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PROSPECTUS

 

CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25

Strategy ETF a series of ONEFUND TRUST

 

December 17, 2023

 

Ticker: ZZZ Listed on: NASDAQ

 

The shares of CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF (the “Fund”) are not individually redeemable by the Fund but trade on the NASDAQ in individual share lots.

 

The Fund seeks to replicate, before fees and expenses, the total return of the S&P 500® and S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index 75/25 Blend Index (the “Index”), an index by Standard & Poor’s.

 

THE SEC 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.

 

An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. An investment in the Fund involves investment risks, and you may lose money in the Fund.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

About this Prospectus

 

This prospectus has been arranged into different sections so that you can easily review this important information. For detailed information about the Fund, please see:

 

Page
CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF- Summary 4
Investment Objective 4
Fees and Expenses 4
Principal Investment Strategies 5
Principal Risks 7
Performance Information 11
Fund Management 11
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 11
Tax Information 11
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries 11
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES 12
Additional Information about Risks 15
Portfolio Holdings 20
Additional Information about Management 20
Shareholder Information 22
Distribution 26
Financial Highlights 26

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CYBER HORNET S&P 500® AND BITCOIN 75/25 STRATEGY ETF SUMMARY

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The Fund Seeks to replicate, before fees and expenses, the total return of the S&P 500® and S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index 75/25 Blend Index (the “Index”), an index by Standard & Poor’s. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without the consent of the shareholders of the Fund.

 

FEES AND EXPENSES

The following table describes the expenses and fees 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 tables and examples below.

 

Shareholder Fees  
(fees paid directly from your investment) None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses  
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  
Management Fees1 0.95%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses2 0.00%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.95%

 

1 The Fund’s investment adviser, ONEFUND, LLC (the “Adviser”), provides investment advisory services and pays the Fund’s operating expenses, with certain exceptions, in return for a “unitary fee” exclusive of expenses incurred pursuant to the Fund’s 12b-1 Distribution Plan, costs of borrowings (including interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); taxes or governmental fees; acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and other expenses of executing portfolio transactions; costs of holding shareholder meetings, including proxy costs; fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s securities lending program, if any, fees of the disinterested trustees and independent counsel to the disinterested Trustees and litigation and potential litigation and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

2Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. Expenses assuming no redemption are also shown. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses (excluding any sales loads on reinvested dividends, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) shown in the table above remain the same. The expenses used to calculate the Fund’s Example do not include fee waivers or expense reimbursements. Although your actual costs and returns may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

    1 Year 3 Years 5 years 10 years
  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be: $ 97 $303 $525 $1,166

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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. Because the Fund is newly organized, portfolio turnover information is not yet available.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

The Fund seeks to replicate, before fees and expenses, the total return of the S&P 500® and S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index 75/25 Blend Index (the “Index”). The Index measures the weighted return performance of a multi-asset strategy that consists of a 75% weight in the S&P 500® Index and a 25% weight in the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index. Accordingly, in seeking to track the Index, the Fund will invest approximately 75% of its assets in the stock of large U.S. companies that comprise the S&P 500® Index and will invest in Bitcoin futures contracts so that the total value of the Bitcoin to which the Fund has economic exposure is approximately 25% of the assets of the Fund. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P DJI” or the “Index Provider”) compiles, maintains and calculates the Index and each of the S&P 500® Index and the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index. The Index is rebalanced monthly and accordingly the Fund seeks to maintain the 75%/25% allocations by also rebalancing these allocations on a monthly basis. However, price fluctuations in the underlying assets and other factors, such as the Fund’s cash position, may cause these allocations to vary at any given point in time. The Adviser reserves the right to rebalance the Fund’s allocations more frequently than monthly in periods of significant price volatility.

 

The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin.

 

U.S. Large-Cap -

 

Under normal conditions, the Fund invests approximately 75% of its assets in the stock of companies that make up the S&P 500® Index, a widely recognized benchmark of U.S. stock market performance that is dominated by the stocks of large U.S. companies.

 

The Index includes 500 leading U.S. companies. Created in 1957, the Index is a widely regarded gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. The Index is a float market capitalization-weighted index meaning components are weighted according to the total market value of their outstanding shares available in the public markets. As of November 30, 2023, the minimum threshold for adding a company to the Index was a market capitalization of $14.5 billion or higher, and the average market capitalization of the 500 companies was $80 billion.

 

The Fund attempts to replicate this portion of its portfolio by investing in the stocks that make up the Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index. The Fund may sell investments that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from the Index or buy investments that are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their addition to the Index. The Fund may also invest in securities of other investment companies, such as certain exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), in order to implement its investment strategy.

 

Bitcoin Futures-

 

Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest in Bitcoin futures contracts so that the total value of the Bitcoin to which the Fund has economic exposure is approximately 25% of the assets of the Fund. Such exposure seeks to track, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index. The S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index is designed to track the performance of bitcoin futures contracts that are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”). However, changes in the relative value of the Fund’s assets between the monthly rebalance could cause the Fund’s bitcoin futures position to represent greater than 25% of the Fund’s assets.

 

Bitcoin is a digital asset and is generally considered a digital commodity. The ownership of Bitcoin is determined by participants in a decentralized, peer-to-peer network that connects computers that run publicly accessible, or “open source,” software, commonly referred to as the “Bitcoin Protocol.” The value of Bitcoin is determined, in part, by the supply of, and demand for, Bitcoin in the markets created to facilitate the trading of Bitcoin. Ownership and the ability

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to transfer or take other actions with respect to Bitcoin is protected through public-key cryptography. The supply of Bitcoin is determined by the Bitcoin Protocol which limits both the total amount of Bitcoin that will be produced to 21 million and the rate at which it is released into the network. Units of Bitcoin are treated as mutually interchangeable (i.e., fungible). No single entity owns or operates the Bitcoin Network, which is collectively maintained by (1) a decentralized group of participants who run computer software that results in the recording and validation of transactions blocks (commonly referred to as “miners”), (2) developers who propose improvements to the Bitcoin Protocol and the software that enforces the Bitcoin Protocol and (3) a decentralized group of users and computers which host and synchronize a copy of the entire Bitcoin blockchain (commonly referred to as “nodes”). More information regarding Bitcoin is available under “BITCOIN FUTURES, BITCOIN, THE BITCOIN NETWORK, AND THE BITCOIN PROTOCOL” in the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”).

 

Bitcoin futures contracts are standardized cash-settled contracts traded on commodity exchanges registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). Currently, the only such contracts are traded on the CME. The Fund will only trade on Bitcoin futures that are traded on the CME. Domestic futures exchanges, such as the CME, have established accountability levels (“accountability levels”) on futures contracts traded on U.S.-based futures exchanges. The accountability levels establish a threshold above with the exchange may exercise greater scrutiny and control over the Fund’s positions.

 

The value of Bitcoin futures is determined by reference to the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate (“BBR”), which is designed to provide an indication of the price of Bitcoin across certain cash Bitcoin exchanges. The Fund seeks to invest in cash settled, front-month Bitcoin futures. Front-month Bitcoin futures contracts are those contracts with the shortest time to maturity. The Fund expects to invest in the Bitcoin futures through a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, ONEFUND International Ltd, organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands and advised by the Adviser (the “Subsidiary”). The Fund generally expects to invest in Bitcoin futures contracts in the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary and the Fund will have the same investment adviser. The Subsidiary will also follow the same general investment policies and restrictions as the Fund. Except as noted herein, references to the Fund’s investment strategies and risks include those of the Subsidiary. The Fund complies with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”) governing investment policies and capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis with the Subsidiary. Furthermore, the Adviser, as the investment adviser to the Subsidiary, complies with the provisions of the 1940Act relating to investment advisory contracts as it relates to its advisory agreement with the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary also complies with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody. Because the Fund intends to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the size of the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary will not exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at each quarter end of the Fund’s fiscal year. The Subsidiary’s custodian is U.S. Bank National Association.

 

In order to seek to track the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index by investing in Bitcoin futures contracts, the Fund must sell its futures contracts as they near expiration and replace them with new futures contracts with a later expiration date. The Adviser anticipates that this “roll” of the futures contracts will normally occur shortly before the expiration of the current month contract in the last week of the month. However, such timing may change due to market conditions. Futures contracts with a longer term to expiration may be priced higher than futures contracts with a shorter term to expiration (e.g. trading at “contango”). Bitcoin futures have historically experienced extended periods of contango. Contango in the Bitcoin futures market may have a significant adverse impact on the performance of the Fund and may cause it to significantly deviate from the performance of the Index.

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In addition, to its investment in Bitcoin futures contracts, the Fund (or the Subsidiary, as applicable) will invest in high quality securities that are designed to satisfy the “margin” requirements applicable to the Fund’s investments in futures contracts. Such high-quality investments may include: (1) U.S. Government securities; (2) money market funds; and/or (3) short-term corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper. Such high-quality securities may be posted with the Fund’s futures commission merchant in order to satisfy the Fund’s obligations under the applicable futures contracts.

 

The Fund does not directly invest in, or seek direct exposure to, the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund.

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS

The following is a description of the principal risks of investing in the Fund which could affect the net asset value and total return of the Fund. There are other circumstances (including additional risks not described here) which could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. These risks are presented in an order that reflects the Adviser’s assessment of relative importance, but this assessment could change over time as the Fund’s portfolio changes or in light of changes in the market or the economic environment, among other things. The Fund is not required to and will not update this Prospectus solely because the Adviser’s assessment of the relative importance of the principal risks of investing in the Fund changes.

 

Bitcoin and Bitcoin futures contracts are relatively new investments. They are subject to unique and substantial risks, and historically, have been subject to significant price volatility. The value of an investment in the Fund could decline significantly and without warning. You should be prepared to lose the entirety of the Bitcoin component of your investment in the Fund. The performance of Bitcoin futures contracts and therefore the performance of the Fund may differ significantly from the performance of Bitcoin.

 

Market Risk – The market price of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Securities may decline in value due to factors affecting securities markets generally or particular industries represented in the securities markets. Information publicly available about a company, whether from the company’s financial statements or other disclosures or from third parties, or information available to some but not all market participants, can affect the price of a company’s shares in the market. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously.

 

Equity Risk – The values of equity securities may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities.

 

Bitcoin Futures Contracts Risk – The market for Bitcoin futures contracts may be less developed, and potentially less liquid and more volatile, than more established futures markets. While the Bitcoin futures contracts market has grown substantially since Bitcoin futures contracts commenced trading, there can be no assurance that this growth will continue. The price for Bitcoin futures contracts is based on a number of factors, including the supply of and the demand for Bitcoin futures contracts. Market conditions and expectations, position limits, collateral requirements, and other factors each can impact the supply of and demand for Bitcoin futures contracts. At times increased demand paired with supply constraints and other factors have caused Bitcoin futures contracts to trade at a significant discount or premium to the “spot” price of Bitcoin. Additional demand, including demand resulting from the purchase, or anticipated purchase, of Bitcoin futures contracts by the Fund or other entities may increase that premium, perhaps significantly. It is not possible to predict whether or for how long such conditions will continue. To the extent the Fund purchases futures contracts at a premium and the premium declines, the value of an investment in the Fund also should be expected to decline.

Market conditions and expectations, position limits, collateral requirements, and other factors may also limit the Fund’s ability to achieve its desired exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts. If the Fund is unable to achieve such exposure it may not be able to meet its investment objective and the Fund’s returns may be different from those of the

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index or lower than expected. Additionally, collateral requirements may require the Fund to liquidate its position, potentially incurring losses and expenses, when it otherwise would not do so. Investing in derivatives like Bitcoin futures contracts may be considered aggressive and may expose the Fund to significant risks. These risks include counterparty risk and liquidity risk. The performance of Bitcoin futures contracts and Bitcoin may differ and may not be correlated with each other, over short or long periods of time, and may cause Bitcoin futures to underperform spot Bitcoin. Both contango and backwardation may limit or prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. More information regarding contango and backwardation is available under “Cost of Futures Investment Rik” in this prospectus.

 

Bitcoin Futures Capacity Risk – If the Fund’s ability to obtain exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts consistent with its investment objective is disrupted for any reason including, for example, limited liquidity in the Bitcoin futures market, a disruption to the Bitcoin futures market, or as a result of margin requirements or position limits imposed by the Fund’s futures commission merchants (“FCMs”), the CME, or the CFTC, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective and may experience significant losses. Margin levels for Bitcoin futures contracts are substantially higher than the margin requirements for more established future contracts. Margin requirements are subject to change and may be raised in the future by the exchanges on which they trade or and the FCMs. High margin requirements could prevent the Fund from obtaining its desired exposure to Biotin futures and may adversely affect the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective. Any disruption in the Fund’s ability to obtain exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts will cause the Fund’s performance to deviate from the performance of Bitcoin, Bitcoin futures, or the Index.

 

Cost of Futures Investment Risk – When a Bitcoin futures contract is nearing expiration, the Fund will typically “roll” the futures contract, which means it will generally sell such contract and use the proceeds to buy a Bitcoin futures contract with a later expiration date. When rolling futures contracts that are in contango, the Fund would sell a lower priced, expiring contract and purchase a higher priced, longer-dated contract. The price difference between the expiring contract and longer-dated contract associated with rolling Bitcoin futures may be substantially higher than the price difference associated with rolling other futures contracts. Bitcoin futures have historically experienced extended periods of contango. Contango in the Bitcoin futures market may have a significant adverse impact on the performance of the Fund and may cause Bitcoin futures to underperform spot Bitcoin. Conversely, futures contracts with a longer term to expiration may be priced lower than futures contracts with a shorter term to expiration (e.g. a relationship called backwardation). When rolling futures contracts that are in backwardation, the Fund will sell the expiring contract at a relatively higher price and buy a longer-dated contract at a relatively lower price. Both contango and backwardation may limit or prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

 

Bitcoin Risk – The Bitcoin network has a limited history relative to traditional commodities and currencies. There is no assurance that use or acceptance of Bitcoin will continue to grow. A contraction in use or adoption of Bitcoin may result in increased volatility or a reduction in the price of Bitcoin, which would likely have an adverse impact on the value of the Shares. Sales of newly created or “mined” Bitcoin may cause the price of Bitcoin to decline, which could negatively affect an investment in the Shares. Bitcoin trading prices experience high levels of volatility, and in some cases such volatility has been sudden and extreme. Because of such volatility, Shareholders could lose all or substantially all of the Bitcoin component of their investment in the Fund in a very short time, even in the course of one day. Shareholders who invest in the Fund should actively monitor their investments. The Bitcoin network could cease to be a focal point for developer activity, and there is no assurance that the most active developers who participate in monitoring and upgrading the software protocols on which the Bitcoin network is based will continue to do so in the future, which could damage the network or reduce Bitcoin’s competitiveness with competing digital assets or blockchain protocols. Disruptions at Bitcoin spot markets and in the Bitcoin futures markets could adversely affect the availability or price of Bitcoin.

 

From time to time, developers may suggest changes to the bitcoin software. If a sufficient number of users and miners elect not to adopt the changes, a new digital asset, operating on the earlier version of the bitcoin software, may be created. This is often referred to as a “fork.” Bitcoin has been forked numerous times to launch new digital assets. Additional hard forks of the Bitcoin blockchain could impact demand for bitcoin or other digital assets and could adversely impact the Fund’s Bitcoin futures. A fork in the Bitcoin network could adversely affect the market for Bitcoin futures in which the Fund invests and, therefore, an investment in the Fund.

 

Bitcoin exchanges and other trading venues on which bitcoin trades are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated and may therefore be more exposed to fraud and failure than established, regulated exchanges for securities and derivatives. Bitcoin exchanges have in the past, and may in the future, stop operating or permanently shut down due to fraud, cybersecurity issues, manipulation, technical glitches, hackers or malware, which may also affect the price of bitcoin and thus the Fund’s indirect investment in bitcoin. All networked systems are vulnerable to various kinds of attacks. As with any computer network, the Bitcoin network contains certain flaws. For example, the Bitcoin network is currently vulnerable to a “51% attack” where, if a mining pool were to gain control of more than 50% of the “hash” rate, or the amount of computing and process power being contributed to the network through mining, a malicious actor would be able to gain full control of the network and the ability to manipulate the blockchain. A significant portion of bitcoin may be held by a small number of holders sometimes referred to as “whales.” These holders have the ability to manipulate the price of bitcoin. As a digital asset, bitcoin is subject to cybersecurity risks, including the risk that malicious actors will exploit flaws in its code or structure that will allow them to, among other things, steal bitcoin held by others, control the blockchain, steal personally identifying information, or issue significant amounts of bitcoin in contravention of the Bitcoin protocols.

 

The occurrence of any of these events is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the price and liquidity of bitcoin and Bitcoin Futures and therefore the value of an investment in the Fund. Additionally, the Bitcoin network’s functionality relies on the Internet. A significant disruption of Internet connectivity affecting large numbers of users or geographic areas could impede the functionality of the Bitcoin network. Any technical disruptions or regulatory limitations that affect Internet access may have an adverse effect on the Bitcoin network, the price of bitcoin and Bitcoin Futures, and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

Investment in the Subsidiary Risk – The Subsidiary, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the Fund because the Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund is exposed to the risks of the Subsidiary’s investments, which are exposed to the risks of investing in Bitcoin futures contracts. The Fund also will incur the expenses of the Subsidiary. In addition, changes in the laws of the United States or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as intended and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders. The character, timing, or amount that the Fund will pay in taxes may be affected by the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary. Future or new legislation, Treasury regulations and/or guidance issued by

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the Internal Revenue Service may also affect whether income derived from the Fund’s investments in the Subsidiary is considered qualifying income and therefore whether the Fund qualifies to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).

 

Management Risk – The investment techniques and risk analysis used by the Fund’s Adviser may not produce the intended results and could adversely impact the performance of the Fund.

 

Correlation and Tracking Error Risk – Various factors may impede the Fund’s ability to track the Index or achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index. For example, the Fund has operating and other expenses, while the Index does not. The Fund may not be fully invested at times, generally as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or excess cash held by the Fund for various reasons, which could create “cash drag.” As a result, the Fund may underperform the Index to some degree over time. The Fund’s short-term investments held to secure its futures contracts may contribute to cash drag to the extent that the rate of return of such investments is below that of the implied risk free rate embedded in the futures contract’s price. In addition, roll costs (e.g. contango) in the Bitcoin futures contracts may cause the Fund to underperform the Index. Changes in securities markets, changes in the composition of the Index, timing of purchases and sales of securities and commodities underlying the Index, timing of purchases and sales of Fund shares, rounding of share prices, regulatory developments, portfolio turnover, timing of the payment of Fund expenses, and timing of reimbursement of Fund expenses by the Adviser may all contribute to tracking error and/or affect the correlation between the Fund and the Index, thereby adversely impacting the Fund’s performance. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation. Failure to achieve a high degree of correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

 

Investment Style Risk – Returns from large-capitalization stocks may trail returns from the overall stock market. Large-cap stocks tend to go through cycles of performing better – or worse – than other segments of the stock market or the stock market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted several years.

