in Rule 18f-4. Additionally, as required by Rule 18f-4, the Trust has implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage the LDU Funds' derivatives risks.

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, 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 seek to achieve the Fund's investment objectives, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and assessments and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Moreover, despite the periodic reports the Board receives, it may not be made aware of all of the relevant information of a particular risk. Most of the Fund's investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the Investment Manager, Distributor and other service providers, most of whom employ professional personnel who have risk management responsibilities and each of whom has an independent interest in risk management, which interest could differ from or conflict with that of the other funds that

------

are advised by the Investment Manager. The role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust's investments, operations or activities. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board's risk management oversight is subject to limitations. The Board may at any time and in its discretion change how it administers its risk oversight function.

**Board Committees**

------

**Audit Committee**—The Board has an Audit Committee, which is composed of Angela Brock-Kyle, Thomas F. Lydon, Jr., Ronald A. Nyberg, Sandra G. Sponem, and Ronald E. Toupin, Jr., each of whom is an Independent Trustee. Ms. Sponem serves as Chair of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is generally responsible for certain oversight matters, such as reviewing the Fund's systems for accounting, financial reporting and internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers, overseeing the integrity of the Fund's financial statements (and the audit thereof), reviewing reports from the Investment Manager on portfolio securities pricing errors and errors in the calculation of the net asset value of the Fund, as well as overseeing the qualifications, independence and performance of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is also responsible for recommending to the Board the appointment, retention and termination of the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm and acting as a liaison between the Board and the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee held four meetings during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**Contracts Review Committee**—The Board has a Contracts Review Committee, which is composed of Angela Brock-Kyle, Thomas F. Lydon, Jr., Ronald A. Nyberg, Sandra G. Sponem, and Ronald E. Toupin, Jr., each of whom is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Lydon serves as Chair of the Contracts Review Committee. The purpose of the Contracts Review Committee is to assist the Board in overseeing the evaluation of certain contracts to which the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is or is proposed to be a party to ensure that the interests of the Fund and its shareholders are served by the terms of these contracts. The Contracts Review Committee's primary function is to oversee the process of evaluating existing investment advisory and subadvisory agreements (as applicable), distribution agreements, distribution and/or shareholder services plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and certain other agreements and plans. In addition, at its discretion or at the request of the Board, the Contracts Review Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to any contract to which the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is or is proposed to be a party. The Contracts Review Committee held two meetings during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**Executive Committee**—The Board has an Executive Committee, which is composed of Sandra G. Sponem and Ronald E. Toupin, Jr., each of whom is an Independent Trustee. In between meetings of the full Board, the Executive Committee generally may exercise all the powers of the full Board in the management of the business of the Fund. Mr. Toupin serves as Chair of the Executive Committee. However, the Executive Committee cannot, among other things, authorize dividends or distributions on shares, amend the bylaws or recommend to the shareholders any action which requires shareholder approval. The Executive Committee held no meetings during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**Nominating and Governance Committee**—The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee, which is composed of Angela Brock-Kyle, Thomas F. Lydon, Jr., Ronald A. Nyberg, Sandra G. Sponem, and Ronald E. Toupin, Jr., each of whom is an Independent Trustee. Mr. Nyberg serves as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee.

The purpose of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to review matters pertaining to the composition, committees, and operations of the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for recommending qualified candidates to the Board in the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating and Governance Committee would consider recommendations by shareholders if a vacancy were to exist and shall assess shareholder recommendations in the same manner as it reviews its own candidates. To have a candidate considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee, a shareholder should submit the recommendation in writing, delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Trust at 702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200, Rockville, Maryland 20850 to the attention of the Nominating and Governance Committee, care of the Secretary of the Trust. Additional requirements and procedures relating to shareholder submissions may be communicated to the shareholder in response to the submission. The Nominating and Governance Committee

------

periodically reviews other governance and policy matters affecting the operation of the Board and Board committees, including the Independent Trustee compensation structure. The Nominating and Governance Committee held three meetings during the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**Remuneration of Trustees**

------

The Independent Trustees of the Trust receive from the Fund Complex a general annual retainer for service on covered boards. Additional annual retainer fees are paid to: the Independent Chair of the Board; and the Chair (and Vice Chair, if any) of each of the Audit Committee, the Contracts Review Committee, and the Nominating and Governance Committee. In addition, fees are paid for special Board or Committee meetings, whether telephonic or in-person. The Trust also reimburses each Independent Trustee for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending in-person meetings, which are not included in the compensation amounts shown below. Each series of the Trust pays proportionately its respective share of Independent Trustees' fees and expenses based in part on a per capita allocation and in part based on relative net assets. Given the unitary fee structure of the Fund, the Investment Manager pays the compensation and expenses of the Independent Trustees.

The Trustees did not accrue any pension or retirement benefits as part of Trust expenses, nor will they receive any annual benefits upon retirement. The Trustees also did not accrue any deferred compensation nor is any amount of deferred compensation payable by the Trust. The aggregate compensation paid by the Trust, and the aggregate compensation paid by the Fund Complex, including the Guggenheim Family of Funds, to each of the Independent Trustees during the Trust's most recent fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 are set forth below.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Independent Trustees\*** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation** <br> **from the Trust**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Aggregate Compensation**<br> **from the Fund Complex\*\*,**<br> **including the Family of**<br> **Funds**<br>|
| Angela Brock-Kyle | $138693 | $377500 |
| Thomas F. Lydon, Jr. | $149559 | $406250 |
| Ronald A. Nyberg | $149559 | $504750 |
| Sandra G. Sponem | $155642 | $422500 |
| Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. | $185775 | $502500 |

---

\*

In accordance with the Trust's Independent Trustee Retirement Policy, Mr. Randall C. Barnes resigned from the Board effective on April 2, 2026. For the Trust's most recently completed fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, Mr. Barnes received $149,559 in aggregate compensation from the Trust and $506,750 in total compensation from the Fund Complex.

\*\*

The "Fund Complex" includes all closed- and open-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Investment Manager and any funds that have an investment adviser or servicing agent that is an affiliated person of the Investment Manager.

The Investment Manager compensates its officers and directors who may also serve as officers or Trustees. The Trust does not pay any fees to, or reimburse expenses of, the Interested Trustee.

**Trustees' Ownership of Securities**

------

Since the Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, the Trustees did not own shares of the Fund as of the date of this SAI. As of the end of the most recently completed calendar year, the Trustees beneficially owned shares of other funds in the Fund Complex in the dollar ranges set forth below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Independent** <br> **Trustee**<br>| **Name of Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities in the** <br> **Fund**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Aggregate Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities in all** <br> **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies Overseen by** <br> **Trustee in Fund Complex\*,**<br> **Including the Family of**<br> **Funds**<br>|
| Angela Brock-Kyle | N/A |  | Over $100,000 |
| Thomas F. Lydon, Jr. | N/A |  | $10001-$50000 |
| Ronald A. Nyberg | N/A |  | Over $100,000 |

---

------

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Independent** <br> **Trustee**<br>| **Name of Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities in the** <br> **Fund**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Aggregate Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities in all** <br> **Registered Investment** <br> **Companies Overseen by** <br> **Trustee in Fund Complex\*,**<br> **Including the Family of**<br> **Funds**<br>|
| Sandra G. Sponem | N/A |  | Over $100,000 |
| Ronald E. Toupin, Jr. | N/A |  | Over $100,000 |
| **Name of Interested Trustee** |  |  |  |
| Amy J. Lee | N/A |  | $1-$10000 |

---

\*

The "Fund Complex" includes all closed- and open-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Investment Manager and any funds that have an investment adviser or servicing agent that is an affiliated person of the Investment Manager.

**Investment Management**

------

GPIM, located at 330 Madison Avenue, 10<sup>th</sup> Floor, New York, NY 10017, is the investment manager to the Fund. GPIM managed approximately $240.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025. The Investment Manager is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Guggenheim Capital, LLC, an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. Guggenheim Partners, LLC is a global, diversified financial services firm that, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides clients with a broad array of investment management, broker-dealer, investment banking, and other services.

In rendering investment advisory services to the Fund, the Investment Manager will use the resources of Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited ("GPE") to research, select, and effect some investments for the Fund in Europe and other non-U.S. jurisdictions, an affiliate of the Investment Manager based in the United Kingdom that is not registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Under the terms of a participating affiliate arrangement, GPE is considered to be a "Participating Affiliate" of the Investment Manager, as that term is used in relief granted by the staff of the SEC allowing US-registered advisers to use investment advisory and trading resources of unregistered advisory affiliates, subject to the regulatory supervision of the registered adviser.

**Management Agreement**—Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Investment Manager furnishes investment advisory, statistical and research services to the Fund, supervises and arranges for the purchase and sale of securities on behalf of the Fund, and provides for the compilation and maintenance of records pertaining to the investment advisory functions. The Investment Manager is registered with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") and is a member of the National Futures Association ("NFA") in such capacity; however, with regard to the Fund the Investment Manager has filed a notice with the NFA under CFTC Rule 4.5 and as such is excluded from the definition of CPO with regard to the operation of the Fund. The Investment Manager is also registered as a commodity trading advisor ("CTA") and is registered with the NFA in such capacity.

For services provided to the Fund, the Investment Manager is entitled to receive compensation on an annual basis equal to:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Contractual Management Fees** (expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets, calculated daily and <br> paid monthly) | **Contractual Management Fees** (expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets, calculated daily and <br> paid monthly) |
| Enhanced Equity Income ETF | 0.35% |

---

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay a unitary management fee to the Investment Manager. This unitary management fee is designed to pay the Fund's ordinary operating expenses and to compensate the Investment Manager for the services it provides to the Fund. Under the Management Agreement, the Investment Manager pays all of the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund, excluding (i) the Fund's investment management fee; (ii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iii) payments under the Fund's Rule 12b-1 plan (if any); (iv) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or other instruments); (v) taxes; (vi) interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges); (vii) litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or the Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto); and (viii) other non-routine or extraordinary expenses (including expenses arising from mergers, acquisitions or similar transactions involving the Fund).

------

Expenses borne by the Fund outside of the unitary management fee may include, for example, litigation expenses affecting the Fund or legal and other professional costs, which may be significant, that may be incurred when enforcing shareholder rights in connection with an investment or in structuring an investment (e.g., negotiation of investment terms and 1940 Act compliance considerations). Notably, private debt and derivatives investments of the Fund often require legal reviews for 1940 Act compliance purposes, and the associated costs are borne by the Fund. In certain cases, these fees can be borne by several Funds and are allocated among respective parties based on methods intended to result in fair and equitable allocations.

The Management Agreement (after an initial term of up to two years) is renewable with respect to the Fund annually by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the individual Fund's outstanding securities and, in either event, by a majority of the Board who are not parties to the Management Agreement or interested persons of any such party. The Management Agreement provides that it may be terminated without penalty at any time by either party on 60 days' notice and are automatically terminated in the event of assignment.

The Investment Manager has also contractually agreed through October 1, 2027 to waive the amount of the Fund's management fee to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to any Fund investment in an underlying fund for which the Investment Manager or any of its affiliates also serves as investment manager. The Investment Manager is not entitled to reimbursement by the Fund for fees waived under this agreement. This agreement will automatically renew for one-year terms with respect to the Fund, unless the Investment Manager provides written notice to the Fund of the termination of the agreement.

**Code of Ethics**

------

The Trust, the Investment Manager and the Distributor have each adopted a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") which governs the personal securities transactions of "access persons" of the Trust. Access persons may invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Trust, provided that they obtain prior clearance before engaging in securities transactions, subject to certain de minimis exceptions. Access persons include officers and Trustees of the Trust and Investment Manager and employees that participate in, or obtain information regarding, the purchase or sale of securities by the Trust or whose job relates to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales. All access persons must report their personal securities transactions within thirty days of the end of each calendar quarter.

Subject to certain de minimis exceptions for access persons not involved in the fund accounting or asset management activities of the Investment Manager, access persons will not be permitted to effect transactions in a security if it: (1) is being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund; (2) is being purchased or sold by the Trust; or (3) is being offered in an initial public offering. Portfolio managers, research analysts, and traders are also prohibited from purchasing or selling a security within seven calendar days before or after any fund in the Family of Funds or other fund managed by an affiliated investment adviser trades in that security. Any material violation of the Code of Ethics is reported to the Board of the Trust. The Board also reviews the administration of the Code of Ethics on an annual basis and approves any material changes to the Code of Ethics pursuant to the requirements of Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The Code of Ethics is on public file with the SEC and is available from the Commission.

**Administrator, Fund Accounting Agent, Transfer Agent and Dividend-Paying Agent, and Custodian**

------

The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY"), 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, provides certain fund administration services to the Fund, including services related to the Fund's accounting, including calculating the daily NAV, audit, tax, and reporting obligations, pursuant to a Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with the Trust.

BNY, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, acts as the transfer and dividend-paying agent for the Fund pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement with the Trust.

BNY, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, acts as custodian for the portfolio securities of the Fund, including those held by foreign banks and foreign securities depositories which qualify as eligible foreign custodians under the rules adopted by the SEC.

------

As compensation for the foregoing services, BNY may be reimbursed for its out-of-pocket costs, and receive transaction fees and asset-based fees which are accrued daily and paid monthly by the Investment Manager from the unitary management fee.

**Portfolio Managers**

------

**Compensation**— The Investment Manager compensates portfolio managers for their management of the Fund's portfolio. Compensation is evaluated 1) quantitatively based on their contribution to investment performance and portfolio risk control and 2) qualitatively based on factors such as teamwork and client service efforts. The portfolio managers' incentives may include: a competitive base salary, bonus determined by individual and firm-wide performance, equity participation, co-investment options, and participation opportunities in various investments, including through deferred compensation programs. To ensure alignment with client interests, a portfolio manager's compensation is not correlated to the size of assets under management in the strategy for which the portfolio manager is responsible. Some portfolio managers may earn compensation that varies based on the performance of certain accounts or investments. All employees of the Investment Manager are also eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan to which a discretionary match may be made after the completion of each plan year. The Investment Manager's deferred compensation programs include equity that vests over a period of years, including equity in the form of shares of certain fund(s) managed by the particular portfolio manager. The value of the fund shares under the deferred compensation program is awarded annually and each award vests over a period of years (generally 4 years). As discussed below, a portfolio manager's ownership of shares of a fund, including the Fund, managed by the portfolio manager may create conflicts of interest that incentivize the portfolio manager to favor such fund, or Fund, over other funds or other accounts.

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers**—Each Portfolio Manager may also manage other registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts, and each Portfolio Manager may own shares of the Fund he/she manages. As of December 31, 2025, the Portfolio Managers are responsible for the management of certain other accounts, as follows:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Registered**<br> **Investment Companies** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Registered**<br> **Investment Companies** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>| **Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>| **Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>|
| Anne B. Walsh | 23 | $55053 | 10 | $2933 | 66 | $122680 |
| Steven H. Brown | 23 | $55053 | 10 | $2933 | 66 | $122680 |
| Daniel R. Cheeseman | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A |
| Jay D. Doshi | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A |

---

The following table identifies, as of December 31, 2025, the number of, and total assets of, the registered investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on performance.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp; ***Registered***<br> ***Investment Companies*** | &nbsp;&nbsp; ***Registered***<br> ***Investment Companies*** | &nbsp;&nbsp; ***Other Pooled Investment***<br> ***Vehicles*** | &nbsp;&nbsp; ***Other Pooled Investment***<br> ***Vehicles*** | ***Other Accounts*** | ***Other Accounts*** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>| **Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>| **Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)**<br>|
| Anne B. Walsh | 0 | N/A | 3 | $1562 | 1 | $137 |
| Steven H. Brown | 0 | N/A | 3 | $1562 | 1 | $137 |
| Daniel R. Cheeseman | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A |
| Jay D. Doshi | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A |

---

**Portfolio Manager Ownership of Fund Shares**— Since the Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, the Fund's portfolio managers did not own shares of the Fund as of the date of this SAI.

------

**Information Regarding Potential Conflicts of Interest**

**<u>Potential Conflicts Related to the Sale of Fund Shares.</u>** The Investment Manager, its affiliates and their respective employees may have relationships with distributors, consultants and others who recommend, or engage in transactions with or for, the Fund. The Fund and/or the Investment Manager or its affiliates may compensate such distributors, consultants and other parties in connection with such relationships. As a result of these relationships, distributors, consultants and other parties may have conflicts that create incentives for them to promote the Fund over other funds or financial products.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Investment Manager and its affiliates and the Fund may make payments to authorized dealers and other financial intermediaries and to salespersons to promote the Fund. These payments may be made out of the assets of the Investment Manager or its affiliates or amounts payable to the Investment Manager or its affiliates. These payments may create an incentive for such persons to highlight, feature or recommend the Fund over other funds or financial products.

**<u>Potential Conflicts Related to Management of the Fund by the Investment Manager.</u>**

The following are descriptions of certain conflicts, financial or otherwise, that the Investment Manager and its employees may have in managing the Fund. The descriptions below are not intended to be a complete enumeration or explanation of all of the conflicts of interests that may arise from the business activities of the Investment Manager, its affiliates, or their respective clients. To address these and other actual or potential conflicts, the Investment Manager and the Fund have established various policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to identify and mitigate such conflicts and to ensure that such conflicts are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the best interest of all clients involved, consistent with the Investment Manager's fiduciary obligations and in accordance with applicable law. However, there can be no guarantee that these policies and procedures will be successful in every instance. In certain cases, transactions involving potential conflicts of interest described below may be elevated for review by a conflicts review committee, the members of which are senior personnel of the Investment Manager's affiliates and are not employees or clients of the Investment Manager.

Additional information about potential conflicts of interest regarding the Investment Manager is set forth in the Investment Manager's Form ADV. A copy of Part 1 and Part 2A of the Investment Manager's Form ADV is available on the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

**<u>The Investment Manager and its Affiliates Provide a Broad Array of Services and Have Various Investment</u> <u>Banking, Advisory and Other Relationships.</u>** The Investment Manager is an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, LLC ("Guggenheim Partners"), which is a global, full service financial services firm. Guggenheim Partners and its affiliates, including the Investment Manager (collectively, "Guggenheim Entities"), provide their clients with a broad array of investment management, insurance, broker-dealer, investment banking and other similar services ("Other Business Activities"). These Other Business Activities create actual and potential conflicts of interest for the Investment Manager in managing the Fund.

For example, the Other Business Activities may create conflicts between the interests of the Fund, on the one hand, and the interests of the Investment Manager, its affiliates and their respective other clients, on the other hand. The Investment Manager and its affiliates may act as advisers to clients in investment banking, loan arranging and structuring, financial advisory, restructuring, liability management, asset management and other capacities related to securities and instruments that may be purchased, sold or held by the Fund, and the Investment Manager or an affiliate may issue, or be engaged as underwriter for the issuer of, securities and instruments that the Fund may (in accordance with applicable rules) purchase, sell or hold. At times, these activities may cause the Investment Manager and its affiliates to give advice to their clients that may cause these clients to take actions in conflict with or that are adverse to the interest of the Fund. In addition, Guggenheim Entities may take action that differs from, potentially conflicts with or is adverse to advice given or action taken for the Investment Manager's clients, including the Fund. The Guggenheim Entities and their respective officers, directors, managing directors, partners, employees and consultants may act in a proprietary capacity with long or short positions in securities and instruments of all types, including those that may be purchased, sold or held by the Fund. Such activities can give rise to interests different from or adverse to those of the Fund, and they could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments that the Fund holds or that the Investment Manager seeks to buy or sell for the Fund's account, which could adversely impact the financial returns of the Fund.

------

These Other Business Activities may create other potential conflicts of interests in managing the Fund, may cause the Fund to be subject to additional regulatory limits and, in certain circumstances, may prevent the Fund from participating or limit the Fund's participation in an investment opportunity that the Fund's portfolio managers view to be favorable. As a result, activities and dealings of the Investment Manager and its affiliates may affect the Fund in ways that may disadvantage or restrict the Fund or be deemed to benefit the Investment Manager, its affiliates or other client accounts.

**<u>The Investment Manager's and Its Affiliates' Activities on Behalf of Other Clients.</u>** The Investment Manager and its affiliates currently manage and expect to continue to manage a variety of other client accounts, including (without limitation) separately managed accounts (including through the Investment Manager's participation in third-party sponsored separately managed account programs through which the Investment Manager provides discretionary sub-advisory services to individuals and other investors), open-end registered funds, closed-end registered funds, private funds and other collective investment vehicles, and may serve as asset or collateral manager or in other capacities for certain non-registered structured products (collectively, "Other Clients"). Such Other Clients, and investors in Other Clients include insurance companies affiliated with or related to the Investment Manager, as described below. Other Clients invest pursuant to the same or different investment objectives, strategies and philosophies as those employed by the Fund and may seek to make or sell investments in the same securities, instruments, sectors or strategies as the Fund. This "side-by-side" management of multiple accounts may create potential conflicts, particularly in circumstances where the availability or liquidity of investment opportunities is limited, or when accounts trade in opposite directions. For example, there is a risk that sales (including short sales) of one client portfolio security adversely affect the market value of securities held in another client portfolio, or trading terms could be adversely affected when opposite trades are executed. There is a risk that the Fund will compete with Other Clients for an investment opportunity in a manner that reduces the availability of such investment opportunity for the Fund. The Investment Manager is also affiliated with other investment advisers, both registered and unregistered, that provide investment advice with respect to the same types of instruments or similar investment strategies as the Investment Manager. There is a risk that the clients of these other advisers will compete with the Investment Manager's clients, including the Fund, for limited investment opportunities. This risk is heightened when an investment in such investment opportunity is executed on behalf of a client of such other advisers through a trading desk separate from the one utilized by the Investment Manager. In addition, Other Clients may also be subject to different legal restrictions or regulatory regimes than the Fund. Regardless of the similarity in investment objectives and strategies between the Fund and Other Clients, the Investment Manager may give advice and recommend investments to Other Clients that may differ from advice given to, or investments bought or sold for, the Fund, and the Fund and Other Clients may vote differently on or take or refrain from taking different actions with respect to the same security or instrument. Furthermore, the manner in which the Investment Manager executes a strategy for the Fund may differ from how that same or similar strategy is executed for Other Clients due to, for example, investment restrictions imposed by the Fund or the Other Client. These practices, limitations and conflicts may be disadvantageous to the Fund and adversely affect their performance.

The investment policies, fee arrangements and other characteristics of the Fund may also vary from those of Other Clients. In some cases, the Investment Manager or an affiliate may receive a potentially larger financial benefit from managing one or more such Other Clients as compared to the Fund (for example, some Other Clients are charged performance or incentive fees constituting a percentage of profits or gains), which may provide an incentive to favor such Other Clients over the Fund or to recommend favorable investments to Other Clients who pay higher fees or who have the potential to generate greater fees over the Fund. The Investment Manager on behalf of the Fund or Other Clients may, pursuant to one transaction or in a series of transactions over time, invest in different parts of an issuer's or borrower's capital structure (including but not limited to investments in public versus private securities, investments in debt versus equity, or investments in senior versus subordinated debt or when the same or similar investments have different rights or benefits), depending on the respective client's investment objectives and policies. Relevant issuers or borrowers may also include special purpose issuers or borrowers in structured finance, asset backed, collateralized loan obligation, collateralized debt obligation or similar transactions. As a result of the foregoing, the interests of one group of clients could conflict with those of other clients with respect to the same issuer or borrower. In managing such investments, the Investment Manager will consider the interests of all affected clients in deciding what actions to take with respect to a given issuer or borrower, but at times will pursue or enforce rights on behalf of some clients in a manner that may have an adverse effect on, or result in asymmetrical financial outcomes to, other clients owning a different, including more senior or junior, investment in the same issuer or borrower. In these types of scenarios, the Investment Manager may occasionally engage and appoint an independent party to provide independent analysis or recommendations with respect to consents, proxy voting, or other similar shareholder or debt holder rights decision (or a series of consents, votes or similar decisions) pertaining

------

to the Fund and other clients. These potential conflicts of interests between the Investment Manager's clients may become more pronounced in situations in which an issuer or borrower experiences financial or operational challenges, or as a result of a Fund's use of certain investment strategies, including small capitalization, emerging market, distressed or less liquid strategies.

**<u>Investment Manager Activities on Behalf of Affiliated or Related Accounts.</u>** Certain companies hold an economic interest in Guggenheim Capital, LLC ("Guggenheim Capital"), the Investment Manager's ultimate parent company. Where such companies and/or their affiliates are clients of the Investment Manager, conflicts of interest arise because, among other reasons, the Investment Manager has an incentive to favor such clients over others. These incentives are more pronounced where the Investment Manager has multiple clients that are associated with, or that are affiliates of, these companies.

For example, Sammons Enterprises, Inc., a diversified company with several insurance company subsidiaries (together with its subsidiaries, "Sammons"), holds an indirect, substantial economic interest in Guggenheim Capital. As a result of its ownership stake in Guggenheim Capital, Sammons is a substantial owner of the Investment Manager. Certain of Sammons' wholly owned insurance company and other subsidiaries are advisory clients of, and pay fees to, the Investment Manager. As a result, Sammons is a significant source of annual advisory fees paid to the Investment Manager. Sammons also has other relationships with the Investment Manager and various Guggenheim Entities. These relationships create conflicts of interest and an incentive for the Investment Manager to favor Sammons's interests.

Similarly, TWG Global, LLC, a diversified company with several subsidiaries (together with its subsidiaries, "TWG"), holds an indirect, substantial economic interest in Guggenheim Capital, and thus is an indirect substantial owner of the Investment Manager. Further, TWG is controlled by a senior officer of Guggenheim Capital. Certain of TWG's subsidiaries are advisory clients of, and pay fees to, the Investment Manager. As a result, TWG is a significant individual source of annual advisory fees paid to the Investment Manager. TWG also has other relationships with the Investment Manager and various Guggenheim Entities. These relationships create conflicts of interest and an incentive for the Investment Manager to favor TWG's interests. For example, the Investment Manager invests on behalf of its other clients in issuers in which TWG has direct and/or indirect interests, which in certain cases include a controlling or significant beneficial interest. In addition, from time to time, the TWG accounts and other GPIM clients invest in securities at different levels of the capital structure of the same issuer, in some cases at the same time and in other cases at different times. These transactions often benefit TWG and its affiliates.

Certain Guggenheim Entities have entered into a services agreement with TWG pursuant to which TWG may provide various services to the Investment Manager and its affiliates, including, among others, technology services, marketing consulting, and introductions to potential sources of originated transactions. TWG may also refer potential investors from time to time. Due to the common ownership of the Investment Manager and TWG, the Investment Manager would have an incentive to direct investments to clients affiliated with TWG. However, pursuant to the services agreement, the Investment Manager will make independent investment decisions. Guggenheim Entities also provide services to TWG including, among others, review, analysis and evaluation of assets, investment operations and technology services. A Guggenheim Entity receives compensation from TWG for the provision of these services. Affiliates of TWG also provide services to certain advisory clients of other Guggenheim Entities for a fee. The Investment Manager has an incentive to recommend such service providers to its clients given TWG's relationship with the Investment Manager.

Certain officers and directors of Guggenheim Capital and its subsidiaries (each, a "Guggenheim Related Person") hold direct or indirect economic or voting interests in entities that are clients of GPIM (such individuals or entities, "Guggenheim Related Parties"). Like the Sammons accounts and TWG accounts, these Guggenheim Related Parties pay substantial advisory fees to the Investment Manager. Furthermore, certain Guggenheim Related Parties may provide significant loans and other financing to the Investment Manager and its affiliates, both directly and from or through accounts managed by the Investment Manager or to which the Investment Manager provides certain operations services for a fee. These relationships create conflicts of interest and an incentive for the Investment Manager to favor the interests of these Guggenheim Related Parties.

These types of relationships create potential conflicts of interest for the Investment Manager in managing the Trust and could create an incentive for the Investment Manager to favor the interests of Guggenheim Related Parties over the Trust or Other Clients. For example, the Investment Manager may invest on behalf of the Funds and Other Clients in issuers in which a Guggenheim Related Party has direct and/or indirect interests, which in certain cases include a controlling or significant beneficial interest. In addition, a Guggenheim Related Party, the Funds and Other

------

Clients may invest in securities at different levels of the capital structure of the same issuer, in some cases at the same time and in other cases at different times. These transactions often benefit the participating Guggenheim Related Party. The following conflicts may arise in such situations: (i) enforcement of rights or determination not to enforce rights by the Investment Manager on behalf of the Funds and Other Clients may have an adverse effect on the interests of the Investment Manager's clients, including the Funds, (ii) the Investment Manager may have an incentive to invest client assets, including Fund assets, in the issuer or borrower to either facilitate or obtain preferable terms for a proposed investment by an affiliate or Guggenheim Related Party in such issuer or borrower, or (iii) the Investment Manager may have an incentive to preserve or protect the value or rights associated with an existing economic interest of an affiliate or Guggenheim Related Party in the issuer or borrower, which may have an adverse effect on the interests of the Investment Manager's clients, including the Funds.

Furthermore, Guggenheim Related Persons from time to time enter into transactions, including loans and other financings, with these companies. As a result, such personnel have an incentive to favor the interests of these clients over other clients of the Investment Manager.

To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and other laws, the Investment Manager, from time to time, may initiate or recommend transactions in the loans or securities of companies in which the Investment Manager, its related persons, or their respective affiliates have a controlling or other material direct or indirect interest. In addition, some Guggenheim Related Persons also may have economic interests or voting interests in issuers, which may be controlling or otherwise material interests, or may serve as a director on the board of issuers, in which the Investment Manager has invested or will invest on behalf of its clients or to which the Investment Manager has provided or will provide financing on behalf of its clients.

In addition, Guggenheim Related Persons have direct or indirect proprietary or personal investments in and/or have financial or other relationships with financial industry participants or other entities that may perform services on behalf of, or in connection with, investments made by the Investment Manager on behalf of its clients.

In addition, the Investment Manager may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to financial industry participants or other entities (including trading platforms) because transactions on or through such platforms may result in compensation directly being paid to these entities that indirectly benefit Guggenheim Related Persons.

The Investment Manager identifies and mitigates potential conflicts of interest in the foregoing and similar situations, including through policies and procedures (i) designed to identify and mitigate conflicts of interest on a transaction-by-transaction basis and (ii) that require investment decisions for all client accounts be made independently from those of other client accounts and be made with specific reference to the individual needs and objectives of each client account, without consideration of the Investment Manager's pecuniary or investment interests (or those of their respective employees or affiliates). The Funds and the Investment Manager also maintain procedures to comply with applicable laws, notably relevant provisions of the 1940 Act that prohibit Fund transactions with affiliates (or exemptive rules thereunder).

**<u>Allocation of Investment Opportunities; Co-Investments.</u>** As described above, the Investment Manager and its affiliates currently manage and expect to continue to manage Other Clients that may invest pursuant to the same or different strategies as those employed by the Funds, and such Other Clients could be viewed as being in competition with the Funds for appropriate investment opportunities, particularly where there is limited capacity with respect to such investment opportunities. The investment policies, fee arrangements and other circumstances of the Funds may vary from those of the Other Clients, and the Investment Manager may face potential conflicts of interest because the Investment Manager may have an incentive to favor particular client accounts (such as client accounts that pay performance-based fees) over other client accounts that may be less lucrative in the allocation of investment opportunities.

The Investment Manager's relationships with Other Clients that are Guggenheim Related Parties pose conflicts of interest in transactions that involve the allocation of investment opportunities among Guggenheim Related Parties and other clients, including the Funds, because the Investment Manager has an incentive to favor Guggenheim Related Parties. These incentives are more pronounced where the Investment Manager has multiple relationships with a Guggenheim Related Party, as is in the case of Sammons and TWG. As described below, the Investment Manager has established policies and procedures for addressing actual and potential conflicts of interest.

------

In addition to conflicts of interest associated with allocations among clients, the Investment Manager faces conflicts of interest in transactions involving the allocation of investment opportunities among clients and third-party co-investors, including third-party co-investors with which the Investment Manager or an affiliate has entered into an agreement that provides the third-party co-investor an opportunity to invest alongside the Investment Manager's clients and for the Investment Manager (or its affiliates) to receive a fee in connection with providing administrative or other non-advisory services in respect of the investment that the third-party co-investor acquires (each, a "Strategic Partner"). For example, the Investment Manager or its affiliates are permitted to receive a fee in connection with providing services to loans or commercial real estate mortgages, military housing transactions and infrastructure transactions that a Strategic Partner acquires. When the Investment Manager offers to allocate portions of certain investments to a Strategic Partner, the acquisition of the allocated portion of an investment by a Strategic Partner is in the sole discretion of the Strategic Partner (or the Strategic Partner's adviser). As a result of the foregoing, in certain circumstances, if an investment opportunity is appropriate for more than one client and/or meets the criteria established with respect to a Strategic Partner, the Investment Manager will face a conflict of interest in determining how to allocate the investment opportunity and, in certain circumstances, the Investment Manager will have an incentive to allocate less of the opportunity to a client, including the Funds, than it might otherwise be the case if the investment was not also appropriate for multiple clients and/or the Strategic Partner. However, such potential conflict of interest is mitigated by the Investment Manager's allocation policies and procedures with respect to the allocation of investment opportunities.

The Investment Manager expects to offer, subject to its allocation policies and procedures, any allocation available to affiliated and unaffiliated strategic co-investors, including Strategic Partners and TWG and its affiliates. The Investment Manager expects conflicts of interest to arise in determining the amount of investment opportunity that should be allocated to the relevant co-investor. The Investment Manager will determine how and when to allocate a co-investment opportunity, including the amounts offered to each such investor, taking into account any factors it deems relevant, which could include, without limitation, the sophistication of the prospective co-investor; the ability of the co-investor to close the transaction quickly; tax, regulatory, securities laws and/or other legal considerations; size of the investment allocation and practicality of dividing it up among multiple co-investors; lender requirements; existence of a formal or informal strategic relationship with the prospective co-investor, including any contractual undertakings; the size and/or timing of a commitment to a co-investor; tenure as an Investment Manager's client investor, if applicable; commitment to invest in current or future products of the Investment Manager, strategic expertise and financial resources of the prospective co-investor; or whether the Investment Manager believes that allocating investment opportunities to an investor or person will help establish, recognize, strengthen and/or cultivate relationships that have the potential to provide longer-term benefits to the relevant portfolio company, other portfolio companies, the Investment Manager's clients or the Investment Manager, or any of its affiliates. The Investment Manager reserves the right to grant certain co-investors the opportunity to evaluate specified amounts of prospective co-investments in portfolio companies or otherwise to have priority in co-investment opportunities, subject to the Investment Manager's allocation policies and procedures. A co-investor's pro rata share (relative to capital invested) of transaction fees, portfolio monitoring fees, management fees, and similar payments from portfolio companies, will be retained by the Investment Manager or its affiliates to the extent agreed upon by co-investors. These fees and payments generally will not reduce the compensation, if any, paid to the Investment Manager by the Investment Manager's clients. To facilitate the acquisition of a portfolio investment, in certain cases an Investment Manager's client will make (or commit to make) an investment and with a view to subsequently sell a portion of the investment to co-investors prior to or following the closing of the acquisition. In such event, the relevant Investment Manager client will bear the risk that any or all of the excess portion of such investment is not sold or sold only on unattractive terms, including for example the risk that a portion of the investment will be syndicated at reduced cost, at cost, or at a lower amount at a time when the general partner (believes the value of such investment has appreciated or should be higher than that paid (or willing to be paid) by a co-investor. To the extent such a syndication is made, the Investment Manager's interest in limiting an Investment Manager's client's exposure to a given investment while providing a potential benefit to co-investors investing at such lower values will give rise to a conflict of interest. As a consequence of a failed co-investment syndication process or a co-investment syndication on unattractive terms, the relevant Investment Manager client would be required to (i) bear the entire portion of any break-up, topping or other fees, costs and expenses related to such investment (including the proportionate share of such amounts that were expected to have been borne by co-investors), (ii) hold a larger-than-expected investment in such portfolio company, (iii) receive less-than-fair-market value for the syndicated portion of the investment and/or (iv) be diluted or realize lower than expected returns from such investment. When and to the extent that employees and other affiliates of the Investment Manager make capital investments in or alongside certain Investment Manager clients, the Investment Manager is subject to conflicting interests in connection with these investments.