 

Investment in Investment Companies Risk – Investing in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds, subjects the Fund to fees and expenses of, as well as those risks affecting, the investment company, including the possibility that the value of the underlying securities held by the investment company could decrease.

 

Trading Halt Risk – An exchange or market may issue trading halts on specific securities, contracts, or instruments, or may close early or late, which will affect the ability of the Fund to buy or sell certain securities. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments or may incur substantial trading losses.

 

Cybersecurity Risk – The Fund and its service providers may be susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from a breach in cybersecurity, including cyber-attacks. A breach in cybersecurity, intentional or unintentional, may adversely impact the Fund or shareholder in many ways, including, but not limited to, disruption of the Fund’s operational capacity, loss of proprietary information, theft or corruption of data, denial-of-service attacks on websites or network resources, and the unauthorized release of confidential information. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund’s third-party service providers, or the issuers of investments in which the Fund invests may subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cybersecurity breaches.

 

Tax Risk – The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level as a corporation and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification test applicable to a RIC, the Fund will limit its investments in the Subsidiary to 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of each quarter. The investment strategy of the Fund may cause the Fund to hold more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets in investments in the Subsidiary at a point in time. If the Fund’s investments in the Subsidiary were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Because gains from the sale of Bitcoin futures contracts produces non-qualifying income for purposes of qualifying as a RIC, the Fund makes its investments in Bitcoin futures contracts through the Subsidiary. The Fund intends to treat any gains it may derive from the sale of Bitcoin futures contracts received by the Subsidiary as “qualifying income” under the

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provisions of the Code applicable to RICs. If, in any year, the Fund were to fail to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded a RIC and its shareholders, and were ineligible to or were not to cure such failure, the Fund would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax on all its income at the fund level. The resulting taxes could substantially reduce the Fund’s net assets and the amount of income available for distribution. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risks –

 

Absence of an Active Market: Although the Fund’s shares are approved for listing on the NASDAQ (the “Exchange”), there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop and be maintained for Fund shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Fund may experience greater tracking error to its Index than it otherwise would at higher asset levels or the Fund may ultimately liquidate.

 

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

 

Cash Transaction Risk. The Fund currently intends to affect some portion of redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind, because of the nature of the Fund’s investments. The Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds, which involves transaction costs that the Fund may not have incurred had it effected redemptions entirely in kind. These costs may include brokerage costs and/or taxable gains or losses, which may be imposed on the Fund and decrease the Fund’s NAV. If the Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized if it were to distribute all of its portfolio securities in-kind, or to recognize such gain sooner than would otherwise be required. This may decrease the tax efficiency of the Fund compared to ETFs that utilize a complete in-kind redemption process.

 

Leverage Risk. Leverage risk is created when an investment, which includes, for example, an investment in a derivative contract, exposes the Fund to a level of risk that exceeds the amount invested. Changes in the value of such an investment magnify the Fund’s risk of loss and potential for gain. Investments can have these same results if their returns are based on a multiple of a specified index, security or other benchmark.

 

Costs of Buying or Selling Shares: Investors buying or selling Fund shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of shares.

 

Fluctuation of NAV: The NAV of Fund shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s investments. The market prices of shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s NAV and supply and demand of shares on the Exchange. It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. During periods of unusual volatility or market disruptions, market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the market value of the Fund’s investment holdings or the NAV of Fund shares. As a result, investors in the Fund may pay significantly more or receive significantly less for Fund shares than the value of the Fund’s underlying investments or the NAV of Fund shares.

 

Trading Issues: Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of any Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that the shares will trade with any volume, or at all. Further, secondary markets may be subject to erratic trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods in times of market stress because market makers and APs may step away from making a market in Fund shares and in executing creation and redemption orders, which could cause a material deviation in the Fund’s market price from its NAV.

 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is recently organized with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decision. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size.

 

Passive Investment Risk. The Fund is not actively managed and therefore would not sell an equity security, futures contract or other investment due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry, sector, or asset class. Unlike with an actively managed fund, the Adviser does not use techniques or defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s performance could be lower than other types of funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline. All investments carry some degree of risk that will affect the value of the Fund, its investment performance and the price of its shares. As a result, you may lose money if you invest in the Fund.

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The shares offered by this Prospectus are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

 

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

 

The Fund is new and therefore does not have performance history for a full calendar year. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns and comparing the Fund’s performance to a broad measure of market performance. Updated performance information is available at www.CyberHornetETFs.com.

 

FUND MANAGEMENT

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

ONEFUND, LLC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER

 

Michael G. Willis, portfolio manager of the Adviser, has managed the Fund since its inception in December 2023.

 

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

Individual shares may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker-dealer. You can purchase and sell individual shares of the Fund on any day the Nasdaq Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) is open for business like any publicly traded security. The Fund’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market exchange. The price of the Fund’s shares is based on market price, and because exchange-traded fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis, at NAV, only in blocks of 25,000 shares (“Creation Units”), which may be partially in-kind for securities included in the Index and partially in cash, and only Authorized Participants (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Fund’s shares are not redeemable securities.

 

TAX INFORMATION

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund’s distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES

 

This section describes the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies. See “More on the Fund’s Investments and Related Risks” in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) for more information about the Fund’s investments and the risks of investing.

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to replicate, before fees and expenses, the total return of the S&P 500® and S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index 75/25 Blend Index.

While there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, it endeavors to do so by following the strategies and policies described in this Prospectus.

 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may change the Fund’s investment objective or the Fund’s principal investment strategies without a shareholder vote.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund seeks to replicate, before fees and expenses, the total return of the Index. The Index measures the weighted return performance of a multi-asset strategy that consists of a 75% weight in the S&P 500® Index and a 25% weight in the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index. Accordingly, in seeking to track the Index, the Fund will invest approximately 75% of its assets in the stock of large U.S. companies that comprise the S&P 500® Index and will invest in Bitcoin futures contracts so that the total value of the Bitcoin to which the Fund has economic exposure is approximately 25% of the assets of the Fund. The Index Provider compiles, maintains and calculates the Index and each of the S&P 500® Index and the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index. The Index is rebalanced monthly and accordingly the Fund seeks to maintain the 75%/25% allocations by also rebalancing these allocations on a monthly basis. However, price fluctuations in the underlying assets and other factors, such as the Fund’s cash position, may cause these allocations to vary at any given point in time. The Adviser reserves the right to rebalance the Fund’s allocations more frequently than monthly in periods of significant price volatility.

 

U.S. Large-Cap -

 

Under normal conditions, the Fund invests approximately 75% of its assets in the stocks that make up the S&P 500® Index, a widely recognized benchmark of U.S. stock market performance that is dominated by the stocks of large U.S. companies.

 

The S&P 500® Index includes 500 leading U.S. companies. Created in 1957, the S&P 500® Index is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities. The S&P 500® Index is float market capitalization-weighted; components are weighted according to the total market value of their outstanding shares available in the public markets. As of November 30, 2023, the minimum threshold for adding a company to the S&P 500® Index was a market capitalization of $14.5 billion or higher, and the average market capitalization of the 500 companies was $80 billion.

The Fund attempts to replicate this portion of its portfolio by investing in the stocks that make up the Index, holding each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the Index. The Fund may sell investments that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from the Index or buy investments that are not yet represented in the Index in anticipation of their addition to the Index.

 

The Fund may also invest in securities of other investment companies, such as certain exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), in order to implement its investment strategy. In order to protect shareholders from third party default risk, the Fund will not engage in securities lending of its portfolio securities to outside broker/dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers. The benefit to shareholders of the Fund is that the Fund maintains custody, at its primary custodian, of its portfolio of assets at all times.

 

Bitcoin -

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Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest in Bitcoin futures contracts so that the total value of the Bitcoin to which the Fund has economic exposure is approximately 25% of the assets of the Fund. Such exposure seeks to track, before fees and expenses, the performance of the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index. The S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index is designed to track the performance of futures contracts on the digital asset Bitcoin.

 

Bitcoin is a digital asset, generally considered a digital commodity, and is referred to as a “cryptocurrency.” The ownership of Bitcoin is determined by participants in a decentralized, peer-to-peer network that connects computers that run publicly accessible, or “open source,” software, commonly referred to as the “Bitcoin Protocol.” The value of Bitcoin is determined, in part, by the supply of, and demand for, Bitcoin in the markets created to facilitate the trading of Bitcoin. Ownership and the ability to transfer or take other actions with respect to Bitcoin is protected through public-key cryptography. The supply of Bitcoin is determined by the Bitcoin Protocol which limits both the total amount of Bitcoin that will be produced and the rate at which it is released into the network. Units of Bitcoin are treated as mutually interchangeable (i.e., fungible). No single entity owns or operates the Bitcoin Network, which is collectively maintained by (1) a decentralized group of participants who run computer software that results in the recording and validation of transactions (commonly referred to as “miners”), (2) developers who propose improvements to the Bitcoin Protocol and the software that enforces the Bitcoin Protocol and (3) a decentralized group of users and computers which host and synchronize a copy of the entire Bitcoin blockchain (commonly referred to as “nodes”). From time to time, the developers suggest changes to the Bitcoin software, and if a sufficient number of users and miners elect not to adopt the changes, a new digital asset, operating on the earlier version of the Bitcoin software, may be created, commonly referred to as a “fork”. The effect of such a fork would be the existence of two (or more) versions of the Bitcoin Protocol running in parallel. The price of the Bitcoin in which the Fund invests may reflect the impact of a fork if one were to occur. In early 2009 the first-ever Bitcoin was mined and, accordingly, there is little data on its long-term investment potential. Bitcoin is not legal tender nor is it backed by a government-issued legal tender.

 

Bitcoin Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is a standardized contract traded on, or subject to the rules of, an exchange to buy or sell a specified type and quantity of a particular underlying asset at a designated price. Futures contracts are traded on a wide variety of underlying assets, including Bitcoin, bonds, interest rates, agricultural products, stock indexes, currencies, digital assets, energy, metals, economic indicators and statistical measures. The contract unit (i.e., the total amount of the underlying asset referenced in each futures contract) and calendar term of futures contracts on a particular underlying asset are identical and are not subject to any negotiation, other than with respect to price and the number of contracts traded between the buyer and seller. Futures contracts expire on a designated date, referred to as the “expiration date.”

 

The Fund generally deposits cash (also known as “margin”) with an FCM for its open positions in futures contracts. The margin requirements or position limits may be based on the notional exposure (i.e., the total dollar value of exposure the Fund has to the asset that underlies the futures contract) of the futures contracts or the number of futures contracts purchased. The FCM, in turn, generally transfers such deposits to the clearing house to protect the clearing house against non-payment by the Fund. “Variation Margin” is the amount of cash that each party agrees to pay to or receive from the other to reflect the daily fluctuation in the value of the futures contract. The clearing house becomes substituted for each counterparty to a futures contract and, in effect, guarantees performance. In addition, the FCM may require the Fund to deposit additional collateral in excess of the clearing house’s requirements for the FCM’s own protection. Margin requirements for CME Bitcoin Futures are substantially higher than margin requirements for many other types of futures contracts.

 

CME Bitcoin Futures commenced trading on the CME Globex electronic trading platform on December 17, 2017 under the ticker symbol “BTC”. CME Micro Bitcoin Futures commenced trading on the CME Globex electronic trading platform on May 3, 2021 under the ticker symbol “MBT”. CME Bitcoin Futures and CME Micro Bitcoin Futures are cash-settled in U.S. dollars, based on the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate (“BRR”). The BRR is a volume-weighted composite of U.S. dollar-Bitcoin trading activity on the Constituent Exchanges. The Constituent Exchanges are selected by CF Benchmarks based on the Constituent Exchange Criteria. The Constituent Exchange Criteria requires each Constituent Exchange to implement policies and procedures to designed to ensure fair and transparent market conditions and to identify and impede illegal, unfair or manipulative trading practices. Additionally, each

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Constituent Exchange must comply with, among other things, capital market regulations, money transmission regulations, client money custody regulations, know-your-client regulations and anti-money laundering regulations.

 

Each Constituent Exchange is reviewed annually by an oversight committee established by CF Benchmarks to confirm that the Constituent Exchange continues to meet all criteria. CF Benchmarks and the BRR are subject to United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority Regulation.

 

Rolling of the Bitcoin Futures

 

Futures contracts expire on a designated date, referred to as the “expiration date.” The Fund generally seeks to invest in “front month” CME Bitcoin futures contracts. “Front month” contracts are the monthly contracts with the nearest expiration date. CME Bitcoin Futures are cash settled on their expiration date unless they are “rolled” prior to expiration. The Fund normally intends to “roll” its CME Bitcoin Futures prior to expiration. Typically, the Fund will roll to the next “nearby” CME Bitcoin Futures. The “nearby” contracts are those contracts with the next closest expiration date.

 

In order to seek to track the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index by investing in Bitcoin futures contacts, the Fund must sell its futures contracts as they near expiration and replace them with new futures contracts with a later expiration date. Futures contracts with a longer term to expiration may be priced higher than futures contracts with a shorter term to expiration (e.g. trading at “contango”). Bitcoin futures have historically experienced extended periods of contango. Contango in the Bitcoin futures market may have a significant adverse impact on the performance of the Fund and may cause it to significantly deviate from the performance of the Index.

 

Investment in the Cayman Subsidiary

 

The Fund will invest in Bitcoin futures contracts through ONEFUND International Ltd, a subsidiary company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Subsidiary”). Accordingly, shareholders of the Fund will receive exposure to Bitcoin through the Fund’s interest in the Subsidiary. To implement the Fund’s investment strategy and to comply with certain IRS diversification tests, the Fund seeks to limit its investments in the Subsidiary to 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of each quarter. More information regarding the Subsidiary is available under “DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS—Fund Investments” of the SAI. The Fund does not currently intend to create or acquire primary control of any entity, other than the Subsidiary, which primarily engages in investment activities.

 

The Fund does not invest in, or seek direct exposure to, the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund.

 

More information regarding Bitcoin and Bitcoin futures is available under “BITCOIN FUTURES, BITCOIN, THE BITCOIN NETWORK, AND THE BITCOIN PROTOCOL”  in the SAI.

 

The Fund may invest its cash balances in traditional short-term investments such as money market funds, repurchase agreements or in other short-term, high-quality, fixed-income securities issued by banks, corporations and the U.S. government.

 

The Fund will invest, including via the Subsidiary, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets and borrowings for investment purposes in investments that seek to track the performance of the Index. The Fund will notify shareholders of any changes in its investment policies that would enable the Fund to normally invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in investments that seek to track the performance of the Index.

 

Commodity Pool Operation Information

 

In connection with the management of the Fund, the Advisor has registered as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act and the rules of the CFTC and is subject to CFTC regulation with respect to the Fund. The CFTC has adopted rules regarding the disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping requirements that apply with respect to a Fund as a result of the Advisor’s registration as a CPO. Generally, these rules allow for substituted compliance with CFTC disclosure and shareholder reporting requirements, based on the Advisor’s compliance with comparable SEC requirements. This means that most of the CFTC’s disclosure and shareholder reporting requirements applicable to the Advisor as the Fund’s CPO, the Advisor’s compliance with SEC disclosure and shareholder reporting requirements will be deemed to fulfill the Advisor’s CFTC compliance obligations. The CFTC has neither reviewed nor approved the Fund, its investment strategies, or this prospectus.

 

Description of Principal Investment Types

 

Equity Securities

 

Equity securities represent an ownership interest, or the right to acquire an ownership interest, in an issuer. Different types of equity securities provide different voting and dividend rights and priority in the event of the bankruptcy of the issuer. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants.

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Bitcoin Futures Contracts

 

Standardized, cash-settled Bitcoin futures contracts traded on commodity exchanges registered with the CFTC. Currently, the only such contracts are traded on, or subject to the rules of, the CME. Bitcoin futures contracts are not direct investments in Bitcoin.

 

Securities of Other Investment Companies (including ETFs)

 

The Fund may invest its assets in securities of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and money market funds, as an efficient means of implementing its investment strategies, managing its uninvested cash and/or other investment reasons consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. These other investment companies, except for the Subsidiary, are managed independently of the Fund and incur additional fees and/or expenses which would be borne indirectly by the Fund in connection with any such investment.

 

U.S. Government Securities

 

U.S. Government Securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. U.S. Government Securities may be supported by (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) only the credit of the issuer. U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury receipts, zero coupon bonds and other stripped U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and principal components of stripped U.S. Government Securities are traded independently.

 

Commercial Paper

 

U.S. commercial paper generally consists of unsecured short-term promissory notes with a fixed maturity of no more than 270 days issued by corporations, generally to finance short-term business needs.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS

 

Principal Risk Factors

 

An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The Fund’s performance per share will change daily based on many factors, including fluctuation in interest rates, the quality of the instruments in the Fund’s investment portfolio, national and international economic conditions and general market conditions. You may lose money on your investment in the Fund or the Fund could underperform other investment companies.

 

The following factors can significantly affect the Fund’s performance.

 

Market Risk – Overall market risk may affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests. The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Factors such as domestic and foreign (non-U.S.) economic growth and market conditions, real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rate levels, lack of liquidity in the markets, volatility in the securities markets, adverse investor sentiment and political events can affect the securities markets. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. When the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.

 

Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the

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securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. The Fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. Even when securities markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market. Market factors, such as the demand for particular portfolio securities, may cause the price of certain portfolio securities to fall while the prices of other securities rise or remain unchanged.

 

Local, state, regional, national or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments and could result in decreases to the Fund’s net asset value. Political, geopolitical, natural and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, government shutdowns, market closures, natural and environmental disasters, epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises and related events and governments’ reactions to such events have led, and in the future may lead, to economic uncertainty, decreased economic activity, increased market volatility and other disruptive effects on U.S. and global economies and markets. Such events may have significant adverse direct or indirect effects on the Fund and its investments. For example, a widespread health crisis such as a global pandemic could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, and impact the ability to complete redemptions, all of which could affect Fund performance. A health crisis may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers.

 

Equity Risk – The values of equity securities may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The prices of equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to activities specific to the issuer of the security. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities.