------

The Investment Manager has implemented policies and procedures that govern the allocation of investment opportunities among clients in a fair and equitable manner, taking into account the needs and investment objectives of the clients, their specific objectives and constraints for each account, as well as prevailing market conditions. If an investment opportunity would be appropriate for more than one client, the Investment Manager will be required to choose among those clients in allocating the opportunity, or to allocate less of the opportunity to a client than it would ideally allocate if it did not have to allocate to multiple clients. In addition, the Investment Manager may determine that an investment opportunity is appropriate for a particular client account, but not for another.

The Investment Manager allocates transactions on an objective basis and in a manner designed to assure that no participating client is favored over any other participating client. If an investment is suitable and desirable for more than one client account, an initial allocation study will be determined based upon demand ascertained from the portfolio managers. With respect to fixed income and private equity, this initial allocation study is overseen by a central allocation group and generally reflects a pro rata participation in the investment opportunity among the participating client accounts that expressed demand. Final allocation decisions are made or verified independently by the central allocation group. With respect to public equity securities and public equity-related securities, the allocation generally reflects a pro rata participation in the investment opportunity among participating accounts. Allocations may be adjusted under specific circumstances, such as situations of scarcity where pro rata allocations would result in de minimis positions or odd lots.

The application of relevant allocation factors can result in non-pro rata allocations, and particular client accounts (including client that are Guggenheim Related Parties) will receive an allocation when other client accounts do not or receive a greater than pro-rata allocation. There can be no assurance that a particular investment opportunity will be allocated in any particular manner, and circumstances may occur in which an allocation could have adverse effects on the Fund with respect to the price or size of securities positions obtainable or saleable. All of the foregoing procedures could in certain circumstances adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position purchased or sold by the Fund (including prohibiting the Fund from purchasing a position) or may limit the rights that the Fund may exercise with respect to an investment.

At times, in order to minimize execution costs for clients, trades in the same security transacted on behalf of more than one client will generally be aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) by the Investment Manager, unless the Investment Manager believes that doing so would conflict or otherwise be inconsistent with its duty to seek best execution for the clients and/or the terms of the respective investment advisory contracts and other agreements and understandings relating to the clients for which trades are being aggregated. In particular, the Investment Manager expects that trades will be aggregated between the Investment Manager's clients and the Investment Manager's affiliates' clients, unless they believe that doing so would conflict or otherwise be inconsistent with their duty to seek best execution for the clients and/or the terms of the respective investment advisory contracts and other agreements and understandings relating to the clients for which trades are being aggregated. When the Investment Manager believes that it can effectively obtain best execution for the clients by aggregating trades, it will do so for all clients participating in the trade for which aggregated trades are consistent with the respective investment advisory contracts, investment guidelines, and other agreements and understandings relating to the clients.

In the event trades are aggregated on behalf of the Investment Manager's clients, the aggregated transactions will be allocated in a manner consistent with the allocation process described above. Aggregated transactions then are allocated among the participating client accounts after taking into consideration the specific objectives and constraints for each account, which could include, but are not limited to, the following: risk tolerance; rating constraints; maturity constraints; issue size; yield; purchase price; existing exposure of the investment vehicle; minimum trade allocation; minimum position holding size; sector allocation limits; duration; convexity; strategy; lot size; market conditions; investment guideline considerations; and account-specific legal and regulatory constraints. In addition, the Investment Manager will consider the specific investment objective of the account (i.e., whether the account is a multi-strategy or single-strategy account), liquidity requirements, diversification, lender covenants, investment phase of the account (i.e., ramping-up or taking gains/losses for tax purposes), aggregate size of commonly owned accounts, and cash available in each account when making an allocation decision.

**<u>Allocation of Limited Time and Attention.</u>** The portfolio managers for the Fund may devote as much time to the Fund as the Investment Manager deems appropriate to perform their duties in accordance with reasonable commercial standards and the Investment Manager's duties. However, as described above, these portfolio managers are presently committed to and expect to be committed in the future to providing investment advisory and other services for Other Clients and engage in Other Business Activities in which the Fund may have no interest. As a

------

result of these separate business activities, the Investment Manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, services and functions among the Fund and Other Business Activities or Other Clients in that the time and effort of the Fund's portfolio managers would not be devoted exclusively to the business of the Fund.

**<u>Potential Restrictions and Issues Related to Material Non-Public Information.</u>** By reason of Other Business Activities as well as services and advice provided to Other Clients, the Investment Manager and its affiliates may acquire confidential or material non-public information and may be restricted from initiating transactions in certain securities and instruments until they are cleansed of such material non-public information. The Investment Manager will not be free to divulge, or to act upon, any such confidential or material non-public information and, due to these restrictions, the Investment Manager may be unable to initiate a transaction for the Fund's account that it otherwise might have initiated. As a result, the Fund may be frozen in an investment position that it otherwise might have liquidated or closed out or may not be able to acquire a position that it might otherwise have acquired.

**<u>Valuation of the Fund's Investments.</u>** Fund assets are valued in accordance with the Fund's valuation policy and procedures and the Investment Manager's Rule 2a-5 fair valuation policy and Rule 2a-5 fair valuation procedures. The valuation of a security or other asset for the Fund may differ from the value ascribed to the same asset by affiliates of the Investment Manager (particularly difficult-to-value assets) or Other Clients because, among other things, they may have procedures that differ from the Fund's procedures or may have access to different information or pricing vendors or use different models or techniques. The Investment Manager has been designated as the valuation designee to perform fair value determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund's investments and may face a potential conflict with respect to such valuations.

**<u>Investments in Other Guggenheim Funds.</u>** To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Fund may invest in other funds sponsored, managed, advised or sub-advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates. Investments by the Fund in such funds present potential conflicts of interest, including potential incentives to invest in smaller or newer funds to increase asset levels or provide greater viability and to invest in funds managed by the portfolio manager(s) of the Fund. As disclosed in the Prospectus and this SAI, the Investment Manager has agreed to waive certain fees associated with these types of investments, which will reduce, but will not eliminate, these types of conflicts. In other circumstances, the Investment Manager may make investments for clients for various portfolio management purposes in limited partnerships or similar vehicles that are managed or otherwise serviced by affiliates of the Investment Manager that will be compensated for such services.

**<u>Potential Conflicts Associated with the Investment Manager and its Affiliates Acting in Multiple Capacities</u> <u>Simultaneously</u>**

**<u>Principal and Cross Transactions.</u>** The Investment Manager may, to the extent permitted under applicable law, effect client cross transactions where the Investment Manager causes a transaction to be effected between the Fund and an Other Client; provided, that conditions set forth in SEC rules under the 1940 Act are followed. Cross transactions present an inherent conflict of interest because the Investment Manager represents the interests of both the selling account and the buying account in the same transaction, and the Investment Manager could seek to treat one party to the cross transaction more favorably than the other party. Furthermore, in some circumstances, the security or other financial instrument being traded is an interest in an investment vehicle managed by the Investment Manager or one of its affiliates or an issuer in which an affiliate or a Guggenheim Related Party has an interest. The Investment Manager has policies and procedures designed to mitigate these conflicts and help ensure that any cross transactions are in the best interests of, and appropriate for, all clients involved and the transactions are consistent with the Investment Manager's fiduciary duties and obligation to seek best execution and applicable rules.

**<u>Investment Manager and Its Affiliates May Act in Multiple Commercial Capacities.</u>** Subject to applicable law, the provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder and the Fund's and Other Clients' investment guidelines, the Investment Manager may cause the Fund to invest in securities, bank loans or other obligations of companies or structured product vehicles that result in commissions, initial or ongoing fees, or other remuneration paid to (and retained by) the Investment Manager or one of its affiliates. Such investments may include (i) investments that the Investment Manager or one of its affiliates originated, arranged or placed, (ii) investments in which the Investment Manager's affiliate provided investment banking, financial advisory or similar services to a party involved in the transaction to which the investment relates (such as acquisition financing in a transaction in which the Investment Manager's affiliate represented the buyer or seller); (iii) investments where the Investment Manager or its affiliates provided other services to a transaction participant or other third party, (iv) investments where the Investment Manager or one of its affiliates acts as the collateral agent, administrator, originator, manager, or other service provider, and (v) investments that are secured or otherwise backed by collateral that could include assets originated,

------

sold or financed by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, investment funds or pools managed by the Investment Manager or its affiliates or assets or obligations managed by the Investment Manager or its affiliates. Commissions, fees, or other remuneration payable to the Investment Manager or its affiliates in these transactions may present a potential conflict in that the Investment Manager may be viewed as having an incentive to purchase such investments to earn, or facilitate its affiliates' ability to earn, such additional fees or compensation.

In some circumstances, and also subject to applicable law, the Investment Manager may cause the Fund to invest in or provide financing to issuers or borrowers, or otherwise participate in transactions, in which the issuer, borrower or another transaction party (such as a placement agent or arranger) is, or is a subsidiary or affiliate of or otherwise related to, (a) an Other Client or (b) a company with which Guggenheim Related Persons, or officers or employees of the Investment Manager, have investment, financial or other interests or relationships (including but not limited to directorships or equivalent roles). The financial interests of the Investment Manager's affiliates or their related persons in issuers or borrowers create potential conflict between the economic interests of these affiliates or related persons and the interests of the Investment Manager's clients. In addition, to the extent that a potential issuer or borrower (or one of its affiliates) is an advisory client of the Investment Manager, or the Investment Manager's advisory client is a lender or financing provider to the Investment Manager or its affiliates (including a parent), a potential conflict may exist as the Investment Manager may have an incentive to favor the interests of those clients relative to those of its other clients.

Because of limitations imposed by applicable law, notably by provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder, the involvement or presence of the Investment Manager's affiliates in the offerings described above or the financial markets more broadly may restrict the Fund's ability to acquire some securities or loans, even if they would otherwise be desirable investments for the Fund, or affect the timing or price of such acquisitions or the sale of an investment, which may adversely affect Fund performance.

Subject to applicable law and regulation, personnel of the Guggenheim Entities may support the overall investment management functions of the Investment Manager but may be subject to potential conflicts of interest with respect to certain investment opportunities and, as such, may have an incentive to identify investment opportunities for, and allocate investment opportunities to, third-parties. Similarly, to the extent that other Guggenheim Entities sponsor and manage funds that compete with the Fund's investment programs, these funds may reduce capacity otherwise available to the Fund.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Investment Manager and its affiliates may create, write, sell, issue, invest in or act as placement agent or distributor of derivative instruments related to the Fund, or with respect to portfolio holdings of the Fund, or which may be otherwise based on or seek to replicate or hedge the performance of the Fund. Such derivative transactions, and any associated hedging activity, may differ from and be adverse to the interests of the Fund.

Some of the Investment Manager's employees (and others acting as consultants or advisors) may serve as directors or otherwise serve a role within a portfolio company in which the Fund invests. These services are separate from the services the Investment Manager renders to the Fund and may thus create conflicts.

Certain professionals, including investment professionals, of the Investment Manager may, from time to time, also serve as investment professionals of affiliates. These arrangements, and the relationship between the Investment Manager and its affiliates, present potential conflicts of interest, including those described herein.

Present and future activities of the Investment Manager and its affiliates (and the role and relationships of the Investment Manager's personnel with other Guggenheim Entities), in addition to those described in this SAI, may give rise to additional or different conflicts of interest.

**<u>Portfolio Manager Compensation.</u>** As discussed above, portfolio managers may own Fund shares and a portion of their compensation may include equity in the form of shares of certain funds (other than the Fund) managed by the particular portfolio manager. As a result, a potential conflict of interest may arise to the extent a portfolio manager owns or has an interest in shares of a specific Fund or fund that he or she manages. These personal investments may create an incentive for a portfolio manager to favor such Fund or fund over other advisory clients, including other funds.

------

**Payments to Financial Intermediaries by the Investment Manager or its Affiliates**

------

From their own assets, the Investment Manager or its affiliates pay selected brokerage firms or other financial intermediaries for making Guggenheim Investments funds available to their clients or for distribution, marketing, promotional, data, or related services and/or for providing transaction processing and other shareholder or administrative services. The Investment Manager or its affiliates also make payments to one or more intermediaries for information about transactions and holdings in the funds, such as the amount of fund shares purchased, sold or held through the intermediary and or its salespersons, the intermediary platform(s) on which shares are transacted and other information related to the funds. The Investment Manager or its affiliates make payments to one or more intermediaries for operational and/or platform set-up and maintenance fees on a per fund basis, often referred to as CUSIP fees. Payments made by the Investment Manager and its affiliates to intermediaries may eliminate or reduce trading commissions that the intermediary would otherwise charge its customers or its salespersons in connection with the purchase or sale of certain funds. Payment by the Investment Manager or its affiliates to eliminate or reduce a trading commission creates an incentive for salespersons of the intermediary to sell the Guggenheim Investments funds over other funds for which a commission would be charged. The amount of these payments is determined from time to time by the Investment Manager or its affiliates, may be substantial, and may differ for different intermediaries. The Investment Manager may determine to make payments based on any number of factors or metrics. For example, the Investment Manager may make payments at year-end and/or other intervals in a fixed amount, an amount based upon an intermediary's services at defined levels, an amount based upon the total assets represented by funds subject to arrangements with the intermediary, an amount based on the intermediary's net sales of one or more funds in a year or other period, or a fee based on the management fee received by the Investment Manager, any of which arrangements may include an agreed-upon minimum or maximum payment, or any combination of the foregoing. Payments based primarily on sales create an incentive to make new sales of shares, while payments based on assets create an incentive to retain previously sold shares. The Investment Manager currently maintains asset-based agreements with certain intermediaries on behalf of the Fund. Other factors may include, but are not limited to, the distribution capabilities of the intermediary, the overall quality of the relationship, expected gross and/or net sales generated by the relationship, disposition and retention rates of assets held through the intermediary, the willingness to cooperate with the Investment Manager's marketing efforts, access to sales personnel, and the anticipated profitability of sales through the institutional relationship. These factors and their weightings varies from one intermediary to another and may change from time to time. As of June 10, 2026, the Investment Manager and its affiliates did not have any agreements with broker-dealer firms to make payments out of their own assets related to the acquisition or retention of Guggenheim Investments ETFs. Any additions, modifications, or deletions to the broker-dealer firms identified that have occurred since that date are not reflected. Shareholders investing through an intermediary should consider whether such arrangements exist when evaluating any recommendations from an intermediary.

In addition, the Investment Manager or its affiliates may also share certain marketing expenses with selected intermediaries, or pay for or sponsor informational meetings, seminars, client awareness events, and support for marketing materials, sales reporting, or business building programs for such intermediaries to raise awareness of the Guggenheim Investments funds. The Investment Manager or its affiliates may also pay intermediaries for the development of technology platforms and reporting systems. The Investment Manager or its affiliates make payments to participate in selected intermediary marketing support programs which may provide the Investment Manager or its affiliates with one or more of the following benefits: attendance at sales conferences, participation in meetings or training sessions, access to or information about intermediary personnel, use of an intermediary's marketing and communication infrastructure, fund analysis tools, data, business planning and strategy sessions with intermediary personnel, information on industry- or platform-specific developments, trends and service providers, and other marketing-related services. Such payments may be in addition to, or in lieu of, the payments described above. These payments are intended to promote the sales of Guggenheim Investments funds and to reimburse financial intermediaries, directly or indirectly, for the costs that they or their salespersons incur in connection with educational seminars, meetings, and training efforts about the Guggenheim Investments funds to enable the intermediaries and their salespersons to make suitable recommendations, provide useful services, and maintain the necessary infrastructure to make the Guggenheim Investments funds available to their customers.

The receipt of (or prospect of receiving) payments, reimbursements, and other forms of compensation described above may provide a financial intermediary and its salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of Guggenheim Investments funds' shares over sales of other funds (or non-investment company investments), with respect to which

------

the financial intermediary does not receive such payments or receives them in a lower amount. The receipt of these payments may cause certain financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Guggenheim Investments funds within such financial intermediary's organization by, for example, placement on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or the provision of preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the Guggenheim Investments funds in various ways within such financial intermediary's organization.

From time to time, certain financial intermediaries approach the Investment Manager to request that the Investment Manager make contributions to certain charitable organizations. In these cases, the Investment Manager's contribution may result in the financial intermediary, or its salespersons, recommending Guggenheim Investments funds over other funds (or non-mutual fund/ETF investments).

The payment arrangements described above will not change the price an investor pays for shares nor the amount that a Guggenheim Investments fund receives to invest on behalf of the investor. You should consider whether such arrangements exist when evaluating any recommendations from an intermediary to purchase or sell shares of the Guggenheim Investments funds. Please contact your financial intermediary or plan sponsor for details on such arrangements.

**Principal Shareholders**

------

The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI and therefore did not have any beneficial owners that owned greater than 5% of the outstanding voting securities as of the date of this SAI.

An Authorized Participant (or other broker-dealers making markets in shares of the Fund) may hold of record more than 25% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. From time to time, Authorized Participants (or other broker-dealers making markets in shares of the Fund) may be a beneficial and/or legal owner of the Fund, may be deemed to have control of the Fund and/or may be able to affect the outcome of matters presented for a vote of the shareholders of the Fund. Authorized Participants (or other broker-dealers making markets in shares of the Fund) may execute an irrevocable proxy granting the Distributor or the Investment Manager (or an affiliate) power to vote or abstain from voting such Authorized Participant's beneficially or legally owned shares of the 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.

**Proxy Voting**

------

The Board has delegated to the Investment Manager the final authority and responsibility for voting proxies with respect to the Fund's underlying securities holdings. Certain funds of the Guggenheim Family of Funds ("investing fund"), such as the Fund, may invest in other funds of the Guggenheim Family of Funds ("underlying fund"), including another Fund, and as a result, an investing fund may be a shareholder of record of, and own shares with voting rights of, an underlying fund. With respect to a proposal that applies on a trust-wide basis (i.e., all series of the underlying fund's trust will vote together on the proposal, e.g., election of trustees), the investing fund's adviser will cause the investing fund to vote its shares in the underlying fund in the same proportion as the vote of all the shareholders of series of the underlying fund's trust that are not funds managed by the advisers to the funds of the Guggenheim Family of Funds or their affiliates in the aggregate. The investing fund's adviser may, however, elect to follow the fund or class-specific methodologies described below when deemed appropriate. As a general matter, for proposals that are fund or class-specific (i.e., each fund or class votes separately), an investing fund's adviser will cause the investing fund to vote its shares in the underlying fund in the same proportion as the vote of all the shareholders in that underlying fund that are not funds managed by the advisers to the funds of the Guggenheim Family of Funds or their affiliates (also called "mirror" or "echo" voting). With regard to investing funds that hold shares in underlying funds that are offered exclusively to funds managed by the advisers to the funds of the Guggenheim Family of Funds or their affiliates and institutional accounts managed by such advisers or their affiliates, an investing fund's adviser will cause the investing fund to: (i) echo vote in proportion to votes of the shareholders of the investing fund in the event that both the investing and underlying funds are voting on substantially identical proposals; or, in all other cases, (ii) seek voting instructions from the independent board members of the investing fund or an independent proxy voting service if deemed appropriate by the independent board members of the investing fund. In addition, the Fund may be required by regulation to vote its shares of another fund registered under the 1940 Act in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of shares of the Fund.

------

The Investment Manager's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (in this section, "Procedures") are designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of the applicable Fund. Where the Investment Manager has been delegated the responsibility for voting proxies, it will take reasonable steps under the Procedures to ensure that proxies are received and voted in the best long-term interests of its clients. The Investment Manager will consider all relevant factors and will not give undue weight to the opinions of other individuals or groups who may have an economic interest in the outcome of the proxy vote.

The financial interest of the Investment Manager's clients is the primary consideration in determining how proxies should be voted. Any material conflicts of interest between the Investment Manager and its clients with respect to proxy voting are resolved in the best interests of the clients. Corporate actions, such as rights offerings, tender offers, and stock splits or actions initiated by holders of a security rather than the issuer (such as reset rights for a CLO) or legal actions, such as bankruptcy proceedings or class action lawsuits are outside the scope of the Procedures.

The Investment Manager has adopted the proxy voting guidelines of an outside proxy voting firm, ISS, as the Investment Manager's proxy voting guidelines (in this section, "Guidelines"). The Investment Manager has also engaged ISS to act as agent for the proxy process, to maintain records on proxy votes for its clients, and to provide independent research on corporate governance, proxy and corporate responsibility issues. At inception, the Investment Manager will assess the Procedures to determine which Guidelines will be followed. The Investment Manager reviews the Guidelines and conducts a due diligence assessment of ISS and the performance of its duties as agent at least annually. The Investment Manager may override the Guidelines recommending a vote on a particular proposal if the Investment Manager determines a different vote to be in the best interest of the client or if required to deviate under applicable law, rule or regulation. If a proposal is voted contrary to the Guidelines, the reasons will be documented in writing by the Investment Manager.

The Investment Manager seeks to vote securities in the best interest of clients, and will apply the Guidelines regardless of whether the issuer, a third party, or both solicit the Investment Manager's vote.

In the absence of contrary instructions received from the Investment Manager, ISS will vote proxies in accordance with the Guidelines, as such Guidelines may be revised from time to time. The Investment Manager will typically vote proxies itself in two scenarios: (1) the Guidelines do not address the proposal; and (2) the Investment Manager has decided to vote some or all of the shares contrary to the Guidelines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) *Proposals not addressed by Guidelines:* ISS will notify the Investment Manager of all proxy proposals that do not fall within the Guidelines (i.e., proposals which are either not addressed in the Guidelines or proposals for which the Investment Manager has indicated that a decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, such as fixed-income securities). If the investment team(s) responsible, together with the Proxy Voting Advisory Group ("PVAG") (a group comprised of representatives from investment management, compliance, operational due diligence services, operations, and legal that is responsible for overseeing the proxy voting activities and policies and procedures of the Investment Manager and certain affiliated entities), determines that there are no material conflicts of interest, the proposal will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of said team(s) and approval from the PVAG. If there is a material conflict of interest, the Investment Manager will follow the procedures outlined below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) *Proposal to be voted contrary to Guidelines:* When an investment team decides that a proposal should be voted contrary to the Guidelines, because it believes it is in the best interest of the client to do so, the investment team will consult with the PVAG to determine whether there is a material conflict of interest as to that proposal. If the investment team(s) responsible, together with the PVAG, determines that there is no material conflict of interest, the Investment Manager will override ISS's vote recommendation in accordance with the recommendation of said investment team(s) and with approval from the PVAG. If there is a material conflict of interest, the Investment Manager will follow the procedures outlined below.

The Investment Manager occasionally will be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies due to relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of particular votes. Common examples of conflicts in the voting of proxies are: (a) the Investment Manager or an affiliate of the Investment Manager provides or is seeking to provide services to the company on whose behalf proxies are being solicited, (b) an employee of the Investment Manager or its affiliate has a personal relationship with the company's management or another proponent of a proxy issue, and the employee may be in a position to influence the proxy voting decision, or (c) an immediate family member of the employee of the Investment Manager or its affiliates is a director or executive officer of the company, and the employee may be in a position to influence the proxy voting decision. Senior members of the

------

investment team(s) responsible for voting the proxy, in consultation with compliance, will decide whether a material conflict of interest exists. If a material conflict of interest exists, the investment team(s) will consult with the PVAG to determine how to resolve the conflict consistent with the procedures below. In certain cases, the Investment Manager occasionally engages and appoints an independent party to provide independent analysis or recommendations with respect to consents, proxy voting, or other similar shareholder or debt holder rights decision (or a series of consents, votes or similar decisions) pertaining to the Fund.

If the Guidelines do not address a proposal, or the Investment Manager wishes to vote a proposal contrary to the Guidelines, or ISS does not provide a recommendation on a proposal, and the Investment Manager has a material conflict of interest as to the vote, then the Investment Manager will seek to resolve the conflict in any of the following ways, as recommended by the PVAG:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Refer Proposal to the Client - The Investment Manager may refer the proposal to the client and obtain instructions from the client on how to vote the proxy relating to that proposal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Obtain Client Ratification - If the Investment Manager is in a position to disclose the conflict to the client (i.e., such information is not confidential), the Investment Manager may determine how it proposes to vote the proposal on which it has a conflict, fully disclose the nature of the conflict to the client, and obtain the client's consent for how the Investment Manager will vote on the proposal (or otherwise obtain instructions from the client on how the proxy on the proposal should be voted).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Abstain from voting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Use another Independent Third Party for All Proposals - Subject to any client-imposed proxy voting policies, the Investment Manager may vote all proposals in a single proxy according to the policies of an independent third party other than ISS (or have the third party vote such proxies).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Use another Independent Third Party to Vote Only the Specific Proposals that Involve a Conflict - Subject to any client-imposed proxy voting policies, the Investment Manager may use an independent third party other than ISS to recommend how the proxy for specific proposals that involve a conflict should be voted (or have the third party vote such proxies).

The method selected by the PVAG to resolve the conflict may vary from one instance to another depending upon the facts and circumstances of the situation, but in each case, consistent with its duty of loyalty and care.

In certain instances, proxy voting involves logistical issues which affect the Investment Manager's ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. These issues include but are not limited to: (i) securities being subject to lending arrangements; (ii) special issues with voting foreign proxies; (iii) share blocking; and (iv) lack of adequate information, untimely receipt of proxy, or excessive costs.

Clients may obtain information about how the Investment Manager voted proxies on their behalf by contacting the Investment Manager.

The Fund is required to file Form N-PX with the SEC with its complete proxy voting records for the 12 months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. Once filed, Form N-PX will be available without charge: (1) from the Fund, upon request by calling 1-800-820-0888, and (2) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund also makes available its proxy voting record included in its Form N-PX filing at http://www.guggenheiminvestments.com/mutual-funds/literature.

**Distributor**

------

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"), 702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200, Rockville, Maryland 20850, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as the principal underwriter for shares of the ETF series of the Trust pursuant to a Distribution Agreement. Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor offers Creation Units of the Fund's shares on a continuous basis. The Distributor also acts as principal underwriter for the mutual fund series of the Trust and for Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds and Rydex Variable Trust.

The Distributor, on behalf of the Fund, may act as a broker in the purchase and sale of securities not effected on a securities exchange, provided that any such transactions and any commissions shall comply with requirements of the 1940 Act and all rules and regulations of the SEC. The Distributor has not acted as a broker and thus received no brokerage commissions.

------

The Fund's Distribution Agreement is renewable annually either by the Board or by the vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding securities, and, in either event, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons of any such party. The agreement may be terminated by either party upon 60 days' written notice.

**Portfolio Turnover**

------

The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is, in summary, the percentage computed by dividing the lesser of the Fund's purchases or sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) by the average market value of that Fund. Portfolio turnover rates can vary greatly from year to year, as well as within a particular year. The Investment Manager intends to manage the Fund's assets by buying and selling investments to seek to achieve its investment objective. Each of the Fund may dispose of investments regardless of the holding period. Such transactions may result in capital gains or losses and could result in a high portfolio turnover rate during a given period, which may result in increased transaction costs or a mark-up or markdown of the transaction price. The portfolio turnover rates of the Fund cannot be accurately predicted. As of the date of this SAI, portfolio turnover rates for the Fund are not available because the Fund is new.

**Portfolio Brokerage and Investment Allocation**

------

Below is a summary of brokerage allocation policies for the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager is responsible for purchasing and selling securities and other assets for the Fund.

The Investment Manager makes investment decisions for the Fund it advises, selects brokers and dealers to effect transactions and negotiates price, commissions, and markups or markdowns or spreads, if any, with respect to these transactions. The Investment Manager has adopted policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to obtain best execution for portfolio transactions and to allocate investment opportunities among the Fund it advises (or sub-advises, if applicable) and the Investment Manager's other clients fairly, equitably and in a non-preferential manner over time.

The Investment Manager has discretionary trading authority on behalf of the Fund it advises (or sub-advises, if applicable) and its other clients, and has a duty to the Fund (and its other clients) to seek the most favorable execution for each portfolio transaction it makes on their behalf. In furtherance of seeking the most favorable execution, the Investment Manager has adopted a Counterparty Approval Policy pursuant to which it maintains an Approved Counterparty List. Transactions may only be executed with counterparties/broker-dealers on the Approved Counterparties List unless an exception is granted by an authorized person under the Counterparty Approval Policy. Initially and on an ongoing basis, the Investment Manager consults a variety of information relating to a counterparty/broker-dealer, including regulatory reports and financial information, in connection with adding and maintaining a counterparty to the Approved Counterparty List. Generally, counterparties on the Approved Counterparty List must, in the Investment Manager's opinion, have financial stability and a positive reputation in the industry. When reviewing brokers, the Investment Manager may consider, including, without limitation, the size and type of transaction, access to liquidity, execution efficiency and capability, and other factors it may deem appropriate. The Investment Manager uses its judgment to select a broker or dealer on the basis of how a transaction can be executed to achieve the most favorable execution for its client under the circumstances. Accordingly, the Investment Manager is not obligated to choose the broker or dealer offering the lowest available commission rate or the lowest possible execution cost on a transaction. The sale of Fund shares by a broker or dealer is not a factor in the selection of brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. The Investment Manager and its affiliates do not currently participate in soft dollar arrangements. Brokers may include Authorized Participants and/or market makers for the Fund.

The Investment Manager may aggregate trade orders for the Fund and/or its other clients in a particular security, unless it believes that doing so would conflict or otherwise be inconsistent with its duty to seek best execution for its clients and/or the terms of the respective investment advisory contracts and other agreements and understandings relating to the clients for which trades are being aggregated. Aggregation of trade orders may result in an overall benefit to the Fund because it may achieve efficiencies in execution and reduce trading costs. When aggregating trades, the Investment Manager will continue to seek: to achieve best execution; to treat all participating clients fairly; and to ensure participating clients pay the same price, net of transaction costs. The Investment Manager will allocate orders objectively and in a fair and equitable manner in relation to the objectives, investment strategies, account

------

constraints and restrictions, and relative exposure to asset classes of the Fund and other client accounts involved. Generally, the Investment Manager will allocate these orders pro rata among participating clients. In some cases, the Investment Manager may use various other methods of allocation that are considered to be consistent with the Investment Manager's established policies and procedures. Allocations for IPOs are typically handled in the same manner as any other aggregated trade, however, the Investment Manager will attempt to allocate IPOs among appropriate client accounts on a pro rata basis, subject to certain adjustments.

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions because the Fund is new.

The Fund contemplates that, consistent with the policy of obtaining the best execution, brokerage transactions may be conducted through affiliates of the Investment Manager and Distributor. The Board has adopted procedures in conformity with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act to ensure that all brokerage commissions paid to any affiliated broker are reasonable and fair.

Guggenheim Investments has created a Best Execution Committee (the "Committee") in connection with the broker-dealer selection process and oversight of the best execution policies. The Committee examines the performance of broker-dealers and, for equity trades, makes recommendations regarding the addition of potential broker-dealers. In addition, the Committee works to mitigate potential conflicts of interest that could exist.

Creation or redemption transactions, to the extent consisting of cash, may require the Fund to contemporaneously transact with broker-dealers for purchases of Deposit Securities (as defined under Fund Deposit) or sales of Fund Securities (as defined under Redemption of Creation Units), including any foreign exchange, as applicable. Such transactions with a particular broker-dealer may be conditioned upon the broker-dealer's agreement to transact at guaranteed price levels in order to reduce transaction costs the Fund would otherwise incur as a consequence of settling creation or redemption baskets in cash rather than in-kind.

**Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers**

------

In certain cases, the Fund, as part of its principal investment strategies, or otherwise as a permissible investment, will invest in the securities of the regular broker-dealers that the Investment Manager uses to effect brokerage transactions for the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund did not own any securities of its regular broker-dealer (or parents) because the Fund is new.

**How Net Asset Value Is Determined**

------

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled "Determination of Net Asset Value." Neither the Prospectus nor the following information is intended to reflect an exhaustive list of the methodologies the Fund may use to value its investments. The methodologies summarized in the Prospectus and below may not represent the specific means by which the Fund's investments are valued on any particular business day.

The Fund calculates NAV by taking the current value of its total assets, subtracting any liabilities, and dividing that amount by the total number of shares owned by shareholders.

The Board has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund's investments (the "Valuation Procedures"). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated the Investment Manager as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and/or other assets. As the Fund's valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Investment Manager has adopted separate procedures ("Valuation Designee Procedures") reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4 under the 1940 Act. The Investment Manager, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim's investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the "Valuation Committee"), in determining fair value of the Fund's securities and/or other assets. The Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures permit the Fund to use a variety of valuation methodologies in connection with valuing the Fund's investments. The methodology used for a specific type of investment may vary based on available market data or other relevant considerations. As a general matter, valuing securities and assets accurately is difficult and can be based on inputs and assumptions, which may not always be accurate.

------

In general, portfolio securities and assets of the Fund will be valued on the basis of readily available market quotations at their current market value. With respect to portfolio securities and assets of the Fund for which market quotations are not readily available, or deemed unreliable by the Investment Manager, the Fund will fair value those securities and assets in good faith in accordance with the Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security's (or asset's or liability's) "fair value." Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of a security. Fair value determinations may be based on limited inputs and involve the consideration of a number of subjective factors, an analysis of applicable facts and circumstances, and the exercise of judgment. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. As a result, it is possible that the fair value for a security determined in good faith in accordance with the Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures may differ from valuations for the same security determined by other funds using their own valuation procedures. Although the Valuation Procedures and Valuation Designee Procedures are designed to value a portfolio security or asset at the price the Fund may reasonably expect to receive upon its sale in an orderly transaction, there can be no assurance that any fair value determination thereunder would, in fact, approximate the amount that the Fund could reasonably expect to receive upon the sale of the portfolio security or asset.

U.S. Government securities are valued by independent third-party pricing services, using the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business on the valuation date.

Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that are obtained from independent third-party pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Investment Manager concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent third-party pricing service.

CLOs, CDOs, MBS, ABS, and other structured finance securities are generally valued using an independent third-party pricing service.

Repurchase agreements are generally valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market ("NASDAQ") will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. ETFs and listed closed-end investment companies are generally valued at the last quoted sale price.

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices on the principal exchange on which they are traded.

Over-the-counter ("OTC") options and options on swaps ("swaptions") are valued using a price provided by a pricing service.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.

Futures contracts are valued at the official settlement price on the primary exchange on which they trade. Futures contracts that trade past 4:00 p.m. are valued at the trade price as of 4:00 p.m. or at the last sale price immediately prior to 4:00 p.m. E.T. if a 4:00 p.m. sale price is not available.

Interest rate swap agreements entered into by the Fund are valued on the basis of the mid price on the primary exchange on which the swap is traded. Other swap agreements entered into by the Fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by an independent third-party pricing service.

------

Typically, loans are valued using information provided by independent third-party pricing services that uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the independent third-party pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Investment Manager. Funds that invest in loans or asset-backed securities as part of their investment strategies may have a significant amount of these instruments that are fair valued by the Investment Manager.

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. E.T. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments.

The Fund may also fair value securities and assets when a significant event is deemed to have occurred after the time of a market quotation including for securities and assets traded on foreign markets and securities and assets for which market quotations are provided by independent third-party pricing services as of a time that is prior to the time when the Fund determines its NAV. There can be no assurance in each case that significant events will be identified.

Valuations of the Fund's securities and other assets are supplied primarily by independent third-party pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Designee Procedures. Valuations provided by the independent third-party pricing services are generally based on methods designed to approximate the amount that the Fund could reasonably expect to receive upon the sale of the portfolio security or asset. When providing valuations to the Fund, independent third-party pricing services use various inputs, methods, models and assumptions, which may include information provided by broker-dealers and other market makers. Independent third-party pricing services face the same challenges as the Fund in valuing securities and assets and may rely on limited available information. If the independent third-party pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment, or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Investment Manager. The Fund may also use third-party service providers to model certain securities, using models to determine fair market value. While the Fund's use of fair valuation is intended to result in calculation of NAV that fairly reflects values of the Fund's portfolio securities as of the time of pricing, the Fund cannot guarantee that any fair valuation will, in fact, approximate the amount the Fund would actually realize upon the sale of the securities in question.

Quotes from broker-dealers (i.e., prices provided by a broker-dealer or other market participant, which may or may not be committed to trade at that price), adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Fund's securities and other assets. Quotes from broker-dealers and vendor prices based on broker quotes can vary in terms of depth (e.g., provided by a single broker-dealer) and frequency (e.g., provided on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or any other regular or irregular interval). Although quotes from broker-dealers and vendor prices based on broker quotes are typically received from established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support such quotes. Significant changes in a quote from a broker-dealer would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.

Proportions of the Fund's investments that are fair valued vary from time to time and the Fund may fair value a significant amount of its portfolio securities and assets. The Fund's report on Form N-CSR contains more information about the Fund's holdings that are fair valued. Investors should consult the Fund's report on Form N-CSR for additional information. For underlying funds in which the Fund may invest, additional information about the circumstances when those underlying funds may use fair value pricing may be found in each underlying fund's respective prospectus.

**Distribution of Shares**

------

**Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan**— Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, as amended (the "Rule"), provides that an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its shares only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. The Board of Trustees has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Servicing Plan ("Rule 12b-1 Plan") on behalf of the Fund pursuant to which the Fund may pay certain expenses incurred in the distribution of its shares and the servicing and maintenance of existing shareholder accounts. The Distributor and the Investment Manager may have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Rule 12b-1 Plan or any related agreement. Pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the Fund may pay a fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. No Rule 12b-1 fee is currently being charged to the Fund.

------

The Rule 12b-1 fee may only be imposed or increased when the Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interests of shareholders to do so. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, to the extent that a fee is authorized, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in the Fund. The Rule 12b-1 fee may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges.

**Distribution of Shares**— In connection with the Fund's launch, the Fund was seeded through the sale of shares by the Fund to one or more initial investors. Initial investors participating in the seeding may be Authorized Participants, a lead market maker or other third party investor, or an affiliate of the Fund or the Investment Manager, or a fund for which the Investment Manager or an affiliate serves as investment manager. Each such initial investor may sell some or all of such shares held by them pursuant to the registration statement for the Fund (each, a "Selling Shareholder"), which shares have been registered to permit the resale from time to time after purchase. The Fund will not receive any of the proceeds from the resale by the Selling Shareholders of these shares.

Selling Shareholders may sell shares owned by them directly or through broker-dealers, in accordance with applicable law, on any national securities exchange on which the shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, through trading systems, in the OTC 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 through brokerage transactions, privately negotiated trades, block sales, entry into options or other derivatives transactions or through any other means authorized by applicable law. Selling Shareholders may redeem the shares held in Creation Unit size by them through an Authorized Participant.

Any 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 1933 Act, in connection with such sales. Any Selling Shareholder and any other person participating in such distribution will be subject to applicable provisions of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

**Book-Entry Only System**

------

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") acts as Securities Depository for the shares of the Trust. Shares of the Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants ("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 a subsidiary of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation ("DTCC"), which is owned by its member firms, including international broker/dealers, correspondent and clearing banks, mutual fund companies and investment banks. 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 ("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. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability of certain investors to acquire beneficial interests in shares.

Beneficial Owners of shares are not entitled to have shares registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive form and are not considered the registered holder thereof. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC, the DTC Participant and any Indirect Participant through which such Beneficial Owner holds its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder of shares. The Trust understands that under existing industry practice, in the event the Trust requests any action of holders of shares, or a Beneficial Owner desires to take any action that DTC, as the record owner of all outstanding shares, is

------

entitled to take, DTC would authorize the DTC Participants to take such action and that the DTC Participants would authorize the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners acting through such DTC Participants to take such action and would otherwise act upon the instructions of Beneficial Owners owning through them. As described above, the Trust recognizes DTC or its nominee as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

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 share holdings of each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding shares of the Fund, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust 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 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 of the Trust. 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 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 of the Trust 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 on which shares are listed.

**Creation and Redemption of Creation Units**

------

The Trust issues and sells shares of the Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form as described in the Authorized Participant Agreement (as defined below), on any Business Day (as defined below). The size of a Creation Unit may be modified by the Investment Manager with prior notification to the Fund's Authorized Participants. The Fund's current Creation Unit size may be found on the ETF portion of the Guggenheim Investments website.

A "Business Day" with respect to the Fund is each day the Exchange is open, which excludes weekends and the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Orders from Authorized Participants to create or redeem Creation Units will only be accepted on a Business Day.

**Fund Deposit**

The consideration for purchase of Creation Units of the Fund may consist of a designated portfolio of securities, assets or other positions (including any portion of such securities, assets or other positions for which cash may be substituted) and/or cash. If creations are not conducted in cash, the consideration for purchase of Creation Units of the Fund generally consists of "Deposit Securities" and the Cash Component computed as described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the "Fund Deposit," which will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to creation requests received in proper form. The Fund Deposit represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund.

------

The "Cash Component" is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares (per Creation Unit) and the "Deposit Amount," which is an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities, and serves to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount. Payment of any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities are the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing the Creation Unit.

The Investment Manager makes available through the NSCC on each Business Day prior to the opening of business on the Exchange, the list of names and the required number or par value of each Deposit Security, if any, and the amount of the Cash Component to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information as of the end of the previous Business Day for the Fund). Such Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, to purchases of Creation Units of shares of the Fund until such time as the next-announced Fund Deposit is made available.

The identity and number or par value of the Deposit Securities change pursuant to changes in the composition of the Fund's portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Investment Manager with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. The composition of the Deposit Securities may also change in response to adjustments to the weighting or composition of the component securities constituting the Fund's portfolio.

The Fund 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 that may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or the Clearing Process (as discussed below). The Fund also reserves the right to permit or require a "cash in lieu" amount in certain other circumstances, including circumstances in which (i) the delivery of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant (as described below) would be restricted under applicable securities or other local laws or (ii) 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 applicable securities or other local laws, or (iii) in certain other situations. In the case of transactions involving "cash in lieu" amounts, the Authorized Participant must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser. If a purchase or redemption consists solely or partially of cash and the Fund places a brokerage transaction for portfolio securities with a third party broker, an Authorized Participant or its affiliated broker-dealer, the broker or the Authorized Participant (or an affiliated broker-dealer of the Authorized Participant) may be required, in its capacity as broker-dealer with respect to that transaction, to cover certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, and market impact costs through a brokerage execution guarantee.

**Procedures for Creating Creation Units**

To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor and to create a Creation Unit of the 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") or (ii) a DTC Participant, and must have executed an agreement with the Distributor, with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units ("Authorized Participant Agreement") (discussed below). A Participating Party or DTC Participant who has executed an Authorized Participant Agreement is referred to as an "Authorized Participant." All shares of the Fund, however created, will be entered on the records of DTC in the name of Cede & Co. for the account of a DTC Participant.

**Role of the Authorized Participant**

Creation Units may be purchased only by or through a DTC Participant that has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Such Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of such Authorized Participant Agreement and on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that such Authorized Participant will make available in advance of each purchase of shares an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component, once the net asset value of a Creation Unit is next determined after receipt of the purchase order in proper form, together with the transaction fees described below. An Authorized Participant, acting on behalf of an investor, may require the investor to enter into an agreement with such Authorized Participant with respect to certain matters, including payment of the Cash Component. Investors who are not Authorized Participants must make appropriate arrangements with an Authorized Participant. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not be a DTC Participant or may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement and that orders to purchase Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor's broker through an

------

Authorized Participant. As a result, purchase orders placed through a non-Authorized Participant may result in additional charges to such investor. The Trust does not expect to enter into an Authorized Participant Agreement with more than a small number of DTC Participants.

**Placement of Creation Orders**

Fund Deposits must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S. government securities), through DTC (for corporate and municipal securities) or through a central depository account, such as with Euroclear or DTC, maintained by the Custodian or a subcustodian (a "Central Depository Account"). Any portion of the Fund Deposit that may not be delivered through the Federal Reserve System or DTC must be delivered through a Central Depository Account. The Fund Deposit transfers made through DTC must be ordered by the DTC Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the Fund, generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. Fund Deposit transfers made through the Federal Reserve System must be deposited by the participant institution in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number or amount of Deposit Securities or cash through the Federal Reserve System to the account of the Fund generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. Fund Deposit transfers made through a Central Depository Account must be completed pursuant to the requirements established by the Custodian or subcustodian for such Central Depository Account generally before 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. The "Settlement Date" for all funds is generally the first Business Day after the Transmittal Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash equal to 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 generally before 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities are not received by 3:00 p.m., Eastern time on the Settlement Date, the creation order may be canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using the 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, provided that the relevant Fund Deposit has been received by the Fund prior to such time.

**Purchase Orders**

To initiate an order for a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit to the Distributor or its agent an irrevocable order to purchase shares of the Fund, in proper form, by the Cutoff Time (as defined below). The Distributor or its agent will notify the Investment Manager and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian will then provide such information to any appropriate subcustodian. Procedures and requirements governing the delivery of the Fund Deposit are set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement and may change from time to time. Investors, other than Authorized Participants, are responsible for making arrangements for a creation request to be made through an Authorized Participant. Those placing orders to purchase Creation Units through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the Distributor or its agent by the Cutoff Time (as defined below) on such Business Day.

The Authorized Participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the purchase order, together with the applicable purchase transaction fees. Any excess funds will be returned following settlement of the issue of the Creation Unit. Those placing orders should ascertain the deadline for cash transfers by contacting the operations department of the broker or depositary institution effectuating the transfer of the Cash Component. This deadline is likely to be significantly earlier than the Cutoff Time of the Fund. Investors should be aware that an Authorized Participant may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in the particular form required by the individual Authorized Participant.

The Authorized Participant is responsible for any and all expenses and costs incurred by the Fund, including any applicable cash amounts, in connection with any purchase order.

------

**Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders**

An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable order to purchase shares of the Fund generally before 3:00 p.m. (for negotiated custom baskets) or 4:00 p.m. (for standard orders), Eastern time on any Business Day in order to receive that day's NAV. On days when the Exchange closes earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to create or redeem Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. Creation Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor or its agent pursuant to procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement, as described below. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or its agent or an Authorized Participant. Orders to create shares of the Fund that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) when the equity markets in the relevant foreign market are closed may be charged the maximum additional charge for Creation Unit transactions as set forth in this SAI to account for transaction costs incurred by the Fund. The Fund's deadline specified above for the submission of purchase orders is referred to as the Fund's "Cutoff Time." The Distributor or its agent, in their discretion, may permit the submission of such orders and requests by or through an Authorized Participant at any time (including on days on which the Exchange is not open for business) via communication through the facilities of the Distributor's or its Transfer Agent's proprietary website maintained for this purpose. Purchase orders and redemption requests, if accepted by the Trust, will be processed based on the NAV next determined after such acceptance. However, to account for transaction costs otherwise incurred by the Fund, an Authorized Participant that submits an order to the Distributor after the Cutoff Time stated above, may be charged the maximum additional charge for Creation Unit transactions as set forth in this SAI.

**Acceptance of Orders for Creation Units**

Subject to the conditions that (i) an irrevocable purchase order has been submitted by the Authorized Participant (either on its own or another investor's behalf) and (ii) arrangements satisfactory to the Fund are in place for payment of the Cash Component and any other cash amounts which may be due, the Fund will accept the order, subject to the Fund's right (and the right of the Distributor and the Investment Manager) to reject any order until acceptance, as set forth below.

Once the Fund has accepted an order, upon the next determination of the net asset value of the shares, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such net asset value. The Distributor or its agent will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order.

The Fund reserves the right (to the extent consistent with the provisions of Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act and the SEC's positions thereunder) to reject or revoke a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor or its agent for any reason, including, but not limited to, if: (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the identity and number of shares specified, as described above; (iv) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; or (v) circumstances outside the control of the Fund, the Distributor or its agent and the Investment Manager make it impracticable to process purchase orders. The Distributor or its agent shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such purchaser of its rejection of such order. The Fund, Transfer Agent, subcustodian, and Distributor or their agents are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

**Issuance of a Creation Unit**

Except as provided herein, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Fund of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the custodian that the securities included in the Fund Deposit (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian or subcustodians, the Distributor or its agent and the Investment Manager shall be notified of such delivery and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. Creation Units for the Fund typically are issued on a "T+1 basis" (i.e., one Business Day after trade date). However, the Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+1, including a shorter settlement period, if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable law. For example, the Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+1, in order to accommodate foreign

------

market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets, as applicable, of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (i.e., the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security) and in certain other circumstances.

To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant's agreement with the Distributor, the Fund will issue Creation Units to such Authorized Participant, notwithstanding the fact that the corresponding Fund Deposits have not been received in part or in whole, in reliance on the undertaking of the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral having a value at least equal to 105%, which percentage the Investment Manager may change at any time, in its sole discretion, of the value of the missing Deposit Securities in accordance with the Fund's then-effective procedures. The only collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. dollars. Such cash collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern time on the contractual settlement date. The cash collateral posted by the Authorized Participant may be invested at the risk of the Authorized Participant, and income, if any, on invested cash collateral will be paid to that Authorized Participant. Information concerning the Fund's current procedures for collateralization of missing Deposit Securities is available from the Distributor or its agent. The Authorized Participant Agreement will permit the Fund to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such securities and the cash collateral.

In certain cases, Authorized Participants may create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date and in these instances, the Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the Authorized Participants that the creation and redemption transactions are for separate beneficial owners. 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 Fund and the Fund's determination shall be final and binding.

**Redemption of Creation Units**

Shares of the Fund may be redeemed by Authorized Participants only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Transfer Agent or its agent and only on a Business Day. The Fund will not redeem shares in amounts less than Creation Units. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the secondary 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 Creation Unit that could be redeemed by an Authorized Participant. Beneficial owners also may sell shares in the secondary market.

**In-Kind Redemption Method**

The Investment Manager will make available through the NSCC, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the designated portfolio of securities, assets or other

positions (including any portion of such securities, assets or other positions for which cash may be substituted) that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day ("Fund Securities"), and an amount of cash (the "Cash Amount," as described below). Such Fund Securities and the corresponding Cash Amount (each subject to possible amendment or correction) are applicable in order to effect redemptions of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next announced composition of the Fund Securities and Cash Amount is made available. Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities that are applicable to creations of Creation Units. Procedures and requirements governing redemption transactions are set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement and may change from time to time.

With an in-kind redemption, the proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Fund Securities, plus the Cash Amount, which is an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the shares being redeemed, as next determined after the receipt of a redemption request in proper form, and the value of Fund Securities, less a redemption transaction fee (as described below).

The Fund may, in its sole discretion, substitute a "cash in lieu" amount to replace any Fund Security, and reserves the right to redeem entirely in cash. The Fund also reserves the right to permit or require a "cash in lieu" amount in certain other circumstances, including circumstances in which: (i) the delivery of the Fund Security to the Authorized

------

Participant would be restricted under applicable securities or other local laws; or (ii) the delivery of the Fund Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Fund Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under applicable securities or other local laws, or (iii) in certain other situations. The amount of cash paid out in such cases will be equivalent to the value of the substituted security listed as the Fund Security. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the difference is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder.

**Cash Redemption Method**

When partial or full cash redemptions of Creation Units are authorized by the Fund, a redemption will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions thereof. In the case of partial or full cash redemption, the Authorized Participant receives the cash equivalent of the Fund Securities it would otherwise receive through an in-kind redemption, plus the same Cash Amount to be paid to an in-kind redeemer.

**Costs Associated with Creation and Redemption Transactions**

Each type of Creation Unit standard transaction fee ("Standard Fee") is imposed to offset the transfer and other transaction costs incurred by the Fund associated with the issuance or redemption of Creation Units. The Standard Fee will be charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates or redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same, regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable Business Day. The Authorized Participant may also be required to cover certain brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction. For creations, Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the Fund. The Investment Manager may adjust the Standard Fee from time to time to account for changes in transaction fees associated with in-kind transactions.

In addition to the Standard Fees discussed above, the Fund charges an additional variable fee ("Variable Fee") for creations and redemptions in whole or partial cash to offset brokerage and impact expenses associated with the cash portion of the transaction. The amount of the Variable Fee payable to the Fund by the Authorized Participant is determined by the Investment Manager based on analysis of historical transaction cost data and the Investment Manager's view of current market conditions, among other factors. The actual Variable Fee charged for a given transaction may be lower or higher than the trading expenses incurred by the Fund with respect to that transaction. The total transaction fees charged (i.e. the Standard Fee plus the Variable Fee) will not exceed the maximum amounts reflected in the table below. From time to time, the Investment Manager, in its sole discretion, may adjust the Fund's transaction fees or reimburse an Authorized Participant for all or a portion of the transaction fees.

The following table shows as of the date of this SAI (i) the Standard Fee, and (ii) the maximum total transaction fee charges for creations and redemptions (as described above):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **In-Kind Creation Unit** <br> **Standard Fee\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Cash Creation Unit** <br> **Standard Fee\***<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Maximum Total** <br> **Transaction Fee\*\***<br>|
| Enhanced Equity Income ETF  | $300 | $300 | &nbsp;&nbsp; 3% (Create)<br> 2% (Redeem)<br>|

---

\*

Flat fee charged per transaction for one or more Creation Units.

\*\*

As a percentage of the net asset value per Creation Unit, inclusive of the Standard Fee.

**Placement of Redemption Orders**

Redemption requests for Creation Units of the Fund must be submitted to the Transfer Agent by or through an Authorized Participant. An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable request to redeem shares of the Fund generally before 3:00 p.m. (for negotiated custom baskets) or 4:00 p.m. (for standard orders), Eastern time on any Business Day, in order to receive that day's NAV. On days when the Exchange closes earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to create or redeem Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. Investors, other than Authorized Participants, are responsible for making arrangements for a redemption request to be made through an Authorized Participant.

The Authorized Participant must transmit the request for redemption in the form required by the Fund to the Transfer Agent or its agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement and that, therefore,

------

requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed an Authorized Participant Agreement. At any time, only a limited number of broker-dealers will have an Authorized Participant Agreement in effect. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such Authorized Participant. Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an Authorized Participant and transfer of the shares to the Transfer Agent; such investors should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not Authorized Participants.

A redemption request is considered to be in "proper form" if (i) an Authorized Participant has transferred or caused to be transferred to the Transfer Agent the Creation Unit redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the Exchange closing time on the applicable Business Day, (ii) a request in form satisfactory to the Fund is received by the Transfer Agent or its agent from the Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time periods specified above and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement are properly followed. If the Transfer Agent does not receive the investor's shares through DTC's facilities by 10:00 a.m., Eastern time on the Business Day next following the day that the redemption request is received, the redemption request may be rejected. Investors should be aware that the deadline for such transfers of shares through the DTC system may be significantly earlier than the close of business on the Exchange. Those making redemption requests should ascertain the deadline applicable to transfers of shares through the DTC system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depositary institution effecting the transfer of the shares.

Upon receiving a redemption request, the Transfer Agent or its agent shall notify the Fund of such redemption request. The tender of an investor's shares for redemption and the distribution of the securities and/or cash included in the redemption payment made in respect of Creation Units redeemed will be made through DTC and the relevant Authorized Participant to the Beneficial Owner thereof as recorded on the book-entry system of DTC or the DTC Participant through which such investor holds, as the case may be, or by such other means specified by the Authorized Participant submitting the redemption request.

A redeeming Beneficial Owner or Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such Beneficial Owner must maintain appropriate security arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the portfolio securities are customarily traded, to which account such portfolio securities will be delivered.

Deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Fund generally will be made within one Business Day (i.e., "T+1"). Further, consistent with applicable law, the Fund reserves the right to settle redemption transactions and deliver redemption proceeds on another basis to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, including to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and dividend ex-dates (i.e., the last date the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security sold) and in certain other circumstances.

If neither the redeeming Beneficial Owner nor the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such redeeming Beneficial Owner has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of Fund 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 Fund Securities in such jurisdiction, the Fund may in its discretion exercise the option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In such case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the net asset value of its shares based on the NAV of the Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charges specified above, to offset the Fund's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Fund cannot lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or cannot do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws.

In the event that cash redemptions are utilized by the Fund, proceeds will be paid to the Authorized Participant redeeming shares as soon as practicable after the date of redemption (generally within seven calendar days thereafter, except as described in "Regular Holidays" below).

------

To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant's agreement with the Distributor or its agent, in the event an Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Unit to be redeemed to the Fund, at or prior to 10:00 a.m., Eastern time on the Exchange business day after the date of submission of such redemption request, the Transfer Agent or its agent will accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible. Such undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash, in U.S. dollars in immediately available funds, having a value at least equal to 105%, which percentage the Investment Manager may change at any time, in its sole discretion, of the value of the missing shares. Such cash collateral must be delivered no later than 10:00 a.m., Eastern time on the day after the date of submission of such redemption request and shall be held by the Custodian and marked-to-market daily. The fees of the Custodian and any subcustodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The cash collateral posted by the Authorized Participant may be invested at the risk of the Authorized Participant, and income, if any, on invested cash collateral will be paid to that Authorized Participant. The Authorized Participant Agreement permits the Fund to acquire shares of the Fund at any time and subjects the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the aggregate of the cost to the Fund of purchasing such shares, plus the value of the Cash Amount, and the value of the cash collateral.

Because the portfolio securities of the Fund may trade on exchange(s) on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Fund, shareholders may not be able to redeem their shares of the Fund, or purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund: (i) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of the Fund's portfolio securities or determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

**Custom Baskets**

The securities and other assets that are required for the issuance of a Creation Unit or are provided upon redemption of a Creation Unit (a "basket") may differ and the Fund may permit or require the submission of a portfolio of securities or cash that differs from the composition of the published portfolio(s) (a "Custom Basket"). The Fund may utilize custom creation or redemption baskets consistent with Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act. A Custom Basket may include any of the following: (i) a basket that is composed of a nonrepresentative selection of the Fund's portfolio holdings; or (ii) a representative basket that is different from the initial basket used in transactions on the same Business Day. The Fund has adopted policies and procedures that govern the construction and acceptance of baskets, including heightened requirements for certain types of custom baskets intended to be protective to the Fund and its shareholders. Such policies and procedures, among other items, establish (i) parameters for the construction and acceptance of custom baskets, and (ii) processes for revisions to or deviations from such parameters.

**Taxation on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units**

An Authorized Participant generally will recognize either gain or loss upon the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units. This gain or loss is calculated by taking the market value of the Creation Units purchased (plus any cash received by the Authorized Participant as part of the issue) over the Authorized Participant's aggregate basis in the Deposit Securities exchanged therefor (plus any cash paid by the Authorized Participant as part of the issue). An Authorized Participant who exchanges Creation Units for Deposit Securities generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the Authorized Participant's basis in the Creation Units (plus any cash paid by the Authorized Participant as part of the redemption) and the aggregate market value of the Deposit Securities (plus any cash received by the Authorized Participant as part of the redemption). However, the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") may apply the wash sales rules to determine that any loss realized upon the exchange of Deposit Securities for Creation Units is not currently deductible. Authorized Participants should consult their own tax advisors.

Current U.S. federal tax laws dictate that capital gain or loss realized from the redemption of Creation Units will generally create long-term capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the Creation Units for more than one year, or short-term capital gain or loss if the Creation Units were held for one year or less, if the Creation Units are held as capital assets.

------

**Regular Holidays**

For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the applicable foreign market that are not holidays observed in the U.S. equity market, the redemption settlement cycle will be extended by the number of such intervening holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable closings in a foreign market due to emergencies may also prevent the Fund from delivering securities within the normal settlement period.

The securities delivery cycles currently practicable for transferring portfolio securities to redeeming investors, coupled with foreign market holiday schedules, will require a delivery process longer than seven calendar days, in certain circumstances. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to pay out redemption proceeds within one Business Day after the redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund's SAI and in the agreement between the Authorized Participant and the Fund's Distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay the Authorized Participant, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. With respect to the Fund's foreign investments, in a country where local market holiday(s) prevent the Fund from delivering such foreign investments to an Authorized Participant in response to a redemption request, the Fund may take up to 15 days after the receipt of the redemption request to deliver such investments to the Authorized Participant.

**Dividends and Taxes**

------

The following is intended to be a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in the Fund. It is not intended to be a complete discussion of all such federal income tax consequences, nor does it purport to deal with all categories of investors. This summary assumes that investors hold shares of the Fund as capital assets (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code). This summary does not apply to investors that are not "United States persons" (as such term is defined under Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code) or investors subject to special tax treatment (such as a partnership, financial institution, real estate investment trust, regulated investment company, insurance company, tax-advantaged, tax-qualified and retirement plans (or any other tax-exempt entity), or dealer in securities), except as otherwise specifically indicated below. This discussion reflects applicable tax laws of the United States as of the date of this SAI. However, tax laws may change or be subject to new interpretation by the courts or the IRS, possibly with retroactive effect. Investors are therefore advised to consult with their own tax advisers before making an investment in the Fund.

It is a policy of the Fund to make distributions of substantially all of its net investment income and any realized net capital gains at least annually. Any net capital gains realized during each fiscal year, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, are normally declared and payable to shareholders in December but, if necessary, may be distributed at other times as well.

**Fund Taxation**

The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company as such term is defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (each, a "regulated investment company"). If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company in any taxable year, the Fund may be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at the applicable corporate income tax rate. In addition, all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income but may, at least in part, qualify for the dividends-received deduction applicable to corporations or the reduced rate of taxation applicable to noncorporate holders for "qualified dividend income." In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and interest, and make distributions before requalifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special federal income tax treatment.

A federal excise tax at the rate of 4% will be imposed on the excess, if any, of the Fund's "required distribution" over actual distributions in any calendar year. Generally, the "required distribution" is 98% of the Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital gain net income recognized during the one-year period ending on October 31 plus undistributed amounts from prior years. The Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax.

Certain transactions involving short sales, futures, options, swap agreements, hedged investments, and other similar transactions, if any, may be subject to special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions relating to "hedging transactions" and "straddles") that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses

------

realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund, and defer Fund losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount, and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the Fund to "mark to market" certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., require the Fund to treat all unrealized gains and losses with respect to those positions as though they were realized at the end of each year) and (b) may cause the Fund to recognize income prior to or without receiving cash with which to pay dividends or make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. In order to distribute this income and avoid a tax at the Fund level, the Fund might be required to sell portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections where applicable in order to mitigate the effect of these provisions, if possible.

Any investments by the Fund in so-called "section 1256 contracts," such as regulated futures contracts, most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market, and non-equity options written or purchased by the Fund on U.S. exchanges (including options on broad-based equity indices and debt securities), are subject to special tax rules. Any section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain later dates as prescribed under the Internal Revenue Code) are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund's income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by the Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were neither part of a "hedging transaction" nor part of a "straddle," 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the Fund. Section 1256 contracts do not include any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement.

In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying security, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) the sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund's basis in the security. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying security. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Fund's obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.

In addition to the special rules described above in respect of options and futures transactions, the Fund's transactions in other derivative instruments (including options, forward contracts and swap agreements) as well as its other hedging or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (including the constructive sale, notional principal contract, straddle, and wash sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities. These rules, therefore, could affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders. Moreover, because the tax rules applicable to derivative financial instruments are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements to maintain its qualification as a RIC and avoid a fund-level tax.

The Fund intends to seek to limit the overlap between its stock holdings and the underlying constituents of the indices upon which the Fund writes call options to less than 70% on an ongoing basis in an effort to avoid being subject to the "straddle rules" under federal income tax law. In general, investment positions will be offsetting if there is a substantial diminution in the risk of loss from holding one position by reason of holding one or more other positions. The Fund expects that the index call option contracts it writes will not be considered straddles because its stock holdings will be sufficiently dissimilar from the components of the indices under applicable guidance

------

established by the IRS, but there is no assurance that the Fund will accomplish this objective at all times. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may enter into options transactions or certain other investments that may constitute positions in a straddle.

In certain circumstances, such as if the Fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the Fund must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to avoid federal income tax and the 4% federal excise tax, the Fund must distribute to shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net tax-exempt income, including such accrued income. Therefore, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.

The Fund may acquire market discount bonds. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond). If the Fund invests in a market discount bond, it generally will be required to treat any gain recognized on the disposition of such market discount bond as ordinary income (instead of capital gain) to the extent of the accrued market discount, unless the Fund elects to include the market discount in income as it accrues.

The Fund's investments in lower-rated or unrated debt securities may present issues for that Fund if the issuers of these securities default on their obligations because the federal income tax consequences to a holder of such securities are not certain.

The Fund may purchase securities of certain foreign corporations considered to be passive foreign investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code. In order to avoid taxes and interest that must be paid by the Fund, the Fund may make various elections permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. However, these elections could require that the Fund recognize taxable income, which in turn must be distributed even though the Fund may not have received any income upon such an event.

Some foreign securities purchased by the Fund may be subject to foreign taxes which could reduce the yield on such securities. If the amount of foreign taxes is significant in a particular year and the Fund qualifies under Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund may elect to pass through such taxes to shareholders. If the Fund makes such an election, foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be reported to shareholders as income and shareholders may claim either a foreign tax credit or deduction for such taxes, subject to certain limitations. If such election is not made by the Fund, any foreign taxes paid or accrued will represent an expense to the Fund, which will reduce its investment company taxable income.

Under the Internal Revenue Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues income or receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain other instruments, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also may be treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the Internal Revenue Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.

The Fund may utilize foreign currency contracts in an effort to limit foreign currency risk. The value of foreign currency contracts can vary widely from month-to-month, which may result in gains one month and losses the next month. If the Fund distributes such gains during a monthly distribution (if applicable) and subsequently realizes foreign currency losses due to exchange rate fluctuations, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to shareholders for federal income tax purposes.

If the Fund elects to invest in REIT equity securities, such investments may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities at a time when fundamental investment considerations would not favor such sales. The

------

Fund's investments in REIT equity securities may result in the receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings. If the Fund distributes such amounts, such distribution could constitute a return of capital to shareholders for federal income tax purposes.

Some REITs are permitted to hold "residual interests" in REMICs. Pursuant to an IRS notice, a portion of the Fund's income from a REIT that is attributable to the REIT's residual interest in a REMIC (referred to in the Internal Revenue Code as an "excess inclusion") may be subject to federal income tax in all events. Excess inclusion income will normally be allocated to shareholders in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest directly. There may be instances in which the Fund may be unaware of a REIT's excess inclusion income. In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders: (a) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions); (b) will constitute unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI") to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan, or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on unrelated business income, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a federal income tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income; and (c) in the case of a foreign shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. Tax-exempt investors sensitive to UBTI are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisers prior to investment in the Fund. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a "disqualified organization" (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the applicable corporate tax rate. This may impact the Fund's performance.

Ordinary REIT dividends are treated as "qualified business income" that is eligible for a 20% federal income tax deduction in the case of individuals, trusts and estates. Regulations enable the Fund to pass through the special character of "qualified REIT dividends" to its shareholders. The amount of a regulated investment company's dividends eligible for the 20% deduction for a taxable year is limited to the excess of the regulated investment company's qualified REIT dividends for the taxable year over allocable expenses. To be eligible to treat distributions from the Fund as qualified REIT dividends, a shareholder must hold shares of the Fund for more than 45 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the shares become ex-dividend with respect to such dividend and the shareholder must not be under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. If the Fund does not elect to pass the special character of this income through to shareholders or if a shareholder does not satisfy the above holding period requirements, the shareholder will not be entitled to the 20% deduction for the shareholder's share of the Fund's qualified REIT dividend income.

The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other federal income tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with investments in certain derivatives and other investments. As a result, the Fund may be required to limit the extent to which it invests in such investments and it is also possible that the IRS may not agree with the Fund's treatment of such investments. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives and certain other investments may be affected by future legislation, treasury regulations, and guidance issued by the IRS (which could apply retroactively) that could affect the timing, character, and amount of the Fund's income and gains and distributions to shareholders, affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income and excise taxes, or limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in certain derivatives and other investments in the future.

Generally, the character of the income or capital gains that the Fund receives from another investment company will pass through to the Fund's shareholders as long as the Fund and the other investment company each qualify as regulated investment companies. However, to the extent that another investment company that qualifies as a regulated investment company realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Fund will not be able to recognize its share of those losses until it disposes of shares of such investment company. Moreover, even when the Fund does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss. As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gains that the Fund will be required to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which

------

it invests, rather than investing in shares of the investment companies. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from the Fund (e.g., long-term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests.

The Fund may treat a portion of the amount paid to redeem shares as a distribution of investment company taxable income and realized capital gains that are reflected in the net asset value. This practice, commonly referred to as "equalization," has no effect on the redeeming shareholder or the Fund's total return, but may reduce the amounts that would otherwise be required to be paid as taxable dividends to the remaining shareholders. It is possible that the IRS could challenge the Fund's equalization methodology or calculations, and any such challenge could result in additional tax, interest, or penalties to be paid by the Fund or disqualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company.

**Shareholder Taxation**

Shareholders will be subject to federal income taxes on distributions made by the Fund whether received in cash or additional shares of the Fund. Distributions from the Fund's net investment income (which includes dividends, interest, net short-term capital gains, and net gains from foreign currency transactions), if any, generally are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, unless such distributions are attributable to "qualified dividend income" eligible in the case of noncorporate investors for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Dividends received from REITs, and certain foreign corporations generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.

In addition, if the Fund participates in a securities lending transaction and receives a payment in lieu of dividends with respect to securities on loan (a "substitute payment"), such income generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.

Distributions of the Fund's net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), if any, are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long shares of the Fund were held. Long-term capital gains are taxable to noncorporate investors at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%. In addition, certain non-corporate investors may be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax discussed below. Dividends paid by the Fund may also qualify in part for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders, provided that certain holding period and other requirements under the Internal Revenue Code are satisfied. Generally, however, dividends received from REITs and on stocks of foreign issuers are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction when distributed to the Fund's corporate shareholders. In addition, a substitute payment received with respect to a securities lending transaction will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction when distributed to the Fund's corporate shareholders. Distributions from the Fund may also be subject to foreign, state, and local income taxes. Please consult a tax adviser regarding the tax consequences of Fund distributions and to determine whether you will need to file a tax return.