 

Bitcoin Futures Contracts Risk – The market for Bitcoin futures contracts may be less developed, and potentially less liquid and more volatile, than more established futures markets. While the Bitcoin futures contracts market has grown substantially since Bitcoin futures contracts commenced trading, there can be no assurance that this growth will continue. The price for Bitcoin futures contracts is based on a number of factors, including the supply of and the demand for Bitcoin futures contracts. Market conditions and expectations, position limits, collateral requirements, and other factors each can impact the supply of and demand for Bitcoin futures contracts. Recently increased demand paired with supply constraints and other factors have caused Bitcoin futures contracts to trade at a significant premium to the “spot” price of Bitcoin. Additional demand, including demand resulting from the purchase, or anticipated purchase, of Bitcoin futures contracts by the Fund or other entities may increase that premium, perhaps significantly. It is not possible to predict whether or for how long such conditions will continue. To the extent the Fund purchases futures contracts at a premium and the premium declines, the value of an investment in the Fund also should be expected to decline.

 

Market conditions and expectations, position limits, collateral requirements, and other factors may also limit the Fund’s ability to achieve its desired exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts. If the Fund is unable to achieve such exposure it may not be able to meet its investment objective and the Fund’s returns may be different or lower than expected. Additionally, collateral requirements may require the Fund to liquidate its position, potentially incurring losses and expenses, when it otherwise would not do so. Investing in derivatives like Bitcoin futures contracts may be considered aggressive and may expose the Fund to significant risks. These risks include counterparty risk and liquidity risk. The performance of Bitcoin futures contracts and Bitcoin may differ and may not be correlated with each other, over short or long periods of time, and may cause Bitcoin futures to underperform spot Bitcoin. Both contango and backwardation may limit or prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. More information regarding contango and backwardation is available under “Cost of Futures Investment Risk” in this prospectus.

 

Bitcoin Futures Capacity Risk – If the Fund’s ability to obtain exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts consistent with its investment objective is disrupted for any reason including, for example, limited liquidity in the Bitcoin futures

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market, a disruption to the Bitcoin futures market, or as a result of margin requirements or position limits imposed by the Fund’s FCMs, the CME, or the CFTC, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective and may experience significant losses. Margin levels for Bitcoin futures contracts are substantially higher than the margin requirements for more established future contracts. Margin requirements are subject to change and may be raised in the future by the exchanges on which they trade or and the FCMs. High margin requirements could prevent the Fund from obtaining its desired exposure to Biotin futures and may adversely affect the Funds ability to achieve its investment objective. Any disruption in the Fund’s ability to obtain exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts will cause the Fund’s performance to deviate from the performance of Bitcoin, Bitcoin futures, or the Index. Any disruption in the Fund’s ability to obtain exposure to Bitcoin futures contracts will cause the Fund’s performance to deviate from the performance of Bitcoin, Bitcoin futures or the Index.

 

Cost of Futures Investment Risk – When a Bitcoin futures contract is nearing expiration, the Fund will “roll” the futures contract, which means it will generally sell such contract and use the proceeds to buy a Bitcoin futures contract with a later expiration date. When rolling futures contracts that are in contango, the Fund would sell a lower priced, expiring contract and purchase a higher priced, longer-dated contract. The price difference between the expiring contract and longer-dated contract associated with rolling Bitcoin futures is typically substantially higher than the price difference associated with rolling other futures contracts. Bitcoin futures have historically experienced extended periods of contango. Contango in the Bitcoin futures market may have a significant adverse impact on the performance of the Fund and may cause Bitcoin futures to underperform spot Bitcoin. Conversely, futures contracts with a longer term to expiration may be priced lower than futures contracts with a shorter term to expiration (e.g. a relationship called backwardation). When rolling futures contracts that are in backwardation, the Fund will sell the expiring contract at a relatively higher price and buy a longer-dated contract at a relatively lower price. Both contango and backwardation may limit or prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

 

Bitcoin Risk – The Bitcoin network has a limited history relative to traditional commodities and currencies. There is no assurance that use or acceptance of Bitcoin will continue to grow. A contraction in use or adoption of Bitcoin may result in increased volatility or a reduction in the price of Bitcoin, which would likely have an adverse impact on the value of the Shares. Sales of newly created or “mined” Bitcoin may cause the price of Bitcoin to decline, which could negatively affect an investment in the Shares. Bitcoin trading prices experience high levels of volatility, and in some cases such volatility has been sudden and extreme. Because of such volatility, Shareholders could lose all or substantially all of the Bitcoin component of their investment in the Fund in a very short time, even in the course of one day. Shareholders who invest in the Fund should monitor their investments. The Bitcoin network could cease to be a focal point for developer activity, and there is no assurance that the most active developers who participate in monitoring and upgrading the software protocols on which the Bitcoin network is based will continue to do so in the future, which could damage the network or reduce Bitcoin’s competitiveness with competing digital assets or blockchain protocols. Disruptions at Bitcoin spot markets and Bitcoin futures markets could adversely affect the availability and value of Bitcoin.

 

Investment in the Subsidiary Risk – The Fund currently invests in the Subsidiary in order to gain exposure to Bitcoin. The Subsidiary is not a registered investment company under the 1940 Act. Because the Subsidiary is not directly subject to all of the investment protections of the 1940 Act, the Fund may not have all of the protections offered to shareholders of registered investment companies. While the Subsidiary has its own board of directors  that is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Subsidiary, the Fund’s Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary. The Fund is exposed to the risks of the Subsidiary, which is exposed to the risks of investing in the Bitcoin futures contracts market. The Subsidiary is also subject to these risks. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary are organized, respectively, could result in the inability of the Fund, the Subsidiary, or both, to operate as intended, which could result in losses to the Fund.

 

Management Risk – The investment techniques and risk analysis used by the Fund’s Adviser may not produce the intended results and could adversely impact the performance of the Fund.

 

Correlation and Tracking Error Risk – Various factors may impede the Fund’s ability to track the Index or achieve a high degree of correlation with the Index. For example, the Fund has operating and other expenses, while the Index does not. The Fund may not be fully invested at times, generally as a result of cash flows into or out of the Fund or excess cash held by the Fund for various reasons, which could create “cash drag”. As a result, the Fund may

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underperform the Index to some degree over time. Changes in securities or futures markets, changes in the composition of the Index, timing of purchases and sales of investments underlying the Index, timing of purchases and sales of Fund shares, rounding of share prices, regulatory developments, portfolio turnover, timing of the payment of Fund expenses, and timing of reimbursement of Fund expenses by the Adviser may all contribute to tracking error and/or affect the correlation between the Fund and the Index, thereby adversely impacting the Fund’s performance. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation. Failure to achieve a high degree of correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. In addition, roll costs (e.g. contango) in the Bitcoin futures contracts may cause the Fund to underperform the Index.

 

Investment Style Risk – Returns from large-capitalization stocks may trail returns from the overall stock market. Large-cap stocks tend to go through cycles of performing better – or worse – than other segments of the stock market or the stock market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several years.

 

Investment in Investment Companies Risk – Investing in other investment companies, including money market funds and exchange-traded funds, subjects the Fund to fees and expenses of, as well as those risks affecting, the investment company, including the possibility that the value of the underlying securities held by the investment company could decrease.

 

Trading Halt Risk – An exchange or market may issue trading halts on specific securities, contracts, or instruments, or may close early or late, which will affect the ability of the Fund to buy or sell certain securities. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments or may incur substantial trading losses.

 

Cybersecurity Risk – In connection with the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund may be susceptible to operational, information security and related risks due to the possibility of cyber-attacks or other incidents. Cyber incidents may result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code, gaining unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices that are used to service the Fund’s operations through hacking or other means for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks (which can make a website unavailable) on the Fund’s website. In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on the Fund’s systems.

 

Tax Risk – The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. Additionally, buying securities shortly before the record date for a taxable dividend or capital gain distribution is commonly known as “buying the dividend.” In the event a shareholder purchases Shares shortly before such a distribution, the entire distribution may be taxable to the shareholder even though a portion of the distribution effectively represents a return of the purchase price.

 

To comply with the asset diversification test applicable to a RIC, the Fund will limit its investments in the Subsidiary to 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of each quarter. The investment strategy of the Fund may cause the Fund to hold more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets in investments in the Subsidiary the majority of the time. The Fund intends to manage the exposure to the Subsidiary so that the Fund’s investments in the Subsidiary do not exceed 25% of the total assets at the end of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in the Subsidiary were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC.

 

Because gains from the sale of Bitcoin futures contracts produces non-qualifying income for purposes of qualifying as a RIC, the Fund makes its investments in Bitcoin futures contracts through the Subsidiary. The Fund intends to treat any income it may derive from the sale of Bitcoin futures contracts received by the Subsidiary as “qualifying

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income” under the provisions of the Code applicable to RICs. The Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has issued numerous Private Letter Rulings (“PLRs”) provided to third parties not associated with the Fund or its affiliates (which only those parties may rely on as precedent) concluding that similar arrangements resulted in qualifying income. Many of such PLRs have now been revoked by the IRS. The Fund intends to cause the Subsidiary to make distributions that would allow the Fund to make timely distributions to its shareholders. The Fund generally will be required to include in its own taxable income the income of the Subsidiary for a tax year, regardless of whether the Fund receives a distribution of the Subsidiary’s income in that tax year, and this income would nevertheless be subject to the distribution requirement for qualification as a regulated investment company and would be taken into account for purposes of the 4% excise tax.

 

If, in any year, the Fund were to fail to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded a RIC and its shareholders and were ineligible to or were not to cure such failure, the Fund would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax on all its income at the fund level. The resulting taxes could substantially reduce the Fund’s net assets and the amount of income available for distribution. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Risks

 

Absence of an Active Market: Although the Fund’s shares are approved for listing on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop and be maintained for Fund shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Fund may experience greater tracking error to its Index than it otherwise would at higher asset levels or the Fund may ultimately liquidate.

 

Authorized Participants (“APs”), Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration: The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as APs. In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face delisting:

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

 

Costs of Buying or Selling Shares: Investors buying or selling Fund shares in the secondary market will pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small amounts of shares.

 

Fluctuation of NAV: The NAV of Fund shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s investment holdings. The market prices of shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s NAV and supply and demand of shares on the Exchange. It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. During periods of unusual volatility or market disruptions, market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the market value of the Fund’s investment holdings or the NAV of Fund shares. As a result, investors in the Fund may pay significantly more or receive significantly less for Fund shares than the value of the Fund’s underlying investments or the NAV of Fund shares.

 

Trading Issues – 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. Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of any Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that the shares will trade with any volume, or at all. Further, secondary markets may be subject to erratic trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods in times of market stress because market makers and APs may step away from making a market in Fund shares and in executing creation and redemption orders, which could cause a material deviation in the Fund’s market price from its NAV.

 

New Fund Risk – The Fund is recently organized with limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their

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investment decision. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size.

 

Passive Investment Risk – The Fund is not actively managed and therefore would not sell an equity security, futures contract or other investment due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry, sector or asset class. Unlike with an actively managed fund, the Adviser does not use techniques or defensive strategies designed to lessen the effects of market volatility or to reduce the impact of periods of market decline. This means that, based on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s performance could be lower than other types of funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities or to lessen the impact of a market decline.

 

Additional Information Concerning the Fund’s Investment Strategies

 

Investment Limitations

 

Except with respect to the illiquid investment restrictions set forth in the SAI, limitations on Fund investments listed in this Prospectus will typically apply at the time of investment. The Fund would not violate these limitations unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of an investment. Unless otherwise indicated, references to assets in the percentage limitations on the Fund’s investments refer to total assets.

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund generally intends to purchase securities as long-term investments; however, short-term trading may occur. This means that the Fund may buy a security and sell that security a short period of time after its purchase, and realize gains or losses, if the portfolio manager believes that the sale is in the best interest of the Fund. This activity will increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and generate higher transaction costs due to commissions and other expenses which could reduce the Fund’s investment performance. In addition, short-term trading may increase the amount of taxable distributions to shareholders which would reduce the after-tax returns of the Fund, and in particular may generate short-term capital gains that when distributed to shareholders are taxed at ordinary U.S. federal income tax rates.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the SAI and on the Fund’s website at www.CyberHornetETFs.com. To request a copy of the SAI, please refer to the back cover of this Prospectus.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT MANAGEMENT

 

The Investment Adviser

 

ONEFUND, LLC, located at 200 2nd Ave. South #737, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, is the investment adviser for the Fund (the “Adviser”). The Adviser commenced operations in 2004, and is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

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The Adviser makes the day-to-day investment decisions and continuously reviews and administers the Fund’s investment program. For the investment advisory services provided by the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive advisory fees from the Fund at the annual rate of 0.95%   of the Fund’s daily net assets pursuant to an advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”).

 

The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay the Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for the Fund. Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. The Advisor, and not the Fund’s shareholders, would benefit from any reduction in fees paid for third-party services, including reductions based on increases in net assets.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay the Fund’s operating expenses, with certain exceptions, in return for a “unitary fee” exclusive of expenses incurred pursuant to the Fund’s 12b-1 Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, if any; costs of borrowings (including interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); taxes or governmental fees; acquired fund fees and expenses, if any; brokerage commissions and other expenses of executing portfolio transactions; costs of holding shareholder meetings, including proxy costs; fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s securities lending program, if any; fees of disinterested Trustees and fees of independent counsel to the disinterested Trustees; and litigation and potential litigation and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

The initial term of the Advisory Agreement was two years, and the Board may thereafter extend the Advisor Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated immediately by vote of the shareholders of the Fund, or upon 60 days’ notice by the Board or the Adviser. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s first Semi- Annual or Annual Report. All organizational and offering costs for the Fund will be borne by the Adviser and are not subject to reimbursement. 

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Michael G. Willis is the Manager and lead portfolio manager of the Adviser. As the portfolio manager for the Fund, Mr. Willis is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Mr. Willis has served as a Portfolio Manager for the Adviser since 2004. Mr. Willis has also served as President of ONEFUND since 2006.

 

Additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager’s ownership of securities in the Fund is included in the SAI.

 

The Index  

 

The Indices are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”), and have been licensed for use by the Adviser. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by the Adviser. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, or CME and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Indices.”

 

The Indices are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”),and have been licensed for use by the Adviser. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by the Adviser. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, or CME Group and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Indices. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, CME any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (“CME”). Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor CME make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Indices to track general market performance. Past performance of an index is not an indication or guarantee of future results. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ and CME only relationship to the Adviser with respect to the Indices is the licensing of the Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its licensors. The Indices are determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices or CME without regard to the Adviser or CME. S&P Dow Jones Indices and CME have no obligation to take the needs of the Adviser or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Indices. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor CME are responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash, surrendered or redeemed, as the case may be. S&P Dow Jones Indices and CME have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. There is no assurance that investment products based on the Indices will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment adviser, commodity trading advisory, commodity pool operator, broker dealer, fiduciary, promoter” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), “expert” as enumerated within 15 U.S.C. § 77k(a) or tax advisor. Inclusion of a security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset, nor is it considered to be investment advice or commodity trading advice.

 

NEITHER S&P DOW JONES INDICES NOR THIRD PARTY LICENSOR GUARANTEES THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND CME SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND CME MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY

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DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDICES OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES OR CME BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAS NOT REVIEWED, PREPARED AND/OR CERTIFIED ANY PORTION OF, NOT DOES S&P DOW JONES INDIES HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER, THE LICENSEE PRODUCT REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS OR OTHER OFFERING MATERIALS. THERE ARE NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND THE ADVISER, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.

 

The Distributor and Administrator

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC (doing business as ACA Group), (the “Distributor”) serves as the distributor to the Fund. The Funds’ distributor, is located at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

 

U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“U.S. Bank”) whose address 1 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, serves as the administrator (the “Administrator”) and fund accountant.

 

The SAI has more detailed information about the Adviser, Distributor, Administrator and other service providers.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Fund shares are or will be listed for secondary trading on the Exchange. The shares will trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the daily NAV of the shares. The Exchange is generally open Monday through Friday and is closed weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

NAV per share for the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by its total number of shares outstanding. Expenses and fees, including management and

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distribution fees, if any, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. NAV is determined each business day, normally as of the close of regular trading of the New York Stock Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

When determining NAV, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities is based on market prices of the securities, which generally means a valuation obtained from an exchange or other market (or based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of the value supplied by an exchange or other market) or a valuation obtained from an independent pricing service. If a security’s market price is not readily available or does not otherwise accurately reflect the fair value of the security, the security will be valued by another method that the Board believes will better reflect fair value in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures. Fair value pricing may be used in a variety of circumstances, including, but not limited to, situations when the value of a security in the Fund’s portfolio has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the market on which the security is principally traded but prior to the close of the Exchange (such as in the case of a corporate action or other news that may materially affect the price of a security) or trading in a security has been suspended or halted. Accordingly, the Fund’s NAV may reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair values rather than their market prices.

 

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security will materially differ from the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. In addition, fair value pricing could result in a difference between the prices used to calculate the Fund’s NAV and the prices used by the Fund’s Index. This may result in a difference between the Fund’s performance and the performance of the Fund’s Index.

 

Equity securities listed on a North American, Central American, South American or Caribbean securities exchange are generally valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. Other foreign equity securities are fair valued using quotations from an independent pricing service. The value of securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. is generally the NASDAQ official closing price.

 

Fixed income securities with a remaining maturity of 61 days or more are valued using prices supplied by an approved independent third party or affiliated pricing services or broker/dealers. Those prices are determined using a variety of inputs and factors as more fully described in the Statement of Additional Information. Generally, short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if their maturity at acquisition was 60 days or less, or by amortizing their value on the 61st day prior to maturity, if their maturity when acquired by a Fund was more than 60 days.

 

Assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates from an approved independent pricing service as of 4:00 p.m. ET.

 

The Fund is new and therefore does not have any information regarding how often shares of the Fund traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund. Once the Fund commences operations, investors can use to obtain the premium/discount information by visiting www.CyberHornetETFs.com

 

Buying and Selling the Fund

 

When you buy or sell the Fund’s shares on the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. You may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Fund Distributions. The Fund intends to pay out dividends, if any, quarterly   and distribute any net realized capital gains to its shareholders annually.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Service. Brokers may make available to their customers who own the Fund’s shares the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and capital gains will automatically be reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund. Without this service, investors would receive their distributions in cash. In order to achieve the maximum total return on their investments, investors are encouraged to use the dividend reinvestment service. To determine whether the dividend reinvestment

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service is available and whether there is a commission or other charge for using this service, consult your broker. Brokers may require the Fund’s shareholders to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

 

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

 

Unlike frequent trading of shares of a traditional open-end mutual fund’s (i.e., not exchange-traded) shares, frequent trading of shares of the Fund on the secondary market does not disrupt portfolio management, increase the Fund’s trading costs, lead to realization of capitalization gains, or otherwise harm the Fund’s shareholders because these trades do not involve the Fund directly. Certain institutional investors are authorized to purchase and redeem the Fund’s shares directly with the Fund. Because these trades are effected in-kind (i.e., for securities, and not for cash), they do not cause any of the harmful effects noted above that may result from frequent cash trades. Moreover, the Fund imposes transaction fees on in-kind purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting in-kind trades. These fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for Creation Units, reflecting the fact that the Fund’s trading costs increase in those circumstances. For these reasons, the Board has determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter frequent trading and market-timing in shares of the Fund.

 

Website Disclosures

 

The following information about the Fund is available on the Fund’s website, www.CyberHornetETFs.com, which is publicly available and free of charge:

 

Complete portfolio holdings, including for each security, the ticker symbol, CUSIP, description and the quantity and weight of each security in the Fund;

 

The current NAV per share, market price, and premium/discount, each as of the end of the prior business day;

 

A table showing the number of days that the Fund’s shares traded at a premium or discount during the most recently completed fiscal year and quarter (or for the life of the fund for new funds);

 

A chart showing the Fund’s premiums or discounts for the most recently completed calendar year and calendar quarter (or for the life of the fund for any new ETFs);

 

The median bid/ask spread for the Fund on a rolling 30-day basis; and

 

If the premium or discount is greater than 2% for more than seven consecutive trading days, a statement that the premium/discount was greater than 2% and a discussion of the factors that are reasonably believed to have materially contributed to this premium/discount. 

 

Taxes

 

The following information related to tax matters is meant as a general summary for U.S. taxpayers. Please see the SAI for more information.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gain in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Both distributions will be reinvested in shares of the Fund unless you elect to receive cash. Dividends from net investment income (including any excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) are taxable to investors as ordinary income or qualified dividend income, while distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short- term capital loss) are generally taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of your holding period for the shares. Any dividends or capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you

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reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions or receive them in cash (unless you hold shares in a qualified tax-advantaged plan or account or are otherwise not subject to federal income tax).

 

The Fund expects that, as a result of its investment objectives and strategies, its distributions will consist primarily of short-term capital gains, which are taxable as ordinary income. A portion of the ordinary income dividends paid to you by the Fund may be qualified dividends eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain rates. Certain dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December will be taxed to shareholders as if received in December if they are paid during the following January. Each year the Fund will inform you of the amount and type of your distributions. IRAs and other qualified retirement plans are exempt from federal income taxation.

 

Your redemptions, including exchanges, may cause you to recognize capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the amount you receive when you sell them. If the Fund were to permit exchanges in the future, those will be treated as a sale of the Fund’s shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to federal income tax. Any capital gain or loss recognized upon the sale of shares of a fund is generally treated as long term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. In certain circumstances, loss realized upon a sale of fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss. Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

 

There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will not challenge the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company, and that, if it were to do so, it would not prevail. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, then the Fund would be subject to federal income tax on its net income and capital gains at regular corporate income tax rates (without a deduction for distributions to shareholders). When distributed, that income would also be taxable to shareholders as a dividend to the extent attributable to the Fund’s earnings and profits. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company and became subject to federal income tax, any shareholder would be subject to the risk of diminished investment returns.

 

On the account application, you will be asked to certify that your social security number or taxpayer identification number is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to the IRS. If you are subject to backup withholding or you did not certify your taxpayer identification number, the IRS requires the Fund to withhold a percentage of any dividend and redemption or exchange proceeds. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application that does not include a certified social security or taxpayer identification number.

 

Surtax On Net Investment Income

 

A surtax of 3.8% applies to net investment income of an individual taxpayer who recognizes adjusted gross income in excess of a threshold amount for a year. Net investment income will include, among other types of income, ordinary income, dividend income and capital gain derived from investments in the Fund.

 

Foreign Accounts

 

Shareholders that invest in the Fund through foreign accounts may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on: (1) income dividends paid by the Fund, and (2) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds of a sale of Fund shares paid after December 31, 2016. This withholding tax generally may be avoided or reduced if the shareholder satisfies certain registration, certification and reporting requirements.

 

Backup Withholding

 

The Fund is also required in certain circumstances to apply backup withholding on taxable dividends, redemption proceeds and certain other payments that are paid to any shareholder who does not furnish to the Fund certain information and certifications or who is otherwise subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%. Any amounts withheld may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability. To avoid this, make sure you provide your correct Tax Identification Number (Social Security Number for most individual investors) on your account application.

 

This summary is not intended to be and should not be construed to be legal or tax advice to any current holder of the

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Fund’s shares. You should consult your own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of owning Fund shares.

 

DISTRIBUTION

 

The Distributor, is a broker-dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Distributor distributes Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis and does not maintain a secondary market in Fund shares. The Distributor has no role in determining the policies of the Fund or the securities that are purchased or sold by the Fund. The Distributor’s principal address is 140 E. 45th Street, 29th Floor (2 Grand Central Tower) New York, NY 10017.

 

No Rule 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Fund, and there are no plans to impose these fees. However, in the event Rule 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because the fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than certain other types of sales charges.

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Financial information for the Fund will be available after it has completed a fiscal year of operations.

 

PRIVACY POLICY 

 

FACTSWHAT DOES CYBER HORNET S&P 500® AND BITCOIN 75/25 STRATEGY ETF (THE “FUND”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why?Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:
Social Security number and name and address
Account balances and transaction history
Wire transfer instructions
 

When you are no longer our investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How?All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

 

REASONS WE CAN SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

Does the Fund Share? Can you limit this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes - such as to process your transactions, maintain your accounts(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

 

YES

 

NO

For our marketing purposes - to offer our products and services to you NO We Don’t Share
For joint marketing with other financial companies NO We Don’t Share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your transactions and experiences

YES

NO

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your creditworthiness NO We Don’t Share
For nonaffiliates to market to you NO We Don’t Share

 

WHO WE ARE

 

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Who is providing this notice? WHAT WE DO CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF (the “Fund”)
How does the Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that seek to comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● Open an account

● Provide account information or give us your contact information

● Make a wire transfer or deposit money

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

● Sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your creditworthiness

● Affiliates from using your information to market to you

● Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

 

DEFINITIONS  
Affiliates Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

● Nonaffiliates can include third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as accounting, legal or data processing services.

Joint Marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

● The Fund does not jointly market.

 

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Reports

 

Reports

 

For more information about the Fund, the following documents are available free upon request:

 

Annual/Semiannual Reports:

 

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain additional information on the Fund’s investments. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

 

Statement of Additional Information (SAI):

 

The Fund’s SAI, as supplemented from time to time, provides more detailed information about the Fund, including its operations and investment policies. It is incorporated by reference and legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

You can get free copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports and the SAI, on the Fund’s website: www.CyberHornetETFs.com. Shareholders may request to receive paper copies, free of charge, by calling or writing to the Fund at the telephone number and address listed below.

 

You can request other information and discuss your questions about the Fund, by contacting a broker or bank that sells the Fund or by contacting the Fund at:

 

ONEFUND

200 2nd Ave. South #737,

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-502-0808

 

You can obtain copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports and SAI:

 

For a duplicating fee, by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

Free from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Other Information

 

No one has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus or in the Fund’s SAI in connection with the offering of Fund shares. Do not rely on any such information or representations as having been authorized by the Fund or the Adviser. This Prospectus does not constitute an offering by the Fund in any jurisdiction where such an offering is not lawful.

 

The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Fund’s investment adviser, distributor, custodian, and transfer agent who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.

 

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

 

Investment Company Act File no. 811-21836.

 

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CYBER HORNET S&P 500® AND BITCOIN 75/25 STRATEGY ETF

a series of ONEFUND TRUST

 

Ticker: ZZZ

 

Listed on: NASDAQ

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

December 17, 2023

 

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) describes CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF (the “Fund”), a series of ONEFUND TRUST (the “Trust”). The Trust is a registered open-end investment company.

 

The Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with distinct investment objectives and policies. The Distributor, as defined below, does not sell shares to the public. Shares are distributed to Authorized Participants which are then used to make a market for public consumption.

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF (the “Fund”), dated December 21, 2023 as may be supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge, by writing the Fund’s distributor, Foreside Fund Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC (doing business as ACA Group), (the “Distributor”) (the “Distributor”), at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.CyberHornetETFs.com or by calling 1.844.282.3837 (1.844.BTC.ETFs).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

General Information 3
Bitcoin Futures, Bitcoin, The Bitcoin Network, and The Bitcoin Protocol 3
Blockchain Technology 9
Additional Information About Investment Objectives, Risks, And Policies 10
Index Disclosure 12
Additional Information About Securities in Which the Fund May Invest 12
Portfolio Turnover 35
Disclosure Of Portfolio Holdings Information 35
Management 36
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities 41
Code of Ethics 41
Investment Adviser to The Fund 41
Portfolio Management Information 42
Proxy Voting Policies 43
Distribution of Fund Shares 43
Administration, Transfer Agent and Compliance 44
Custodian and Transfer Agent 44
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GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The CYBER HORNET S&P 500® and Bitcoin 75/25 Strategy ETF (the “Fund”) is a separate series of ONEFUND TRUST an open-end management investment company that was organized as a trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on November 9, 2005 (the “Trust”). The Trust was previously known as “Giant 5 Funds,” and changed its name to “Index Funds” in February 2014.The Trust changed its name from “Index Funds” to “ONEFUND Trust” in February 2023. The Fund is described in this Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”).

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the performance of the S&P 500® and S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Index 75/25 Blend Index (the “Index”). The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without the consent of the shareholders of the Fund. The Fund is diversified, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

 

The Fund will offer and issue shares at net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of shares (each a “Creation Unit” or a “Creation Unit Aggregation”). The shares of the Fund are collectively referred to as the “Shares” in this SAI. The Fund’s Shares will be listed and traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (the “Exchange”). Fund Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at or above NAV. Shares are redeemable only in Creation Unit Aggregations and generally in exchange for portfolio securities held by the Fund and/or a specified cash payment.

 

In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, the Trust may lower the number of Shares in a Creation Unit. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require a full or partial “cash” option for creations and/or redemptions of Fund Shares. Fund Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of a basket of securities and other investments (“Deposit Instruments”) included in the Fund’s Index subject to various conditions. In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, transaction fees may be imposed that will be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities.

 

BITCOIN FUTURES, BITCOIN, THE BITCOIN NETWORK, AND THE BITCOIN PROTOCOL

 

The price of Bitcoin futures is based on the expected price of Bitcoin on certain exchanges at a future date, specifically, the expiration date of the Bitcoin futures contract. Bitcoin futures prices are based on the Bitcoin Reference Rate, which reflects the price of Bitcoin on certain exchanges only, and not the Bitcoin cash market.

 

Although the Fund does not invest in Bitcoin, events impacting the price of Bitcoin across all Bitcoin trading venues could impact the price and market for Bitcoin futures, and therefore the performance of the Fund.

 

The liquidity of the market for Bitcoin futures depends on, among other things: the supply and demand for Bitcoin futures; the supply and demand for Bitcoin; the adoption of Bitcoin for commercial uses; the anticipated increase of investments in Bitcoin-related investment products by retail and institutional investors; speculative interest in Bitcoin, Bitcoin futures, and Bitcoin-related investment products; regulatory or other restrictions on investors’ ability to invest in Bitcoin futures; and the potential ability to hedge against the price of Bitcoin with Bitcoin futures (and vice versa).

 

The market for Bitcoin futures may be illiquid. This means that the Fund may not be able to buy and sell Bitcoin futures quickly or at the desired price. For example, it is difficult to execute a trade at a specific price when there is a relatively small volume of buy and sell orders in a market. A materially adverse development in one or more of the factors on which the liquidity of the market for Bitcoin futures depends may cause the market to become illiquid, for short or long periods. In such markets, the Fund may not be able to buy and sell Bitcoin futures quickly (or at all) or at the desired price. Market illiquidity may cause losses for the Fund. Additionally, the large size of the futures positions which the Fund may acquire increases the risk of illiquidity, as larger positions may be more difficult to fully liquidate, may take longer to liquidate, and, as a result of their size, may expose the Fund to potentially more significant losses while trying to do so. Limits imposed by counterparties, exchanges or other regulatory organizations, such as accountability levels, position limits and daily price fluctuation limits, may contribute to a lack of liquidity

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with respect to some financial instruments and have a negative impact on Fund performance. During periods of market illiquidity, including periods of market disruption and volatility, it may be difficult or impossible for the Fund to buy or sell futures contracts or other financial instruments.

 

The contractual obligations of a buyer or seller holding a futures contract to expiration may be satisfied by settling in cash as provided by the terms of such contract. However, the Fund does not intend to hold Bitcoin futures through expiration. Instead, the Fund intends to “roll” futures positions. “Rolling” refers to a process whereby futures contracts nearing expiration are closed out and replaced with identical futures contracts with a later expiration date. Accordingly, the Fund is subject to risks related to rolling.

 

When the market for certain futures contracts is such that the prices are higher in the more distant delivery months than in the nearer delivery months, the sale during the course of the “rolling process” of the more nearby Bitcoin futures would take place at a price that is lower than the price of the more distant Bitcoin futures. This pattern of higher futures prices for longer expiration Bitcoin futures is often referred to as “contango.” Alternatively, when the market for certain Bitcoin futures is such that the prices are higher in the nearer months than in the more distant months, the sale during the course of the rolling process of the more nearby Bitcoin futures would take place at a price that is higher than the price of the more distant Bitcoin futures. This pattern of higher future prices for shorter expiration Bitcoin futures is referred to as “backwardation.”

 

There have been extended periods in which contango or backwardation has existed in certain futures markets in general. Such periods could occur in the future for Bitcoin futures and may cause significant and sustained losses. Additionally because of the frequency with which the Fund may roll futures contracts, the impact of contango or backwardation on Fund performance may be greater than it would have been if the Fund rolled futures contracts less frequently.

 

The CME has established margin requirements for Bitcoin futures at levels that may be substantially higher than the margin requirements for more established futures contracts. FCMs utilized by the Fund may impose margin requirements in addition to those imposed by the exchanges. Margin requirements are subject to change, and may be raised in the future by the exchanges and the FCMs. Margin Requirements may be more likely to change during periods of high volatility. High margin requirements could prevent the Fund from obtaining sufficient exposure to Bitcoin futures and may adversely affect its ability to achieve its investment objective. An FCM’s failure to return required margin to the Fund on a timely basis may cause such Fund to delay redemption settlement dates and/or restrict, postpone or limit the right of redemption.

 

The term “margin” refers to the minimum amount the Fund must deposit and maintain with its FCM in order to establish an open position in futures contracts. The minimum amount of margin required in connection with a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which such contract is traded and is subject to change at any time during the term of the contract. FCMs may require customers to post additional amounts above the required minimums. Futures contracts are customarily bought and sold on margins that represent a percentage of the aggregate purchase or sales price of the contract.

 

In addition, FCMs utilized by the Fund may impose limits on the amount of exposure to futures contracts the Fund can obtain through such FCMs. As a result, the Fund may need to transact through a number of FCMs to achieve its investment objective. If enough FCMs are not willing to transact with the Fund, or if exposure limits imposed by such FCMs do not provide sufficient exposure, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

 

There may be circumstances that could prevent or make it impractical for the Fund to operate in a manner consistent with its investment objective and investment strategies.

 

The price of Bitcoin has experienced periods of extreme volatility. The price of Bitcoin may change dramatically and without warning. This volatility is due to a number of factors, including the supply and demand for Bitcoin, concerns about potential manipulation of the price of Bitcoin and the safety of Bitcoin, market perceptions of the value of Bitcoin as an investment, continuing development of the regulations applicable to Bitcoin, and the changes exhibited by an early-stage technological innovation.

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It is believed that speculators and investors who seek to profit from trading and holding Bitcoin currently account for a significant portion of Bitcoin demand. Such speculation regarding the potential future appreciation in the price of Bitcoin may artificially inflate or deflate the price of Bitcoin. Conversely, evolving government regulation, the perception of onerous regulatory actions, concerns over the potential for fraud and manipulation of the price of Bitcoin and other factors may cause a drop in the price of Bitcoin. Developments related to the Bitcoin Network’s operations, also contribute to the volatility in the price of Bitcoin. These factors may continue to cause the price of Bitcoin to be volatile, which may have a negative impact on the performance of the Bitcoin futures and on the performance of the Fund.

 

The trading of Bitcoin is fragmented across numerous trading venues. The fragmentation of the volume of Bitcoin transactions across multiple trading venues can lead to a higher volatility than would be expected if volume was concentrated in a single trading venue. Market fragmentation and volatility increases the likelihood of price differences across different trading venues.

 

Market participants trading Bitcoin futures may seek to “hedge” or otherwise manage their exposure to such contracts by taking offsetting positions in Bitcoin. Fragmentation may require market participants to analyze multiple prices, which may be inconsistent and quickly changing. Fragmentation also may require market participants to potentially fill their positions through a number of transactions on different exchanges. These factors potentially increase the cost and uncertainty of trading Bitcoin and may decrease the effectiveness of using transactions in Bitcoin to help manage or offset positions in Bitcoin futures. Market participants who are unable to fully or effectively manage or hedge their positions in Bitcoin futures typically would be expected to widen the bid-ask spreads on such contracts, which could potentially decrease the trading volume and liquidity of such contracts and have a negative impact on the price of such contracts.

 

Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Network, and the Bitcoin Protocol

 

Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Network and Bitcoin trading venues are relatively new and not subject to the same regulations as regulated securities or futures exchanges. Bitcoin exchanges that are regulated typically must comply with minimum net worth, cybersecurity, and anti- money laundering requirements, but are not typically required to protect customers or their markets to the same extent that regulated securities exchanges or futures exchanges are required to do so. As a result, markets for Bitcoin may be subject to manipulation or fraud and may be subject to larger and/or more frequent sudden declines than assets traded on more traditional exchanges. Investors in Bitcoin may lose money, possibly the entire value of their investments.

 

There is no central registry showing which individuals or entities own Bitcoin or the quantity of Bitcoin that is owned by any particular person or entity. It is possible that a small group of early Bitcoin adopters hold a significant proportion of the Bitcoin that has been thus far created. There are no regulations in place that would prevent a large holder of Bitcoin or a group of holders from selling their Bitcoins, which could depress the price of Bitcoin, or otherwise attempting to manipulate the price of Bitcoin or the Bitcoin Network.

 

Events could adversely affect the price of Bitcoin, reduce user confidence in Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Network and the fairness of the venues for trading Bitcoin and slow (or even reverse) the further adoption of Bitcoin.