If the Fund makes a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a shareholder's basis in his, her, or its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. It is anticipated that shareholders will periodically receive distributions which constitute a return of capital for tax purposes. Under Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act, funds are generally not permitted to make more than one distribution of capital gains in one year, with certain limited exceptions. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces the shareholder's basis in its shares, which (i) increases the possibility that future payments constituting a return of capital will be taxable, (ii) increases the amount of gain (or decreases the amount of loss), if any, on a subsequent taxable disposition by such shareholder of the shares, and (iii) could create a taxable gain even if the shares are sold at price less than their original cost. If the Fund produces income primarily derived from investments earning interest rather than dividend income, generally none or only a small portion of the income dividends paid by the Fund is anticipated to be qualified dividend income. A return of capital in excess of your tax basis in your shares will be taxable as a capital gain.

Distributions declared by the Fund during October, November, or December to shareholders of record during such month and paid by January 31 of the following year will be taxable in the year they are declared, rather than the year in which they are received. The Fund will notify its shareholders each year of the amount and type of dividends and distributions it paid.

------

Gain or loss realized upon a redemption or other disposition (such as an exchange) of shares of the Fund by a shareholder will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and, if not held for such period, as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss on the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions paid to the shareholder with respect to such shares. Any loss a shareholder realizes on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed if the shareholder acquires other shares of the Fund (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) or substantially identical stock or securities within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shareholder's sale or exchange of the shares. In such case, the shareholder's tax basis in the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Capital losses may be subject to limitations on their use by a shareholder.

When a shareholder opens an account, IRS regulations require that the shareholder provide a taxpayer identification number ("TIN"), certify that it is correct, and certify that he, she, or it is not subject to backup withholding. If a shareholder fails to provide a TIN or the proper tax certifications, the Fund is required to withhold 24% of all distributions (including dividends and capital gain distributions) and redemption proceeds paid to the shareholder. The Fund is also required to begin backup withholding on an account if the IRS instructs it to do so. Amounts withheld may be applied to the shareholder's federal income tax liability and the shareholder may obtain a refund from the IRS if withholding results in an overpayment of federal income tax for such year.

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person's "modified adjusted gross income" (in the case of an individual) or "adjusted gross income" (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds a threshold amount.

**Non-U.S. Investors**

Non-U.S. investors (shareholders that are not "United States persons," as such term is defined under Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code) may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are subject to special U.S. tax certification requirements. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of these and other state and local tax rules affecting investment in the Fund and about the applicability of U.S. tax withholding and the use of the appropriate forms to certify their status.

Non-U.S. investors may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a 30% or lower treaty rate and U.S. estate tax and are subject to special U.S. tax certification requirements to avoid backup withholding and claim any treaty benefits. Exemptions from U.S. withholding tax are provided for certain capital gain dividends paid by the Fund from net long-term capital gains, interest related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, if such amounts are reported by the Fund. However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding at the source, any such dividends and distributions of income and capital gains may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 24% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a United States person (as such term is defined under Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code).

Under Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA"), a 30% withholding tax is imposed on income dividends made by the Fund to certain foreign entities, referred to as foreign financial institutions or nonfinancial foreign entities, that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. After December 31, 2018, FATCA withholding also would have applied to certain capital gain distributions, return of capital distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares; however, based on proposed regulations issued by the IRS which can be relied on currently, such withholding is not required unless final regulations provide otherwise. The Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA or similar laws. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

**Organization**

------

The Trust's Declaration of Trust provides for the issuance of shares of beneficial interest in one or more series.

------

The Trust's Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of Trustees and officers of the Trust except with respect to any matter as to which the indemnitee shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their action was in the best interest of the Trust or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, as to which the indemnitee shall have had reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that no indemnitee shall be indemnified thereunder against any liability to any person or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence, or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her position. In addition, the Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that, if any shareholder or former shareholder of any series is held personally liable solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder and not because of the shareholder's acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or the shareholder's heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives or general or corporate successors) shall be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability but only out of the assets held with respect to the particular series of which such person is or was a shareholder and from or in relation to which such liability arose. The Trust, acting on behalf of any affected series, may, at its option, assume the defense of any such claim made against such shareholder.

The Trust's Declaration of Trust sets forth certain requirements, among others, for shareholders to bring a derivative action to enforce the right of the Trust or an affected Series, as applicable. For example, the Declaration of Trust requires that (1) shareholders submit a written demand to the Board of Trustees requesting that they cause the Trust or affected Series, as applicable, to file the action itself, (2) shareholders be joined by at least 10 percent of the shareholders of the Trust or the affected Series, as applicable, and (3) the Board of Trustees be given 60 calendar days to consider the written demand.

The Trust has authorized the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest and currently issues its shares in 14 series. The shares of each series of the Trust represent a pro rata beneficial interest in that series' net assets and in the earnings and profits or losses derived from the investment of such assets. When issued and paid for, the shares of the Fund will be fully paid and non-assessable.

On certain matters, such as the election of Trustees, all shares of the series of the Trust vote together. On other matters affecting a particular series, such as the investment advisory contract or the fundamental policies, only shares of that series are entitled to vote. With respect to all proposals, except a proposal to elect Trustees, a majority vote of the applicable shares at a meeting at which a quorum is present is required for approval of the proposal, except as otherwise required by law. With respect to a proposal to elect Trustees, a plurality vote of the applicable shares at a meeting at which a quorum is present is required for approval of the proposal, except as otherwise required by law.

The Trust does not generally hold annual meetings of shareholders and will do so only when required by law. Shareholders may remove Trustees from office by vote cast at a meeting of shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to merge or reorganize with another fund or liquidate, in each case subject to applicable approvals by shareholders and the Fund's Board as required by law and the Fund's governing documents. The Trust's Declaration of Trust contains provisions relating to forum selection. The designation of exclusive forum may make it more expensive for a shareholder to bring a suit and may limit a shareholder's ability to litigate a claim in a jurisdiction or forum that may be more convenient and that a shareholder believes is favorable to the shareholder for the claim.

**Securities Lending**

------

Because the Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, the Fund has not engaged in any securities lending activities as of the date of this SAI.

**Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

------

The Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, 1775 Tysons Boulevard, Tysons, Virginia 22102, audits and reports on the Fund's annual financial statements, reviews certain regulatory reports, reviews the Fund's federal income tax returns, and performs other attestation, auditing, tax and advisory services when engaged to do so by the Trust.

------

**Legal Counsel**

------

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as legal counsel to the ETF series of the Trust.

------

**Financial Statements**

------

Because the Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, the financial statements are not yet available for the Fund.

**Family of Funds**, for disclosure purposes in this Statement of Additional Information, include—series of Guggenheim Funds Trust: Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF, Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF, Guggenheim Core Bond Fund, Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund, Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund, Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund, Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund and Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund; the Rydex Series Funds; and the Rydex Dynamic Funds.

------

**APPENDIX A: DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS**

**STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION —**

A brief description of the applicable S&P Global Ratings and its affiliates (together, "S&P") rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows.

**Issue Credit Ratings Definition**

An S&P issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P's view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term issue credit ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market, typically with an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Short-term issue credit ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. S&P would typically assign a long-term issue credit rating to an obligation with an original maturity of greater than 365 days. However, the ratings S&P assigns to certain instruments may diverge from these guidelines based on market practices.

**Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings\***

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P's analysis of the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The likelihood of payment—the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitments on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise S&P imputes; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

An issue rating is an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

**AAA.** An obligation rated 'AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

**AA.** An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

**A.** An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

**BBB.** An obligation rated 'BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**BB, B, CCC, CC, and C.** Obligations rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. 'BB' indicates the least degree of speculation and 'C' the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

------

**BB.** An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**B.** An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**CCC.** An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**CC.** An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

**C.** An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

**D.** An obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

\*

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.

**Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings**

**A-1.** A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong.

**A-2.** A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

**A-3.** A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**B.** A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

**C.** A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

**D.** A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

------

**SPUR (S&Ps Underlying Rating).** A SPUR is an opinion about the stand-alone capacity of an obligor to pay debt service on a credit-enhanced debt issue, without giving effect to the enhancement that applies to it. These ratings are published only at the request of the debt issuer or obligor with the designation SPUR to distinguish them from the credit-enhanced rating that applies to the debt issue. S&P maintains surveillance of an issue with a published SPUR.

**Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings**

An S&P's U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P's opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P's analysis will review the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Amortization schedule—the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Source of payment—the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

**SP-1.** Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

**SP-2.** Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

**SP-3.** Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

**D.** 'D' is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.

**Dual Ratings**

Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, 'AAA/A-1+' or 'A-1+/A-1'). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, 'SP-1+/A-1+').

**Active Qualifiers**

S&P uses the following qualifiers that limit the scope of a rating. The structure of the transaction can require the use of a qualifier such as a 'p' qualifier, which indicates the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. A qualifier appears as a suffix and is part of the rating.

**Federal deposit insurance limit: 'L' qualifier** Ratings qualified with 'L' apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.

**Principal: 'p' qualifier** This suffix is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms, or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The 'p' suffix indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only and that the interest is not rated.

**Preliminary ratings: 'prelim' qualifier** Preliminary ratings, with the 'prelim' suffix, may be assigned to obligors or obligations, including financial programs, in the circumstances described below. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt by S&P of appropriate documentation. S&P reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Moreover, if a final rating is issued, it may differ from the preliminary rating.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions.

------

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations that will likely be issued upon the obligor's emergence from bankruptcy or similar reorganization, based on late-stage reorganization plans, documentation, and discussions with the obligor. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligors. These ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the reorganized or post-bankruptcy issuer as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned to entities that are being formed or that are in the process of being independently established when, in S&P's opinion, documentation is close to final. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligations of these entities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Preliminary ratings may be assigned when a previously unrated entity is undergoing a well-formulated restructuring, recapitalization, significant financing, or other transformative event, generally at the point that investor or lender commitments are invited. The preliminary rating may be assigned to the entity and to its proposed obligation(s). These preliminary ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the obligor, as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s), assuming successful completion of the transformative event. Should the transformative event not occur, S&P would likely withdraw these preliminary ratings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A preliminary recovery rating may be assigned to an obligation that has a preliminary issue credit rating.

**Termination structures: 't' qualifier** This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date.

**Counterparty instrument rating: 'cir' qualifier** This symbol indicates a counterparty instrument rating (CIR), which is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an issuer in a securitization structure with respect to a specific financial obligation to a counterparty (including interest rate swaps, currency swaps, and liquidity facilities). The CIR is determined on an ultimate payment basis; these opinions do not take into account timeliness of payment.

**MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. —**

A brief description of the applicable Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody's) follows.

**Global Rating Scales**

Credit ratings are assigned on Moody's global long-term and short-term rating scales and are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Moody's defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual financial obligations as they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default or impairment. The contractual financial obligations addressed by Moody's ratings are those that call for, without regard to enforceability, the payment of an ascertainable amount, which may vary based upon standard sources of variation (e.g., floating interest rates), by an ascertainable date. Moody's rating addresses the issuer's ability to obtain cash sufficient to service the obligation, and its willingness to pay. Moody's ratings do not address non-standard sources of variation in the amount of the principal obligation (e.g., equity indexed), absent an express statement to the contrary in a press release accompanying an initial rating. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of eleven months or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Moody's issues ratings at the issuer level and instrument level on both the long-term scale and the short-term scale. Typically, ratings are made publicly available although private and unpublished ratings may also be assigned.

Moody's differentiates structured finance ratings from fundamental ratings (i.e., ratings on nonfinancial corporate, financial institution, and public sector entities) on the global long-term scale by adding (sf) to all structured finance ratings. The addition of (sf) to structured finance ratings should eliminate any presumption that such ratings and fundamental ratings at the same letter grade level will behave the same. The (sf) indicator for structured finance security ratings indicates that otherwise similarly rated structured finance and fundamental securities may have different risk characteristics. Through its current methodologies, however, Moody's aspires to achieve broad expected equivalence in structured finance and fundamental rating performance when measured over a long period of time.

**Global Long-Term Rating Scale**

------

**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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

**Baa.** Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

**Ba.** Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**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.** Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

**C.** Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

**<u>Note:</u>** 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.

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.

**Global Short-Term Rating Scale**

**P-1.** Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.

**P-2.** Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term obligations.

**P-3.** Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

**NP.** Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

**US Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings** 

Moody's uses the global short-term Prime rating scale for commercial paper issued by US municipalities and nonprofits. These commercial paper programs may be backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities, or by an issuer's self-liquidity. For other short-term municipal obligations, Moody's uses one of two other short-term rating scales, the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scales discussed below.

**MIG Ratings.** Moody's uses the MIG scale for US municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less.

**MIG Scale**

**MIG 1.** This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

**MIG 2.** This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

**MIG 3.** This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

------

**SG.** This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

VMIG Ratings. For variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), Moody's assigns both a long-term rating and a short-term payment obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer's ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term payment obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to meet any purchase price payment obligation resulting from optional tenders ("on demand") and/or mandatory tenders of the VRDO. The short-term payment obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. Transitions of VMIG ratings with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions of Prime ratings reflecting the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer's long-term rating drops below investment grade.

For VRDOs, Moody's typically assign a VMIG rating if the frequency of the payment obligation is less than every three years. If the frequency of the payment obligation is less than three years, but the obligation is payable only with remarketing proceeds, the VMIG short-term rating is not assigned and it is denoted as "NR."

Industrial development bonds in the US where the obligor is a corporate may carry a VMIG rating that reflects Moody's view of the relative likelihood of default and loss. In these cases, liquidity assessment is based on the liquidity of the corporate obligor.

**VMIG Scale**

**VMIG 1**

This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

**VMIG 2**

This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

**VMIG 3**

This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

**SG**

This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections.

**Other Rating Symbols**

**Provisional Ratings - (P).** Moody's will often assign a provisional rating to an issuer or an instrument when the change to a definitive rating is subject to the fulfilment of contingencies that could affect the rating. Examples of such contingencies are the finalization of transaction documents/terms where a rating is sensitive to changes at closing. When such contingencies are not present, a definitive rating may be assigned based upon documentation that is not yet in final form. Moody's will also often assign provisional ratings to program ratings, such as shelf registrations and medium term note programs. A provisional rating is denoted by placing a (P) in front of the rating. The (P) notation provides additional information about the rating, but does not indicate a different rating. For example, a provisional rating of (P)Aa1 is the same rating as Aa1.

For provisional ratings assigned to an issuer or instrument, the (P) notation is removed when the applicable contingencies have been fulfilled. A Credit Rating Action to remove the (P) notation indicates that the rating is no longer subject to contingencies, and changes the provisional rating to a definitive rating. Program ratings for shelf registrations and other issuance programs remain provisional, while the subsequent ratings of issuances under these programs are assigned as definitive ratings.

------

**Refundeds - #.** Issues that are secured by escrowed funds held in trust, reinvested in direct, non-callable US government obligations or non-callable obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the US Government or Resolution Funding Corporation are identified with a # (hash mark) symbol, e.g., #Aaa.

Withdrawn - WR. When Moody's no longer rates an obligation on which it previously maintained a rating, the symbol WR is employed.

**Not Rated - NR.** NR is assigned to an unrated issuer, obligation and/or program.

**Not Available - NAV.** An issue that Moody's has not yet rated is denoted by the NAV symbol.

**Terminated Without Rating - TWR.** The symbol TWR applies primarily to issues that mature or are redeemed without having been rated.

**FITCH RATINGS, INC. —**

A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch") ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows.

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs are also assigned to certain entities or enterprises in global infrastructure, project finance and public finance. IDRs opine on an entity's relative vulnerability to default (including by way of a distressed debt exchange) on financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency's view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.

**Long-Term Credit Ratings Scales**

**AAA Highest Credit Quality.** 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of default 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 default 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 default 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 default 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 default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.

**B Highly Speculative.** 'B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

**CCC Substantial Credit Risk.** Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

**CC Very High Levels of Credit Risk.** Default of some kind appears probable.

**C Near Default.** A default or default-like process has begun, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a 'C' category rating for an issuer include:

------

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent

**RD Restricted Default.** 'RD' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has experienced:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the uncured expiry of any applicable original grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;

**D Default.** 'D' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business and debt is still outstanding.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

**Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations** 

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention (a long-term rating can also be used to rate an issue with short maturity). Typically, this means a timeframe of up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

**F1: Highest Short-Term Credit Quality.** Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

**F2: Good Short-Term Credit Quality.** Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

**F3: Fair Short-Term Credit Quality.** The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

**B: Speculative Short-Term Credit Quality.** Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

**C: High Short-Term Default Risk.** Default is a real possibility.

**RD: Restricted Default.** Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically, applicable to entity ratings only.

**D: Default.** Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

------

![](g130806guggenheim_logo.jpg)

702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200

Rockville, Maryland 20850

1-800-820-0888

www.guggenheiminvestments.com

------

#### GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST

#### PART C

#### OTHER INFORMATION
<u>Item</u> <u>28.</u> <u>Exhibits</u>

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| (a) | (1) | [Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated August 27, 2020. - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 282 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2021).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828021001023/exhibita1-gft1312021amende.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Certificate of Trust dated November 8, 2013. - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 282 to Registration Statement<br>2-19458 (filed January 28, 2021).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828021001023/exhibita2-gft1312021certif.htm) |
|  | (3) | [Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust - Schedule A dated November 20, 2025 – Previously filed with Post-Effective<br>Amendment No. 316 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed April 27, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526182119/d108181dex99a3.htm) |
| (b) | [Amended and Restated By-Laws dated August 27, 2020.- Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 282 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2021).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828021001023/exhibitb-gft1312021amended.htm) | [Amended and Restated By-Laws dated August 27, 2020.- Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 282 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2021).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828021001023/exhibitb-gft1312021amended.htm) |
| (c) | *Reserved* | *Reserved* |
| (d) | (1) | [Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated January 27, 2014, with respect to Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund, Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund and Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2014).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312514022713/d659089dex99d6.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated January 27, 2014, with respect to<br>Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to Registration Statement 2-19458<br>(filed January 28, 2014).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312514022713/d659089dex99d7.htm) |
|  | (3) | [Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated November 16,<br>2016, with respect to Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund, Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund and Guggenheim Floating Rate<br>Strategies Fund - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 213 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 27,<br>2017).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828017000579/exd16amendmenttoinvestment.htm) |
|  | (4) | [Second Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated<br>November 20, 2017, with respect to Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment<br>No. 241 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 29, 2018).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828018000683/gft12018485bposexhibitd20.htm) |
|  | (5) | [Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated November 20,<br>2017, with respect to Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 241 to Registration<br>Statement 2-19458 (filed January 29, 2018).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828018000683/gft12018485bposexhibitd21.htm) |
|  | (6) | [Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated November 16, 2018, with respect<br>to Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to Registration Statement<br>2-19458 (filed December 13, 2018).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828018015060/exd23imawithgpimreultrasho.htm) |
|  | (7) | [Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC with respect to Guggenheim Active<br>INvestment Series (GAINS) - Core Plus Fund and Guggenheim Active INvestment Series (GAINS) - Limited Duration Fund -<br>Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed August 13, 2024).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312524199784/d808742dex99d21.htm) |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | (8) | [Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated<br>November 29, 2024 with respect to Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Core Bond Fund and Guggenheim Municipal<br>Income Fund (filed January 28, 2025).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312525014469/d883449dex99d8.htm) |
|  | (9) | [Investment Management Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated February 26, 2026 with<br>respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF and Guggenheim Ultra Short Income<br>ETF – Previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form N-14 (filed March 17, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526111648/d15034dex996i.htm) |
|  | (10) | [Investment Management Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated May 14, 2026 with respect to<br>Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF—Filed herewith.](d139913dex99d10.htm) |
| (e) | (1) | [Distribution Agreement dated January 27, 2014 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to Registration<br>Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2014).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312514022713/d659089dex99e1.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Form of Underwriter-Dealer Agreement - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to Registration Statement<br>2-19458 (filed November 13, 2009).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000089180409004065/ex99e2.txt) |
|  | (3) | [Distribution Agreement dated February 26, 2026 with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim<br>Securitized Income ETF and Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF – Previously filed with the Registration Statement on<br>Form N-14 (filed March 17, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526111648/d15034dex997c.htm) |
|  | (4) | [Form of Authorized Participant Agreement – Previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form N-14 (filed March 17,<br>2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526111648/d15034dex9913f.htm) |
| (f) | *Not applicable* | *Not applicable* |
| (g) | (1) | [Custodian Agreement - The Bank of New York Mellon dated December 15, 2025 – Previously filed with Post-Effective<br>Amendment No. 303 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526027283/d201584dex99g1.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Foreign Custody Manager Agreement - The Bank of New York Mellon dated December 15, 2025 – Previously filed with Post-<br>Effective Amendment 303 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526027283/d201584dex99g2.htm) |
|  | (3) | [Amendment to Custody Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon dated April 17, 2026 — Filed herewith.](d139913dex99g3.htm) |
|  | (4) | [Amendment to Foreign Custody Manager Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon dated May 27, 2026 —Filed herewith.](d139913dex99g4.htm) |
| (h) | (1) | [Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement - Guggenheim Partners Investment Management LLC dated December 15,<br>2025 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 303 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526027283/d201584dex99h1.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Active INvestment Series (GAINS) - Core Plus<br>Fund and Guggenheim Active INvestment Series (GAINS) - Limited Duration Fund - Guggenheim Partners Investment<br>Management, LLC dated December 15, 2025 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 303 to Registration Statement<br>2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526027283/d201584dex99h2.htm) |
|  | (3) | [Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement dated October 24, 2022 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment<br>No. 285 to Registration Statement 2-19548 (filed January 27, 2023).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312523017681/d445991dex99h3.htm) |
|  | (4) | [Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement - Schedule A - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 295 to<br>Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed August 13, 2024).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312524199784/d808742dex99h5.htm) |
|  | (5) | [Transfer Agency Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF and<br>Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF dated April 17, 2026 – Filed herewith.](d139913dex99h5.htm) |
|  | (6) | [Form of Amendment to Transfer Agency Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim<br>Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF and Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF dated April 17,<br>2026 – Filed herewith.](d139913dex99h6.htm) |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | (7) | [Open-End Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated December 15, 2025 - Previously filed with Post-Effective<br>Amendment No. 303 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526027283/d201584dex99h5.htm) |
|  | (8) | [Amendment to Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF,<br>Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF and Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF dated<br>May 27, 2026 – Filed herewith.](d139913dex99h8.htm) |
|  | (9) | [Fund of Funds Waiver Agreement - Guggenheim Partners Investment Management dated November 29, 2024 - Previously filed<br>with Post-Effective Amendment No. 296 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2025).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312525014469/d883449dex99h8.htm) |
|  | (10) | [Form of Fund of Funds Agreement - Guggenheim Funds & Guggenheim Funds dated January 19, 2022 - Previously filed with Post-<br>Effective Amendment No. 283 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2022).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312522021984/d296070dex99h16.htm) |
|  | (11) | [Form of Fund of Funds Agreement - Acquired Fund - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 283 to Registration<br>Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2022).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312522021984/d296070dex99h17.htm) |
|  | (12) | [Form of Acquiring Fund Agreement - OEFs/ETFs dated January 19, 2022 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment<br>No. 283 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2022).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312522021984/d296070dex99h20.htm) |
|  | (13) | [Form of Acquiring Fund Agreement - CEFs dated January 19, 2022 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 283 to<br>Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2022).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312522021984/d296070dex99h21.htm) |
|  | (14) | [Amended and Restated Affiliated Fund of Funds Waiver Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF,<br>Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF and Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF dated<br>May 14, 2026 – Filed herewith.](d139913dex99h14.htm) |
| (i) | (1) | [Legal Opinion of Dechert LLP with respect to Guggenheim Active INvestment Series (GAINS) – Core Plus Fund, Guggenheim<br>Active INvestment Series (GAINS) – Limited Duration Fund, Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund, Guggenheim High Yield<br>Fund, Guggenheim Core Bond Fund, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund, Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim<br>Municipal Income Fund, Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund, Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund dated January 28,<br>2026—Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 303 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026). \*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526027283/d201584dex99i.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Legal Opinion of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP with respect to Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim<br>Investment Grade CLO ETF and Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF – Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 316<br>to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed April 27, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526182119/d108181dex99i2.htm) |
|  | (3) | [Legal Opinion of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP with respect to Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF—Filed<br>herewith.](d139913dex99i3.htm) |
| (j) | (1) | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to Guggenheim Active INvestment Series (GAINS) – Core<br>Plus Fund, Guggenheim Active INvestment Series (GAINS) – Limited Duration Fund, Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund,<br>Guggenheim High Yield Fund, Guggenheim Core Bond Fund, Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund, Guggenheim Macro<br>Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund, Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund, Guggenheim Ultra Short<br>Duration Fund dated January 28, 2026—Previously filed with Post Effective Amendment No. 303 to Registration Statement<br>2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026). \*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526027283/d201584dex99j.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim<br>Investment Grade CLO ETF and Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF — Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 316<br>to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed April 27, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526182119/d108181dex99j2.htm) |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| (k) | *Not applicable* | *Not applicable* |
| (l) | *Not applicable* | *Not applicable* |
| (m) | (1) | [Class A Distribution Plan dated January 27, 2014 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to Registration<br>Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2014).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312514022713/d659089dex99m1.htm) |
|  | (2) | [Amendment to Schedule A of Class A Distribution Plan dated November 30, 2018 - Previously filed with Post-Effective<br>Amendment No. 261 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed December 13, 2018).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828018015060/exm2amendedschatoclassadis.htm) |
|  | (3) | [Class B Distribution Plan dated January 27, 2014 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to Registration<br>Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2014).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312514022713/d659089dex99m2.htm) |
|  | (4) | [Class C Distribution Plan dated January 27, 2014 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to Registration<br>Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2014).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312514022713/d659089dex99m3.htm) |
|  | (5) | [Amendment to Exhibit A of Class C Distribution Plan dated November 17, 2015 - Previously filed with Post-Effective<br>Amendment No. 185 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed November 17, 2015).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828015008844/gft102015ex-99m5.htm) |
|  | (6) | [Class P Distribution Plan dated February 10, 2015 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to Registration<br>Statement 2-19458 (filed May 1, 2015).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828015003344/gft42015classp485bexhibitm6.htm) |
|  | (7) | [Amendment to Schedule A of Class P Distribution Plan dated November 30, 2018 - Previously filed with Post-Effective<br>Amendment No. 261 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed December 13, 2018).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828018015060/exm7amendedschatoclasspdis.htm) |
|  | (8) | [Form of Specimen copy of Shareholder Service Agreement - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to<br>Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 29, 2010).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000089180410000407/ex99m4.txt) |
|  | (9) | [Distribution and Servicing Plan dated February 26, 2026 with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim<br>Securitized Income ETF and Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF – Previously filed with the Registration Statement on<br>Form N-14 (filed March 17, 2026).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312526111648/d15034dex9910j.htm) |
|  | (10) | [Amended and Restated Exhibit A to the Distribution and Servicing Plan dated May 14, 2026 — Filed herewith.](d139913dex99m10.htm) |
| (n) | [Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan dated February 10, 2015 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to<br>Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed May 1, 2015).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828015003344/gft42015classp485bexhibitn.htm) | [Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan dated February 10, 2015 - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to<br>Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed May 1, 2015).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000162828015003344/gft42015classp485bexhibitn.htm) |
| (o) | *Reserved* | *Reserved* |
| (p) | Code of Ethics | Code of Ethics |
|  | (1) | [Combined Code of Ethics of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, and Guggenheim<br>Funds Distributors, LLC - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 286 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed<br>January 29, 2024).\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312524016994/d718268dex99p1.htm) |
| (q) | [Powers of Attorney - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. <u>286 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January</u> <u>29,<br>2024).\*</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312524016994/d718268dex99q.htm) | [Powers of Attorney - Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. <u>286 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January</u> <u>29,<br>2024).\*</u>](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/88525/000119312524016994/d718268dex99q.htm) |

---

\* Incorporated by reference.

<u>Item</u> <u>29</u>. <u>Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant</u>

The Board of Trustees of the Registrant is the same as the board of certain other registrants, each of which has Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC ("GPIM"), or an affiliate of GPIM, as its investment adviser. In addition, the officers of the Registrant are substantially identical to those of the other registrants. Nonetheless, the Registrant takes the position that it is not under common control with the other registrants because the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as the result of an official position with the respective registrants.

------

The Trust through Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund, a separate series of the Trust, wholly owns and controls the Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC ("Subsidiary"), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Subsidiary's financial statements will be included, on a consolidated basis, in the Fund's report on Form N-CSR.

<u>Item</u> <u>30</u>. <u>Indemnification</u>

Article VII, Section III of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, which is filed with the Registrant's Post Effective Amendment No. 282 on January 28, 2021, provides for indemnification of the Trustees, officers, employees and other agents of the Registrant who are parties pursuant to any proceeding by reason of their actions performed in their scope of service on behalf of the Trust.

A policy of insurance covering Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, the Registrant and certain other registrants advised by GPIM, or an affiliate of GPIM insures the Registrant's trustees and officers against liability arising by reason of an alleged breach of duty caused by any negligent act, error or accidental omission in the scope of their duties. The independent trustees are also covered under a joint independent directors liability ("IDL") insurance policy that covers the independent trustees of the other registrants.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 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 trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, 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.

<u>Item</u> <u>31</u>. <u>Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser</u>

GPIM serves as investment adviser for each series of the Trust. GPIM is primarily engaged in the provision of investment advisory and management services to registered investment companies, separately managed accounts, collective investment trusts and private funds. The directors and officers of GPIM consist primarily of persons who during the past two years have been active in the investment management business. To the knowledge of the Registrant, except as set forth below, as applicable, none of the directors or executive officers of GPIM is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature. Information as to the executive officers and directors of GPIM is included in its Form ADV as filed with the SEC (File No. 801-66786) pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, which is incorporated herein by reference.

<u>Item</u> <u>32</u>. <u>Principal Underwriters</u>

(a) Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC serves as the principal underwriter for the Registrant, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Rydex Dynamic Funds.

(b) The following information is furnished with respect to the directors and officers of Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC:

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| (1)<br> **Name and Principal**<br> **Business Address** | (2)<br> **Position and Offices**<br> **with Underwriter** | (3)<br> **Position and Offices**<br> **With Registrant** |
| Dina DiLorenzo<br> 330 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor<br> New York, New York 10017 | President |  |
| Dominick Colgiandro<br> 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 505 Bayside,<br> New York 11361 | Chief Operating Officer, Unit Investment Trust Business |  |
| Dennis R. Metzger<br> 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 200<br> Rockville, MD 20850 | Chief Compliance Officer |  |
| Amy J. Lee<br> 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 200<br> Rockville, MD 20850 | General Counsel, Secretary, and Senior Managing Director | Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer |
| Elisabeth A. Miller<br> 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 200<br> Rockville, MD 20850 | Senior Managing Director | Chief Compliance Officer |
| Christopher Parisi<br> 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 200<br> Rockville, MD 20850 | Head of Distribution, Senior Managing Director |  |
| Ying Chan<br> 330 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor<br> New York, New York 10017 | Financial and Operations Principal |  |

---

(c) Not applicable.

<u>Item</u> <u>33</u>. <u>Location of Accounts and Records</u>

Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder are maintained by Guggenheim Investments, 222 Berkeley St., 11th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, 800 SW Jackson St., Topeka, KS 66612, 100 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 227 West Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606; MUFG Investor Services, LLC, 805 King Farm Blvd. Rockville, MD, 20850; Star Compliance, 9200 Corporate Blvd., Suite 440, Rockville, MD 20850; Cyxtera, 350 E Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL 60616, 1919 Park Ave., Weehawken, NJ 07086, Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10286; Iron Mountain, 1 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110; US Bank, 425 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202; Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc., 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850; Guggenheim Services, LLC, 227 West Monroe St. Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60606; Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, One North Brentwood Boulevard, Suite 910, Clayton, MO 63105, 702 King Farm Blvd., Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850, 330 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10017, 3414 PeachTree Road NE, Suite 975, Atlanta, GA 30326, 227 West Monroe St. Chicago, IL 60606; Four Corners Capital Management, LLC, 515 S. Flower Street, Suite 4310, Los Angeles, California 90071; Lexington Management Corporation, Park 80 West, Plaza Two, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663; Meridian Investment Management Corporation, 12835 East Arapahoe Road, Tower II, 7th Floor, Englewood, Colorado, 80112; Strong Capital Management, Inc., 100 Heritage Reserve, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, 53051; Templeton/Franklin Investment Services, Inc., 777 Mariners Island Boulevard, San Mateo, California 94404; OppenheimerFunds, Inc., 498 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10018; Wellington Management Company, LLP, 75 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110; Northern Trust Investments, N.A., 181 W. Madison, Chicago, Illinois 60675 and Deutsche Asset Management, Inc., 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154. Records relating to the duties of the Registrant's custodian are maintained by Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 Chase MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, New York 11245; State Street Bank and Trust Company, 801

------

Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Missouri 64105; Banc Of America Securities, LLC 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 and The Bank of New York Mellon, 2 Hanson Place, 9th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11217.

<u>Item</u> <u>34</u>. <u>Management Services</u>

Not applicable.

<u>Item</u> <u>35</u>. <u>Undertakings</u>

Not applicable.

------

#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"), as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 322 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, as of this 10<sup>th</sup> day of June, 2026.

---

| |
|:---|
| GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST<br> (Registrant)<br>|
| By: <u>/s/ Brian E. Binder</u><br> Brian E. Binder, Chief Executive Officer<br> and President (Principal Executive Officer) |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the 10<sup>th</sup> day of June, 2026.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST<br>|
| <u>Angela Brock-Kyle</u>\*<br> Angela Brock-Kyle<br> Trustee | By: <u>/s/ Amy J. Lee</u><br> Amy J. Lee, Trustee, Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Attorney-In-Fact for the Trustees<br> Whose Names Appear Opposite |
| <u>Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.</u>\*<br> Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.<br> Trustee |  |
| <u>Ronald A. Nyberg</u>\*<br> Ronald A. Nyberg<br> Trustee | By: <u>/s/ James M. Howley</u><br> James M. Howley, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer<br> (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
| <u>Sandra G. Sponem</u>\*<br> Sandra G. Sponem<br> Trustee |  |
| <u>Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.</u>\*<br> Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.<br> Trustee | By: <u>/s/ Brian E. Binder</u><br> Brian E. Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer<br> (Principal Executive Officer) |

---

\* Signed by Attorney-In-Fact pursuant to powers of attorney previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 303 to Registration Statement 2-19458 (filed January 28, 2026).

------

GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

EXHIBITS INDEX

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION |
|  (d)(10) | [Investment Management Agreement with Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC dated May 14, 2026 with respect to Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF](d139913dex99d10.htm) |
|  (g)(3) | [Amendment to Custody Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon dated April 17, 2026](d139913dex99g3.htm) |
|  (g)(4) | [Amendment to Foreign Custody Manager Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon dated May 27, 2026](d139913dex99g4.htm) |
|  (h)(5) | [Transfer Agency Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF and Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF dated April 17, 2026](d139913dex99h5.htm) |
|  (h)(6) | [Form of Amendment to Transfer Agency Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF and Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF dated April 17, 2026.](d139913dex99h6.htm) |
|  (h)(8) | [Amendment to Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF and Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF dated May 27, 2026](d139913dex99h8.htm) |
|  (h)(14) | [Amended and Restated Affiliated Fund of Funds Waiver Agreement with respect to Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF, Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF, Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF and Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF dated May 14, 2026](d139913dex99h14.htm) |
|  (i)(3) | [Legal Opinion of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP with respect to Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF](d139913dex99i3.htm) |
|  (m)(10) | [Amended and Restated Exhibit A to the Distribution and Servicing Plan dated May 14, 2026](d139913dex99m10.htm) |

---

## Ex-99.(D)(10)

**INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT** 

**THIS AGREEMENT** is made as of May 14, 2026, between **GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST**, a Delaware statutory trust (hereinafter referred to as the "Trust"), and **GUGGENHEIM PARTNERS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** (hereinafter referred to as the "Investment Manager"), a Delaware limited liability company registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").