 

Malicious actors could theoretically structure an attack whereby such actors gains control of more than half of the Bitcoin Network’s processing power, or “aggregate hashrate.” If a malicious actor or group of actors acquired a hashrate exceeding the rest of the Bitcoin Network, it would be able to exert unilateral control over the addition of blocks to the Bitcoin Blockchain. This would allow a malicious actor to engage in “double spending” (i.e., use the same Bitcoin for two or more transactions), prevent other transactions from being confirmed on the Bitcoin Blockchain, or prevent other miners from mining any valid new blocks. Each of the events described above, among other things, could adversely affect the price of Bitcoin; reduce user confidence in Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Network and the fairness of Bitcoin trading venues; and slow (or even reverse) the further adoption of Bitcoin.

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The Bitcoin Protocol was built using open source software by a small group of developers known as the “Bitcoin Core” (as defined herein) who help develop and maintain the original version of Bitcoin, the underlying asset upon which Bitcoin futures are based. The open source nature of the Bitcoin Protocol permits any developer to review the underlying code and suggest changes to it via “Bitcoin Improvement Proposals”, or “BIPs.” If accepted by a sufficient number of miners, BIPs may result in substantial changes to the Bitcoin Network, including changes that result in “forks” (as described herein). The Bitcoin Network has already experienced two major forks after developers attempted to increase transaction capacity. Blocks mined on these new “forked” networks now diverge from blocks mined on the original Bitcoin Network maintained by the Bitcoin Core, resulting in the creation of two new blockchains whose digital assets are referred to as “Bitcoin Cash” and “Bitcoin Gold.” Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin Gold now operate as separate, independent networks. Multiple BIPs still exist, many of which are aimed at increasing the transaction capacity of the Bitcoin Network, and it is possible that one or more of these BIPs could result in further network forks. It is possible that the price of the Bitcoin futures subsequent to a “fork” may be linked to the price of Bitcoin on only one of the resulting Bitcoin Networks, rather than the aggregate price of Bitcoin on all resulting Bitcoin Networks.

 

The CME considers a hard fork of the Bitcoin Blockchain where both forks continue to be actively mined and traded but may not be fungible with each other, as an unusual and extreme circumstance. The CME has determined, in the event of a hard fork or other circumstance in which the split of Bitcoin is expected, CME shall decide what action to take to align Bitcoin futures exposure with cash market exposures, as the CME deems appropriate.

 

It is possible that, notwithstanding the protocols implemented to attempt to address the impact of forks on Bitcoin futures, forks and similar events could have an adverse effect on the price of Bitcoin and the Bitcoin futures in which the Fund invests and may adversely affect an investment in the Fund. The price of Bitcoin is highly volatile, which could have a negative impact on the price and trading of Bitcoin futures and the performance of the Fund.

 

It is believed that speculators and investors who seek to profit from trading and holding Bitcoin currently account for a significant portion of Bitcoin demand. Such speculation regarding the potential future appreciation in the price of Bitcoin may artificially inflate or deflate the price of Bitcoin. Conversely, evolving government regulation, the perception of onerous regulatory actions, concerns over the potential for fraud and manipulation of the price of Bitcoin and other factors may cause a drop in the price of Bitcoin. Developments related to the Bitcoin Network’s operations, also contribute to the volatility in the price of Bitcoin. These factors may continue to cause the price of Bitcoin to be volatile, which may have a negative impact on the performance of the Bitcoin futures and on the performance of the Fund.

 

Since the price and trading of Bitcoin futures is influenced by the price of Bitcoin and events impacting the price of Bitcoin, the Bitcoin Network or the Bitcoin trading venues, each of the events described above could have a negative impact on the price and market for Bitcoin futures. For example, such events could lead to a lack of liquidity in the market for Bitcoin futures or have a negative impact on the price of Bitcoin futures.

 

Changes in the Bitcoin Network could have an adverse effect on the operation and price of Bitcoin, which could have an adverse effect on the price of Bitcoin futures and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

New Bitcoin is created when Bitcoin “miners” use computers on the Bitcoin Network to solve Bitcoin’s “proof of work” algorithm which records and verifies every Bitcoin transaction on the Bitcoin Blockchain. In return for their services, miners are rewarded through receipt of a set amount of Bitcoin known as the “block reward.” The current block reward for solving a new block is six and one quarter (6.25) Bitcoin per block; a decrease from twelve and one half (12.5) Bitcoin in May 2020. Based on current processing power, or “hashrate”, the block reward is estimated to halve again in about four (4) years. Because the block reward slowly declines at a fixed rate over time, a user may incentivize a miner to prioritize the processing of their transaction by including excess Bitcoin which is collected by the miner in the form of a “transaction fee.” If transaction fees are not sufficiently high or if transaction fees increase to the point of being prohibitively expensive for users, miners may not have an adequate incentive to continue mining and may cease their mining operations.

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If the price of Bitcoin or the reward for mining new blocks is not sufficiently high to incentivize miners, miners may cease expending hashrate to solve blocks and, as a result, confirmations of transactions on the Bitcoin Blockchain could be slowed temporarily and inhibit the function of the Bitcoin Network. This could have a negative impact on the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

Additionally, if the price of Bitcoin falls below that which is required for mining operators to turn a profit, some mining operators may temporarily discontinue mining Bitcoin by either halting operations or switching their mining operations to mine other cryptocurrencies. If miners reduce or cease their mining operations it would reduce the aggregate hashrate on the Bitcoin Network, which would adversely affect the confirmation process for transactions (i.e., temporarily decreasing the speed at which blocks are added to the blockchain until the next scheduled adjustment in difficulty for block solutions) and make the Bitcoin Network more vulnerable to a malicious actor obtaining control in excess of fifty (50) percent of the aggregate hashrate on the Bitcoin Network. Periodically, the Bitcoin Network is designed to adjust the difficulty for block solutions so that solution speeds remain in the vicinity of the expected ten (10) minute confirmation time currently targeted by the Bitcoin Network protocol, but significant reductions in aggregate hashrate on the Bitcoin Network could result in material delays in transaction confirmation time. Any reduction in confidence in the confirmation process or aggregate hashrate of the Bitcoin Network may adversely affect the utility and price of Bitcoin, which may negatively impact the Bitcoin futures and an investment in the Fund.

 

A decline in the adoption of Bitcoin could have a negative impact on the price of Bitcoin and the Bitcoin trading venues and, in turn, a negative impact on the price and market for Bitcoin futures and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

Bitcoin is used as a form of payment both directly and, more commonly, through an intermediary service which converts Bitcoin payments into local currency. However, the adoption of Bitcoin has been limited when compared with the increase in the price of Bitcoin as determined by the Bitcoin trading venues. This may indicate that the majority of Bitcoin’s use continues to be for investment and speculative purposes. The continued adoption of Bitcoin will require growth in its usage as a means of payment and in the Bitcoin Blockchain for various applications.

 

A lack of expansion or a reduction in usage of Bitcoin and the Bitcoin Blockchain could adversely affect the Bitcoin trading venues. This, in turn, may have a negative impact on the market for Bitcoin futures and the performance of the Fund. Even if growth in Bitcoin adoption continues in the near or medium-term, there is no assurance that Bitcoin usage, or the market for Bitcoin futures, will continue to grow over the long-term. A contraction in the use of Bitcoin may result in a lack of liquidity in the Bitcoin trading venues, increased volatility in or a reduction to the price of Bitcoin, and other negative consequences. This, in turn, could exacerbate any lack of liquidity in the market for Bitcoin futures, cause increased volatility in, or a reduction to the price, of Bitcoin futures and other negative consequences. Each of these events could adversely impact the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

A new competing digital asset may pose a challenge to Bitcoin’s current market dominance, resulting in a reduction in demand for Bitcoin, which could have a negative impact on the price and market for Bitcoin and, in turn, a negative impact on the price and market for Bitcoin futures and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

The Bitcoin Network and Bitcoin, as an asset, currently hold a “first-to-market” advantage over other digital assets. This first-to-market advantage has resulted in the Bitcoin Network evolving into the most well-developed network of any digital asset. The Bitcoin Network currently enjoys the largest user base of any digital asset and, more importantly, the largest combined mining power in use to secure the Bitcoin Blockchain. Having a large mining network enhances user confidence regarding the security of the Bitcoin Blockchain and long-term stability of the Bitcoin Network. However, the large mining network also increases the difficulty of solving for Bitcoins, which at times may incentivize miners to mine other cryptocurrencies. It is possible that real or perceived shortcomings in the Bitcoin Network, technological, regulatory or other developments could result in a decline in popularity and acceptance of Bitcoin and the Bitcoin Network.

 

It is also possible that other digital currencies and trading systems could become more widely accepted and used than Bitcoin. In particular, digital assets “Ethereum”, “Ripple” and “Stellar” have acquired a substantial share of the cryptocurrency market in recent years, which may be in part due to perceived institutional backing and/or potentially advantageous features not incorporated into Bitcoin. There are other cryptocurrencies, or alt-coins, gaining momentum as the price of the Bitcoin continues to rise and investors see the cheaper cryptocurrencies as attractive

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alternatives. Additionally, the continued rise of alt-coins could lead to a reduction in demand for Bitcoin, which could have a negative impact on the price and market for Bitcoin and the Bitcoin trading venues and, in turn, a negative impact on the price and market for Bitcoin futures and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

Regulatory initiatives by governments and uniform law proposals by academics and participants in the Bitcoin economy may impact the use of Bitcoin or the operation of the Bitcoin Network in a manner that adversely affects Bitcoin futures and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

As Bitcoin and other digital assets have grown in popularity and market size, certain U.S. federal and state governments, foreign governments and self-regulatory agencies have begun to examine the operations of Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, the Bitcoin Network, Bitcoin users, and the Bitcoin trading venues. Regulation of cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, and initial coin offerings (“ICOs”) in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions could restrict the use of Bitcoin or impose other requirements that may adversely impact the liquidity and price of Bitcoin, the demand for Bitcoin, the operations of the Bitcoin trading venues and the performance of the Bitcoin futures. If the Bitcoin trading venues become subject to onerous regulations, among other things, trading in Bitcoin may be concentrated in a smaller number of exchanges, which may materially impact the price, volatility and trading volumes of Bitcoin. Additionally, the Bitcoin trading venues may be required to comply with tax, anti-money laundering (“AML”), know-your-customer (“KYC”) and other regulatory requirements, compliance and reporting obligations that may make it more costly to transact in or trade Bitcoin (which may materially impact price, volatility or trading of Bitcoin more generally). Each of these events could have a negative impact on Bitcoin futures and the value of an investment in the Fund.

 

The regulation of Bitcoin, digital assets and related products and services continues to evolve. The inconsistent and sometimes conflicting regulatory landscape may make it more difficult for Bitcoin businesses to provide services, which may impede the growth of the Bitcoin economy and have an adverse effect on consumer adoption of Bitcoin. There is a possibility of future regulatory change altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in the Fund or the ability of the Fund to continue to operate.

 

Additionally, to the extent that Bitcoin itself is determined to be a security, commodity future or other regulated asset, or to the extent that a United States or foreign government or quasi-governmental agency exerts regulatory authority over the Bitcoin Network, Bitcoin trading or ownership in Bitcoin, the Bitcoin futures may be adversely affected, which may have an adverse effect on the value of your investment in the Fund. In sum, Bitcoin regulation takes many different forms and will, therefore, impact Bitcoin and its usage in a variety of manners.

 

The Bitcoin Network is currently maintained by the Bitcoin Core and no single entity owns the Bitcoin Network. However, with the growing adoption of Bitcoin and the significant increase in speculative activity surrounding Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, third parties may be increasingly motivated to assert intellectual property rights claims relating to the operation of the Bitcoin Network or applications built upon the Bitcoin Blockchain. Regardless of the merit of any intellectual property or other legal action, any threatened action that reduces confidence in the Bitcoin Network’s or the Bitcoin Blockchain’s long-term viability or the ability of end-users to hold and transfer Bitcoin may adversely affect the price of Bitcoin and adversely affect the Bitcoin futures. Additionally, a meritorious intellectual property rights claim could prevent end- users from accessing the Bitcoin Network or holding or transferring their Bitcoin, which could adversely affect the value of the Bitcoin futures. As a result, an intellectual property rights claim against Bitcoin Network participants could have a material adverse impact on the Fund.

 

An interruption in Internet service or a limitation of Internet access could impact the functionality of the Bitcoin Network.

 

The Bitcoin Network’s functionality relies on the Internet. A broadly accepted and widely adopted decentralized network is necessary for a fully-functional blockchain network, such as the Bitcoin Network. Features of the Bitcoin Network, such as decentralization, open source protocol, and reliance on peer-to-peer connectivity, are essential to preserve the stability of the network and decrease the risk of fraud or cyber-attacks. A significant disruption of Internet connectivity affecting large numbers of users or geographic areas could impede the functionality of the Bitcoin Network. Any technical disruptions or regulatory limitations that affect Internet access may have an adverse effect on the Bitcoin Network, the price of Bitcoin and Bitcoin futures and therefore adversely affect the value of an investment in the Fund.

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BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

 

Blockchain Technology

 

Blockchain technology is a relatively new and untested technology which operates as a distributed ledger. The risks associated with blockchain technology may not emerge until the technology is widely used. Blockchain systems could be vulnerable to fraud, particularly if a significant minority of participants colluded to defraud the rest. There is little regulation of blockchain technology other than the intrinsic public nature of the blockchain system. Any future regulatory developments could affect the viability and expansion of the use of blockchain technology. Because blockchain technology systems may operate across many national boundaries and regulatory jurisdictions, it is possible that blockchain technology may be subject to widespread and inconsistent regulation. Blockchain technology is not a product or service that provides identifiable revenue for companies that implement, or otherwise use it. Currently, blockchain technology is commonly used for the recording of transactions in digital currency, which are extremely speculative and volatile. Problems in digital currency markets could have a wider effect on companies associated with blockchain technology. Blockchain technology also may never be implemented to a scale that provides identifiable economic benefit. There are currently a number of competing blockchain platforms with competing intellectual property claims. The uncertainty inherent in these competing technologies could cause companies to use alternatives to blockchain. Finally, because digital assets registered on a blockchain do not have a standardized exchange, like a stock market, there is less liquidity for such assets and greater possibility of fraud or manipulation.

 

A blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that records transactions between two parties in a verifiable and permanent way using cryptography. A distributed ledger is a database in which data is stored in a decentralized manner. Cryptography is a method of storing and transmitting data in a particular form so that only those for whom it is intended can read and process it. Transactions on the blockchain are verified and authenticated by computers on the network (referred to as “nodes” or “validators”) that receive, propagate, verify, and execute transactions. The process of authenticating a transaction before it is recorded ensures that only valid and authorized transactions are permanently recorded on the blockchain in collections of transactions called “blocks.” Blockchain networks are based upon software source code that establishes and governs their respective cryptographic systems for verifying transactions.

 

Delays in transaction processing have occurred on the blockchain networks. Such a delay may occur on account of, among other things, the inability of nodes to reach consensus on transactions, including in relation to upgrades on changes in the Bitcoin Network. During a network delay, it will not be possible to record transactions in the shares on the blockchain.

 

Blockchain Regulation

 

Regulation of digital assets such as Bitcoin, blockchain technologies and digital asset platforms is currently developing and likely to rapidly evolve, varies significantly among international, federal, state and local jurisdictions and is subject to significant uncertainty.

 

Various legislative and executive bodies in the United States and in other countries are currently considering, or may in the future consider, laws, regulations, guidance, or other actions, which may severely impact the Fund, and thus the Fund’s shareholders. Failure by the Fund or any Fund service provider to comply with any laws, rules or regulations, some of which may not exist yet or are subject to interpretation and may be subject to change, could result in a variety of adverse consequences to the Fund (and thus to the Fund’s shareholders), including civil penalties and fines.

 

Blockchain networks, including the Bitcoin Network, currently face an uncertain regulatory landscape in not only the United States but also in many foreign jurisdictions such as the European Union and China. Various foreign jurisdictions may, in the near future, adopt laws, regulations or directives that affect the networks, and their users, developers and service providers that fall within such jurisdictions’ regulatory scope. Such laws, regulations or directives may conflict with those of the United States or may directly and negatively impact the Fund and its service providers. The effect of any future regulatory change is impossible to predict, but such change could be substantial and adverse to the shareholders, the Fund and the Fund’s service providers.

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Additionally, to the extent that Bitcoin itself is determined to be a security, commodity future or other regulated asset, or to the extent that a United States or foreign government or quasi-governmental agency exerts regulatory authority over the Bitcoin Network, Bitcoin trading or ownership in Bitcoin, the Bitcoin futures may be adversely affected, which may have an adverse effect on the value of your investment in the Fund. In sum, Bitcoin regulation takes many different forms and will, therefore, impact Bitcoin and its usage in a variety of manners.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, RISKS, AND POLICIES

 

The Prospectus for the Fund discusses the investment objectives and strategies for the Fund and explains how the Fund allocates its assets among the different types of securities that the Fund may invest in. Please refer to the Fund’s Prospectus for a discussion of the Fund’s principal investment strategies, the principal asset types or securities in which the Fund may invest, and the principal risks associated with the foregoing. Additional information regarding the assets or securities in which the Fund may invest, including securities or instruments not described in the Prospectus, appears below in the section entitled “Additional Information About Securities in Which the Fund May Invest” in this SAI.

 

As with all funds, there can be no assurance that the investment objectives of the Fund will be achieved. The Fund’s investment objectives may be changed without approval by the holders, subject to 60 days’ advance notice to shareholders.

 

Investment Restrictions.

 

The Fund has adopted investment policies which may be fundamental or non-fundamental. Fundamental policies cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as the case may be. Non-fundamental policies may be changed without shareholder approval by vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust at any time, subject to 60 days’ advance notice to shareholders. The term “majority of the outstanding voting shares” means the vote of (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding shares, whichever is less.

 

Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The Fund is subject to the following investment restrictions, all of which are fundamental policies.

 

The Fund may not:

 

(1) borrow money except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;

 

(2) invest directly in real estate unless it is acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except that this restriction shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments (1) issued by companies that invest, deal, or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or (2) backed or secured by real estate or interests in real estate;

 

(3) issue senior securities except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;

 

(4) act as an underwriter of another issuer’s securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities;

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(5) make loans to other parties, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and any orders obtained thereunder, provided that for the purposes of this limitation, entering into repurchase agreements, lending securities and acquiring any debt securities are not deemed to be the making of loans;

 

(6) invest in physical commodities, except that: (i) this restriction does not limit the purchase, sale or use of swaps, futures contracts, forward contracts or options, and (ii) this restriction does not limit the purchase or sale of securities or other instruments backed by commodities; and

 

(7) invest more than 25% of its assets (valued at the time of investment) in the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry if, immediately after the purchase and as a result thereof, the value of the Fund’s investments in that industry would equal or exceed 25% of the current value of the Fund’s total assets, provided that this restriction does not limit the Fund’s: (i) investments in securities of other investment companies, (ii) investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or (iii) investments in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, and provided further that the Fund reserves the right to concentrate in any industry in which the index that the Fund tracks becomes concentrated to approximately the same degree during the same period, except that the Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in investments that provide exposure to Bitcoin and/or Bitcoin futures contracts.