**WHEREAS,** the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company; and

**WHEREAS,** the Trust is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets; and

**WHEREAS,** the Trust desires to retain the Investment Manager as investment adviser to furnish certain investment advisory and management services to certain series of shares of beneficial interest as listed on Schedule A to this Agreement (each, a "Fund" and together, the "Funds");

**NOW, THEREFORE,** in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>APPOINTMENT</u>. The Trust hereby appoints the Investment Manager as investment adviser of each Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Investment Manager accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>DUTIES AS INVESTMENT MANAGER WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENT OF ASSETS OF EACH FUND</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees ("Board"), and consistent with each Fund's investment objectives, policies, and restrictions as provided in the Fund's currently effective registration statement and any amendments or supplements thereto ("Registration Statement"), the Investment Manager shall (i) act as investment adviser for and supervise and manage the investment and reinvestment of each Fund's assets and, in connection therewith, have complete discretion in purchasing and selling securities and other assets for each Fund and in voting, exercising consents and exercising all other rights appertaining to such securities and other assets on behalf of each Fund; (ii) supervise the investment program of each Fund and the composition of its investment portfolio; (iii) arrange for the purchase and sale of securities and other assets held in each Fund, and (iv) provide a continuous investment program for each Fund, including investment research and management.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Investment Manager shall determine and make such modifications to the identity and number of securities and instruments to be accepted in exchange for creation units for each Fund (a "creation basket"), and the securities and instruments that will be applicable to redemption requests received for a Fund (a "redemption basket"), including as may be necessary as a result of portfolio adjustments and corporate action events (and may give directions to the Trust's service providers, as necessary, with respect to such designations). The Investment Manager shall determine the securities and instruments to be included in any "custom basket" pursuant to Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act and any compliance policies and procedures of the Trust related thereto.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) In performing its duties under this Section 2, the Investment Manager may (i) delegate some or all of its duties and obligations under this Agreement to one or more investment sub-advisers; provided, however, that any such delegation shall be pursuant to an agreement consistent with the 1940 Act and approved by the Board; provided, further, that no such delegation shall relieve the Investment Manager from its duties and obligations of management and supervision of the management of each Fund's assets pursuant to this Agreement and to applicable law, and (ii) utilize the services of the Investment Manager's affiliates to the extent authorized under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>DUTIES AS INVESTMENT MANAGER WITH RESPECT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF EACH FUND.</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Investment Manager agrees that in placing orders with brokers, it will attempt to obtain best execution on behalf of a Fund. In no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to the Investment Manager or any affiliated person thereof, except in accordance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder, or the terms of any exemptive order. To the extent permitted by laws and regulations and the Trust's applicable policies and procedures, the Investment Manager may aggregate sales and purchase orders of the assets of each Fund with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts advised by the Investment Manager or its affiliates to the extent authorized under the 1940 Act. Whenever the Investment Manager simultaneously places orders to purchase or sell the same security on behalf of a Fund and one or more other accounts advised by the Investment Manager, such orders will be allocated as to price and amount among all such accounts in a manner believed to be equitable to each account and consistent with the Investment Manager's fiduciary obligations to the Fund. The Trust recognizes that in some cases this procedure may adversely affect the results obtained for a Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Investment Manager will maintain all books and records required to be maintained by the Investment Manager pursuant to the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to transactions on behalf of each Fund and will furnish the Board with such periodic and special reports as the Board reasonably may request. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Investment Manager hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust and each Fund are the property of the Trust, agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any records which it maintains for the Trust and which are required to be maintained and preserved by Rule 31a-1 and Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust any records which it maintains for the Trust upon request by the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) At such times as shall be reasonably requested by the Board, the Investment Manager will provide the Board with economic and investment analyses and reports as well as quarterly reports setting forth the performance of the Funds and make available to the Board any economic, statistical, and investment services normally available to institutional or other customers of the Investment Manager.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, as amended from time to time, the Investment Manager will provide guidance in determining pricing information of all portfolio securities and will attempt to arrange for the provision of a price(s) from a party(ies) independent of the Investment Manager for each portfolio security for which the Funds' fund accountant and administrator or valuation designee does not obtain prices in the ordinary course of business from an automated pricing service.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>DUTIES AS INVESTMENT MANAGER IN CONNECTION WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF SUB-ADVISERS</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Trust and the Investment Manager may operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of Securities and Exchange Commission exemptive relief and no-action letter guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission staff, which permits the Investment Manager, with the approval of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, to retain one or more investment sub-advisers for a Fund ("Sub-Advisers"). The Investment Manager will provide general management services to each Fund, and, if applicable, subject to review and approval by the Board, will: (a) set the Fund's overall investment strategies; (b) evaluate, select, and recommend Sub-Advisers to manage all or a part of the Fund's assets; (c) allocate and, when the Investment Manager believes appropriate, reallocate the Fund's assets among Sub-Advisers; (d) monitor and evaluate the investment performance of Sub-Advisers; and (e) implement or approve procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the Sub-Advisers comply with the Fund's investment objectives, policies, and restrictions. The Investment Manager will also periodically make recommendations to the Board as to whether the contract with one or more Sub-Advisers should be renewed, modified, or terminated, and will periodically report to the Board regarding the results of its evaluation and monitoring functions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Investment Manager is responsible for informing each Sub-Adviser of the investment objective(s), policies, and restrictions of the applicable Fund, for informing or ascertaining that it is aware of other legal and regulatory responsibilities applicable to the Sub-Adviser with respect to the applicable Fund, and for monitoring the Sub-Advisers' discharge of their duties; but the Investment Manager is not responsible for the specific actions (or inactions) of a Sub-Adviser in the performance of the duties assigned to it. Consistent with the investment objective(s), policies, and restrictions, as provided in the Registration Statement (or such more restrictive guidelines as approved by the Investment Manager), and applicable law, each Sub-Adviser is authorized to buy, sell, lend, and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds, and other securities, commodities, or investments on behalf of the applicable Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) With respect to each applicable Fund, the Investment Manager shall enter into an agreement ("Sub-Advisory Agreement") with a Sub-Adviser in substantially the form approved by the Board for each Sub-Adviser.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Investment Manager shall be responsible for the fees payable to the Sub-Adviser and shall pay the Sub-Adviser of the Fund the fee as specified in the Sub-Advisory Agreement relating thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Investment Manager, directly or through a Sub-Adviser, will maintain all books and records required to be maintained by the Investment Manager pursuant to the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to transactions on behalf of each Fund, and will furnish the Board with such periodic and special reports as the Board reasonably may request. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, the Investment Manager hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Trust and each Fund are the property of the Trust, agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any records which it maintains for the Trust and which are required to be maintained and preserved by Rule 31a-1 and Rule 31a-2 under

------

the 1940 Act, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust any records which it maintains for the Trust upon request by the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>FURTHER DUTIES</u>. In all matters relating to the performance of this Agreement, the Investment Manager will act in conformity with the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-laws, and Registration Statement and with the instructions and directions of the Board, and will comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Trust's operating and compliance policies and procedures, the Advisers Act, and the rules under each, Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code as applicable to regulated investment companies, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE</u>. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the Investment Manager or any officer, employee, or other affiliate thereof from acting as investment adviser for any other person, firm, or corporation, or from engaging in any other lawful activity, and shall not in any way limit or restrict the Investment Manager or any of its officers, employees, or agents from buying, selling, or trading any securities for its or their own accounts or for the accounts of other for whom it or they may be acting; provided, however, that the Investment Manager will undertake no activities which, in its reasonable judgment, will adversely affect the performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, or employee of the Investment Manager who may also be a Trustee, officer, or employee of the Trust, to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar nature or a dissimilar nature.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>EXPENSES</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Manager shall pay all of the ordinary operating expenses of each Fund, excluding (i) each Fund's investment management fee set forth in this Agreement; (ii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iii) payments under a Fund's Rule 12b-1 plan (if any); (iv) brokerage expenses (including any costs incidental to transactions in portfolio securities or other instruments); (v) taxes; (vi) interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short and overdraft charges); (vii) litigation expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto); and (viii) other non-routine or extraordinary expenses (including expenses arising from mergers, acquisitions or similar transactions involving a Fund).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The payment or assumption by the Investment Manager of any expenses of the Trust or a Fund that the Investment Manager is not required by this Agreement to pay or assume shall not obligate the Investment Manager to pay or assume the same or any similar expense of the Trust or a Fund on any subsequent occasion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. <u>COMPENSATION</u>. For investment management services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Fund shall pay to the Investment Manager a fee, computed daily and paid monthly on the first business day of the next succeeding calendar month, at the annual percentage rate of the Fund's average daily net assets as set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement. If this Agreement becomes effective or terminates before the end of any month, the fee for the period from the effective day to the end of the month or from the beginning of such month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to the full month in which such effectiveness or termination occurs.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. <u>LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF THE INVESTMENT MANAGER</u>. The Investment Manager, its officers, directors, employees, and delegates, including any Sub-Adviser (referred to herein as "Investment Manager Parties"), shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund, the Trust, or any of its shareholders, in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Manager Parties in the performance of their duties or from reckless disregard by such Investment Manager Parties of their obligations and duties under this Agreement. Any person, even though also an officer, director, employee, or agent of the Investment Manager who may be or become an officer, Trustee, employee, or agent of the Trust shall be deemed, when rendering services to a Fund or the Trust or acting with respect to any business of the Fund or the Trust, to be rendering such service to or acting solely for a Fund or the Trust and not as an officer, director, employee, or agent or one under the control or direction of the Investment Manager even though paid by it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. <u>LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF THE TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND</u>. The Trustees of the Trust and the shareholders of a Fund shall not be liable for any obligations of a Fund or the Trust under this Agreement, and the Investment Manager agrees that, in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement, it shall look only to the assets and property of the Trust in settlement of such right or claim, and not to such Trustees or shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. <u>DURATION AND TERMINATION</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) With respect to each Fund, this Agreement shall become effective on the dates set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement, provided that this Agreement shall not take effect unless it has first been approved (i) by a vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party cast at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (ii) by vote of a majority of that Fund's outstanding voting securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall continue in force for an initial term of up to two years, and then shall continue automatically for successive annual periods of twelve months each, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (ii) by the Board or, with respect to each Fund, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to each Fund, this Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund on sixty days' written notice to the Investment Manager and may be terminated by the Investment Manager at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on sixty days' written notice to the Trust. Termination of this Agreement with respect to a Fund shall in no way affect the continued validity of this Agreement or performance thereunder with respect to any other Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. <u>AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT</u>. Provisions of this Agreement may be amended subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, as modified or interpreted by an applicable order of the Securities

------

and Exchange Commission or any regulation adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or interpretative release or no-action letter of the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff. Accordingly, approval of an amendment by shareholders would be necessary only to the extent required by the 1940 Act as so modified or interpreted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. <u>GOVERNING LAW</u>. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. <u>MISCELLANEOUS</u>. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors. As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting securities," "affiliated person," "interested person," "assignment," "broker," "investment adviser," "national securities exchange," "net assets," "prospectus," "sale," "sell," and "security" shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act, subject to such exemption as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission by any rule, regulation, or order. Where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is relaxed by a rule, regulation, or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation, or order.

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF,** the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

---

| |
|:---|
| **GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** |
| By: /s/ Brian E. Binder |
| Name: Brian E. Binder |
| Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
| **GUGGENHEIM PARTNERS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** |
| By: /s/ Amy J. Lee |
| Name: Amy J. Lee |
| Title: Attorney-in-Fact |

---

------

**SCHEDULE A** 

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>Fund Name</u>** | **<u>Investment<br>Management Fee</u>** | **<u>Effective Date</u>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF | 0.35% | June 1, 2026 |

---

## Ex-99.(G)(3)

**AMENDMENT TO** 

**CUSTODY AGREEMENT** 

This AMENDMENT ("**Amendment**") is made and entered into, as of the latest date on the signature page hereto (the "**Effective Date**"), by and between **EACH INVESTMENT COMPANY LISTED ON APPENDIX 1 HERETO** ("**Customer**") and **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** ("**BNY**"). BNY and Customer are collectively referred to as the "**Parties**" and individually as a "**Party**".

WHEREAS, Customer and BNY have entered into a Custody Agreement dated as of December 15, 2025 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "**Agreement**"); and

WHEREAS, Customer and BNY desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Appendix I of the Agreement is hereby amended to reflect the addition of the following fund(s):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (GEEQ)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Core Plus Bond ETF (GICP)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Short Duration Income ETF (GISD)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF (GCSH)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Appendix I to the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and replaced with the Appendix I attached hereto, which has been revised to incorporate the above referenced changes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. As hereby amended and supplemented, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms**.** In the event of a conflict between the terms hereof and the Agreement, this Amendment shall control. From and after the Effective Date, any reference to the Agreement shall be a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby. Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them under the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. This Amendment constitutes the sole and entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the matters dealt with herein, and merges, integrates and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings between the Parties, whether oral or written, with respect to such matters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, either manually or by Electronic Signature, each of which will be deemed an original, and said counterparts when taken together

Page **1** of **5**

------

will constitute one and the same instrument and may be sufficiently evidenced by one set of counterparts. Executed counterparts may be delivered by facsimile or email. "Electronic Signature" means an image, representation or symbol inserted into an electronic copy of the Amendment by electronic, digital or other technological methods.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. The governing law provision of the Agreement shall be the governing law provision of this Amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Each of the Parties represents and warrants to the other that it has full authority to enter into this Amendment upon the terms and conditions hereof and that the individual executing this Amendment on its behalf has the requisite authority to bind such Party or Parties to this Amendment, including by Electronic Signature, and any such Electronic Signature represents an intent to enter into this Amendment and an agreement with its terms.

*[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]* 

*[Signature page follows]* 

Page **2** of **5**

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** | **EACH FUND IDENTIFIED ON EXHIBIT A HERETO** |
| By: /s/ Allison M. Gardner | By: /s/ Brian E. Binder |
| Name: Allison M. Gardner | Name: Brian E. Binder |
| Title: Senior Vice President | Title: President and CEO |
| Date: April 17, 2026 | Date: April 17, 2026 |

---

------

**EXHIBIT A** 

Dated: April 17, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund Name** | **Tax Identification** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond and Investment Grade Debt Trust | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust - Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Investment Series (GAINS) - Core Plus Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Investment Series (GAINS) - Limited Duration Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Variable Insurance Strategy Fund III | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Core Bond Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim High Yield Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series E (Total Return Bond Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series P (High Yield Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series F (Floating Rate Strategies Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC\* | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO) | [ ] |

---

Page **4** of **5**

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (GEEQ) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Core Plus Bond ETF (GICP) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Short Duration Income ETF (GISD) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF (GCSH) | [ ] |

---

\* Indicates Fund will not receive full 1940 Act fund services.

Page **5** of **5**

## Ex-99.(G)(4)

**AMENDMENT TO** 

**FOREIGN CUSTODY MANAGER AGREEMENT** 

This AMENDMENT ("**Amendment**") is made and entered into, as of the latest date on the signature page hereto (the "**Effective Date**"), by and between **EACH ENTITY LISTED ON ANNEX I HERETO** ("**Fund**") and **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** ("**BNY**"). BNY and Fund are collectively referred to as the "**Parties**" and individually as a "**Party**".

WHEREAS, each Fund and BNY have entered into a Foreign Custody Manager Agreement dated as of December 15, 2025 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "**Agreement**"); and

WHEREAS, each Fund and BNY desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Annex I of the Agreement is hereby amended to reflect the addition of the following fund(s):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (GEEQ)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Annex I to the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and replaced with the Annex I attached hereto, which has been revised to incorporate the above referenced changes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. As hereby amended and supplemented, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms**.** In the event of a conflict between the terms hereof and the Agreement, this Amendment shall control. From and after the Effective Date, any reference to the Agreement shall be a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby. Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them under the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. This Amendment constitutes the sole and entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the matters dealt with herein, and merges, integrates and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings between the Parties, whether oral or written, with respect to such matters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, either manually or by Electronic Signature, each of which will be deemed an original, and said counterparts when taken together will constitute one and the same instrument and may be sufficiently evidenced by one set of counterparts. Executed counterparts may be delivered by facsimile or email. "Electronic Signature" means an image, representation or symbol inserted into an electronic copy of the Amendment by electronic, digital or other technological methods.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. The governing law provision of the Agreement shall be the governing law provision of this Amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Each of the Parties represents and warrants to the other that it has full authority to enter into this Amendment upon the terms and conditions hereof and that the individual executing this Amendment on its behalf has the requisite authority to bind such Party or Parties to this Amendment, including by Electronic Signature, and any such Electronic Signature represents an intent to enter into this Amendment and an agreement with its terms.

*[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]* 

*[Signature page follows]* 

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** | **EACH FUND IDENTIFIED ON ANNEX I<br>HERETO** |
| By: /s/ Robert M. Stein Jr. | By: /s/ Brian E. Binder |
| Name: Robert M. Stein Jr. | Name: Brian E. Binder |
| Title: Vice President | Title: President and CEO |
| Date: May 27, 2026 | Date: May 27, 2026 |

---

------

**ANNEX I** 

Dated: May 20, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund Name** | **Tax Identification** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond and Investment Grade Debt Trust | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust - Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Investment Series (GAINS) - Core Plus Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Investment Series (GAINS) - Limited Duration Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Variable Insurance Strategy Fund III | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Core Bond Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim High Yield Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series E (Total Return Bond Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series P (High Yield Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series F (Floating Rate Strategies Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC\* | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO) | [ ] |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF (GCSH) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (GEEQ) | [ ] |

---

\* Indicates Fund will not receive full 1940 Act fund services.

## Ex-99.(H)(5)

**TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT** 

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 17th day of April, 2026, by and between each Trust (hereinafter each a "Trust", and collectively the "Trusts" as applicable) listed on Appendix A hereto with respect to the series listed on Appendix A hereto (each, a "Fund", and collectively the "Funds") (as such Appendix may be amended from time to time) and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, a New York corporation authorized to do a banking business having its principal office and place of business at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286 (the "Bank").

WHEREAS, the Trust will ordinarily issue for purchase and redeem shares of a Fund (the "Shares) only in aggregations of Shares known as "Creation Units" (each a "Creation Unit") principally in kind;

WHEREAS, The Depository Trust Company, a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York ("DTC"), or its nominee (Cede & Co.), will be the registered owner (the "Shareholder") of all Shares; and

WHEREAS, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, desires to appoint the Bank as its transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, and agent in connection with certain other activities, and the Bank desires to accept such appointment;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. <u>Terms of Appointment; Duties of the Bank</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, hereby employs and appoints the Bank to act as, and the Bank agrees to act as, its transfer agent for the authorized and issued Shares, and as each Fund's dividend disbursing agent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.2 Pursuant to such appointment, the Bank agrees that it will perform the following services:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and Participant Agreements prepared by the Trust's distributor ("Distributor"), a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, the Bank shall:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Perform and facilitate the performance of purchases and redemptions of Creation Units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Prepare and transmit by means of DTC's book-entry system payments for dividends and distributions on or with respect to the Shares declared by the Trust on behalf of the applicable Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Maintain the record of the name and address of the Shareholder and the number of Shares issued by each Fund and held by the Shareholder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Record the issuance of Shares of the applicable Fund and maintain a record of the total number of Shares of each Fund which are outstanding, and, based upon data provided to it by the Trust, the total number of authorized Shares. The Bank shall have no obligation, when recording the issuance

------

of Shares, to monitor the issuance of such Shares or to take cognizance of any laws relating to the issue or sale of such Shares, which functions shall be the sole responsibility of the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Prepare and transmit to the Trust and the Trust's administrator and to any applicable securities exchange (as specified to the Bank by the Trust or its administrator) information with respect to purchases and redemptions of Shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) On days that the Trust may accept orders for purchases or redemptions, calculate and transmit to the Distributor and the Trust's administrator the number of outstanding Shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) On days that the Trust may accept orders for purchases or redemptions (pursuant to the Participant Agreement), transmit to the Bank, the Trust and DTC the amount of Shares purchased on such day;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) Confirm to DTC the number of Shares issued to the Shareholder, as DTC may reasonably request;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) Prepare and deliver other reports, information and documents to DTC as DTC may reasonably request;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) Extend the voting rights to the Shareholder for extension by DTC to DTC participants and the beneficial owners of Shares in accordance with policies and procedures of DTC for book-entry only securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) Distribute or maintain, as directed by the Trust, amounts related to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, dividends and distributions, variation margin on derivative securities and collateral;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xii) Send to the National Securities Clearance Corporation on the evening of each trade day a portfolio composition file for each Fund displaying the individual securities and the weightings that make up the each Fund's basket for the following trade day;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiii) Maintain those books and records of the Trust specified by the Trust in Schedule A attached hereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xiv) Prepare a monthly report of all purchases and redemptions of Shares during such month on a gross transaction basis, and identify on a daily basis the net number of Shares either redeemed or purchased on such Business Day and with respect to each Authorized Participant purchasing or redeeming Shares, the amount of Shares purchased or redeemed;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xv) Receive from the Distributor (as defined in the Participant Agreement) or from its agent purchase orders from Authorized Participants (as defined in the Participant Agreement) for Creation Unit Aggregations of Shares received in good form and accepted by or on behalf of the Trust by the Distributor, transmit appropriate trade instructions to the National Securities Clearance Corporation, if applicable, and pursuant to such orders issue the appropriate number of Shares of the Trust and hold such Shares in the account of the Shareholder for each of the respective Trusts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xvi) Receive from the Authorized Participants redemption requests, deliver the appropriate documentation thereof to The Bank of New York as custodian for the Trust, generate and transmit or cause to be generated and transmitted confirmation of receipt of such redemption requests to the Authorized Participants submitting the same; transmit appropriate trade instructions to the National Securities Clearance

------

Corporation, if applicable, and redeem the appropriate number of Creation Unit Aggregations of Shares held in the account of the Shareholder; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xvii) Confirm the name, U.S taxpayer identification number and principal place of business of each Authorized Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xviii) The Bank may execute transactions directly with Authorized Participants to the extent necessary or appropriate to enable the Bank to carry out any of the duties set forth in items (i) through (xvii) above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xix) Except as otherwise instructed by the Trust, the Bank shall process all transactions in each Series in accordance with the policies and procedures mutually agreed upon between the Trust and the Bank with respect to the proper net asset value to be applied to purchases received in good order by the Bank or from an Authorized Participant before any cut-offs established by the Trust, and such other matters set forth in items (i) through (xvii) above as these policies and procedures are intended to address. The Bank shall report to the Trust any known exceptions to the foregoing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xvii) Act in conformity with the Trust's Declaration of Trust and By-Laws as provided to BNY from time-to-time, each Fund's Prospectus and any instruction, and will be subject to the standard set forth in Section 6, comply with and conform to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, particularly Section 17A thereof, and all other applicable federal and state laws, regulations and rulings as such apply to the Bank and the services provided as contemplated herein;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Bank may maintain and manage, as agent for the Trust, such accounts as the Bank shall deem necessary for the performance of its duties under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the processing of Creation Unit purchases and redemptions; and the payment of dividends and distributions. The Bank may maintain such accounts at financial institutions deemed appropriate by the Bank in accordance with applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) In addition to the services set forth in the above sub-section 1.2(a), the Bank shall: perform the customary services of a transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent including, but not limited to, maintaining the account of the Shareholder, maintaining the items set forth on Schedule A attached hereto, and performing such services identified in each Participant Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The following shall be delivered to DTC participants as identified by DTC as the Shareholder for book-entry only securities:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Annual and semi-annual reports of the Funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Fund proxies, proxy statements and other proxy soliciting materials;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Fund prospectus and amendments and supplements thereto, including stickers; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Other communications as the Trust may from time to time identify as required by law or as the Trust may reasonably request

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The Bank shall provide additional services, if any, as may be agreed upon in writing by the Trust and the Bank.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Bank shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder, in the form and manner required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations under the 1940 Act and to the extent required by Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder (the "Rules"), all such books and records shall be the property of the Fund, will be preserved, maintained and made available in accordance with such Section and Rules, and will be surrendered promptly to the Trust on and in accordance with its request. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, the bank shall provide Authorized Persons of the Trust with (i) access to such books and records at the Bank's facilities during the Bank's normal business hours in the format and on the equipment normally utilized by the Bank and if reasonably requested during such visit provide, (ii) printed output of such books and records or copies thereof (or, as the Trust may request, in an electronic form that is supported at the time by the Bank's system without modification of any nature) at the Trust's expense. "Authorized Persons" means the persons who have been authorized by the Trust in accordance with the applicable documentation and procedures of BNY.

2. <u>Fees and Expenses</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 The Bank shall receive from each Fund such compensation for the Transfer Agent's services provided pursuant to this Agreement as may be agreed to from time to time in a written fee schedule approved by the parties. Upon the termination of this Agreement before the end of any month, the fee for the part of the month before such termination shall be prorated according to the proportion which such part bears to the full monthly period and shall be payable within 30 days from the invoice date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2 In addition to the fee paid under Section 2.1 above, each Fund agrees to reimburse the Bank for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as set forth in the written fee schedule. In addition, any other expenses incurred by the Bank at the request or with the consent of the Fund, will be reimbursed by the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3 The Trust hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that (i) the terms of this Agreement, (ii) the fees and expenses associated with this Agreement, and (iii) any benefits accruing to the Bank or to the adviser to, or sponsor of, the Trust in connection with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any fee waivers, reimbursements, or payments made, or to be made, by the Bank to such adviser or sponsor or to any affiliate of the Trust relating to this Agreement have been fully disclosed to the Board of Trustees of the Trust and that, if required by applicable law, such Board of Trustees has approved or will approve the terms of this Agreement, and any such fees, expenses, and benefits.

3. <u>Representations and Warranties of the Bank</u>

The Bank represents and warrants to the Trust that:

It is a banking company duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York.

It is duly registered as a transfer agent under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and it will remain so registered for the duration of this Agreement.

It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the State of New York.

It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Charter and By-Laws to act as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent and to enter into, and perform its obligations under, this Agreement.

All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.

------

It has and will continue to have access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

4. <u>Representations and Warranties of the Trust</u>

The Trust represents and warrants to the Bank that:

It is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware.

It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Declaration of Trust and By-Laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.

It is an open-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act.

A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on behalf of each of the Trusts has or will become effective, will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings have been or will be made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of the Trust being offered for sale.

5. <u>Indemnification</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1 The Bank shall not be responsible for, and the Trust, on behalf of the relevant Fund, shall indemnify and hold the Bank and its directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, including, without limitation, those incurred by the Bank in a successful defense of any claims by the Trust, payments, expenses and liability ("Losses") which may be sustained or incurred by or which may be asserted against the Bank in connection with or relating to this Agreement or the Bank's actions or omissions with respect to this Agreement arising directly or indirectly from: (i) third party claims based on conduct of the Fund or a Fund agent contractor, subcontractor or prior or current service provider; (ii) the Bank's response to legal process from third parties compelling testimony or evidence production in connection with a claim asserted against the Fund or its agents but not the Bank, (iii) conduct of the Bank as agent of the Fund not involving Liable Conduct in the execution of the conduct, including without limitation conduct required or permitted by the Agreement and conduct taken pursuant to Fund communications, written procedures, response failures, or non-standard forms, (iv) as a result of acting upon any instructions reasonably believed by the Bank to have been duly authorized by the Trust with respect to such Fund or upon reasonable reliance of information or records given or made by the Trust on behalf of the applicable Fund; or (v) an error in information supplied by the Fund or on its behalf, including errant securities data. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust, with respect to a Fund, shall have no obligation to indemnify the Bank for any of the foregoing to the extent arising out of the Bank's Liable Conduct (as defined further below).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2 Subject to the limitations of liability set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement, the Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless each Fund from and against direct losses, costs, expenses, damages, and/or liabilities (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by the Fund as the direct result of the Bank's Liable Conduct (as defined further below). The Bank shall have no obligation to indemnify the Fund for any such damages arising out of the Fund's own bad faith, negligence, or willful misconduct or breach of the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3 This indemnification provision shall apply to actions taken or omissions pursuant to this Agreement or a Participant Agreement.

------

6. <u>Standard of Care and Limitation of Liability</u>

In performing its duties under this Agreement, the Bank will exercise the standard of care and diligence that a prudent professional transfer agent registered with the SEC under the 1934 Act would exercise in performing such obligations for registered investment companies and their series registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act that operate as exchange-traded funds, taking into account the prevailing rules, practices, procedures and circumstances in the relevant market, and shall act without bad faith, negligence, willful misconduct, willful misfeasance, fraud, or reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under this Agreement (the "Standard of Care"). The Bank shall have no responsibility and shall not be liable for any Losses, except that the Bank shall be liable to the Trust for direct money damages caused by the Bank's failure to meet the Standard of Care in the performance of the Services under this Agreement ("Liable Conduct") and that are not excluded by another provision of this Agreement. The parties agree that any encoding or payment processing errors shall be governed by this Standard of Care, and not Section 4-209 of the Uniform Commercial Code which shall be superseded by this Article. In no event shall the Bank be liable for special, indirect or consequential damages, regardless of the form of action and even if the same were foreseeable. For purposes of this Agreement, none of the following shall be or be deemed to be a breach of the Bank's Standard of Care:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The conclusive reliance on or use by the Bank or its agents or subcontractors of information, records, documents or services which (i) are received by the Bank or its agents or subcontractors, and (ii) have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Trust or any other person or firm on behalf of the Trust including but not limited to any previous transfer agent or registrar.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The conclusive reliance on, or the carrying out by the Bank or its agents or subcontractors of, any instructions or requests of the Trust or instructions or requests on behalf of the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The offer or sale of Shares by or for the Trust in violation of any requirement under the federal securities laws or regulations, or the securities laws or regulations of any state that such Shares be registered in such state, or any violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal agency, or by any state with respect to the offer or sale of Shares in such state.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Except for the gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of Bank, Bank's maximum aggregate cumulative liability to all Funds collectively, and all persons or entities claiming through one or more Funds, all of the foregoing considered as a whole, for all loss, cost, expense, damages and liabilities under this Agreement, shall not exceed for damages incurred during any contract year (i) the Fees actually paid to Bank by the Funds collectively for services provided hereunder during the twelve (12) calendar months immediately preceding the last date of loss; or (ii) if the last loss date occurs prior to the completion of twelve (12) full calendar months following services commencing, the greater of (A) all Fees paid by the Funds collectively with respect to services rendered during the full calendar months that have elapsed subsequent to services commencing ("Elapsed Months"), or (B) the average monthly amount of Fees paid by the Funds collectively during the Elapsed Months multiplied by 12 (the "General Damage Cap"). The General Damage Cap shall reset on the first day of each contract year; provided, however, that: (i) to the extent the General Damage Cap is not exhausted during a particular contract year, any "excess" that was not exhausted during such contract year shall not "roll over" into the subsequent contract year; and (ii) any Damages incurred or arising in a particular contract year shall be limited to the General Damage Cap in effect for the applicable contract year, and shall not be subject to any re-setting in any subsequent contract year, even if such Damages remain active or unresolved during a subsequent contract year.

7. <u>Concerning the Bank</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1 6

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Bank may employ agents or attorneys-in-fact which are not affiliates of the Bank with respect to the performance of any one or more of the functions, services, duties or obligations of BNY under this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the Trust, but any such subcontracting, hiring, engaging or outsourcing shall not relieve the Bank of any of its obligations or liabilities hereunder and the Bank shall be responsible for the actions and omissions of such entities to the same extent the Bank is responsible for its own actions and omissions under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Bank may, without the prior consent of the Trust, enter into subcontracts, agreements and understandings with any Bank affiliate, whenever and on such terms and conditions as it deems necessary or appropriate to perform its services hereunder. No such subcontract, agreement or understanding shall discharge Bank from its obligations hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2 The Bank shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon any written or oral instruction actually received by the Bank and reasonably believed by the Bank to be duly authorized and delivered. The Trust agrees to forward to the Bank written instructions confirming oral instructions by the close of business of the same day that such oral instructions are given to the Bank. The Trust agrees that the fact that such confirming written instructions are not received or that contrary written instructions are received by the Bank shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of transactions authorized by such oral instructions and effected by the Bank.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.3 The Bank shall establish, implement, maintain in effect and periodically test and update, during the term of this Agreement, disaster recovery and business continuity plans designed to minimize interruptions of service and ensure recovery of systems and applications used to provide the Services to confirm continuing compliance with the Bank's information security program, industry standards and applicable law. The Bank shall maintain or arrange with third parties for back-up facilities ("Back-Up Facilities") to the primary operations and data centers used by the Bank to provide the services ("Primary Facilities"). The Back-Up Facilities will be capable of providing the material services in the event an incident to the Primary Facilities significantly interrupts the delivery of a material service from that facility. The Bank shall maintain (i) a written disaster recovery plan providing for continued operation of critical components of the Bank's systems in the event of an significant interruption in the performance or use of the Bank's systems in connection with this Agreement, and (ii) a written business continuity plan providing for the continued provision of critical services pursuant to this Agreement in the event of a significant disruption to such services, which such plans shall provide, where appropriate to the particular plan, for the Bank (a) to maintain the Backup Facilities, (b) perform periodic disaster recovery and business continuity testing, and (c) maintain disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities and procedures that are commercially reasonable for a financial institution. In the event of an equipment failure or service disruption, the Bank shall, at no additional expense to a Fund, take reasonable steps to minimize the impact of the equipment failure or service interruptions, including implement the disaster recovery plan or business continuity plan, or both, in accordance with their terms, including using the Back-Up Facilities to the extent appropriate under such plans.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.4 The Bank shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its control which are not a result of its gross negligence, including without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; sabotage; epidemics; riots; interruption, loss or malfunctions of transportation, computer (hardware or software) or communication services; or acts of civil or military authority; or governmental actions (each a "Force Majeure Event"), provided that: (1) the Bank will use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate the effect of such Force Majeure Event; (2) the Bank will promptly notify the Fund of the occurrence of the Event, its effect on performance, and how long the Bank expects it to last, and thereafter provide ongoing updates as reasonably necessary. For the avoidance of doubt, the occurrence of any such event will not relieve the Bank of its obligations to execute its business continuity and/or disaster recovery plans.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.5 The Bank shall have no duties or responsibilities whatsoever except such duties and responsibilities as are specifically set forth in this Agreement and the Participation Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied against the Bank in connection with this Agreement, except as set forth in this Agreement and the Participation Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.6 At any time the Bank may apply to an officer of the Trust, but is not obligated to do so, for written instructions with respect to any matter arising in connection with the Bank's duties and obligations under this Agreement, and the Bank, its agents, and subcontractors shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith in accordance with such instructions. Such application by the Bank for instructions from an officer of the Trust may, at the option of the Bank, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted to be taken by the Bank with respect to its duties or obligations under this Agreement and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken, and the Bank shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in accordance with a proposal included in any such application on or after the date specified therein unless, prior to taking or omitting to take any such action, the Bank has received written or oral instructions in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted. In connection with the foregoing, the Bank may consult with legal counsel of its own choosing, but is not obligated to do so, and advise the Trust if any instructions provided by the Trust at the request of the Bank pursuant to this Article or otherwise would, to the Bank's knowledge, cause the Bank to take any action or omit to take any action contrary to any law, rule, regulation or commercially reasonable practice for similarly situated service providers. In the event a situation or circumstance arises whereby the Bank adopts a course of conduct in reliance upon written legal advice it has received (which need not be a formal opinion of counsel) and the course of conduct is not identical to the course of conduct contained in the instructions received from the Trust, the Bank may reply upon and follow the written legal advice without liability hereunder provided it otherwise acts in compliance with this Agreement and notifies the Trust of its determination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.7 The Bank, its agents and subcontractors may act upon any paper or document, reasonably believed to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person or persons, or upon any instruction, information, data, records or documents provided to the Bank or its agents or subcontractors by or on behalf of the Trust by machine readable input, telex, CRT data entry or other similar means authorized by the Trust, and shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.8 The Bank shall retain title to and ownership of any and all data bases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, derivative works, inventions, discoveries, patentable or copyrightable matters, concepts, expertise, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and other related legal rights utilized by the Bank in connection with the services provided by the Bank hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereto acknowledge that the Trust shall retain all ownership rights in Trust data residing on the Bank's electronic system.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.9 Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall be under no duty or obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The legality of the issue, sale or transfer of any Shares, the sufficiency of the amount to be received in connection therewith, or the authority of the Trust to request such issuance, sale or transfer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The legality of the purchase of any Shares, the sufficiency of the amount to be paid in connection therewith, or the authority of the Trust to request such purchase;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The legality of the declaration of any dividend by the Trust, or the legality of the issue of any Shares in payment of any stock dividend; or

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The legality of any recapitalization or readjustment of the Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.10 Upon request by the Trust, the Bank shall no more than once per contract year: (i) provide the Trust with a copy of its current SOC 1, Type 2 audit report, or substantially equivalent external audit report, prepared in accordance with audit standards then prevalent in the financial industry (such as SSAE 18), for the system utilized by the Bank to provide the services hereunder, and (ii) participate in the Trust's reasonable information security due diligence questionnaire process.

8. <u>Providing of Documents by the Trust and Transfers of Shares</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1 The Trust shall promptly furnish to the Bank with a copy of its Declaration of Trust and all amendments thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 In the event that DTC ceases to be the Shareholder, the Bank shall re-register the Shares in the name of the successor to DTC as Shareholder upon receipt by the Bank of such documentation and assurances as it may reasonably require.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.3 The Bank shall have no responsibility whatsoever with respect to of any beneficial interest in any of the Shares owned by the Shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.4 The Trust shall deliver to the Bank the following documents on or before the effective date of any increase, decrease or other change in the total number of Shares authorized to be issued:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) A certified copy of the amendment to the Trust's Declaration of Trust with respect to such increase, decrease or change; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) At the reasonable request of the Bank, an opinion of counsel for the Trust, in a form satisfactory to the Bank, with respect to (i) the validity of the Shares, the obtaining of all necessary governmental consents, whether such Shares are fully paid and non-assessable and the status of such Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any other applicable federal law or regulations (<u>i.e.</u>, if subject to registration, that they have been registered and that the Registration Statement has become effective or, if exempt, the specific grounds therefore), (ii) the status of the Trust with regard to the 1940 Act, and (iii) the due and proper listing of the Shares on all applicable securities exchanges.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 [Reserved.]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.6 The Bank and the Trust agree that all books, records, confidential, non-public, or proprietary information and data pertaining to the business of the other party which are exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this Agreement shall remain confidential, and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any person other than its auditors, accountants, regulators, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or counsel, except as may be, or may become required by law, by administrative or judicial order or by rule. The foregoing confidentiality obligation shall not apply to any information to the extent: (i) it is already known to the receiving party at the time it is obtained; (ii) it is or becomes publicly known or available through no wrongful act of the receiving party: (iii) it is rightfully received from a third party who, to the receiving party's knowledge, is not under a duty of confidentiality; (iv) it is released by the protected party to a third party without restriction; or (v) it has been or is independently developed or obtained by the receiving party without reference to the information provided by the protected party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.7 In case of any requests or demands for the inspection of the Shareholder records of the Trust, the Bank will promptly employ reasonable commercial efforts to notify the Trust and secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Trust as to such inspection. The Bank reserves the right, however, to exhibit the

------

Shareholder records to any person whenever it is advised by its counsel that it may be held liable for the failure to exhibit the Shareholder records to such person.

9. <u>Termination of Agreement</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 The term of this Agreement shall be three years commencing upon the date hereof (the "Initial Term") and shall automatically renew for additional one-year terms (each a "Subsequent Term") unless either party provides written notice of termination at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or any Subsequent Term or, unless earlier terminated as provided below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement prior to the expiration of the Initial Term in the event the other party breaches any material provision of this Agreement, including, without limitation in the case of a Fund, its obligations under Section 2.1, provided that the non-breaching party gives written notice of such breach to the breaching party and the breaching party does not cure such violation within 30 days of receipt of such notice. In such case this Agreement shall terminate on the 90th day following the date such written notice is given, or such later date as may be specified in such written notice. In all cases, termination by the non-defaulting party shall not constitute a waiver by the non-defaulting Party of any other rights it might have under this Agreement or otherwise against the defaulting party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement immediately by sending notice thereof to the other party upon the happening of any of the following: (i) a party commences as debtor any case or proceeding under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, or there is commenced against such party any such case or proceeding; (ii) a party commences as debtor any case or proceeding seeking the appointment of a receiver, conservator, trustee, custodian or similar official for such party or any substantial part of its property or there is commenced against the party any such case or proceeding; (iii) a party makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (iv) a party states in any medium, written, electronic or otherwise, any public communication or in any other public manner its inability to pay debts as they come due. Either party hereto may exercise its termination right under this Section 9.1(b) at any time after the occurrence of any of the foregoing events notwithstanding that such event may cease to be continuing prior to such exercise, and any delay in exercising this right shall not be construed as a waiver or other extinguishment of that right. Any exercise by a party of its termination right under this Section [9.1] shall be without any prejudice to any other remedies or rights available to such party and shall not be subject to any fee or penalty, whether monetary or equitable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 Should the Trust exercise its right to terminate, all out-of-pocket expenses associated with the movement of records and material will be borne by the Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.3 The terms of Article 2 (with respect to fees and expenses incurred prior to termination), Article 5 and Article 6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

10. <u>Additional Series</u>

In the event that the Trust establishes one or more additional series of Shares with respect to which it desires to have the Bank render services as transfer agent under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Bank in writing, and if the Bank agrees in writing to provide such services, such additional issuance shall become Shares hereunder.

------

11. <u>Assignment</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1 Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party; provided, however, either party may assign this Agreement to a party controlling, controlled by or under common control with it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

12. <u>Severability and Beneficiaries</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.1 In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, the legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected thereby provided obligation of the Trust to pay is conditioned upon provision of services.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.2 This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Bank and the Trust, and none of any Participant (as defined in the Participation Agreement), the Distributor, any Shareholder or beneficial owner of any Shares shall be or be deemed a third party beneficiary of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.3 The obligations of each Fund hereunder shall be limited to the assets of such Fund and BNY will not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the officers, trustees, directors, or shareholders of any Trust. This Agreement is executed on behalf of each Fund by an officer or trustee of the Trust in his or her capacity as an officer or trustee of the Trust and not individually, and the obligations arising out of this Agreement are not binding on any of the Trust's trustees, officers, directors or shareholders individually, but are binding only upon the assets or property of the applicable Fund.

13. <u>Amendment</u>

This Agreement, or any term thereof, including without limitation the Schedules hereto, may not be amended, changed, modified, supplemented, rescinded, terminated, cancelled, or discharged orally or in any other manner except by an agreement signed by the parties set out in writing, excluding emails, specifically referencing that it is, as applicable, an amendment, change, modification, or supplement to or rescission, termination, cancellation, or discharge of this Agreement..

14. <u>Privacy</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.1 The Parties agree that the Bank will not receive, process, use or disclose personal information from the Trust or Funds for the purpose of providing the Services under this Agreement. The Bank's information security program will be consistent with market standards and applicable law, and be at least as comprehensive and protective of confidential and proprietary data as the information security program that the Bank uses to protect its own confidential information. The information security program will contain administrative, technical and physical safeguards, appropriate to the type of customer data concerned, reasonably designed to: (i) protect and maintain the security, integrity, confidentiality and availability of customer data; (ii) protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of customer data; (iii) protect against unauthorized access to or use of customer data that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the Fund or individuals, and (iv) provide for secure disposal of company data. During the term of this Agreement, the Bank shall comply with the information security program requirements in a separate Information Security Rider (which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof) agreed by the Bank and the Trust.

------

15. <u>New York Law to Apply</u>

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. The Trust and the Bank hereby consent to the jurisdiction of a state or federal court situated in New York City, New York in connection with any dispute arising hereunder. The Trust and the Bank hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that such proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Trust and the Bank each hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

16. <u>Merger of Agreement</u>

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof whether oral or written.

17. <u>Notices</u>

All notices and other communications as required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to such other address or addresses of which the respective party shall have notified the other.

If to the Bank:

The Bank of New York Mellon

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

Attention: ETF Operations

with a copy to:

The Bank of New York Mellon

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Legal Dept. – Asset Servicing

If to the Trust:

[Name of Fund]

AT&T Center

227 W Monroe St.

Chicago, IL 60606

Attention: Legal Department

18. <u>Information Sharing</u>

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is a global financial organization that provides services to clients through its affiliates and subsidiaries in multiple jurisdictions (the "BNY Group"). The BNY Group may centralize functions including audit, accounting, risk, legal, compliance, sales, administration, product communication, relationship management, storage, compilation and analysis of customer-related data, and other functions (the "Centralized Functions") in one or more affiliates, subsidiaries and third-party service

------

providers. Solely in connection with the Centralized Functions, (i) the Trust consents to the disclosure of and authorizes the Bank to disclose information regarding the Trust ("Customer-Related Data") to the BNY Group and to its third-party service providers who are subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such information and (ii) the Bank may store the names and business contact information of the Trust's employees and representatives on the systems or in the records of the BNY Group or its service providers. The BNY Group may aggregate Customer-Related Data with other data collected and/or calculated by the BNY Group, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary the BNY Group will own all such aggregated data, provided that the BNY Group shall not distribute the aggregated data in a format that identifies Customer-Related Data with a particular customer. The Trust confirms that it is authorized to consent to the foregoing.

19. <u>Counterparts</u>

This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature page follows.]

------

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the latest date set forth below.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| EACH SERIES OF THE TRUST LISTED ON APPENDIX A | EACH SERIES OF THE TRUST LISTED ON APPENDIX A |
| By: | /s/ Brian Binder |
|  | Name: Brian Binder |
|  | Title: President & CEO |
|  | Date: April 17, 2026 |
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON | THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON |
| By: | /s/ Allison M. Gardner |
|  | Name: Allison M. Gardner |
|  | Title: Senior Vice President |
|  | Date: April 17, 2026 |

---

------

**<u>APPENDIX A</u>**

**<u>Series</u>**

1. Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO)

2. Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC)

3. Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF (GCSH)

------

**<u>SCHEDULE A</u>**

**<u>Books And Records To Be Maintained By The Bank</u>**

Source Documents requesting Creations and Redemptions

Correspondence/AP Inquiries

Reconciliations, bank statements, copies of canceled checks, cash proofs

Daily/Monthly reconciliation of outstanding Shares between the Trust and DTC

Dividend Records

Year-end Statements and Tax Forms

------

**<u>EXHIBIT A</u>**

**FORM OF AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT** 

**GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

This Authorized Participant Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into by and between Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor") and __________________ (the "Participant" or "Authorized Participant") and is subject to acceptance by The Bank of New York Mellon (the "Transfer Agent") and agreement by Guggenheim Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust") that is a series trust offering a number of portfolios of securities (each a "Fund" and collectively the "Funds"), solely with respect to Sections 4(c) and 13(c) herein. The Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Participant acknowledge and agree that, except with respect to Sections 4(c) and 13(c), the Trust otherwise shall be a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement and shall receive the benefits contemplated by this Agreement, to the extent specified herein. The Distributor has been retained to provide services as principal underwriter of the Trust acting on an agency basis in connection with the sale and distribution of shares of beneficial interest, without par value (sometimes referred to as "Shares"), of each of the Funds. The Transfer Agent has been retained to provide certain transfer agency services and to be the order taker with respect to the purchase and redemption of Creation Units of Shares.

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein are defined in the current prospectus for each Fund as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time, and included in the Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, as it may be amended from time to time, or otherwise filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (together with such Fund's Statement of Additional Information incorporated therein, the "Prospectus").

This Agreement is intended to set forth certain procedures by which the Participant may purchase and/or redeem Creation Units through the Federal Reserve/Treasury Automated Debt Entry System maintained at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the "Federal Reserve Book-Entry System") and the Continuous Net Settlement ("CNS") clearing processes of National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") (as such processes have been enhanced to effect purchases and redemptions of Creation Units, the "CNS Clearing Process") or, outside of the CNS Clearing Process, the manual process of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Nothing in this Agreement shall obligate the Participant to create or redeem one or more Creation Units of Shares, to facilitate a creation or redemption through it by a Participant client, or to sell or offer to sell the Shares.</u>

The parties agree as follows:

1. STATUS, <u>REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES</u> OF
PARTICIPANT

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Participant represents and warrants that it has, and during the term of this Agreement will continue to have, the ability to transact through the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System and, with respect to orders for the purchase of Creation Units ("Purchase Orders") or orders for redemption of Creation Units ("Redemption Orders" and, together with Purchase Orders, the "Orders"), (i) through the CNS Clearing Process, because it is, and during the term of this Agreement will continue to be, a member of NSCC and a

------

participant in the CNS System of NSCC, and/or (ii) outside the CNS Clearing Process, because it is, and during the term of this Agreement will continue to be, a DTC participant (a "DTC Participant"). Any change in the foregoing status of the Participant shall automatically and immediately terminate this Agreement. The Participant shall give prompt written notice of any such change to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent.

The Participant may place Orders either through the CNS Clearing Process or outside the CNS Clearing Process, subject to the procedures for purchase and redemption set forth in the Prospectus, Section 2 of this Agreement, and the procedures attached to the Agreement.

(b) The Participant represents and warrants that: (i) it is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC, and it is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), or it is exempt from registration, or it is otherwise not required to be registered, as a broker-dealer or a member of FINRA; (ii) it is registered and/or licensed to act as a broker or dealer, as required under all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the states or other jurisdictions in which the Participant conducts its activities, or it is otherwise exempt; and (iii) it is a Qualified Institutional Buyer, as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act").

The Participant agrees that it will: (i) maintain such registrations, licenses, qualifications, and memberships in good standing and in full force and effect throughout the term of this Agreement; (ii) comply with FINRA rules and regulations, and the securities laws of any jurisdiction in which it sells Shares, directly or indirectly, to the extent such laws, rules and regulations relate to the Participant's transactions in, and activities with respect to, the Shares; and (iii) not offer or sell Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction where such Shares may not lawfully be offered and/or sold.

Any change in the foregoing status of the Participant shall terminate this Agreement. The Participant shall give prompt written notice of any such change to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent.

(c) In the event Shares are authorized for sale in jurisdictions outside the several states, territories and possessions of the United States and the Participant offers and sells Shares in such jurisdictions and is not otherwise required to be registered or qualified as a broker or dealer, or to be a member of FINRA as set forth above, the Participant nevertheless agrees to observe the applicable laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdiction in which such offer and/or sale is made, to comply with the full disclosure requirements of the 1933 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and to conduct its business in accordance with the requirements of FINRA, to the extent the foregoing relates to the Participant's transactions in, and activities with respect to, the Shares. The Participant will not offer or sell Shares of any Fund in any state or jurisdiction where such Shares may not lawfully be offered and/or sold.

(d) The Participant understands and acknowledges that the method by which Creation Units will be created and traded may raise certain issues under certain interpretations of applicable U.S. federal securities laws. For example, because new Creation Units of Shares may be issued and sold by a Fund on an ongoing basis, a "distribution", as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur at any point. The Participant understands and acknowledges that some activities on its part, depending on the circumstances, may result in it being deemed a participant in a distribution in a manner which could, under certain interpretations of applicable law, render it a statutory underwriter and subject it to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the 1933 Act. The Participant also understands and acknowledges that dealers who are not "underwriters," but who effect transactions in Shares, whether

------

or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. For the avoidance of doubt, the Participant does not admit to being an underwriter of the Shares.

(e) The Participant agrees that: (i) subject to any contractual obligations or obligations arising under the federal or state securities laws that the Participant may have to its customers, the Participant will assist the Trust or its designee, including the Distributor, in ascertaining certain information regarding sales of Fund Shares made by or through the Participant upon the request of the Trust or its designee, including the Distributor, necessary for a Fund to comply with its obligations to distribute information to its shareholders, as may be required from time to time under applicable state or federal securities laws, rules and regulations, or (ii) in lieu thereof, and at the option of the Participant, the Participant may undertake to deliver to its customers proxy materials and annual and other reports of the Funds, or other similar information that the Funds are obligated to deliver to their shareholders, upon receiving from the Funds or the Distributor sufficient quantities of the same to allow mailing thereof to such customers.

2. EXECUTION OF PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION ORDERS

(a) All Orders must comply with the procedures for Orders set forth in the Prospectus and in this Agreement, which includes the annexes. The Participant, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent each agrees to comply with the provisions of the Prospectus, this Agreement, and the laws, rules, and regulations that are applicable to it in its role under this Agreement. If there is a conflict between the terms of the Prospectus and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Prospectus control.

(b) Phone lines used in connection with Orders will be recorded. The Participant hereby consents to the recording, including by transcription, of all calls in connection with the Orders, provided that the Participant may reasonably request that the recording party promptly provide to the Participant copies of recordings and transcripts of any such calls, which have been retained in accordance with the recording party's usual document retention policy. If a recording party becomes legally compelled to disclose to any third party any recording involving communications with the Participant, to the extent legally permitted to do so, such recording party shall provide the Participant with reasonable advance written notice identifying the recordings and transcripts to be disclosed, together with copies of such recordings and transcripts, so that the Participant may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy with respect to the recordings and transcripts or waive its right to do so.

(c) The Participant acknowledges and agrees that delivery of any Order shall be irrevocable, provided that the Trust, Transfer Agent and the Distributor on behalf of the Funds each reserve the right to reject any Order in accordance with the Prospectus.

(d) The Participant understands that a Creation Unit generally will not be issued until the requisite cash (the "Cash Component") and/or the designated basket of securities and instruments, including any cash in lieu (the "Deposit Securities"); the applicable Transaction Fee, which includes a standard transaction fee and any additional variable fee, if applicable; and taxes are transferred to the Trust on the Contractual Settlement Date (defined below) in accordance with the Prospectus.

(e) With respect to any Redemption Order, the Participant agrees to return to a Fund any dividend, interest, distribution, or other corporate action paid to the Participant in respect of any security or instrument that is transferred to the Participant (each, a "Fund Security") that, based on the valuation of such Fund Security at the time of transfer, should, in accordance with the terms of the instrument or corporate action and industry custom in the applicable market, have been paid to the Fund. The Participant also agrees that, alternatively, a Fund is entitled to reduce the amount of money or other proceeds due to the Participant by an amount equal to any dividend, interest, distribution, or other corporate action to be paid to the Participant in respect of any

------

Fund Security that is transferred to the Participant that, based on the valuation of such Fund Security at the time of transfer, should be paid to the Fund. With respect to any Purchase Order, the Distributor agrees, on behalf of the Trust, to return to the Participant any dividend, interest, distribution, or other corporate action paid to a Fund in respect of any Deposit Security that is transferred to the Fund that, based on the valuation of such Deposit Security at the time of transfer, should, in accordance with the terms of the instrument or corporate action and industry custom in the applicable market, have been paid to the Participant.

3. AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSFER AGENT

With respect to Orders submitted through the CNS Clearing Process, the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System, or the DTC, as applicable, the Participant hereby authorizes the Transfer Agent, or its designee, to transmit to the NSCC, the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System, or the DTC, as applicable, on behalf of the Participant such instructions, including share and cash amounts as are necessary with respect to the purchase and redemption of Creation Units, and Orders consistent with the instructions and Orders issued by the Participant to the Transfer Agent. The Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of such instructions and Orders as reported by the Transfer Agent or its designee to the NSCC, the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System, or the DTC, as applicable as though such instructions were issued by the Participant directly to the NSCC, the Federal Reserve Book-Entry System, or the DTC, as applicable.

4. MARKETING MATERIALS AND REPRESENTATIONS.

(a) The Participant represents and warrants that it will not make any representations concerning a Fund, Creation Units or Shares, other than those consistent with the Prospectus or any Marketing Materials (as defined below) furnished to the Participant by the Distributor.

(b) The Participant agrees not to furnish, or cause to be furnished by it or its employees, to any person, or to display or publish, any information or materials relating to a Fund or the Shares, including, without limitation, promotional materials and sales literature, advertisements, press releases, announcements, statements, posters, signs or other similar materials ("Marketing Materials"), unless such Marketing Materials: (i) are either furnished to the Participant by the Distributor, or (ii) if prepared by the Participant, are consistent in all material respects with the Prospectus, and clearly indicate that such Marketing Materials are prepared and distributed by the Participant, and Participant and such Marketing Materials comply with applicable FINRA rules and regulations. The Participant shall file all such Marketing Materials that it prepares with FINRA, if required by applicable laws, rules or regulations.

(c) The Trust represents and warrants that (i) the Prospectus is effective, no stop order of the SEC with respect thereto has been issued, no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or, to its knowledge, are being contemplated; (ii) the Prospectus conforms in all material respects to the requirements of all applicable law, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder and does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (iii) the Shares, when issued and delivered against payment of consideration thereof, as provided in this Agreement, will be duly and validly authorized, issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free of statutory and contractual preemptive rights, rights of first refusal and similar rights; (iv) no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any court or governmental agency or body is required for the issuance and sale of the Shares, except the registration of the Shares under the 1933 Act; (v) Shares will be approved for listing on a national securities exchange or association; (vi) it will not lend securities pursuant to any securities lending arrangement that would prevent it from settling a Redemption Order when due; and (vii) it will not name the Participant in the Prospectus without the prior written consent of Participant, unless such naming is required by law, rule, or

------

regulation. If the Participant agrees to be identified in the Prospectus, within a reasonable amount of time upon the termination of this Agreement, the Trust shall remove any reference to the Participant from the Prospectus.

(d) The Distributor represents and warrants that (i) any and all Marketing Materials prepared on behalf of the Trust, including by the Funds' investment adviser, and provided to the Participant in connection with the offer and sale of Shares shall comply with applicable law, including without limitation, the provisions of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and applicable FINRA rules and regulations, and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact related to a Fund or the Shares or omit to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and (ii) it will not name the Participant in Marketing Materials or on the Fund's website without the prior written consent of Participant, unless such naming is required by law, rule, or regulation. If the Participant agrees to be identified in the Marketing Materials or on the Fund's website, within a reasonable amount of time upon the termination of this Agreement, (1) the Distributor shall remove any reference to the Participant from the Marketing Materials, and (2) the Distributor shall promptly update the Fund's website to remove any identification of the Participant as an authorized participant of the Trust.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Marketing Materials shall not include (i) written materials of any kind that generally mention a Fund without recommending the Fund (including in connection with a list of products sold through the Participant or in the context of asset allocations), (ii) materials prepared and used for the Participant's internal use only, (iii) brokerage communications, including correspondence and institutional communications, as defined under FINRA rules, prepared by the Participant in the normal course of its business, and (iv) research reports; provided, however, that any such materials prepared by the Participant comply with applicable FINRA rules and regulations and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

5. TITLE TO SECURITIES; RESTRICTED SHARES

The Participant represents and warrants on behalf of itself and any party for which it acts that Deposit Securities delivered by it to the custodian and/or any relevant sub-custodian in connection with a Purchase Order will not be "restricted securities," as such term is used in Rule 144(a)(3)(i) of the 1933 Act, and, at the time of delivery, the Fund will acquire good and unencumbered title to such Deposit Securities, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and not be subject to any adverse claims.

6. CASH COMPONENT

The Participant hereby agrees that, in connection with a Purchase Order, whether for itself or any party for which it acts, it will make available on or before the contractual settlement date (the "Contractual Settlement Date"), by means satisfactory to the Trust, and in accordance with the provisions of the Prospectuses, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Trust to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the Purchase Order, together with the applicable Transaction Fee. Any excess funds will be returned following settlement of the Purchase Order. The Participant agrees to ensure that the Cash Component will be received by the issuing Fund in accordance with the terms of the Prospectuses, but in any event on or before the Contractual Settlement Date, and in the event payment of such Cash Component has not been made in accordance with the provisions of the Prospectuses or by such Contractual Settlement Date, the Participant agrees on behalf of itself and any party for which it acts in connection with a Purchase Order to pay the amount of the Cash Component, plus interest, computed at such reasonable rate as may be specified by the Fund from time to time. The Participant shall be liable to the custodian, any sub-custodian or the Trust for any amounts advanced by the custodian or any sub-custodian in its sole discretion to the Participant for payment of the amounts due and owing for the Cash Component, and

------

neither the custodian nor any sub-custodian shall be under any obligation to advance any such amounts. Computation of the Cash Component shall exclude any taxes, duties or other fees and expenses payable upon the transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Participant and not the Trust.

7. PAYMENT OF CERTAIN FEES AND TAXES.

(a) In connection with Orders of Creation Units, the Participant agrees to pay the Transaction Fee applicable to the transaction as set forth in the Prospectuses. The Trust reserves the right to adjust any Transaction Fee subject to any limitations in the Prospectuses and upon reasonable advance notice to the Participant.

(b) In connection with Orders of Creation Units, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that the computation of any cash amount to be paid by or to the Participant shall exclude any taxes or other fees and expenses payable upon the transfer of beneficial ownership of Shares or Deposit Securities. The Participant shall be responsible for any transfer tax, sales or use tax, stamp tax, recording tax, value added tax or any other similar tax, fee or government charge (collectively, "Taxes") applicable to and imposed upon the purchase or redemption of any Creation Units made pursuant to this Agreement. To the extent the Trust or its agents pay any such Taxes or they are otherwise imposed in connection with transactions effected by the Participant, the Participant agrees to promptly reimburse and pay such party for any such payment, together with any applicable penalties, additions to tax or interest thereon. This paragraph (b) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

8. ROLE OF PARTICIPANT

(a) Each Party acknowledges and agrees that, for all purposes of this Agreement, the Participant will be deemed to be an independent contractor, and will have no authority to act as agent for the Trust, Funds or the Distributor in any matter or in any respect under this Agreement. The Participant agrees to make itself and its employees available, upon reasonable request, during normal business hours to consult with the Trust or the Distributor or their designees concerning the performance of the Participant's responsibilities under this Agreement.

(b) The Participant agrees as a DTC Participant and in connection with any purchase or redemption transactions in which it acts on behalf of a third party, that it shall extend to such party all of the rights, and shall be bound by all of the obligations, of a DTC Participant in addition to any obligations that it undertakes hereunder or in accordance with the Prospectuses.

(c) The Participant represents that from time to time, it may be a beneficial owner (as that term is defined in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of Shares ("Beneficial Owner"). To the extent that it is a Beneficial Owner, the Participant agrees to irrevocably appoint the Distributor as its attorney and proxy with full authorization and power to vote (or abstain from voting) its beneficially owned Shares with no input from the Participant. For the purposes of this Section 8(c), beneficially owned Shares shall not include those Shares for which the Participant is the record owner but not the Beneficial Owner. The Distributor, as attorney and proxy for the Participant hereunder: (i) is hereby given full power of substitution and revocation; (ii) may act through such agents, nominees, or attorneys as it may appoint from time to time; and (iii) may provide voting instructions to such agents, nominees, or substitute attorneys. This irrevocable proxy terminates upon termination of the Agreement. Upon request of the Distributor and in connection with the exercise of the proxy granted herein, the Participant shall disclose the number of Shares beneficially owned by the Participant on any record date established by the Trust.

------

(d) The Participant represents and warrants that it has implemented, and agrees to maintain and implement on an on-going basis, an anti-money laundering program reasonably designed to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, each as amended from time to time, and any rules adopted thereunder and/or any applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations of other jurisdictions where Participant conducts business, and any rules adopted thereunder or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency.

9. AUTHORIZED PERSONS OF THE PARTICIPANT

(a) Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and from time to time thereafter as may be requested by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor, the Participant shall deliver to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent a certificate in the format of Annex I to this Agreement, duly certified by the Participant's Secretary or other duly authorized officer of Participant, setting forth the names and signatures of all persons authorized by the Participant (each an "Authorized Person") to give Orders and instructions relating to any activity contemplated by this Agreement on behalf of the Participant. Such certificate may be relied upon by the Distributor, the Transfer Agent and the Trust as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Distributor and the Transfer Agent of a superseding certificate from the Participant stating that an individual should be added to the certificate. Whenever the Participant wants to revoke the authority of an Authorized Person, or change or cancel a PIN Number (as defined below), the Participant shall give prompt written notice of such fact to the Distributor and the Transfer Agent, and such notice shall be effective upon receipt by the Transfer Agent and the Distributor, so long as such notice is received by the Distributor and the Transfer Agent reasonably in advance of any instructions or Orders.

(b) The Transfer Agent shall issue to each Authorized Person a unique personal identification number ("PIN Number") by which the Participant and such Authorized Person shall be identified and instructions to the Trust, Transfer Agent, and Distributor issued by the Participant through the Authorized Person shall be authenticated. The Participant and each Authorized Person shall keep his/her PIN Number confidential and only those Authorized Persons who were issued a PIN Number shall use such PIN Number to identify himself/herself and to submit instructions for Participant, to the Trust, Transfer Agent, and Distributor. If an Authorized Person's PIN Number is changed, the new PIN Number will become effective on a date mutually agreed upon in writing by the Participant and the Transfer Agent. If an Authorized Person's PIN Number is compromised, the Participant shall contact the Transfer Agent promptly in writing in order for a new one to be issued. Upon receipt of written notice reasonably in advance as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, the Transfer Agent agrees to promptly issue a PIN Number when the Participant adds an Authorized Person via certificate and shall promptly cancel a PIN Number when the Participant revokes a person's authority to act for it.

(c) The Transfer Agent and Distributor shall not have any obligation to verify instructions and Orders given using a PIN Number and shall assume that all instructions and Orders issued to it using an Authorized Person's PIN Number have been properly placed, unless the Transfer Agent and Distributor have actual knowledge to the contrary because they received from the Participant written notice reasonably in advance of any instructions or Orders as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section that such person is no longer authorized to act on behalf of Participant. The Participant agrees that

------

none of the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, the Trust or the Funds shall be liable, absent gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, for any Loss (as defined below) incurred by the Participant as a result of the unauthorized use of an Authorized Person's PIN Number, unless the Transfer Agent and the Distributor previously received from Participant written notice reasonably in advance of any instructions or Orders to revoke such Authorized Person's PIN Number as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section. This paragraph (c) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

10. REDEMPTIONS

(a) The Participant understands and agrees that Redemption Orders may be submitted only on days that the Trust is open for business, as required by Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

(b) The Participant represents, warrants and agrees that, upon its demand to redeem any Creation Unit of Shares of any Fund, the Participant or the party for which it is acting, as the case may be, owns (within the meaning of Rule 200 of Regulation SHO) or has borrowed or has arranged to borrow the number of Shares of the relevant Fund to be redeemed as a Creation Unit; in each such case, the Shares will be delivered to the Fund on or prior to the Contractual Settlement Date of the Redemption Order. In either case, the Participant acknowledges that: (i) it or, if applicable, its Participant Client, has or will have full legal authority and legal right to deliver the requisite number of Shares of the relevant Fund to be redeemed as a Creation Unit on the Contractual Settlement Date; (ii) it has or, if applicable, its Participant Client has, full legal authority and legal right to receive the entire proceeds of the redemption on the Contractual Settlement Date; and (iii) 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 submitted for redemption, there are no restrictions precluding the delivery of such Shares (including borrowed shares, if any) for redemption, free and clear of liens, on the Contractual Settlement Date. In the event that the Distributor, the Trust and/or the Transfer Agent reasonably believes that the Participant does not own or have available for delivery the requisite number of Shares to be redeemed as a Creation Unit to deliver by the Contractual Settlement Date, the Trust, the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent may require the Participant to deliver or execute supporting documentation evidencing ownership of sufficient Shares, or its right to deliver sufficient Shares of the relevant Fund, in order for the Redemption Order to be in proper form and, if such documentation is not satisfactory to the Distributor, the Trust and/or the Transfer Agent, in their sole discretion, then the Trust and/or the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, upon consultation with the Trust, may reject without liability the Participant's Redemption Order. Failure to deliver or execute the requested supporting documentation may result in the Participant's Redemption Order being rejected as not in proper form.

(c) The Participant understands that Shares of any Fund may be redeemed only when one or more Creation Units are held in its account.

(d) In the event that the Participant receives Fund Securities, which includes cash in lieu of all or a portion of investments as provided in the Prospectus, the value of which exceeds the net asset value of the applicable Fund at the time of redemption, the Participant agrees to pay, on the same business day it is notified, or cause the Participant Client to pay, on such day, to the applicable Fund an amount

------

in cash equal to the difference or return such Fund Securities to the Fund, unless the parties otherwise agree.

11. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

(a) The Participant represents and warrants that, based upon the number of outstanding Shares of any particular Fund, either (i) it does not, and will not in the future as the result of one or more Purchase Orders, hold for the account of any single Beneficial Owner, or group of related Beneficial Owners, 80 percent or more of the currently outstanding Shares of such Fund, so as to cause the Fund to have a basis in the portfolio securities deposited with the Fund different from the market value of such portfolio securities on the date of such deposit, pursuant to sections 351 and 362 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or (ii) it is carrying the Deposit Securities as a dealer and as inventory in connection with its market making activities, so as not to cause the relevant Fund to have a basis in the Deposit Securities different from the market value of the Deposit Securities on the date of the deposit, pursuant to Section 351 and 362 of the Code.

(b) A Fund, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent have the right to require, as a condition to the acceptance of a deposit of Deposit Securities, information from the Participant regarding ownership of the Shares by the Participant and its customers, and to rely thereon to the extent necessary to make a determination regarding ownership of 80 percent or more of the Fund's currently outstanding Shares by a Beneficial Owner.

12. OBLIGATIONS OF PARTICIPANT

(a) Pursuant to its obligations under the federal securities laws, the Participant agrees to maintain all books and records of all sales of Shares made by or through it and to furnish copies of such records to the Trust, Transfer Agent and/or the Distributor upon their reasonable request.

(b) The Participant affirms that it has procedures in place reasonably designed to protect the privacy of non-public personal consumer/customer financial information to the extent required by applicable law, rule and regulation and that it will maintain such procedures throughout the term of this Agreement.

(c) The Participant represents, covenants and warrants that it will not exercise or attempt to exercise a controlling influence over the management policies of a Fund and has taken affirmative steps so that it will not be an affiliated person of a Fund, a promoter or principal underwriter of a Fund, except under Section 2(a)(3)(C) of the 1940 Act due to ownership of Shares.

13. INDEMNIFICATION

This Section 13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any Loss (as defined below) incurred by an indemnified party shall be limited by the provisions of this Section 13 and Section 14 below.