 

Compliance with the fundamental policies previously described is generally measured at the time the securities are purchased. Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act (as is the case with borrowing), if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time the investment is made, a later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market value of assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction. All fundamental policies must comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

 

With respect to paragraph (1), the 1940 Act currently allows the Fund to borrow up to one-third of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. With respect to paragraph (5), the 1940 Act and regulatory interpretations currently limit the percentage of the Fund’s securities that may be loaned to one-third of the value of its total assets. With respect to paragraph (6), the carveout for futures contracts includes bitcoin futures contracts.

 

For the purposes of restriction (7) above, industry classifications are determined for the Fund in accordance with the industry or sub- industry classifications established by Bloomberg. The Fund may use other classification titles, standards and systems from time to time, as it determines to be in the best interests of shareholders. The use of any particular classification system is not a fundamental policy. In addition, while the Fund does not regard other investment companies as an “industry,” the Fund intends to look through to the holdings of underlying investment companies, subject to the Fund’s ability to obtain such information, for purposes of restriction (7).

 

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions.

 

In addition, it is contrary to the Fund’s present policies, which may be changed without shareholder vote, to purchase any illiquid security, including any securities whose disposition is restricted under federal securities laws and securities that are not readily marketable, if, as a result, more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets (based on then-current value) would then be invested in such securities. For purposes of this restriction, the staff of the SEC is presently of the view that repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days are subject to this restriction. Until that position is revised, modified or rescinded, the Fund will conduct its operations in a manner consistent with this view. This limitation on investment in illiquid securities does not apply to certain restricted securities, including securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, and certain commercial paper that the Adviser has determined to be liquid under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

Non-Principal Risks

 

Concentration Risk – The Fund has a fundamental policy not to invest more than 25% of the current value of the Fund’s total assets in any one industry, except that this policy does not apply to: (i) investments in securities of other investment companies, (ii) investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, (iii) investments in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, or (iv)

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investments that provide exposure to Bitcoin and/or Bitcoin futures contracts. However, the Fund reserves the right to concentrate its investments (i.e., invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities of issuers in a particular industry) to approximately the same extent that the Index concentrates in a particular industry. To the extent the Fund concentrates in a particular industry, it may be more susceptible to economic conditions and risks affecting that industry.

 

Temporary Defensive Positions and Cash Positions – The Fund may take temporary defensive positions in short-term debt securities, cash and cash equivalents in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions. The Fund may also depart from its principal investment strategies when the portfolio managers believe that market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing, or when they are otherwise unable to locate attractive investment opportunities. In other words, cash or similar investments generally are a residual – they represent the assets that remain after the Fund has committed available assets to desirable investment opportunities. Under such circumstances, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective, and it may not participate in market advances or declines to the same extent that it would if the Fund remained more fully invested.

 

INDEX DISCLOSURE

 

The Indices are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and have been licensed for use by the Adviser. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by the Adviser. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, or CME and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Indices.”

 

The Indices are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”), and have been licensed for use by the Adviser. S&P® is a registered trademark of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by the Adviser. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, or CME Group and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Indices. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, CME any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (“CME”). Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor CME make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Indices to track general market performance. Past performance of an index is not an indication or guarantee of future results. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ and CME only relationship to the Adviser with respect to the Indices is the licensing of the Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its licensors. The Indices are determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices or CME without regard to the Adviser or CME. S&P Dow Jones Indices and CME have no obligation to take the needs of the Adviser or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Indices. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor CME are responsible for and have not participated in the determination of the prices, and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund is to be converted into cash, surrendered or redeemed, as the case may be. S&P Dow Jones Indices and CME have no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. There is no assurance that investment products based on the Indices will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment adviser, commodity trading advisory, commodity pool operator, broker dealer, fiduciary, promoter” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), “expert” as enumerated within 15 U.S.C. § 77k(a) or tax advisor. Inclusion of a security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset, nor is it considered to be investment advice or commodity trading advice.

 

NEITHER S&P DOW JONES INDICES NOR THIRD PARTY LICENSOR GUARANTEES THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND CME SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND CME MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ADVISER, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDICES OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES OR CME BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAS NOT REVIEWED, PREPARED AND/OR CERTIFIED ANY PORTION OF, NOT DOES S&P DOW JONES INDIES HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER, THE LICENSEE PRODUCT REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS OR OTHER OFFERING MATERIALS. THERE ARE NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND THE ADVISER, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOW JONES INDICES.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SECURITIES IN WHICH THE FUND MAY INVEST

 

The Fund’s principal investment objectives and strategies are discussed in the Prospectus under the “SUMMARY SECTION” for the Fund and under “INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE” and “PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES.” In order to achieve its investment objectives, the Fund generally makes investments of the sort described in the Prospectus.

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The Fund may also invest in certain types of securities, or engage in certain investment activities, as generally discussed below. In addition, the Fund may be subject to additional risks in connection with its investments in such securities or as a result of the Fund’s investment strategies or activities. The following is not meant to be an exclusive list of all the securities and instruments in which the Fund may invest, the investment strategies or activities in which it may engage, or the risks associated with both. The Fund may invest in instruments and securities and engage in strategies or activities other than those listed below, and may be subject to risks that are not described here. To the extent this section describes an investment type also described in the prospectus, the disclosure in this SAI should be regarded as supplementing, and not replacing, the prospectus disclosure.

 

FUTURES CONTRACTS

 

Futures in General

 

A cash-settled futures contract obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to accept) an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount multiplied by the difference between the final settlement price of a specific futures contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of the underlying asset is made.

 

The Fund generally engages in closing or offsetting transactions before final settlement of a futures contract wherein a second identical futures contract is sold to offset a long position. In such cases, the obligation is to deliver (or take delivery of) cash equal to a specific dollar amount multiplied by the difference between the price of the offsetting transaction and the price at which the original contract was entered into. If the original position entered into is a long position (futures contract purchased), there will be a gain (loss) if the offsetting sell transaction is carried out at a higher (lower) price, inclusive of commissions.

 

Whether the Fund realizes a gain or loss from futures activities depends generally upon movements in the underlying asset. The Fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts that are traded on a U.S. exchange or board of trade or that have been approved for sale in the

U.S. by the CFTC.

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All of the Fund’s transactions in futures will be entered into through a FCM regulated by the CFTC or under a foreign regulatory regime that has been recognized as equivalent by the CFTC. Under U.S. law, an FCM is the sole type of entity that may hold collateral in respect of cleared futures. All futures entered into by the Fund will be cleared by a clearing house that is regulated by the CFTC.

 

In addition, the CFTC and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the implementation of higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension of trading.

 

Futures Margin Requirements

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund will be required to deposit with its FCM an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to a small percentage of the contract’s value (these amounts are subject to change by the FCM or clearing house through which the trade is cleared). This amount, known as “initial margin,” is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract and is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker will be made daily as the price of the index underlying the futures contract fluctuates, making the long positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking-to-market.” At any time prior to expiration of a futures contract, the Fund may elect to close its position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate the Fund’s existing position in the contract. A party to a futures contract is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the FCM through which it holds its position. Credit risk of market participants with respect to futures is concentrated in a few clearing houses, and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system. An FCM is generally obligated to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to customer futures positions from the FCM’s proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by an FCM from its customers are generally held by the FCM on a commingled basis in an omnibus account, and the FCM may invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. The assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the Fund’s FCM, because the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the FCM’s customers for a relevant account class. Also, the FCM is required to transfer to the clearing house the amount of margin required by the clearing house for futures positions, which amounts are generally held in an omnibus account at the clearing house for all customers of the FCM. If an FCM does not comply with the applicable regulations or its agreement with the Fund, or in the event of fraud or misappropriation of customer assets by a FCM, the Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the FCM with respect to the margin held by the FCM.

 

Correlation Risk

 

The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and the market value of the underlying assets, and the possibility of an illiquid market for a futures contract. Although the Fund intends to sell futures contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, no assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. Many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during the day. Futures contract prices could move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially subjecting the Fund to substantial losses. If trading is not possible, or if the Fund determines not to close a futures position in anticipation of adverse price movements, the Fund will be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. The risk that the Fund will be unable to close out a futures position will be minimized by entering into such transactions on a national exchange with an active and liquid secondary market.

 

Position Limits and Accountability Levels

 

The CFTC and domestic exchanges have established speculative position limits (“position limits”) on the maximum speculative position which any person, or group of persons acting in concert, may hold or control in particular futures and options on futures contracts. All positions owned or controlled by the same person or entity,

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even if in different accounts, must be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the applicable position limits have been exceeded. Thus, even if the Fund does not intend to exceed applicable position limits, it is possible that different clients managed by the Advisor may be aggregated for this purpose. Although it is possible that the trading decisions of the Advisor may have to be modified and that positions held by the Fund may have to be liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits, the Advisor believes that this is unlikely. The modification of investment decisions or the elimination of open positions, if it occurs, may adversely affect the profitability of the Fund. A violation of position limits could also lead to regulatory action materially adverse to the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

In addition the domestic exchanges have established accountability levels (“accountability levels”) on futures contracts traded on U.S.-based Futures exchanges. The accountability levels establish a threshold above with the exchange may exercise greater scrutiny and control over the Fund’s positions.

 

If the Fund were to reach its position limits and position accountability levels on Bitcoin futures contracts, or if the Advisor believes it is reasonably likely to do so, the Advisor intends to take such action as it believes appropriate and in the best interest of the Fund in light of the totality of the circumstances at such time. In such instances, the Fund reserves the right to invest in U.S. listed equity securities whose performance the Advisor believes may correspond, or be closely related, to the performance of Bitcoin or Bitcoin futures contracts, such as equity securities of companies involved in the cryptocurrency industry. The Fund may also, after consultation with the Staff of the SEC, consider investing any cash on hand due to position limits or accountability levels in money market instruments.

 

OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

The value of some derivative instruments in which the Fund invests may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and, like the other investments of the Fund, the ability of the Fund to successfully utilize these instruments may depend in part upon the ability of the Adviser to forecast interest rates and other economic factors correctly. If the Adviser incorrectly forecasts such factors and has taken positions in derivative instruments contrary to prevailing market trends, the Fund could be exposed to the risk of loss.

 

If the Adviser incorrectly forecasts interest rates, market values or other economic factors in utilizing a derivatives strategy for the Fund, the Fund might have been in a better position if it had not entered into the transaction at all. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The use of these strategies involves certain special risks, including a possible imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of derivative instruments and price movements of related investments. While some strategies involving derivative instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in related investments or otherwise, due to the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that otherwise would be favorable or the possible need to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time because the Fund is required to maintain asset coverage or offsetting positions in connection with transactions in derivative instruments, and the possible inability of the Fund to close out or to liquidate its derivatives positions. In addition, the Fund’s use of such instruments may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates) than if it had not used such instruments. For funds that gain exposure to an asset class using derivative instruments backed by a collateral portfolio of fixed income instruments, changes in the value of the fixed income instruments may result in greater or lesser exposure to that asset class than would have resulted from a direct investment in securities comprising that asset class.

 

Options on Securities and Indexes. The Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on fixed income or other securities or indexes in standardized contracts traded on foreign or domestic securities exchanges, boards of trade, or similar entities, or quoted on NASDAQ or on an over-the-counter market, and agreements, sometimes called cash puts, which may accompany the purchase of a new issue of bonds from a dealer.

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An option on a security (or index) is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option the security underlying the option (or the cash value of the index) at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security. Upon exercise, the writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of the index and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier for the index option. (An index is designed to reflect features of a particular financial or securities market, a specific group of financial instruments or securities, or certain economic indicators.)

 

The Fund may write call options and put options only if they are “covered.” In the case of a call option on a security, the option is “covered” if the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash or other assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, in such amount are segregated or “earmarked”) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by the Fund. For a call option on an index, the option is covered if the Fund maintains with its custodian assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, in an amount equal to the contract value of the index. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same security or index as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated or “earmarked” assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees. A put option on a security or an index is “covered” if the Fund segregates or “earmarks” assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees equal to the exercise price. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a put on the same security or index as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is (i) equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the put written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated or “earmarked” assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees.

 

If an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss equal to the premium paid. Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an exchange traded option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, exchange, underlying security or index, exercise price, and expiration). There can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund desires.

 

The Fund may sell put or call options it has previously purchased, which could result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount realized on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put or call option which is sold. Prior to exercise or expiration, an option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series. The Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the option, or, if it is more, the Fund will realize a capital loss. If the premium received from a closing sale transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, the Fund will realize a capital gain or, if it is less, the Fund will realize a capital loss. The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price of the underlying security or index in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security or index, and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

The premium paid for a put or call option purchased by the Fund is an asset of the Fund. The premium received for an option written by the Fund is recorded as a deferred credit. The value of an option purchased or written is marked to market daily and is valued at the closing price on the exchange on which it is traded or, if not traded on an exchange or no closing price is available, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices.

 

The Fund may write covered straddles consisting of a combination of a call and a put written on the same underlying security. A straddle will be covered when sufficient assets are deposited to meet the Fund’s immediate obligations. The Fund may use the same liquid assets to cover both the call and put options where the exercise price

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of the call and put are the same, or the exercise price of the call is higher than that of the put. In such cases, the Fund will also segregate or “earmark” liquid assets equivalent to the amount, if any, by which the put is “in the money.”

 

Risks Associated with Options on Securities and Indexes. There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities and on indexes. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.

 

During the option period, the covered call writer has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying security above the exercise price, but, as long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price (in the case of a put), or remains less than or equal to the exercise price (in the case of a call), the Fund will lose its entire investment in the option. Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security.

 

There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. If the Fund were unable to close out an option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the exercise price of the call.

 

If trading were suspended in an option purchased by the Fund, the Fund would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it has purchased. Except to the extent that a call option on an index written by the Fund is covered by an option on the same index purchased by the Fund, movements in the index may result in a loss to the Fund; however, such losses may be mitigated by changes in the value of the Fund’s securities during the period the option was outstanding.

 

Foreign Currency Options. The Fund may buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies either on exchanges or in the over- the-counter market. A put option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the exercise price until the option expires. A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the option expires. Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options. Over-the-counter options differ from traded options in that they are two-party contracts with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options.

 

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security or commodity for a set price on a future date. These contracts are traded on exchanges, so that, in most cases, either party can close out its position on the exchange for cash, without delivering the security or commodity. An option on a futures contract gives the holder of the option the right to buy or sell a position in a futures contract to the writer of the option, at a specified price and on or before a specified expiration date. Such futures contracts are traded on commodity exchanges registered with the CFTC. Currently, bitcoin futures contracts in which the Fund will invest are only traded on, or subject to the rules of, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the “CME”) and are cash settled. The value of bitcoin futures is determined by reference to the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate, which provides an indication of the price of bitcoin across certain cash bitcoin exchanges.

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The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options thereon (“futures options”) with respect to, but not limited to, Bitcoin , interest rates, and security indexes. The Fund may also invest in foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon.

 

An interest rate, commodity, foreign currency or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, commodity, foreign currency or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes as well as financial instruments and foreign currencies, including: the S&P 500; the S&P MidCap 400; the Nikkei 225; the NYSE composite; U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) Certificates; three- month U.S. Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank certificates of deposit; Eurodollar certificates of deposit; the Australian dollar; the Canadian dollar; the British pound; the Japanese yen; the Swiss franc; the Mexican peso; and certain multinational currencies, such as the euro. It is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future.

 

The Fund may purchase and write call and put futures options. Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes (discussed above). A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true. A call option is “in the money” if the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option exceeds the exercise price. A put option is “in the money” if the exercise price exceeds the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option.

 

When valuing derivatives for purposes of the Fund’s 80%/20% investment test, the Fund intends to value such instruments on a marked-to-market basis (i.e. using the current market price of the instrument, or in the case of an over-the- counter derivative, the fair market value of such instrument).

 

Limitations on Use of Futures and Futures Options. The Fund will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.

 

When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by the Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees (“initial margin”). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. Margin requirements on foreign exchanges may be different than U.S. exchanges. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by the Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays or receives cash, called “variation margin,” equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as “marking to market.” Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark

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to market its open futures positions.

 

The Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other futures positions held by the Fund.

 

Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities or commodities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). Closing out a futures contract sale is affected by purchasing a futures contract for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument or commodity with the same delivery date. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.

 

The Fund may write covered straddles consisting of a call and a put written on the same underlying futures contract. A straddle will be covered when sufficient assets are deposited to meet the Fund’s immediate obligations. The Fund may use the same liquid assets to cover both the call and put options where the exercise price of the call and put are the same, or the exercise price of the call is higher than that of the put. In such cases, the Fund will also segregate or “earmark” liquid assets equivalent to the amount, if any, by which the put is “in the money.”

 

When purchasing a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract. Alternatively, the Fund may “cover” its position by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price as high as or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund.

 

When selling a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees that are equal to the market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively, the Fund may “cover” its position by owning the instruments underlying the contract (or, in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a volatility substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures contract is based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract written by the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in liquid assets with the Fund’s custodian).

 

When selling a call option on a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, equal the total market value of the futures contract underlying the call option. Alternatively, the Fund may cover its position by entering into a long position in the same futures contract at a price no higher than the strike price of the call option, by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by holding a separate call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract at a price not higher than the strike price of the call option sold by the Fund.

 

When selling a put option on a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, that equal the purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit. Alternatively, the Fund may cover the position either by entering into a short position in the same futures contract, or by owning a separate put option permitting it to sell the same futures contract so long as the strike price of the purchased put option is the same or higher than the strike price of the put option sold by the Fund.

 

To the extent that securities with maturities greater than one year are used to segregate or “earmark” assets to cover the Fund’s obligations under futures contracts and related options, such use will not eliminate the risk of a form of leverage, which may tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio, and may require liquidation of portfolio positions when it is not advantageous to do so.

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The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company also may limit the extent to which the Fund may enter into futures, futures options or forward contracts. See “DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS.”

 

Risks Associated with Futures and Futures Options. There are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options as hedging techniques. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. There can be no guarantee that there will be a correlation between price movements in the hedging vehicle and in the Fund securities being hedged. In addition, there are significant differences between the securities and futures markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given hedge not to achieve its objectives. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures and futures options on securities, including technical influences in futures trading and futures options, and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.