(a) The Participant hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor, the Trust, the Funds, the Transfer Agent, their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, trustees, officers, employees, and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (each a "Participant Indemnified Party"), from and against any loss,

------

liability, cost, or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) ("Loss") incurred by such Participant Indemnified Party as a result of (i) any material breach by the Participant of any provision of this Agreement that relates to the Participant; (ii) any material failure on the part of the Participant to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement; (iii) any material failure by the Participant to comply with applicable laws, including rules and regulations of self-regulatory organizations in relation to its role as Participant under this Agreement; (iv) actions of such Participant Indemnified Party taken in reliance upon any instructions reasonably believed by the Trust, the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent to be genuine and to have been given by the Participant; (v) the Participant's failure to complete an Order that has been accepted; or (vi)(1) any representation by the Participant, its employees or its agents or other representatives that is not consistent with the Trust's then-current Prospectus made in connection with the offer or sale of Shares and (2) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in any materials prepared by Participant or its affiliates as described in Section 4 hereof or any omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading to the extent that such statement or omission relates to the Shares or any Participant Indemnified Party unless, in either case, such representation, statement or omission was made or included by the Participant at the written direction of the Trust or the Distributor, or is based upon written information provided by the Trust or the Distributor.

(b) The Distributor hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Participant, its respective affiliates, directors, partners, members, officers, employees and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (each a "Distributor Indemnified Party") from and against any Loss incurred by such Distributor Indemnified Party as a result of: (i) any material breach by the Distributor of any provision of this Agreement that relates to the Distributor; (ii) any material failure on the part of the Distributor to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement; or (iii) any material failure by the Distributor to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations, including rules and regulations of SROs, in relation to its role as Distributor, except the Distributor shall not be required to indemnify a Distributor Indemnified Party to the extent that such failure was caused by the Distributor's reasonable reliance on instructions given or representations made by one or more Distributor Indemnified Parties.

(c) The Trust hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Participant, its respective affiliates, directors, partners, members, officers, employees and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (each a "Trust Indemnified Party") from and against any Loss incurred by such Trust Indemnified Party as a result of any material breach by the Trust of its representations in Section 4(c). All Shares represent interests in their underlying series, the assets and liabilities of which are separate and distinct. Any indemnification provided by the Trust in connection with the Shares shall be limited to the corresponding assets of such Fund.

(d) An indemnifying party shall not be liable under the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 13 with respect to any claim made against any indemnified party unless the indemnified party shall have notified the indemnifying party in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the indemnified party (or after the indemnified party shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the indemnifying party of any claim shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to any indemnified party

------

against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 13 and shall only release it from such liability under this Section 13 to the extent it has been materially prejudiced by such failure to receive notice.

(e) In no case is the indemnification provided by an indemnifying party to be deemed to protect against any liability the indemnified party would otherwise be subject to by reason of its own willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.

(f) The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims, but if the indemnifying party elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the indemnified party, defendant or defendants in the suit. If the indemnifying party assumes the defense of any such suit and retains counsel, the indemnified party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel that it retains. If the indemnifying party does not assume the defense of such suit, or if the indemnified party has been advised by counsel that it may have available defenses or claims that are not available to or conflict with those available to indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will reimburse the indemnified party for the reasonable fees and expenses of the counsel that such indemnified party retains.

(g) No indemnified party shall settle any claim against it for which it intends to seek indemnification from the indemnifying party without prior written notice to and consent from the indemnifying party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. No indemnified or indemnifying party shall settle any claim unless the settlement contains a full release of liability with respect to the other party in respect of such action.

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

This Section 14 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

(a) In no event shall any party be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, exemplary, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to loss of revenue, loss of actual or anticipated profit, loss of contracts, loss of the use of money, loss of anticipated savings, loss of business, loss of opportunity, loss of market share, loss of goodwill or loss of reputation), even if such parties have been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. In no event shall any party be liable for the acts or omissions of DTC, NSCC or any other securities depository or clearing corporation.

(b) Neither the Distributor, the Transfer Agent, nor the Participant shall be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation: acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; terrorism; sabotage; epidemics; riots; interruptions; loss or malfunction of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communications service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions.

------

(c) The Trust, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent may conclusively rely upon, and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon, any communication authorized under this Agreement and upon any written or oral instruction, notice, request, direction or consent reasonably believed by them to be genuine, and in no event shall any of the Trust, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent be liable for any losses incurred as a result of unauthorized use of any PIN.

(d) In the absence of bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, the Distributor whether acting directly or through its agents, affiliates or attorneys, shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Distributor shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith unless in exercising such it shall have been grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts necessary to make such judgment. As to the Transfer Agent, in the absence of bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, whether acting directly or through its agents, affiliates or attorneys, the Transfer Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Transfer Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith unless in exercising such it shall have been grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts necessary to make such judgment.

(e) The Distributor and the Transfer Agent undertake to perform such duties and only such duties as are expressly set forth herein, or expressly incorporated herein by reference, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Distributor or the Transfer Agent.

(f) Neither the Trust, the Distributor nor the Transfer Agent shall be liable to the Participant or to any other person for any damages arising out of mistakes or errors in data provided to the Trust, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent by a third party, or out of interruptions or delays of electronic means of communications with the Trust, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent.

15. INFORMATION ABOUT DEPOSIT SECURITIES

On each day that the Trust is open for business the names and amounts of Deposit Securities to be included in a Fund Deposit, excluding any non-conforming (or "custom") Fund Deposit, for each Fund will be published in accordance with industry standard and applicable regulatory requirements.

16. RECEIPT OF PROSPECTUSES BY PARTICIPANT

The Participant acknowledges receipt of the Prospectuses and represents that it has reviewed and understands the terms thereof.

17. CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF PROSPECTUSES

The Distributor will provide to the Participant copies of the Prospectus and any printed supplemental information in reasonable quantities upon request of Participant. The Participant consents to the delivery of the Prospectus electronically at the e-mail address under Participant's signature. The Participant understands that the current Prospectus and most recent shareholder report for each Fund are available at the applicable Fund's website. The Distributor will notify the

------

Participant when a revised, supplemented or amended Prospectus for any Fund is available and deliver or otherwise make available to the Participant copies of such revised, supplemented or amended Prospectus at such time and in such numbers as to enable the Participant to comply with any obligation it may have to deliver such Prospectus to its customers. As a general matter, the Distributor will make such revised, supplemented or amended Prospectuses available to the Participant no later than its effective date.

The Participant agrees to maintain the e-mail address set forth on the signature page to this Agreement and further agrees to promptly notify the Distributor if its e-mail address changes. The Participant understands that it must have Internet access to electronically access the Prospectuses. <u>The Participant may</u> revoke the consent to electronic delivery of the Prospectuses at any time by providing written notice to the Distributor.

18. NOTICES

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, all notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered by personal delivery; by Federal Express or other similar delivery service; by registered or certified United States first class mail, return receipt requested; or by facsimile, electronic mail or similar means of same day delivery (with a confirming copy by mail). <u>Unless otherwise notified in writing, all notices to the Trust shall be at the address or telephone or facsimile numbers indicated below the signature of the Distributor.</u> All notices to the Participant, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent shall be directed to the address or telephone, or facsimile numbers indicated below the signature line of such party.

19. EFFECTIVENESS, TERMINATION, AND AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT

(a) This Agreement shall become effective on the date set forth below and may be terminated at any time by any party upon sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other parties, and may be terminated earlier by the Trust, the Participant or the Distributor at any time in the event of a material breach by another party of any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated immediately by a party at such time as the Trust, the Distributor or the Participant becomes insolvent or becomes the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding or winding up.

(b) No party may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement (in whole or in part) without the prior written consent of the other party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

<u>(c)</u> This Agreement, including annexes, may be amended or modified: (i) by a written document signed by an authorized representative of each party; or (ii) by the Distributor from time to time without the consent of any Participant or Beneficial Owner by the following procedure: the Distributor will mail a copy of the amendment to the Participant and if the Participant does not object in writing to the amendment within ten (10) days after its receipt, it will be deemed Participant's acceptance of the amendment as part of this Agreement in accordance with its terms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Agreement is intended to, and shall apply to, each of the current and future Funds of the Trust, such that no amendment shall be required in the event that the Trust creates new Funds or terminates existing Funds, provided, however, that the Distributor shall provide notice to the Participant of such creation or termination of Funds.

------

20. GOVERNING LAW

This Section 20 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. The parties irrevocably submit to the personal jurisdiction and service and venue of any Delaware state court or United States Federal court sitting in Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction, for the purposes of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and waive any claim of forum non conveniens. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.

21. COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. <u>This Agreement shall be deemed executed by all parties when any one or more counterparts hereof or thereof, individually or taken together, bears the original facsimile or scanned signatures of each of the parties.</u>

<u>22. SEVERANCE</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If any provision of this Agreement is held by any court or any act, regulation, rule or decision of any other governmental or supra-national body or authority or regulatory or self-regulatory organization to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, it shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable only to the extent so held and shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

<u>23. HEADINGS</u>

Headings and sub-headings are included solely for convenient reference and shall not affect the meaning, construction, operation, or effect of the terms of this Agreement.

<u>24. ENTIRE AGREEMENT</u>

This Agreement, which includes the annexes, supersedes any prior agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter contained herein and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the matters contained herein.

[*Signature page follows*]

------

The duly authorized representatives of the below parties have executed this Agreement, the effective date of which shall be the date of the most recent signature below.

**GUGGENHEIM FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, LLC** 

By: __________________________________________

Name:

Title:

Address:

Telephone:

Facsimile:

E-mail:

Date: ________________________________________

**[Participant]** 

**DTC/NSCC Clearing Participant Code:** 

By: _______________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Facsimile: _____________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

ACCEPTED BY:

**THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,** as Transfer Agent

By: __________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;_____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Facsimile: _____________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

AGREED, SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO SECTIONS 4(C) AND 13(C):

**GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

By: ________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;_____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Facsimile: _____________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

------

**<u>ANNEX I</u>**

**AUTHORIZED PERSONS** 

This Annex I sets forth the names, titles, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all persons (each an "Authorized Person") authorized to give instructions or any other notice, request or instruction on behalf of ______________________ (the "AP") pursuant to the Authorized Participant Agreement ("AP Agreement") by and among Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, the AP, The Bank of New York Mellon, and Guggenheim Funds Trust. This Annex I shall be considered to be in full force and effect until the execution of a superseding Annex I by a duly authorized person of the AP.

The Authorized Persons named herein are the only persons authorized to give instructions or any other notices, requests, or instructions on behalf of the AP with respect to the AP Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Participant Name NSCC#

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>NAME</u>** | **<u>SIGNATURE</u>**<br> **<u>(digital is</u>**<br> **<u>acceptable</u>** | **<u>TITLE</u>** | **<u>TELEPHONE<br>NUMBER</u>** | **<u>E-MAIL ADDRESS</u>** |

---

The undersigned does hereby certify that the persons listed above have been duly elected to the offices set forth next to their names, that they presently hold such offices, that they have been duly authorized to act as Authorized Persons of this institution in its capacity as an AP.

---

| |
|:---|
| By:<u> </u> |
| Name:<u> </u> |
| Title:<u> </u> |
| Date:<u> </u> |

---

------

**ANNEX II** 

**TO** 

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT** 

**FOR GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

**<u>PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING</u>**

**<u>PURCHASE ORDERS AND REDEMPTION ORDERS</u>**

This Annex II to the Authorized Participant Agreement supplements the Prospectus with respect to the procedures to be used in processing (1) a Purchase Order for the purchase of Shares of Guggenheim Funds Trust in Creation Units of each Fund and (2) a Redemption Order for the redemption of Shares of Guggenheim Funds Trust in Creation Units of each Fund. Capitalized terms, unless otherwise defined in this Annex II, have the meanings attributed to them in the Authorized Participant Agreement or the Prospectus.

An Authorized Participant is required to have signed the Authorized Participant Agreement. Upon acceptance of the Agreement and execution thereof by the Trust and in connection with the initial Purchase Order submitted by the Authorized Participant, the Transfer Agent will assign a PIN to each Authorized Person authorized to act for an Authorized Participant. This will allow an Authorized Participant through its Authorized Person(s) to place a Purchase Order or Redemption Order with respect to the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of Shares of a Fund. **Purchase and Redemption Orders will only be accepted in accordance with the Trust's then-current registration statement.**

------

**ANNEX II -- PART A** 

**TO** 

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT** 

**FOR GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

**TO PLACE A PURCHASE ORDER FOR** 

**CREATION UNIT(S) OF SHARES OF ONE OR MORE FUNDS OF** 

**GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

**1. PLACING A PURCHASE ORDER.** 

The Authorized Participant ("AP") submitting an order to create shall submit such orders containing the information required by the Transfer Agent in the following manner: (a) by telephone to the Transfer Agent representative followed up with the faxed order form according to the procedures set forth below; (b) through Transfer Agent's electronic order entry system, as such may be made available and constituted from time to time, the use of which shall be subject to the terms and conditions attached hereto as Annex VI; or (c) by telephone to the Transfer Agent representative and the Distributor, as applicable, according to the procedures set forth below. The order so transmitted (either in writing, orally or electronic form) is hereinafter referred to as the "Submission" or the "Purchase Order" as applicable, and the Business Day on which a Submission is made is hereinafter referred to as the "Transmittal Date".

NOTE THAT WHEN THE TELEPHONIC METHOD OF SUBMITTING ORDERS IS USED, THE TELEPHONE CALL IN WHICH THE SUBMISSION NUMBER IS ISSUED INITIATES THE ORDER PROCESS BUT DOES NOT ALONE CONSTITUTE THE ORDER. AN ORDER OR REQUEST IS ONLY COMPLETED AND PROCESSED UPON RECEIPT OF THE FAXED SUBMISSION.

To begin a Purchase Order that is not submitted through the BNYM Interface, the AP must telephone the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator at 844-545-1258 or such other number as BNYM designates in writing to the AP. This telephone call must be made by an Authorized Person of the AP and answered by the BNYM ETF Order Desk before the closing time of the regular trading session on the Exchange, which is ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time ("Order Cutoff Time"). Upon verifying the authenticity of the AP (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN), the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will request that the AP place the Purchase Order. To do so, the AP must provide the appropriate ticker symbols when referring to each Fund. After the AP has placed the Purchase Order, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will read the Purchase Order back to the AP. The AP then must affirm that the Purchase Order has been taken correctly by the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator. If the AP affirms that the Purchase Order has been taken correctly, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will issue a confirmation number to the AP, which completes the order. All orders may also be placed by the AP via the BNYM Interface by the Order Cutoff Time.

Purchase Orders for select Funds T-1 (T minus 1) Next Day are to be placed after the closing time of the regular trading session on the Exchange, which is ordinarily 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, on any Business Day. Such Purchase Orders, if accepted, will receive the next Business Day's NAV per Creation Unit. The Transfer Agent's telephone number for all T- l orders is 844-545-1261. Upon verifying the authenticity of the AP (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN), Transfer Agent will request that the AP place the Purchase Order. To do so, the AP must provide the appropriate ticker symbols when referring to each Fund. After the AP has placed the Purchase Order, Transfer Agent will read the Purchase Order back to the AP. The AP then must affirm that the Purchase Order has been taken correctly by Transfer

------

Agent. If the AP affirms that Purchase Order has been taken correctly, Transfer Agent will issue a confirmation number to the AP.

PLEASE NOTE: A PURCHASE ORDER REQUEST IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THE CONFIRMATION NUMBER IS ISSUED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT REPRESENTATIVE. AN ORDER CANNOT BE CANCELED BY THE AP REPRESENTATIVE AFTER THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME APPLICABLE TO THAT ORDER. INCOMING TELEPHONE CALLS ARE QUEUED AND WILL BE HANDLED IN THE SEQUENCE RECEIVED. ACCORDINGLY, THE AP SHOULD NOT HANG UP AND REDIAL. CALLS THAT ARE IN PROGRESS BY THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME ARE VALID FOR PROCESSING AND, IF OTHERWISE IN ORDER, WILL BE TAKEN SUBMITTED FOR ACCEPTANCE. PLEASE NOTE THAT "IN PROGRESS" IS DEFINED AS AN AP ACTUALLY SPEAKING WITH A TRANSFER AGENT REPRESENTATIVE. CALLS THAT ARE PLACED BEFORE THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME BUT THAT ARE STILL HOLDING IN QUEUE UNANSWERED AT OR AFTER THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME WILL NOT BE PROCESSED OR ACCEPTED. INCOMING CALLS RECEIVED AFTER THE APPLICABLE ORDER CUTOFF TIME WILL NOT BE ANSWERED. ALL TELEPHONE CALLS WILL BE RECORDED.

**2. RECEIPT OF TRADE CONFIRMATION**.

Subject to the conditions that a properly completed telephone Purchase Order has been placed by the AP (either on its own or its customer's behalf) not later than the applicable Order Cutoff Time, the Distributor will accept the Purchase Order on behalf of the Trust and Distributor and will confirm in writing to the AP that its Purchase Order has been accepted within 45 minutes after the designated Order Cutoff Time (e.g., 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time) on the Business Day the Purchase Order is received. Once the Purchase Order has been approved by the Distributor, the Distributor will sign or time-stamp the order and send the Purchase Order to the Transfer Agent.

**3. QUALITY ASSURANCE.** 

After a confirmation number is issued by the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator to the AP, AP will fax a written version of the Purchase Order to the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator. Upon receipt, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator should immediately telephone AP if the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator believes that the Purchase Order has not been indicated correctly by AP. In addition, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will telephone the AP within 15 minutes of the call if the Purchase Order form has not been received.

**4. REJECTING OR SUSPENDING PURCHASE ORDERS.** 

The Trust or Distributor reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a Purchase Order if (i) the order is not in proper form as determined by the Trust, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator or Distributor; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (iii) the portfolio of Deposit Securities delivered is not as specified by Distributor; (iv) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (v) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (vi) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the discretion of the Fund or Investment Manager, have an adverse effect on the Fund or the rights of beneficial owners of a Fund; or (vii) circumstances outside the control of the Trust, Investment Manager, Distributor or Transfer Agent make it impracticable to process a Purchase Order. The Trust or the Distributor shall notify the AP of a rejection or revocation of any Purchase Order. The Trust and Distributor 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.

------

Except as provided herein, all Purchase Orders for Creation Units of Shares of the Trust are irrevocable by the AP. The Trust acknowledges its agreement to return to the AP or any party for which it is acting any dividend, distribution or other corporate action paid to the Trust in respect of any Deposit Security that is transferred to the Trust that, based on the valuation of such Deposit Security at the time of transfer, should have been paid to the AP or any party for which it is acting.

**5. CONTRACTUAL SETTLEMENT.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>for Domestic Funds</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Except as provided below, Deposit Securities must be delivered through the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") to a Depository Trust Company ("DTC") account maintained at the Custodian of the Trust on or before the Domestic Contractual Settlement Date (defined below). The AP must also make available on or before the Contractual Settlement Date, by means satisfactory to the Trust, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Trust to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the Purchase Order, together with the applicable purchase Transaction Fee. Any excess funds will be returned following settlement of the issue of the Creation Unit of Shares of the Fund. The "Domestic Contractual Settlement Date" is the earlier of (i) date upon which all of the required Deposit Securities, the Cash Component and any other cash amounts which may be due are delivered to the Trust and (ii) trade date plus one (T+1) Business Day. Except as provided in the next two paragraphs, a Creation Unit of Shares of any Fund will be issued concurrently with the transfer of good title to the Trust of the portfolio of Deposit Securities through the NSCC's Continuous Net Settlement ("CNS") system and the payment of the Cash Component and the purchase Transaction Fee through CNS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The use of CNS, a net settlement system, creates a fungible position in the ETF agent's DTC account,
as such there may not be a one to one relationship between the internal and external records until all Deposit Security Transactions are settled at NSCC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Trust reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or require a basket of securities or cash that differs from a basket of Deposit Securities and/or cash published or transacted on a Business Day, or to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a "cash in lieu" amount) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security, including, for example, to replace any Deposit Security of a Fund which may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or which may not be eligible for transfer through the CNS Clearing Process, or which may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC and hence not eligible for transfer through the CNS Clearing Process (discussed below). The Trust may adjust the Transaction Fee within the parameters described in the Prospectus. The Trust also 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 the acquisition of which by the Trust would be prohibited by applicable law or regulation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Any settlement outside the CNS Clearing Process is subject to additional requirements and fees as discussed in the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) If the Trust notifies the Distributor and Transfer Agent via the order platform or electronic means that a "cash in lieu" amount will be accepted, the AP shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, the "cash in lieu" amount, with any appropriate adjustments as advised by the Trust which may include any difference between the actual cost to the Trust to acquire an omitted security and the value of the security had the security been delivered in kind. Additional amounts, if any, shall be included in the calculation of the Cash Component to be received. Any excess amounts will be returned to the AP following settlement of the issue of the Creation Unit of Shares.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) In the event that a Fund Deposit is incomplete on the settlement date for a Creation Unit of Shares because certain or all of the Deposit Securities are missing, the Trust may issue a Creation Unit of Shares notwithstanding such deficiency in reliance on the undertaking of the AP to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the AP's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value at least equal to 105% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities marked to market daily. The parties hereto agree that the delivery of such collateral shall be made in accordance with the Cash Collateral Settlement Procedures, which procedures shall be provided to the AP by the Transfer Agent upon request. The parties hereto further agree that the Fund may purchase the missing Deposit Securities at any time and the AP agrees to accept liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such Deposit Securities and the value of the collateral, which may be sold by the Fund at such time, and in such manner, as the Fund may determine in its sole discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>For International Funds</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Except as provided below, Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local subcustodian of the Trust on or before the International Contractual Settlement Date (defined below). The AP must also make available on or before the International Contractual Settlement Date, by means satisfactory to the Trust, immediately available or same day funds estimated by the Trust to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component next determined after acceptance of the Purchase Order, together with the applicable purchase Transaction Fee (as described in the Prospectus). Any excess funds will be returned following settlement of the issue of the Creation Unit of Shares. The "International Contractual Settlement Date" with respect to each International Fund is the earlier of (i) the date upon which all of the required Deposit Securities, the Cash Component and any other cash amounts which may be due are delivered to the Trust and (ii) the latest day for settlement on the customary settlement cycle in the jurisdiction(s) where the any of the securities of such International Fund are customarily traded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Except as provided in the next two paragraphs, a Creation Unit of Shares will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the portfolio of Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component and the purchase Transaction Fee have been completed. When the subcustodian confirms to Custodian that the required securities included in the Fund Deposit (or, when permitted in the sole discretion of the Trust, the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian, Custodian shall notify Distributor and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit of Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Trust reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept a basket of securities or cash that differs from a basket of Deposit Securities and/or cash published or transacted on a Business Day, or to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a "cash in lieu" amount) to replace any Deposit Security. If the Trust notifies the Distributor and Transfer Agent via the order platform or electronic means the AP shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, the "cash in lieu" amount, with any appropriate adjustments as advised by the Trust, including any applicable adjustment to the Transaction Fee as allowable by the Prospectus. For T-1 Purchase Orders, the AP will deliver the "cash in lieu" amount on the Business Day following the day the Order was placed (T). For all other orders with respect to the International T-1 Funds, the AP will deliver the "cash in lieu" amount no later than the Business Day following the day the Order was placed. Any excess funds will be returned following settlement of the issue of the Creation Unit of Shares. The issuance of Creation Units of Shares for the International T-1 Funds will occur on the latest day for settlement on the customary settlement cycle in the jurisdictions where the securities of such Funds are traded, notwithstanding the delivery of the Cash Component prior to such date.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) In the event that a Fund Deposit is incomplete on the settlement date for a Creation Unit of Shares because certain or all of the Deposit Securities are missing, the Trust may issue a Creation Unit of Shares notwithstanding such deficiency in reliance on the undertaking of the AP to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the AP's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value at least equal to 105% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities marked to market daily. The parties hereto agree that the delivery of such collateral shall be made in accordance with the Cash Collateral Settlement Procedures, which procedures shall be provided to the AP by Transfer Agent upon request. The parties hereto further agree that the Fund may purchase the missing Deposit Securities at any time and the AP agrees to accept liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such Deposit Securities and the value of the collateral, which may be sold by the Fund at such time, and in such manner, as the Fund may determine in its sole discretion.

**6. CASH PURCHASES.** 

When, in the sole discretion of the Trust, cash purchases of Creation Units of Shares are available or specified for a Fund, such purchases shall be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a cash purchase, the AP must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser. In addition, to offset the Fund's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with using the cash to purchase the requisite Deposit Securities, the AP must pay a Transaction Fee. The Transaction Fees for in-kind and cash purchases of Creation Units of Shares are described in the Prospectus.

**7. CUSTOM BASKETS.** 

The Trust has developed procedures for creations and redemptions using baskets of securities and/or cash that differ from a basket of Deposit Securities and/or cash published or transacted on a Business Day (a "Custom Basket"). In order for an AP to deliver a Custom Basket in connection with a Purchase Order rather than the basket of Deposit Securities published by NSCC together with the Cash Amount, any cash in lieu amounts and any other cash fees, the Distributor, Transfer Agent, Investment Manager or Trust must notify the AP that the Fund would like to effect the purchase through a Custom Basket and identify the contents of the Custom Basket on or prior to the time the AP calls with its Purchase Order and the AP must agree to deliver the Custom Basket in connection with the purchase. On or prior to trade date, the Transfer Agent must notify NSCC of the Deposit Securities to be added to or omitted from the creation basket. For the avoidance of doubt, where an AP submits an order with certain positions marked as *cash in lieu*, such order is not subject to this provision.

**8. SHORT SETTLEMENT TRANSACTIONS.** 

With respect to short settlement transactions, as may be permitted for certain Funds from time to time, the Trust may assess a cash collateral buffer as a percentage of the total order value. The cash collateral buffer would be added to the Cash Component of the basket. On the Business Day following the trade date of a short settlement transaction, the Trust will calculate the true-up amount and either instruct a return wire to the Authorized Participant with all or a portion of the cash collateral or require additional funds from the Authorized Participant. The Trust requires the true-up amount from the Authorized Participant to be paid the same day.

------

**ANNEX II -- PART B** 

**TO** 

**AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT** 

**FOR GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

**PROCEDURES TO PLACE A REDEMPTION ORDER FOR** 

**CREATION UNIT(S) OF SHARES OF ONE OR MORE FUNDS OF** 

**GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

**1. PLACING A REDEMPTION ORDER.** 

**Redemption Orders for Creation Units of Shares may be initiated only on days that the Exchange is open for trading. Redemption Orders may only be made in whole Creation Units of shares of each Fund.** 

The AP submitting a request to redeem shall submit such requests containing the information required to the Transfer Agent in the following manner: (a) by telephone to the Transfer Agent representative followed up with the faxed order form according to the procedures set forth below; (b) through Transfer Agent's electronic order entry system, as such may be made available and constituted from time to time, the use of which shall be subject to the terms and conditions attached hereto as Annex VI; or (c) by telephone to the Transfer Agent representative and the Distributor, as applicable, according to the procedures set forth below. The request so transmitted (either in writing, orally or electronic form) is hereinafter referred to as the "Submission" or the "Redemption Order" as applicable, and the Business Day on which a Submission is made is hereinafter referred to as the "Transmittal Date".

NOTE THAT WHEN THE TELEPHONIC METHOD OF REQUESTING A REDEMPTION IS USED, THE TELEPHONE CALL IN WHICH THE REQUEST NUMBER IS ISSUED INITIATES THE REQUEST PROCESS BUT DOES NOT ALONE CONSTITUTE THE REQUEST. A REQUEST IS ONLY COMPLETED AND PROCESSED UPON RECEIPT OF THE FAXED SUBMISSION.

Redemption Orders for Creation Units of Shares may be initiated only on days that the Exchange is open for trading. Redemption Orders may only be made in whole Creation Units of shares of each Fund. To begin a Redemption Order that is not submitted through the BNYM Interface, the AP must telephone the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator at 844-545-1258. This telephone call must be made by an Authorized Person of the AP and answered by the BNYM ETF Order Desk before the closing time of the regular trading session on the Exchange, which is ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time ("Order Cutoff Time"). Upon verifying the authenticity of the AP (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN), the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will request that the AP place the Redemption Order. To do so, the AP must provide the appropriate ticker symbols when referring to a Fund. After the AP has placed the Redemption Order, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will read the Redemption Order back to the AP. The AP then must affirm that the Redemption Order has been taken correctly by the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator. If the AP affirms that the Redemption Order has been taken correctly, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will issue a confirmation number to the AP which completes the order. All orders may also be placed by the AP via the BNYM ETF Center Interface by the Order Cutoff Time.

Redemption Orders for select funds (T-1 (T minus 1)) Next Day are to be placed after the closing time of the regular trading session on the Exchange, which is ordinarily 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, on any Business Day. Such Redemption Orders, if accepted, will receive the next Business Day's NAV per Creation Unit. The Transfer Agent telephone number for all T-1 orders is 844-545-1261. Upon verifying the authenticity of the AP (as determined by the use of the appropriate PIN), Transfer Agent will request

------

that the AP place the Redemption Order. To do so, the AP must provide the appropriate ticker symbols when referring to each Fund. After the AP has placed the Redemption Order, Transfer Agent will read the Redemption Order back to the AP. The AP then must affirm that the Redemption Order has been taken correctly by Transfer Agent. If the AP affirms that Redemption Order has been taken correctly, Transfer Agent will issue a confirmation number to the AP.

PLEASE NOTE: A REDEMPTION ORDER REQUEST IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL THE CONFIRMATION NUMBER IS ISSUED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT REPRESENTATIVE. AN ORDER CANNOT BE CANCELED BY THE AP REPRESENTATIVE AFTER THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME APPLICABLE TO THAT ORDER. INCOMING TELEPHONE CALLS ARE QUEUED AND WILL BE HANDLED IN THE SEQUENCE RECEIVED. ACCORDINGLY THE AP SHOULD NOT HANG UP AND REDIAL. CALLS THAT ARE IN PROGRESS BY THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME ARE VALID FOR PROCESSING AND, IF OTHERWISE IN ORDER, WILL BE TAKEN SUBMITTED FOR ACCEPTANCE. PLEASE NOTE THAT "IN PROGRESS" IS DEFINED AS AN AP ACTUALLY SPEAKING WITH A TRANSFER AGENT REPRESENTATIVE. CALLS THAT ARE PLACED BEFORE THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME BUT THAT ARE STILL HOLDING IN QUEUE UNANSWERED AT OR AFTER THE ORDER CUTOFF TIME WILL NOT BE PROCESSED OR ACCEPTED. INCOMING CALLS RECEIVED AFTER THE APPLICABLE ORDER CUTOFF TIME WILL NOT BE ANSWERED. ALL TELEPHONE CALLS WILL BE RECORDED.

**2. RECEIPT OF CONFIRMATION.** 

Subject to the conditions that a duly completed Redemption Order is received by Transfer Agent from the AP on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor by the applicable Order Cutoff Time, the Transfer Agent will accept the Redemption Order on behalf of the Trust and Distributor and will confirm in writing to the AP that its Redemption Order has been accepted within 45 minutes after the designated Order Cutoff Time (e.g., 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time) on the Business Day the Redemption Order is received.

**3. QUALITY ASSURANCE**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) After a confirmation number is issued by the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator to the AP, AP will fax a copy of the Redemption Order to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt, Transfer Agent should immediately telephone AP if the Transfer Agent believes that the Redemption Order has not been indicated correctly by the AP. In addition, the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator will telephone the AP within 15 minutes of the call if the Redemption Order form has not been received.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the Redemption Order, the AP will be required to acknowledge its agreement on behalf of itself and any party for which it is acting (whether as a customer or otherwise) to return to the Trust any dividend, distribution or other corporate action paid to it or to the party for which it is acting in respect of any Fund Security that is transferred to the AP or any party for which it is acting that, based on the valuation of such Fund Security at the time of transfer, should be paid to the Fund to which the Redemption Order relates. In the Redemption Order, the AP will also be required to acknowledge its agreement on behalf of itself and any party for which it is acting (whether as a customer or otherwise) that the Trust is entitled to reduce the amount of money or other proceeds due to the AP or any party for which it is acting by an amount equal to any dividend, distribution or other corporate action to be paid to it or to the party for which it is acting in respect of any Fund Security that is transferred to the AP or any party for which it is acting that, based on the valuation of such Fund Security at the time of transfer, should be paid to the Fund to which the Redemption Order relates.

**4. TAKING DELIVERY OF FUND SECURITIES.** 

------

The Fund Securities constituting in-kind redemption proceeds will be delivered to the appropriate account which must be indicated in the AP's Standing Redemption Instructions. An Authorized Person of the AP may amend the AP's Standing Redemption Instructions from time to time in writing to the BNYM ETF Order Desk Administrator and the Trust in a form approved by the Trust. A redeeming Beneficial Owner or the AP acting on behalf of such Beneficial Owner must maintain an appropriate securities account at a broker-dealer, bank or other custody arrangements to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable United States federal and state securities laws.

**5. CONTRACTUAL SETTLEMENT.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>For Domestic Funds</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Except as provided below, the Shares of any Domestic Fund must be delivered through the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") to a Depository Trust Company ("DTC") account maintained at the Fund's Custodian on or before the Domestic Contractual Settlement Date (defined below). The Trust will make available on the Domestic Contractual Settlement Date, the Cash Amount next determined after acceptance of the Redemption Order, less the applicable purchase Transaction Fee. The "Domestic Contractual Settlement Date" is the date upon which all of the required Shares must be delivered to the Trust and, the Fund Securities, Cash Amount less any fees are delivered by the Trust to the AP (ordinarily trade date plus one (T+1) Business Day). Except as provided in the next two paragraphs, the Fund Securities representing Creation Units of Shares will be issued concurrently with the transfer of good title to the Trust of the required number of Shares through the NSCC's Continuous Net Settlement (CNS) system and the delivery of the Cash Amount less the purchase Transaction Fee through CNS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The use of CNS, a net settlement system, creates a fungible position in the ETF agent's DTC account,
as such there may not be a one to one relationship between the internal and external records until all Fund Security Transactions are settled at NSCC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Trust reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deliver a basket of securities and/or cash that differs from a published or transacted basket of Fund Securities and/or cash on a Business Day, or to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a "cash in lieu" amount) to be added to the Cash Amount to replace any Fund Security, including, for example, to replace any Fund Security that may not be eligible for transfer through the CNS Clearing Process, or which may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC and hence not eligible for transfer through the CNS Clearing Process (discussed below). The Trust may adjust the Transaction Fee within the parameters described in the Prospectus. The Trust also reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a cash in lieu amount to be added to the Cash Amount to replace any Fund Security or any portion of a Fund Security to the extent the Trust is prohibited, at the time of such Redemption Order, from delivering such Fund Security to the AP by applicable law or regulation. Any settlement outside the CNS Clearing Process is subject to additional requirements and fees as discussed in the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) In the event that the number of Shares is insufficient on the settlement date for Creation Unit(s) of Shares, the Trust may deliver the Fund Securities notwithstanding such deficiency in reliance on the undertaking of the AP to deliver the missing Shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the AP's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value at least equal to 105% of the value of the missing Shares marked to market daily. The parties hereto further agree that the Fund may purchase the missing Shares at any time and the AP agrees to accept liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such Shares and the value of the collateral, which may be sold by the Fund at such time, and in such manner, as the Fund may determine in its sole discretion.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>For International Funds</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Except as provided below, the Shares must be delivered to an account maintained at the Fund's Custodian on or before the Business Day immediately following the date on which the redemption order was placed. The Trust will also make available on the International Contractual Settlement Date, immediately available or same day funds sufficient to pay the Cash Amount next determined after acceptance of the Redemption Order, less the applicable redemption Transaction Fee (as described in the Prospectus). The "International Contractual Settlement Date" of an International Fund is the earlier of (i) the date upon which all of the Fund Securities are delivered to the AP and (ii) the latest day for settlement on the customary settlement cycle in the jurisdiction(s) where the any of the securities of such International Fund are customarily traded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Funds generally will be made within three (3) Business Days. Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds of International Funds may take longer than three Business Days after the day on which the Redemption Order is placed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Except as provided in the next two paragraphs, the Fund Securities will not be delivered until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the required Creation Unit(s) of Shares has been completed. When the Custodian confirms that the required Shares (or, when permitted in the sole discretion of the Trust, the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the Fund's account at such Custodian, the Custodian shall notify Distributor, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Fund Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The Trust reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deliver a basket of securities and/or cash that differs from a published or transacted basket of Fund Securities and/or cash on a Business Day, or to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a "cash in lieu" amount) to be added to the Cash Amount to replace any Fund Security. If the Trust notifies the Distributor and Transfer Agent via the order platform or electronic means that a "cash in lieu" amount will be delivered, the AP shall receive, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, the "cash in lieu" amount, with any appropriate adjustments as advised by the Trust, including any applicable adjustment to the Transaction Fee as allowable by the Prospectus. For T-1 Orders and all other orders with respect to the International T-1 Funds, the AP will receive the "cash in lieu" amount on the settlement date of the Creation Unit(s). The issuance of cash for T-1 Orders will occur on the latest day for settlement on the customary settlement cycle in the jurisdictions where the securities of such Funds are traded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) In the event that the number of Shares is insufficient on the settlement date for Creation Unit(s) of Shares, the Trust may deliver the Fund Securities notwithstanding such deficiency in reliance on the undertaking of the AP to deliver the missing Shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the AP's delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value at least equal to 105% of the value of the missing Shares marked to market daily. The parties hereto agree that the delivery of such collateral shall be made in accordance with the Cash Collateral Settlement Procedures, which procedures shall be provided to the AP by Transfer Agent upon request. The parties hereto further agree that the Fund may purchase the missing Shares at any time and the AP agrees to accept liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such Shares and the value of the collateral, which may be sold by the Fund at such time, and in such manner, as the Fund may determine in its sole discretion.