 

Futures contracts on U.S. Government securities historically have reacted to an increase or decrease in interest rates in a manner similar to that in which the underlying U.S. Government securities reacted. Thus, the anticipated spread between the price of the futures contract and the hedged security may be distorted due to differences in the nature of the markets. The spread also may be distorted by differences in initial and variation margin requirements, the liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.

 

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

 

There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when the Fund seeks to close out a futures or a futures option position, and that Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position is closed. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

 

Risks Associated with Commodity Futures Contracts. There are several additional risks associated with transactions in commodity futures contracts.

 

Storage. Unlike the financial futures markets, in the commodity futures markets there are costs of physical storage associated with purchasing the underlying commodity. The price of the commodity futures contract will reflect the storage costs of purchasing the physical commodity, including the time value of money invested in the physical commodity. To the extent that the storage costs for an underlying commodity change while the Fund is invested in futures contracts on that commodity, the value of the futures contract may change proportionately.

 

Reinvestment. In the commodity futures markets, producers of the underlying commodity may decide to hedge the price risk of selling the commodity by selling futures contracts today to lock in the price of the commodity at delivery tomorrow. In order to induce speculators to purchase the other side of the same futures contract, the commodity producer generally must sell the futures contract at a lower price than the expected future spot price. Conversely, if most hedgers in the futures market are purchasing futures contracts to hedge against a rise in prices, then speculators will only sell the other side of the futures contract at a higher futures price than the expected future spot price of the commodity. The changing nature of the hedgers and speculators in the commodity markets will influence whether futures prices are above or below the expected future spot price, which can have significant implications for the Fund. If the nature of hedgers and speculators in futures markets has shifted when it is time for the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a maturing contract in a new futures contract, the Fund might reinvest at higher

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or lower futures prices, or choose to pursue other investments.

 

Other Economic Factors. The commodities which underlie commodity futures contracts may be subject to additional economic and non-economic variables, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments. These factors may have a larger impact on commodity prices and commodity-linked instruments, including futures contracts, than on traditional securities. Certain commodities are also subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks which subject the Fund’s investments to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.

 

Additional Risks of Options on Securities, Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts, and Forward Currency Exchange Contracts and Options Thereon. Options on securities, futures contracts, and options on currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Trust’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume.

 

Swap Agreements and Options on Swap Agreements. The Fund may engage in swap transactions, including swap agreements on interest rates, security or commodity indexes, specific securities and commodities, and credit and event-linked swaps. The Fund may also invest in currency exchange rate swap agreements. The Fund may also enter into options on swap agreements (“swap options”).

 

The Fund may enter into swap transactions for any legal purpose, such as for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in the most economical way possible.

 

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. 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, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities or commodities representing a particular index. A “quanto” or “differential” swap combines both an interest rate and a currency transaction. Other forms of swap agreements include 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”; 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 rate, or “floor”; and 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. The Fund may invest in commodity swap agreements. For example, an investment in a commodity swap agreement may involve the exchange of floating-rate interest payments for the total return on a commodity index. In a total return commodity swap, the Fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If the commodity swap is for one period, the Fund may pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is more than one period, with interim swap payments, the Fund may pay an adjustable or floating fee. With a “floating” rate, the fee may be pegged to a base rate, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, the Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.

 

The Fund may also enter into swap options. A swap option is a contract that gives a counterparty the right

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(but not the obligation) in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swap options.

 

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

 

Most other types of swap agreements entered into by the Fund would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will 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”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the segregation or “earmarking” of assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, to avoid any potential leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Fund may also enter into credit default swap agreements. The credit default swap agreement may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. The protection “buyer” in a credit default contract is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

 

Credit default swap agreements involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly since, in addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. The Fund will enter into credit default swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. A buyer generally also will lose its investment and recover nothing should no credit event occur and the swap is held to its termination date. If a credit event were to occur, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the seller. The Fund’s obligations under a credit default swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund). In connection with credit default swaps in which the Fund is the buyer, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, or enter into certain offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the Fund’s exposure (any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed by the Fund to any counterparty), on a marked-to-market basis. In connection with credit default swaps in which the Fund is the seller, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the board of directors or trustees, or enter into offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the full notional amount of the swap (minus any amounts owed to the Fund). Such segregation or “earmarking” will ensure that the Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction and will limit any potential leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio. Such segregation or “earmarking” will not limit the Fund’s exposure to loss.

 

Whether the Fund’s use of swap agreements or swap options will be successful depends on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap

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agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, 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. Generally, the Fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness (generally, such counterparties would have to be eligible counterparties under the terms of the Fund’s repurchase agreement guidelines). Certain restrictions imposed on the Fund by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) may limit the Fund’s ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

 

Swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques, risk analyses, and tax planning different from those associated with traditional investments. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. Swap agreements may be subject to liquidity risk, which exists when a particular swap is difficult to purchase or sell. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many OTC swaps), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. In addition, swap transaction may be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

 

Like most other investments, swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to the Fund’s interest. The Fund bears the risk that the Adviser will not accurately forecast future market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing swap positions for the Fund. If the Fund attempts to use a swap as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the Fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund investments. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.

 

Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the CEA and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations approved by the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by “eligible participants,” which includes the following, provided the participants’ total assets exceed established levels: a bank or trust company, savings association or credit union, insurance company, investment company subject to regulation under the 1940 Act, commodity pool, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, organization, trust or other entity, employee benefit plan, governmental entity, broker-dealer, futures commission merchant, natural person, or regulated foreign person. To be eligible, natural persons and most other entities must have total assets exceeding $10 million; commodity pools and employee benefit plans must have assets exceeding $5 million. In addition, an eligible swap transaction must meet three conditions. First, the swap agreement may not be part of a fungible class of agreements that are standardized as to their material economic terms. Second, the creditworthiness of parties with actual or potential obligations under the swap agreement must be a material consideration in entering into or determining the terms of the swap agreement, including pricing, cost or credit enhancement terms. Third, swap agreements may not be entered into and traded on or through a multilateral transaction execution facility.

 

This exemption is not exclusive, and participants may continue to rely on existing exclusions for swaps, such as the Policy Statement issued in July 1989 which recognized a safe harbor for swap transactions from regulation as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA or its regulations. The Policy Statement applies to swap transactions settled in cash that (1) have individually tailored terms, (2) lack exchange-style offset and the use of a clearing organization or margin system, (3) are undertaken in conjunction with a line of business, and

(4) are not marketed to the public.

 

Structured Notes. Structured notes are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. The terms of the structured and indexed securities may provide that in certain circumstances no

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principal is due at maturity and therefore, may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the reference may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the reference; therefore, the value of such security may be very volatile. Structured and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the reference. Structured or indexed securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities.

 

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 is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some commodity, currency or securities index or another interest rate or some other economic factor (each a “benchmark”). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid security may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark. An example of a hybrid 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.

 

Hybrids can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return. Hybrids may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a hybrid or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These 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. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid could be zero. Thus, an investment in a hybrid 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 hybrids also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrids. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value 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 may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES

 

The Fund may, from time to time invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end investment companies, subject to limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying Fund expenses. No adjustments will be made to the advisory fee with respect to assets of the Fund invested in such investment companies.

 

Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. Some examples of ETFs are SPDR® ETFs, Invesco QQQ Trust and iShares®.

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An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a fund that is not exchange traded and that has the same investment objectives, strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the stocks owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to other funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange, or the activation of market- wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

 

EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and may consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, or securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a fund invests will cause the net asset value of a fund to fluctuate. The Fund may purchase equity securities traded in the U.S. or foreign countries on securities exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

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

 

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

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generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest- rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

Generally, capitalization or market capitalization is a measure of a company’s size. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES

 

The Fund may invest in foreign securities. Foreign investments can involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments. The value of securities denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, and of dividends and interest from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices on some foreign markets can be highly volatile. Many foreign countries lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding an issuer’s financial condition and operations. In addition, the costs of foreign investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial costs, generally are higher than for U.S. investments.

 

Foreign markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. markets. Foreign issuers, brokers, and securities markets may be subject to less government supervision. Foreign security trading practices, including those involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may invoke increased risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and may involve substantial delays. It also may be difficult to enforce legal rights in foreign countries.

 

Investing abroad also involves different political and economic risks. Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, and restrictions on U.S. investment or on the ability to repatriate assets or convert currency into U.S. dollars, or other government intervention. There may be a greater possibility of default by foreign governments or foreign government-sponsored enterprises. Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political, economic or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments. There is no assurance that the Adviser will be able to anticipate or counter these potential events and their impacts on the Fund’s share price.

 

Investments by the Fund in emerging markets securities include special risks in addition to those generally associated with foreign investing. The Adviser regards “emerging markets” to include all countries currently excluded from the MSCI World Index of developed countries, and domicile is determined by where the company is organized, located, has the majority of its assets, or receives the majority of its revenue. Many investments in emerging markets can be considered speculative, and the value of those investments can be more volatile than in more developed foreign markets. Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in the value of those securities or possible liability to the purchaser. Many emerging markets have experienced substantial rates of inflation for many years, which has had and may continue to have adverse effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. In an attempt to control inflation, certain emerging market countries have imposed wage and price controls. Emerging market governmental issuers are among the largest debtors to commercial banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and other financial institutions. Debt obligations of emerging market countries may involve a high degree of risk, and may be in default or present the risk of default. Certain emerging market governmental issuers have not been able or

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have been unwilling to make payments of interest or principal on debt obligations as those payments have come due.

 

CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

 

A currency exchange transaction, including a virtual currency exchange transaction, may be conducted either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing in the foreign exchange market, virtual currency exchange market, or through a forward currency exchange contract (“forward contract”). A forward contract is an agreement to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date (or within a specified time period) and price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are usually entered into with banks, foreign exchange dealers or broker-dealers, are not exchange-traded, and are usually for less than one year, but may be renewed.

 

Forward currency transactions may involve currencies of the different countries in which the Fund may invest, and serve as hedges against possible variations in the exchange rate between these currencies. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of a forward contract with respect to specific payables or receivables of the Fund accruing in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. Portfolio hedging is the use of a forward contract with respect to a portfolio security position denominated or quoted in a particular currency. The Fund may engage in portfolio hedging with respect to the currency of a particular country in amounts approximating actual or anticipated positions in securities denominated in that currency.

 

If the Fund enters into a forward contract hedging an anticipated purchase of portfolio securities, assets of the Fund having a value at least as great as the Fund’s commitment under such forward contract will be segregated on the books of the Fund while the contract is outstanding.

 

At the maturity of a forward contract to deliver a particular currency, the Fund may either sell the portfolio security related to such contract and make delivery of the currency, or it may retain the security and either acquire the currency on the spot market or terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing an offsetting contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase on the same maturity date the same amount of the currency.

 

It is impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a forward contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of currency that the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount of currency that the Fund is obligated to deliver.

 

Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency exchange transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the length of the contract period, and prevailing market conditions. Since currency exchange transactions are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.

 

ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The term “illiquid securities” for this purpose means securities that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of under current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the securities. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, and restricted securities may be illiquid; other types of investments may also be illiquid from time to time. If the Fund determines at any time that it owns illiquid securities in excess of 15% of its net asset value, it will not purchase additional illiquid securities until its existing holdings in illiquid securities represent less than 15% of its net asset value. If the Fund exceeds this 15% threshold, it will report the occurrence in compliance with Rule 30b1-10 under the 1940 Act and,

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depending on the circumstances, may take additional steps to reduce its holdings of illiquid securities. In compliance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has established a liquidity risk management program. While the liquidity risk management program attempts to assess and manage liquidity risk, there is no guarantee it will be effective in its operations and may not reduce the liquidity risk inherent in the Fund’s investments. Moreover, compliance with Rule 22e-4 may affect the Fund’s performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Illiquid securities are priced at a fair value determined in good faith by the board of trustees of the Fund or its delegate. The Fund may be unable to realize a favorable price upon sale of the securities, or in some cases may not be able to sell the securities.

 

Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities will be priced at a fair value as determined in good faith by the board of the Fund.

 

Notwithstanding the above, the Fund may purchase securities that have been privately placed but that are eligible for purchase and sale under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. That rule permits certain qualified institutional buyers, such as the Fund, to trade in privately placed securities that have not been registered for sale under the 1933 Act. Generally, the Adviser, under the supervision of the board of directors or trustees, will consider whether securities purchased under Rule 144A are illiquid and thus subject to the Fund’s restriction of investing no more than 15% of its assets in illiquid securities. Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.

 

DEBT SECURITIES

 

Investors should be aware that even though interest-bearing obligations are investments which promise a stable stream of income, the prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates and, therefore, are subject to the risk of market price fluctuations. Long-term obligations are affected to a greater extent by interest rates than shorter term obligations. The values of fixed-income obligations also may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuing entities.

 

The Fund may invest in debt securities, including lower-rated securities (i.e., securities rated BB or lower by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P Ratings”), a division of McGraw Hill Financial, Inc., or Ba or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), commonly called “junk bonds”), and securities that are not rated. There may be no restrictions as to the ratings of debt securities acquired by the Fund or the portion of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in debt securities in a particular ratings category.

 

Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered to be medium grade and to have speculative characteristics. Lower-rated debt securities are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Investment in medium- or lower-quality debt securities involves greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default or bankruptcy. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for such securities and adversely affect the value of such securities. In addition, lower- quality bonds are less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-quality instruments and generally are more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During a period of adverse economic changes, including a period of rising interest rates, the junk bond market may be severely disrupted, and issuers of such bonds may experience difficulty in servicing their principal and interest payment obligations.

 

Medium- and lower-quality debt securities may be less marketable than higher-quality debt securities because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated debt securities is even narrower. During periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly, and the Fund may have greater difficulty selling its portfolio securities. The market value of these securities and their liquidity may be affected by adverse publicity and investor perceptions.

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The debt securities held by the Fund may have redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for the investors in the Fund. Conversely, a high yield, high risk security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s assets.

 

Special tax considerations are associated with investing in debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. The Fund will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date.

 

Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of debt securities. Rating agencies may fail to change the credit ratings in a timely manner to reflect subsequent events. To the extent that the Fund invests in medium- and lower- quality debt securities, the achievement of the Fund’s investment objective may be more dependent on the Fund’s own credit analysis than is the case for higher quality bonds. A more complete description of the characteristics of bonds in each ratings category is included in Appendix A to this SAI.

 

HIGH YIELD SECURITIES

 

High yield securities, commonly referred to as junk bonds, are debt obligations rated below investment grade, i.e., below BBB by S&P Ratings or Baa by Moody’s, or their unrated equivalents. The risks associated with investing in high yield securities include: (i) high yield, lower rated bonds involve greater risk of default or price declines than investments in investment grade securities (e.g., securities rated BBB or higher by S&P Ratings or Baa or higher by Moody’s) due to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness; (ii) the market for high risk, high yield securities may be thinner and less active, causing market price volatility and limited liquidity in the secondary market. This may limit the ability of the Fund to sell these securities at their fair market values either to meet redemption requests, or in response to changes in the economy or the financial markets; (iii) market prices for high risk, high yield securities may also be affected by investors’ perception of the issuer’s credit quality and the outlook for economic growth. Thus, prices for high risk, high yield securities may move independently of interest rates and the overall bond market; and (iv) the market for high risk, high yield securities may be adversely affected by legislative and regulatory developments.

 

FORWARD COMMITMENTS, WHEN-ISSUED PURCHASES AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis and make contracts to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued, delayed- delivery or forward commitment basis involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines, or the value of the security to be sold increases, before the settlement date. The Fund may dispose of securities purchased on a when-issued, delayed- delivery or a forward commitment basis before settlement when deemed appropriate by the Adviser.

 

BORROWING

 

The Fund may be permitted to borrow money up to one-third of the value of its total assets. Borrowing for the purpose of investment is a speculative technique that increases both investment opportunity and the Fund’s ability to achieve greater diversification. However, it also increases investment risk. Because the Fund’s investments will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowed funds may be fixed, during times of borrowing, the Fund’s net asset value may tend to increase more when its investments increase in value, and decrease more when its investments decrease in value. In addition, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market interest rates and may partially offset or exceed the return earned on the borrowed funds. Also, during times of borrowing under adverse market conditions, the Fund might have to sell portfolio securities to meet interest or principal payments at a time when fundamental investment considerations would not favor such sales.

 

EXCHANGE TRADED NOTES

 

Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”) are a type of unsecured, unsubordinated debt security that are designed to track the total return of a specific market index, less fees, and combine certain aspects of bonds and ETFs. Similar to

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ETFs, ETNs are traded on a major exchange (e.g., NYSE) during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to principal amount, subject to the day’s index factor. ETN returns are based upon the performance of a market index minus applicable fees. ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments and provide no principal protection. The value of an ETN may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying commodities markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the referenced commodity. The value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying index remaining unchanged.

 

REAL ESTATE SECURITIES

 

The Fund may invest in the equity and fixed-income securities of companies that are principally engaged in or related to the real estate industry, including those that own significant real estate assets, such as real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). An issuer is principally “engaged in” or principally “related to” the real estate industry if at least 50 percent of its total assets, gross income, or net profits are attributable to ownership, construction, management or sale of residential, commercial or industrial real estate, or to products or services related to the real estate industry. Issuers engaged in the real estate industry include equity REITs (which directly own real estate), mortgage REITs (which make short-term construction or real estate development loans or invest in long-term mortgages or mortgage pools), real estate brokers and developers, home-builders, companies that manage real estate, and companies that own substantial amounts of real estate. Businesses related to the real estate industry include manufacturers and distributors of building supplies and financial institutions that make or service mortgage loans.

 

Investments in the securities of companies that own, construct, manage or sell residential, commercial or industrial real estate will be subject to all of the risks associated with the ownership of real estate. These risks include: declines in the value of real estate, negative changes in the climate for real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, over-building and increased competition, decreases in property revenues, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, the appeal of properties to tenants, leveraging of interests in real estate, increases in prevailing interest rates, and costs resulting from the clean-up of environmental problems.

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

 

A REIT is a corporation or business trust (that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation) which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct from taxable income the dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things: invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs), cash and government securities; derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property; and distribute annually 95% or more of its otherwise taxable income to shareholders.

 

REITs are of land and buildings; a Mortgage REIT invests primarily in mortgages on real property, which may secure construction, development or long-term loans.