**6. CASH REDEMPTIONS**.

In the event that, in the sole discretion of the Trust, cash redemptions are permitted or required by the Trust, proceeds will be paid to the AP redeeming Shares on behalf of the redeeming investor as soon as practicable after the date of redemption.

------

**7. CUSTOM BASKETS.** 

The Trust has developed procedures for creations and redemptions using baskets of securities and/or cash that differ from a basket of Fund Securities and/or cash published or transacted on a Business Day (a "Custom Basket"). In order for an AP to receive a Custom Basket in connection with a Redemption Order rather than the basket of Fund Securities published by NSCC together with the Cash Amount, any cash in lieu amounts and any other cash fees, the Distributor, Transfer Agent, Investment Manager or Trust must notify the AP that the Fund would like to effect the redemption through a Custom Basket and identify the contents of the Custom Basket on or prior to the time the AP calls with its Redemption Order and the AP must agree to receive the Custom Basket in connection with the redemption. Prior to trade date, the Transfer Agent must notify NSCC of the Fund Securities in the custom redemption basket. For the avoidance of doubt, where an AP submits an order with certain positions marked as *cash in lieu*, such order is not subject to this provision.

**8. STANDING REDEMPTION INSTRUCTIONS.** 

Annex V hereto contains the AP's Standing Redemption Instructions, which includes information identifying the account(s) into which Fund Securities of each Fund and any other redemption proceeds should be delivered by the Trust pursuant to a Redemption Order.

## Ex-99.(H)(6)

**FORM OF** 

**AMENDMENT TO** 

**TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICE AGREEMENT** 

This AMENDMENT ("**Amendment**") is made and entered into, as of the latest date on the signature page hereto (the "**Effective Date**"), by and between **EACH ENTITY LISTED ON APPENDIX A HERETO** ("**Fund**") and **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** ("**BNY**"). BNY and Fund are collectively referred to as the "**Parties**" and individually as a "**Party**".

WHEREAS, each Fund and BNY have entered into a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated as of April 17, 2026 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "**Agreement**"); and

WHEREAS, each Fund and BNY desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Appendix A of the Agreement is hereby amended to reflect the addition of the following fund(s):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income (GEEQ)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Appendix A to the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and replaced with the Appendix A attached hereto, which has been revised to incorporate the above referenced changes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. As hereby amended and supplemented, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms**.** In the event of a conflict between the terms hereof and the Agreement, this Amendment shall control. From and after the Effective Date, any reference to the Agreement shall be a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby. Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them under the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. This Agreement as amended constitutes the sole and entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the matters dealt with herein, and merges, integrates and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings between the Parties, whether oral or written, with respect to such matters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, either manually or by Electronic Signature, each of which will be deemed an original, and said counterparts when taken together will constitute one and the same instrument and may be sufficiently evidenced by one set of counterparts. Executed counterparts may be delivered by facsimile or email. "Electronic Signature" means an image, representation or symbol inserted into an electronic copy of the Amendment by electronic, digital or other technological methods.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. The governing law provision of the Agreement shall be the governing law provision of this Amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Each of the Parties represents and warrants to the other that it has full authority to enter into this Amendment upon the terms and conditions hereof and that the individual executing this Amendment on its behalf has the requisite authority to bind such Party or Parties to this Amendment, including by Electronic Signature, and any such Electronic Signature represents an intent to enter into this Amendment and an agreement with its terms.

*[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]* 

*[Signature page follows]* 

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** | **EACH SERIES OF THE TRUST LISTED IN**<br> **APPENDIX A** |
|  By: __________________________________ | By: __________________________________ |
|  Name: _______________________________ | Name: _______________________________ |
|  Title: ________________________________ | Title: ________________________________ |
|  Date: ________________________________ | Date: ________________________________ |

---

------

**APPENDIX A** 

**<u>Series</u>**

1. Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO)

2. Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC)

3. Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF (GCSH)

4. Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (GEEQ)

## Ex-99.(H)(8)

**AMENDMENT TO** 

**FUND ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT** 

This AMENDMENT ("**Amendment**") is made and entered into, as of the latest date on the signature page hereto (the "**Effective Date**"), by and between **EACH INVESTMENT COMPANY LISTED ON EXHIBIT A HERETO** (each a "Fund", collectively the "Funds") and **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** ("**BNY**"). BNY and the Funds are collectively referred to as the "**Parties**" and individually as a "**Party**".

WHEREAS, the Funds and BNY have entered into a Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated as of December 15, 2025 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "**Agreement**"); and

WHEREAS, the Funds and BNY desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Exhibit A of the Agreement is hereby amended to reflect the addition of the following fund(s):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF (GCSH)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (GEEQ)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Exhibit A to the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and replaced with the Exhibit A attached hereto, which has been revised to incorporate the above referenced changes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Schedule I to the Agreement ("Schedule of Services") is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and replaced with the Schedule I attached hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. As hereby amended and supplemented, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms**.** In the event of a conflict between the terms hereof and the Agreement, this Amendment shall control. From and after the Effective Date, any reference to the Agreement shall be a reference to the Agreement as amended hereby. Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them under the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. This Amendment constitutes the sole and entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the matters dealt with herein, and merges, integrates and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous discussions, agreements and understandings between the Parties, whether oral or written, with respect to such matters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, either manually or by Electronic Signature, each of which will be deemed an original, and said counterparts when taken together will constitute one and the same instrument and may be sufficiently evidenced by one set of counterparts.

------

Executed counterparts may be delivered by facsimile or email. "Electronic Signature" means an image, representation or symbol inserted into an electronic copy of the Amendment by electronic, digital or other technological methods.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. The governing law provision of the Agreement shall be the governing law provision of this Amendment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. Each of the Parties represents and warrants to the other that it has full authority to enter into this Amendment upon the terms and conditions hereof and that the individual executing this Amendment on its behalf has the requisite authority to bind such Party or Parties to this Amendment, including by Electronic Signature, and any such Electronic Signature represents an intent to enter into this Amendment and an agreement with its terms.

*[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]* 

*[Signature page follows]* 

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON** | **EACH FUND IDENTIFIED ON EXHIBIT A**<br> **HERETO** |
| By: /s/ Robert M. Stein Jr. | By: /s/ Brian E. Binder |
| Name: Robert M. Stein Jr. | Name: Brian E. Binder |
| Title: Vice President | Title: President and CEO |
| Date: May 27, 2026 | Date: May 27, 2026 |

---

------

**EXHIBIT A** 

Dated: May 20, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund Name** | **Tax Identification** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond and Investment Grade Debt Trust | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Municipal Income Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Limited Duration Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust - Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Investment Series (GAINS) - Core Plus Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Active Investment Series (GAINS) - Limited Duration Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Strategy Fund II | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Strategy Fund III | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust Guggenheim Variable Insurance Strategy Fund III | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim Core Bond Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Funds Trust Guggenheim High Yield Fund | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series E (Total Return Bond Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series P (High Yield Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust - Series F (Floating Rate Strategies Series) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund CFC\* | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF (GCLO) | [ ] |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF (GISC) | [ ] |

---

------

<u>Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF (GCSH)</u>   <u> [ ]</u> <br> <u>Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (GEEQ)</u>   <u> [ ]</u>

\* Indicates Fund will not receive full 1940 Act fund services.

------

**<u>SCHEDULE I</u>**

<u>Schedule of Services</u> 

Dated May 20, 2026

All services provided in this Schedule of Services are subject to the review and approval of the appropriate Fund officers, Fund counsel and accountants of each Fund, as may be applicable. The services included on this Schedule of Services may be provided by BNY or a BNY Affiliate, collectively referred to herein as "BNY".

**<u>VALUATION SUPPORT AND COMPUTATION ACCOUNTING SERVICES</u>**

BNY shall provide the following valuation support and computation accounting services for each Fund:

◾ Journalize investment, capital share and income and expense activities;

◾ Maintain individual ledgers for investment securities;

◾ Maintain security set-ups for country code, investment type classifications, maintain income and amortization elections, accrue dividends, process corporate actions, and paydowns, as applicable;

◾ Maintain historical tax lots for each security;

◾ Reconcile cash and investment balances of each Fund with the Fund's custodian;

◾ Reconcile investment balances of each Fund with balances in Guggenheim's investment management system;

◾ Calculate various contractual expenses;

◾ Calculate capital gains and losses;

◾ Calculate daily distribution rate per share;

◾ Determine net income;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Obtain security market quotes and currency exchange rates from pricing services approved by a Fund's investment adviser, or if such quotes are unavailable, then obtain such prices from the Fund's investment adviser, and in either case, calculate the market value of each Fund's investments in accordance with the Fund's and its valuation designee's current valuation policies or guidelines; provided, however, that BNY shall not under any circumstances be under a duty to independently price or value any of the Fund's investments, including securities lending related cash collateral investments, itself (including daily fair valuation of certain foreign futures contracts and fair valuation of foreign future contracts on foreign holidays, which requires client instruction regarding methodology for benchmarking, timing, and applicability) or to confirm or validate any information or valuation provided by the investment adviser or any other pricing source, nor shall BNY have any liability relating to inaccuracies or otherwise with respect to such information or valuations;  |

---

◾ Calculate Net Asset Value in the manner specified in the Fund's Offering Materials and the Fund's and its valuation designee's current valuation policy (which, for the service described herein, shall include the Fund's Net Asset Value error policy);

◾ Transmit or make available a copy of the daily portfolio valuation to a Fund's investment adviser;

◾ Calculate yields, SEC yields and portfolio average dollar-weighted maturity as applicable; and

◾ Calculate portfolio turnover rate for inclusion in the annual and semi-annual shareholder reports.

------

**<u>FINANCIAL REPORTING</u>**

BNY shall provide the following financial reporting services for each Fund:

◾ *Financial Statement Preparation & Review*

◾ Prepare the Fund's respective class level annual and semi-annual shareholder reports with respect to a Fund registered on Form N-1A<sup>1</sup> for shareholder delivery, inclusion in Form N-CSR and webhosting;

◾ Prepare the Fund's annual and semi-annual shareholder reports with respect to a Fund not registered on Form N-1A <sup>1</sup> for shareholder delivery and inclusion in Form N-CSR;

◾ Coordinate with typesetters/printers and auditors for annual and semi-annual reports drafts and incorporation of Guggenheim and Audit comments thereto; respond to audit requests for support and transaction details;

◾ Prepare quarterly CFTC filing for commodity pools. For annual NFA filing, provide report with data attributes required for Guggenheim to complete annual NFA filing;

◾ Prepare the Fund's quarterly schedule of portfolio holdings<sup>2</sup> for inclusion in Form N-PORT;

◾ Prepare, circulate and maintain the Fund's financial reporting production calendar;

◾ Prepare and file (or coordinate the filing of) the Fund's Form 24f-2; and

◾ Prepare and coordinate the filing of the Fund's monthly website files and Form N-MFP, as applicable to money market funds.

◾ *Modernization Reporting Services*

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | BNY shall provide the Modernization Reporting Services set forth in this section to the Funds following a full service operating model. This operating model requires BNY to include the actual filing of the reports as part of the services noted in this section. Modernization Reporting Services are "Vendor Eligible Services" as contemplated in Section 14(b)(iv) of the Agreement.  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | FORM N-PORT. BNY, subject to the limitations described in this section and its timely receipt of all necessary information related thereto, will, or will cause the Vendor to: (i) collect, aggregate and normalize the data required for the creation of Form N-PORT; (ii) prepare, on a monthly basis, Form N-PORT; and (iii) file Form N-PORT with the SEC.  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◾ The timely receipt of necessary information referred to above will be determined by mutual agreement of BNY and the Fund in advance of the preparation of the initial Form N-PORT to be filed under the Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◾ Unless mutually agreed in writing between BNY and the Fund, BNY will use the same layout and format for every applicable successive reporting period for Form N-PORT.

◾ FORM N-CEN. BNY, subject to the limitations described in this section and its timely receipt of all necessary information related thereto, will, or will cause the Vendor to: (i) collect, aggregate and normalize the data required

<sup>1</sup> Requires applicable "Typesetting Services" as described herein.

------

for the submission of Form N-CEN; (ii) prepare, on an annual basis, Form N-CEN; and (iii) file Form N-CEN with the SEC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◾ The timely receipt of necessary information referred to above will be determined by mutual agreement of BNY and the Fund in advance of the preparation of the initial Form N-CEN to be filed under this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◾ Unless mutually agreed in writing between BNY and the Fund, BNY will use the same source for obtaining the information and method for performing the required calculations for every successive Form N-CEN.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | BNY shall not be responsible for: (a) delays in the transmission to it by the Fund, the Fund's adviser and entities unaffiliated with BNY (collectively, for this Section, "Third Parties") of data required for the preparation of reports described herein, (b) inaccuracies of, errors in or omissions of, such data provided to it by any Third Party, and (c) validation of such data provided to it by any Third Party.  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | The Fund, in a timely manner, shall review and comment on, and, as the Fund deems necessary, cause its counsel and accountants to review and comment on, the preparation of each report described in this section. The Fund shall provide to BNY timely sign-off of the preparation of each such report and timely authorization and direction to file each such report. Absent such timely sign-off, authorization and direction by the Fund, BNY shall be excused from its obligations to prepare the affected report and to file the affected report. BNY is providing the services related to such reports based on the acknowledgement of the Fund that such services, together with the activities of the Fund in accordance with its internal policies, procedures and controls, shall together satisfy the requirements of the applicable rules and regulations for each such report.  |

---

◾ For such time as this section remains in effect, BNY shall be responsible for the retention of the filed reports described in this section in accordance with any applicable rule or regulation.

◾ *Typesetting Services (applicable to footnote 1 and the related services stated above)*

◾ Create financial compositions for the applicable financial report and related EDGAR files;

◾ Maintain country codes, industry class codes, security class codes and state codes;

◾ Create components that will specify the proper grouping and sorting for display of portfolio information;

◾ Create components that will specify the proper calculation and display of financial data required for each applicable financial report (except for identified manual entries, which BNY will enter);

◾ Process, convert and load security and general ledger data;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Document publishing, including the output of print-ready PDF files and EDGAR html files (such EDGAR html files will be limited to one per the applicable financial report and unless mutually agreed to in writing between BNY and the Fund, BNY will use the same layout for production data for every successive reporting period);  |

---

◾ Generate financial reports using the Vendor's capabilities which include the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o identifying information at the beginning of the shareholder report;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o class expense example;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Management Discussion of Fund Performance (semi-annual shareholder report at Fund option);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o key Fund statistics including total advisory fees paid by the Fund, portfolio turnover rate, net assets and number of
holdings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o graphical representation of holdings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o material Fund changes (if applicable) (semi-annual shareholder report at Fund option);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o changes in and disagreements with accountants in summary form (if applicable);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o statement regarding the availability of certain additional information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o additional Fund information as mutually agreed in writing between BNY and the Fund.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Unless mutually agreed in writing between BNY and the Fund, BNY will use the same layout and format for every successive reporting period for the typeset reports. At the request of the Fund and upon the mutual written agreement of BNY and the Fund as to the scope of any changes and additional compensation of BNY, BNY will, or will cause the Vendor to, change the format or layout of reports from time to time.  |

---

◾ *Typesetting Services (applicable to footnote 1 and the related services stated above)* 

◾ Create financial compositions for the applicable financial report and related EDGAR files;

◾ Maintain country codes, industry class codes, security class codes and state codes;

◾ Map individual general ledger accounts into master accounts to be displayed in the applicable financial reports;

◾ Create components that will specify the proper grouping and sorting for display of portfolio information;

◾ Create components that will specify the proper calculation and display of financial data required for each applicable financial report (except for identified manual entries, which BNY will enter);

◾ Process, convert and load security and general ledger data;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Include data in financial reports provided from external parties to BNY which includes, but is not limited to: shareholder letters, "Management Discussion and Analysis" commentary, notes on performance, notes to financials, report of independent auditors, Fund management listing, service providers listing and Fund spectrums;  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Document publishing, including the output of print-ready PDF files and EDGAR html files (such EDGAR html files will be limited to one per the applicable financial report and unless mutually agreed to in writing between BNY and the Fund, BNY will use the same layout for production data for every successive reporting period);  |

---

◾ Generate financial reports using the Vendor's capabilities which include the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o front/back cover;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o table of contents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o shareholder letter;

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o Management Discussion and Analysis commentary;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o sector weighting graphs/tables;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o disclosure of Fund expenses;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o schedules of investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o statement of net assets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o statements of assets and liabilities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o statements of operation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o statements of changes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o statements of cash flows;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o financial highlights;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o notes to financial statements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o report of independent registered public accounting firm;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o tax information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o additional Fund information as mutually agreed in writing between BNY and the Fund.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Unless mutually agreed in writing between BNY and the Fund, BNY will use the same layout and format for every successive reporting period for the typeset reports. At the request of the Fund and upon the mutual written agreement of BNY and the Fund as to the scope of any changes and additional compensation of BNY, BNY will, or will cause the Vendor to, change the format or layout of reports from time to time.  |

---

◾ *Money Market Fund Services*

◾ Prepare, on a monthly basis, Form N-MFP, subject to BNY's timely receipt of all necessary information related thereto;

◾ Report out WAM/WAL and daily and weekly liquid assets for website disclosure;

◾ Prepare, on a monthly basis, an electronic file of the portfolio holdings information required by Rule 2a-7(c)(12) promulgated under the 1940 Act for public website disclosure, subject to BNY's timely receipt of all necessary information related thereto;

◾ File Form N-MFP with the SEC;

◾ Provide the electronic file of the portfolio holdings information to the Fund or, at the Fund's written direction, to an identified third party.

◾ Neither BNY nor the Vendor, in connection with a particular Money Market Fund Services report, will: (i) access, post reports to or perform any service on a Fund's website; or (ii) prepare, provide or generate any reports, forms or files not specifically agreed to by BNY in advance.

◾ The applicable Fund acknowledges that it shall be responsible for the retention of any Money Market Fund Services reports in accordance with Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act or any other applicable rule or regulation.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Unless mutually agreed in writing between BNY and a Fund, BNY will use the same layout and format for every successive reporting period for the Money Market Fund Services reports. At the request of a Fund and upon the mutual written agreement of BNY and the Fund as to the scope of any changes and additional compensation of BNY, BNY will, or will cause the  |

---

------

Vendor to, customize Money Market Fund Services reports from time to time.

**<u>TAX SERVICES</u>**

BNY shall provide the following tax services for each Fund:

◾ *Tax Provision Preparation*

◾ Prepare fiscal year-end tax provision analysis;

◾ Process tax adjustments on securities identified by a Fund that require such treatment;

◾ Prepare ROCSOP adjusting entries; and

◾ Prepare financial statement footnote disclosures.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | *BNY is not responsible for the identification of securities requiring U.S. tax treatment that differs from treatment under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this responsibility resides with the Fund or Fund's management. BNY is responsible for processing such identified securities, in accordance with U.S. tax laws and regulations.*  |

---

◾ *Excise Tax Distributions Calculations*

◾ Prepare calendar year tax distribution analysis;

◾ Process tax adjustments on securities identified by a Fund that require such treatment; and

◾ Prepare annual tax-based distribution estimate for each Fund.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | *BNY is not responsible for the identification of securities requiring U.S. tax treatment that differs from treatment under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this responsibility resides with the Fund or Fund's management. BNY is responsible for processing such identified securities, in accordance with U.S. tax laws and regulations.*  |

---

◾ *Other Tax Services*

◾ Calculate and report wash sale deferrals with respect to transactions for the Fund based upon an agreed upon schedule with BNY;

◾ Prepare for execution and filing, the federal and state income and excise tax returns;

◾ Prepare year-end Investment Company Institute broker/dealer reporting and prepare fund distribution calculations disseminated to broker/dealers;

◾ Prepare quarterly estimates of provision net investment income and capital gains/losses, for certain fixed income Funds;

◾ Provide data to the Funds' tax services provider for monthly estimates of closed-end fund provision estimates;

◾ Coordinate U.S.C. Title 26 Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") §855 and excise tax distribution requirements;

◾ Provide income and two capital gain estimates in advance of year-end for portfolio management purposes;

◾ Prepare all tax related provisions and distribution requirements for all Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs).

------

◾ *Uncertain Tax Positions*

◾ Documentation of all material tax positions taken by a Fund with respect to specified fiscal years and identified to BNY ("Tax Positions");

◾ Review of a Fund's: (i) tax provision work papers, (ii) excise tax distribution work papers, (iii) income and excise tax returns, (iv) tax policies and procedures and (v) Subchapter M compliance work papers;

◾ Determine as to whether or not Tax Positions have been consistently applied, and documentation of any inconsistencies;

◾ Review relevant statutory authorities;

◾ Review tax opinions and legal memoranda prepared by tax counsel or tax auditors to a Fund;

◾ Review standard mutual fund industry practices, to the extent such practices are known to, or may reasonably be determined by, BNY; and

◾ Delivery of a written report to the applicable Fund detailing such items.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | *The following are expressly excluded from the Uncertain Tax Positions services: (i) assessment of risk of any challenge by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority against any Tax Position (including, without limitation, whether it is "more likely than not" such Tax Position would be sustained); (ii) calculation of any tax benefit measurement, in whole or in part, that may be required if any "more likely than not" threshold has not been met; and (iii) any tax opinion or tax advice. Additionally, none of the Uncertain Tax Positions services shall be deemed to be or constitute a tax opinion or tax advice.*  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*(a) The Fund shall provide such information and documentation as BNY may reasonably request in connection with the Uncertain Tax Positions services. The Fund's independent public accountants shall cooperate with BNY and make such information available to BNY as BNY may reasonably request.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement and without limiting any rights, protections or limitations of liability otherwise provided to BNY pursuant to this Agreement, (i) BNY is authorized and permitted to release such information as is necessary or desirable to be released in connection with the provision of any of the Uncertain Tax Positions services, (ii) management of the Fund is responsible for complying with all uncertain tax positions reporting obligations relating to the Fund and BNY shall have no liability to the Fund or any other entity or governmental authority with respect to any tax positions taken by the Fund, (iii) BNY shall have no liability either for any error or omission of any other service provider (including any accounting firm or tax adviser) to the Fund or for any failure to discover any such error or omission, (iv) the Fund shall be responsible for all filings, tax returns and reports on all Tax Positions and for the payment of all taxes and similar items (including without limitation penalties and interest related thereto) and (v) in the event of any error or omission in the performance of a Uncertain Tax Positions service the Fund's sole and exclusive remedy and BNY's sole liability shall be limited to re-performance of the applicable Uncertain Tax Positions service and the preparation and delivery to the Fund of a corrected report (if necessary), such re-performance, preparation and delivery to be provided at no additional service charge to the Fund.* 

------

◾ IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE:

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, BNY informs the Fund that any U.S. tax advice contained in any communication from BNY to the Fund (including any future communications) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein or therein.

**<u>FUND ADMINISTRATION SERVICES</u>**

BNY shall provide the following fund administration services for each Fund:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | In accordance with Instructions received from a Fund, and subject to portfolio limitations as provided by such Fund to BNY in writing from time to time, monitor such Fund's compliance, on a post-trade basis, with such portfolio limitations (requirements under the 1940 Act and rules thereunder and the IRC, as well as rules identified in the Fund's prospectus and SAI or provided to BNY on an ad-hoc basis), provided that BNY maintains in the normal course of its business all data necessary to measure the Fund's compliance or receives necessary data from the Fund or other sources utilized by BNY in the normal course of its business. Such post-trade compliance testing shall be conducted on a daily basis using automated means; if BNY detects a possible non-compliance with portfolio limitations applicable to a Fund, it shall promptly notify the Fund thereof;  |

---

◾ Monitor the Fund's status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the IRC and Subchapter L of the IRC (if required);

◾ Establish appropriate expense accruals and compute expense ratios, maintain expense files (including with respect to overdraft charges reporting) and coordinate the payment of Fund approved invoices;

◾ Monitor expense accruals vs payments for operating expenses, and adjust accruals based upon client approval, particularly around semi-annual and year-end periods;

◾ Monitor expense ratios for expense limitations, waivers, and accrued eligible class-level recoupments;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Calculate Fund approved income and per share amounts required for periodic (monthly, quarterly or annual) distributions to be made by the applicable Fund;  |

---

◾ Facilitate the preparation and delivery of statistical reports for outside tracking agencies;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Calculate total return information for the Funds to populate their website with total returns and other financial information;  |

---

◾ Calculate loan and preferred share limits and NRSRO ratings pursuant to the testing template provided by the Fund to BNY for closed-end funds (if applicable);

------

◾ Coordinate a Fund's annual audit;

◾ Supply various normal and customary portfolio and Fund statistical data as requested on an ongoing basis, which may include foreign withholding reclaim reporting;

◾ Provide monthly reports to support Valuation Committee reporting needs;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | If the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of a Fund is required to provide a certification as part of the Fund's Form N-CSR filing pursuant to regulations promulgated by the SEC under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, provide a sub-certification in support of certain matters set forth in the aforementioned certification. Such sub-certification is to be in such form and relating to such matters as agreed to by BNY in advance. BNY shall be required to provide the sub-certification only during the term of this Agreement with respect to the applicable Fund and only if it receives such cooperation as it may request to perform its investigations with respect to the sub-certification. For clarity, the sub-certification is not itself a certification under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or under any other law, rule or regulation;  |

---

◾ Prepare such distribution calculations and related financial information as may be required to support any required Section 19(a) notices or income or capital gain distribution press releases;

◾ Daily asset coverage testing and exception reporting for indebtedness leverage within the Fund as required and defined by the 1940 Act;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Prepare and furnish yield and total return performance information for the Fund, including any information on an after-tax basis if applicable, based on market value in addition to Net Asset Value, for closed-end funds (if required); and  |

---

◾ Provide such financial information and reports, provided the same are maintained by BNY in the normal course of business, as may be required by any stock exchange on which the Funds' shares are listed for closed-end funds and/or ETFs (if required).

**<u>REGULATORY ADMINISTRATION SERVICES</u>**

BNY shall provide the following regulatory administration services for each Fund:

◾ Maintain a regulatory calendar for each Fund listing various SEC filing and Board approval deadlines;

◾ Assemble and distribute board materials, including 15(c) materials and materials for CFC board meetings, for quarterly meetings of the Board, including the drafting of agendas and resolutions for such quarterly meetings of the Board (with final selection of agenda items made by Fund counsel);

------

◾ Attend (in-person or telephonically) quarterly Board meetings and draft minutes thereof;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ◾ | Prepare and coordinate the filing of annual post-effective amendments to a Fund's registration statement (not including the initial registration statement or related to the addition of one or more classes of shares or series or the combining of multiple prospectuses into one prospectus or the splitting of one prospectus into multiple prospectuses);  |

---

◾ Prepare and coordinate the filing of Forms N-CSR and N-PX, as applicable (with the Fund supplying the voting records in the format required by BNY);

◾ Assist the Fund in the handling of SEC examinations by providing requested documents in the possession of BNY that are on the SEC examination request list; and

◾ Assist with and/or coordinate such other filings, notices and regulatory matters on such terms and conditions as BNY and the applicable Fund may mutually agree upon in writing from time to time.

◾ *eBoard Book Services*:

◾ Permit persons or entities entering a valid password to have electronic access, via an Internet-based secure website, to current quarterly Board meeting materials and such other Board meeting materials as may be agreed between BNY and a Fund.

◾ *38a-1 Compliance Support Services*

◾ Provide compliance policies and procedures related to certain services provided by BNY and, if mutually agreed, certain of the BNY Affiliates; summary procedures thereof; and periodic certification letters.

## Ex-99.(H)(14)

**AMENDED AND RESTATED** 

**AFFILIATED FUND OF FUNDS WAIVER AGREEMENT** 

**THIS AGREEMENT**, dated as of May 14, 2026, is made and entered into by and between Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (the "Adviser") and each of the registered investment companies set forth in Schedule A (each being referred to herein as a "Fund"), as may be amended from time to time. This Agreement shall apply to each investment portfolio of a Fund as set forth in Schedule A (the "Series").

**WHEREAS**, the Adviser has been appointed the investment adviser to the Series pursuant to an advisory agreements between each Fund and the Adviser (each, an "Advisory Agreement"), under which the Adviser provides certain investment advisory services to each Series and is compensated by each Series in the amount set forth in the Advisory Agreement with respect to the applicable Series (the "Advisory Fee");

**WHEREAS**, each Series, consistent with its investment objective and applicable restrictions set forth in the Series' prospectus and statement of additional information, may invest a portion of its assets in other registered investment companies;

**WHEREAS**, a Series' investment in other registered investment companies may include an investment in any other Series and any other investment portfolio for which the Adviser or its affiliates provide investment advisory services (together, the "Underlying Affiliated Series") pursuant to an agreement between each Underlying Affiliated Series and the Adviser or its affiliate (each, an "Underlying Affiliated Series Advisory Agreement");

**WHEREAS**, pursuant to an Underlying Affiliated Series Advisory Agreement, each Underlying Affiliated Series pays to the Adviser or its affiliate an amount set forth in the Underlying Affiliated Series Advisory Agreement for the investment advisory services provided by the Adviser or its affiliate (the "Underlying Affiliated Series Advisory Fee"); and

**WHEREAS**, each Fund, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Series, and the Adviser desire to enter into the arrangements described herein.

**NOW, THEREFORE**, it is agreed as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Adviser agrees to waive the full amount of a Series' Advisory Fee to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of the Underlying Affiliated Series Advisory Fee paid by the Series through its investment in an Underlying Affiliated Series.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Nothing herein shall otherwise affect the terms of any other expense limitation agreements, if any, between the Adviser or its affiliates and a Fund. For purposes of calculating the extent of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements under such agreements, the Adviser shall

------

calculate waivers or reimbursements, if any, under any expense limitation agreement(s) prior to waiving a Series' Advisory Fee pursuant to this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The end of the initial term of this Agreement shall be October 1, 2027. This Agreement shall automatically renew for one-year terms, unless the Adviser provides written notice to the Fund of the termination of the Agreement, which notice shall be received by the Fund at least 30 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of a Fund, on behalf of the Series, upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the Adviser. This Agreement, as it relates to a Series, will terminate automatically if the Advisory Agreement with respect to such Series is terminated, with such termination effective upon the effective date of the Advisory Agreement's termination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. This Agreement shall supersede and replace all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, between the Adviser and each Fund concerning the matters governed hereby.

***[Signatures on following page]***

------

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.

**GUGGENHEIM FUNDS TRUST** 

By: /s/ Brian E. Binder

Name: Brian E. Binder

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

**GUGGENHEIM PARTNERS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC** 

By: /s/ Amy J. Lee

Name: Amy J. Lee

Title: Attorney-in-Fact

------

**AMENDED AND RESTATED** 

**FUND OF FUNDS WAIVER AGREEMENT** 

**SCHEDULE A** 

**Dated May 14, 2026** 

Registered investment companies to which this Agreement applies and their respective Series:

**Guggenheim Funds Trust** 

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF

Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO ETF

Guggenheim Securitized Income ETF

Guggenheim Ultra Short Income ETF

## Ex-99.(I)(3)

![LOGO](g139913g0610014112694.jpg)

![LOGO](g139913g0610014112314.jpg)

2005 Market Street

Suite 2600

Philadelphia, PA 19103

T: 215.564.8000

**J. Stephen Feinour, Jr.** 

jfeinourjr@stradley.com

215.564.8521 June 10, 2026

Board of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust

702 King Farm Boulevard Suite 200

Rockville, MD 20850

Subject: Post-Effective Amendment No. 322 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A relating to Guggenheim Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust File Nos. 002-19458; 811-01136

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Guggenheim Funds Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"), including its series, the Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income ETF (the "Series"), in connection with the preparation and filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of Post-Effective Amendment No. 322 to the Registration Statement of the Trust on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933 and Amendment No. 322 to such Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Amendment").

We have reviewed the Trust's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, Amended and Restated By-Laws, and resolutions adopted by the Trust's Board of Trustees, and such other legal and factual matters as we have deemed appropriate.

This opinion is based exclusively on the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and does not extend to the securities or "blue sky" laws of the State of Delaware or other States.

We have assumed the following for purposes of this opinion:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The shares of the Series will be issued in accordance with the Trust's Amended and Restated Declaration
of Trust, Amended and Restated By-Laws and resolutions of the Trust's Board of Trustees relating to the creation, authorization and issuance of shares of the Series.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Series' shares will be issued against payment therefor as described in the Series' then-current
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information relating thereto and that such payment will have been at least equal to the applicable offering price.

On the basis of the foregoing, it is our opinion that, when issued and paid for upon the terms provided in the Amendment, the shares of beneficial interest, without par value, of the Series to be issued pursuant to the Amendment will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

**Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP \| stradley.com** 

Chicago \| Los Angeles \| New York \| Philadelphia \| Washington, D.C.

------

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Amendment.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours,<br>|
| /s/ Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP |

---

## Ex-99.(M)(10)

**AMENDED AND RESTATED** 

**EXHIBIT A** 

**TO THE** 

**DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICING PLAN** 

**Guggenheim Funds Trust** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Fund** | **Effective Date of the Plan** |
| Guggenheim Investment Grade CLO 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;March 29, 2026 |
| Guggenheim Securitized Income 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;March 29, 2026 |
| Guggenheim Ultra Short Income 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;March 29, 2026 |
| Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income 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;May 14, 2026 |

---