 

REITs in which the Fund invests may be affected by changes in underlying real estate values, which may have an exaggerated effect to the extent that REITs in which the Fund invests may concentrate investments in particular geographic regions or property types. Additionally, rising interest rates may cause investors in REITs to demand a higher annual yield from future distributions, which may in turn decrease market prices for equity securities issued by REITs. Rising interest rates also generally increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. During periods of declining interest rates, certain Mortgage REITs may hold mortgages that the mortgagors elect to prepay, which prepayment may diminish the yield on securities issued by such Mortgage REITs. In addition, Mortgage REITs may be affected by the ability of borrowers to repay when due the debt extended by the REIT and Equity REITs may be affected by the ability of tenants to pay rent.

 

Certain REITs have relatively small market capitalization, which may tend to increase the volatility of the market price of securities issued by such REITs. Furthermore, REITs are dependent upon specialized management

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skills, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of projects. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, a shareholder will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareholders.

 

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

 

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE OR INTERIM POSITIONS

 

Under market conditions when investments meeting the Fund’s criteria are scarce, cash and cash reserves may represent a significant percentage of the Fund’s total net assets. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in international and domestic short- term obligations (such as Eurodollar and Yankee bank obligations, certificate of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper) money market funds and cash. During times when the Fund holds a significant portion of its net assets in cash and cash reserves, it will not be investing according to its investment objective, and the Fund’s performance may be negatively affected as a result.

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

The Fund may invest in various types of U.S. Government obligations. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations (i) may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (as with U.S. Treasury obligations and GNMA certificates) or (ii) may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself (as with Federal National Mortgage Association notes). In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities where it is not obligated to do so. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. Government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms.

 

OBLIGATIONS OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS, SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES AND BANKS

 

The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities that are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality to the other obligations in which such Fund may invest. The Fund may also invest in debt obligations of supranational entities. Supranational entities include international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related government agencies. Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank.

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its total assets in high-quality, short-term (one year or less) debt obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks that are denominated in and pay interest in U.S. dollars.

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

 

Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund purchases a security from a bank or recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the bank or dealer at an agreed-upon price, date,

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and market rate of interest unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks, such as default by, or insolvency of, the other party to the repurchase agreement. The Fund’s right to liquidate its collateral in the event of a default could involve certain costs, losses or delays. To the extent that the proceeds from any sale upon a default in the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund would suffer a loss. If the financial institution which is party to the repurchase agreement petitions for bankruptcy or otherwise becomes subject to bankruptcy or other liquidation proceedings, there may be restrictions on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral and the Fund could suffer a loss.

 

REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

 

The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund will sell securities and receive cash proceeds, subject to its agreement to repurchase the securities at a later date for a fixed price reflecting a market rate of interest. There is a risk that the counter party to a reverse repurchase agreement will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to the Fund.

 

FOREIGN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

 

The Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) of foreign issuers.

 

ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. GDRs are receipts issued by either a U.S. or non-U.S. banking institution, that evidence ownership of underlying foreign securities. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts (“CDRs”), are receipts issued in Europe typically by non-United States banks and trust companies that evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities markets and EDRs, CDRs and GDRs in bearer form are designed for use in Europe. The Fund may invest in ADRs, EDRs and CDRs 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 costs 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.

 

COMMERCIAL PAPER AND SHORT-TERM CORPORATE DEBT INSTRUMENTS

 

The Fund may invest in commercial paper (including variable amount master demand notes), which consists of short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months. Variable amount master demand notes are demand obligations that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying market rates of interest pursuant to arrangements between the issuer and a commercial bank acting as agent for the payee of such notes whereby both parties have the right to vary the amount of the outstanding indebtedness on the notes.

 

The Fund also may invest in nonconvertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with not more than one year remaining to maturity at the date of settlement.

 

FLOATING- AND VARIABLE-RATE OBLIGATIONS

 

The Fund may purchase floating- and variable-rate demand notes and bonds, which are obligations ordinarily having stated maturities in excess of 13 months, but which permit the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals not exceeding 13 months. Variable-rate demand notes include master demand notes, which are obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts, which may change daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as lender, and the borrower. The interest rates on these notes

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fluctuate from time to time. The issuer of such obligations ordinarily has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepare in its discretion the outstanding principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days’ notice to the holders of such obligations. The interest rate on a floating-rate demand obligation is based on a known lending rate, such as a bank’s prime rate, and is adjusted automatically at specified intervals. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. Because these obligations are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments generally will be traded. There generally is no established secondary market for these obligations, although they are redeemable at face value. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the Fund’s right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies and the Fund may invest in obligations which are not so rated only if the Adviser determines that at the time of investment the obligations are of comparable quality to the other obligations in which such Fund may invest.

 

INVERSE FLOATING-RATE OBLIGATIONS

 

The Fund may invest in so-called “inverse floating rate obligations” or “residual interest bonds” or other obligations or certificates relating thereto structured to have similar features. In creating such an obligation, a municipality issues a certain amount of debt and pays a fixed interest rate. Half of the debt is issued as variable rate short term obligations, the interest rate of which is reset at short intervals, typically 35 days. The other half of the debt is issued as inverse floating rate obligations, the interest rate of which is calculated based on the difference between a multiple of (approximately two times) the interest paid by the issuer and the interest paid on the short-term obligation. Under usual circumstances, the holder of the inverse floating rate obligation can generally purchase an equal principal amount of the short- term obligation and link the two obligations in order to create long-term fixed rate bonds. Because the interest rate on the inverse floating rate obligation is determined by subtracting the short-term rate from a fixed amount, the interest rate will decrease as the short-term rate increases and will increase as the short-term rate decreases. The magnitude of increases and decreases in the market value of inverse floating rate obligations may be approximately twice as large as the comparable change in the market value of an equal principal amount of long-term bonds which bear interest at the rate paid by the issuer and have similar credit quality, redemption and maturity provisions.

 

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS (“IPOs”)

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies offering shares in IPOs. IPOs may have a magnified performance impact on the Fund for as long as it has a small asset base. The impact of IPOs on the Fund’s performance likely will decrease as the Fund’s asset size increases, which could reduce the Fund’s total returns. Because IPO shares frequently are volatile in price, the Fund may 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 for the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling shares, the Fund may realize taxable gains they will subsequently distribute to shareholders. In addition, the market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for the Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Shareholders in IPO shares can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders.

 

The Fund’s investment in IPO shares may include the securities of unseasoned companies (companies with less than three years of continuous operations), which present risks considerably greater than common stocks of more established companies. These companies may have limited operating histories and their prospects for profitability may be uncertain. These companies may be involved in new and evolving businesses and may be vulnerable to competition and changes in technology, markets and economic conditions. They may be more dependent on key managers and third parties and may have limited product lines.

 

LEVERAGING TRANSACTIONS

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The Fund may engage in the types of transactions which involve “leverage” because in the Fund receives cash which it can invest in portfolio securities and has a future obligation to make a payment. The use of these transactions by the Fund will generally cause its net asset value to increase or decrease at a greater rate than would otherwise be the case. Any investment income or gains earned from the portfolio securities purchased with the proceeds from these transactions which is in excess of the expenses associated from these transactions can be expected to cause the value of the Fund’s shares and distributions on the Fund’s shares to rise more quickly than would otherwise be the case. Conversely, if the investment income or gains earned from the portfolio securities purchased with proceeds from these transactions fail to cover the expenses associated with these transactions, the value of the Fund’s shares is likely to decrease more quickly than otherwise would be the case and distributions thereon will be reduced or eliminated. Hence, these transactions are speculative, involve leverage and increase the risk of owning or investing in the shares of the Fund. These transactions also increase the Fund’s expenses because of interest and similar payments and administrative expenses associated with them. Unless the appreciation and income on assets purchased with proceeds from these transactions exceed the costs associated with them, the use of these transactions by the Fund would diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what it would have been without using these transactions.

 

RECENT MARKET EVENTS

 

The Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. The value of a security or other instrument may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other instrument, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Stresses associated with the 2008 financial crisis in the United States and global economies peaked approximately a decade ago, but periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or a geography, continue to recur. Some countries, including the United States, have adopted and/or are considering the adoption of more protectionist trades policies, a move away from the tighter financial industry regulations that followed the financial crisis, and/or substantially reducing corporate taxes. The exact shape of these policies is still being considered, but the equity and debt markets may react strongly to expectations of change, which could increase volatility, especially if the market’s expectations are not borne out. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health, may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic, political and/or financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by such events.

 

An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness, COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in December 2019 and has spread globally. This coronavirus has resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 outbreak may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.

 

ADDITIONAL MARKET DISRUPTION RISK

 

In late February 2022, Russia launched a large scale military attack on Ukraine. The invasion significantly

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amplified already existing geopolitical tensions among Russia, Ukraine, Europe, NATO and the West, including the U.S. In response to the military action by Russia, various countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, and European Union issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia. Such sanctions included, among other things, a prohibition on doing business with certain Russian companies, large financial institutions, officials and oligarchs; a commitment by certain countries and the European Union to remove selected Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (“SWIFT”), the electronic banking network that connects banks globally; and restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of the sanctions. Additional sanctions may be imposed in the future. Such sanctions (and any future sanctions) and other actions against Russia may adversely impact, among other things, the Russian economy and various sectors of the economy, including but not limited to, financials, energy, metals and mining, engineering and defense and defense-related materials sectors; result in a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities; result in boycotts, tariffs, and purchasing and financing restrictions on Russia’s government, companies and certain individuals; weaken the value of the ruble; downgrade the country’s credit rating; freeze Russian securities and/or funds invested in prohibited assets and impair the ability to trade in Russian securities and/or other assets; and have other adverse consequences on the Russian government, economy, companies and region. Further, several large corporations and U.S. states have announced plans to divest interests or otherwise curtail business dealings with certain Russian businesses.

 

The ramifications of the hostilities and sanctions, however, may not be limited to Russia and Russian companies but may spill over to and negatively impact other regional and global economic markets of the World (including Europe and the United States), companies in other countries (particularly those that have done business with Russia) and on various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas. Accordingly, the actions discussed above and the potential for a wider conflict could increase financial market volatility, cause severe negative effects on regional and global economic markets, industries, and companies and have a negative effect on the Fund’s investments and performance beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers or those of adjoining geographic regions. In addition, Russia may take retaliatory actions and other countermeasures, including cyberattacks and espionage against other countries and companies in the World, which may negatively impact such countries and the companies in which the Fund invests. Accordingly, there may be heightened risk of cyberattacks which may result in, among other things, disruptions in the functioning and operations of industries or companies around the World, including in the United States and Europe.

 

The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities, the extent and impact of existing and future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility, and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, particularly with respect to Russian exposure.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

COMMODITY POOL OPERATOR INFORMATION

 

In connection with the management of the Fund, the Advisor has registered as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act and the rules of the CFTC and is subject to CFTC regulation with respect to the Fund. The CFTC has adopted rules regarding the disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping requirements that apply with respect to a Fund as a result of the Advisor’s registration as a CPO. Generally, these rules allow for substituted compliance with CFTC disclosure and shareholder reporting requirements, based on the Advisor’s compliance with comparable SEC requirements. This means that most of the CFTC’s disclosure and shareholder reporting requirements applicable to the Advisor as the Fund’s CPO, the Advisor’s compliance with SEC disclosure and shareholder reporting requirements will be deemed to fulfill the Advisor’s CFTC compliance obligations. However, as a result of CFTC regulation with respect to the Fund, the Fund may incur additional compliance and other expenses and could adversely affect the Fund’s total return. The Advisor is also subject to periodic inspections and audits by the National Futures Association (“NFA”). The CFTC has neither reviewed nor approved the Fund, its investment strategies, or this registration statement, Including both the prospectus and this SAI.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

Purchases and sales of portfolio securities may be made as considered advisable by the Adviser in the best interests of the shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. The Fund’s distributions of any net short- term capital gains realized from portfolio transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates can result in corresponding increases in portfolio transaction costs for the Fund.

 

For reporting purposes, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the Fund’s investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

 

There is no portfolio turnover rate for the Fund to report at this time.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

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The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to this policy. The Fund’s complete portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day the Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services, including publicly accessible Internet web sites. The complete portfolio holdings are also included on the Fund’s website, www.CyberHornetETFs.com. In addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities to deliver in exchange for Fund shares, together with estimates and actual cash components, is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”). The basket represents one Creation Unit of a Fund. The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust, except: (i) to a party for a legitimate business purpose related to the day-to-day operations of the Funds or (ii) to any other party for a legitimate business or regulatory purpose, upon waiver or exception.

 

Website Disclosures

 

The following information about the Fund is available on the Fund’s website, www.CyberHornetETFs.com, which is publicly available and free of

charge:

 

Complete portfolio holdings, including for each security, the ticker symbol, CUSIP, description and the quantity and weight of each security in the Fund;

 

The current NAV per share, market price, and premium/discount, each as of the end of the prior business day;

 

A table showing the number of days that the Fund’s shares traded at a premium or discount during the most recently completed fiscal year and quarter (or for the life of the fund for new funds);

 

A chart showing the Fund’s premiums or discounts for the most recently completed calendar year and calendar quarter (or for the life of the fund for any new ETFs);

 

The median bid/ask spread for the Fund on a rolling 30-day basis; and

 

If the premium or discount is greater than 2% for more than seven consecutive trading days, a statement that the premium/discount was greater than 2% and a discussion of the factors that are reasonably believed to have materially contributed to this premium/discount.

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Board of Trustees Responsibilities. The management and affairs of the Trust are supervised by the Board under the laws of the State of Delaware and the 1940 Act. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Fund. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Fund and the persons or companies that furnish services to the Fund, including agreements with its distributor, Adviser, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operation of the Fund is delegated to the Fund’s Adviser.

 

Trustees and Officers. The names of the Trustees of the Trust, their addresses, ages/date of birth, positions, principal occupation(s) during the past five years, number of portfolios in the fund complex overseen, and other directorships held by each Trustee are set forth below.

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Name, Address and Age/Date of Birth Position(s) Held with Fund Term of Office and Length of Time Served Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Portfolios in Fund Complex* Overseen by Trustee Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
Non-Interested Trustees
Lance J. Baller (born 1974) Trustee Indefinite; since January 18, 2006 President, Ultimate Investments Inc. (1995 - present); President, Baller Enterprises, Inc. (1993 - present); President, Baller Family Foundation (2014 – present); Secretary and Vice President, High Speed Aggregate, Inc., (2010 - present); President, Lakeview Village, Inc. (2010 – 2019); Secretary, HSA Bedrock LLC (2014 - present); Member, RM Investments, (2014 - 2017); President, High Speed Mining, LLC (2014 - present); Chairman, Iofina PLC (2014 - present); CEO and Director, Global Healthcare REIT (2015 - present); Vice President and Secretary, Empire Aggregate Inc. (2018 - present); President, Empire Leasing, Inc. (2018 - present); President, Titan Au, Inc. (2018 - present); Managing Member, Yukon Au LLC (2018-present). 2 Co-Chairman, Eagle: XM; Director, Iofina PLC; Vice Chairman, NetAds International, Inc.; Director, Baylor Solar, (2014); Director, High Speed Mining (2014 – 2018); CEO and Director, Global Healthcare REIT (2015 - present); Director, Douglas County Soccer (2017 – present); Empire Au, Inc. (2018 – present); Director, GBB Management (2018 - present).
Vijoy P. Chattergy
(born 1967)
Trustee Indefinite; since April 3, 2020 President and Founder, VMLH, LLC, (2018- present); Chief Investment Officer, Consultant, Consequent Capital Management (2022-2023) Employees’ Retirement System of the State of Hawai’i (2011-2018). 2 None  
           
Interested Trustee
Michael Willis (born 1966) Trustee Indefinite; since January 18, 2006 President of ONEFUND, LLC (formerly, The Index Group, LLC) (2004 to present). Manager of Digital Funds, LLC (2021 to present). 2 None

 

* Mr. Willis may be deemed an “interested person” of the Trust as that term is defined in the 1940 Act because of his ownership and control of the Adviser, and service as an officer of the Adviser.

 

** The “Fund Complex” includes all series of the Trust and any other investment companies for which the Adviser provides investment advisory services (currently two).

 

The names of the officers, their addresses, ages, position(s) held with the Trust, and principal occupation(s) during the past five years are described in the table below.

 

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Name, Address and Age/Date of Birth

 

Position(s) Held with Fund

Term of Office and Length of Time Served Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Michael Willis

(born 1966)

 

President, Treasurer and Secretary Indefinite; since January 18, 2006 (President), since November 25, 2009 (Treasurer and Secretary) President of ONEFUND, LLC (formerly, The Index Group, LLC) (2004 to present); Manager of Digital Fund, LLC (2021 to present).

Randi Roessler

(born 1981)

Chief Compliance Officer        Indefinite; since June 29, 2023 Director, PINE Advisor Solutions (March 2023 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., the Davis Funds, Selected and Clipper Funds, the Davis Select Fundamental ETF Trust and Davis Distributors, LLC (January 2018 to February 2023).
Jesse D. Hallee
(born 1976)
Assistant Secretary Indefinite; since May 4, 2020 Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (August 2022 to present); Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (June 2019 to August 2022); Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (March 2013 to June 2019).

All communications to the Trustees and Officers of the Fund may be directed c/o ONEFUND TRUST, 200 2nd Ave. South #737, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

 

The Board believes that the significance of each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills is an individual matter (meaning that experience that is important for one Trustee may not have the same value for another) and that these factors are best evaluated at the Board level, with no single Trustee, or particular factor, being indicative of the Board’s effectiveness. The Board determined that each of the Trustees is qualified to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on a review of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each Trustee. In reaching this determination, the Board has considered a variety of criteria, including, among other things: character and integrity; ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided, to exercise effective business judgment in protecting shareholder interests and to interact effectively with the other Trustees, the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and the independent registered accounting firm (“independent auditors”); and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee. Each Trustee’s ability to perform his duties effectively is evidenced by his experience or achievements in the following areas, in no particular order of importance: management or board experience in the investment management industry or at companies or organizations in other fields, entrepreneurial experience, educational background and professional training; and experience as a Trustee of the Trust. Information discussing the specific experience, skills, attributes and qualifications of each Trustee which led to the Board’s determination that the Trustee should serve in this capacity is provided below.

 

Michael Willis. Michael G. Willis is Founder and President of the Adviser and ONEFUND Trust since 2004 and 2005, respectively. Mr. Willis has been the Lead Portfolio Manager for the Fund since its inception in 2015. He has been a portfolio manager for 1940 Act mutual funds for the past 15 years. Mr. Willis is also the Founder and Manager of Digital Funds, LLC since 2021. Prior to his association with the Adviser, Mr. Willis worked in the investment banking industry for UBS Financial Services, Paine Webber, & Smith Barney. Mr. Willis was chosen to serve as a Trustee based on his experience as founder of these companies and his Wall Street portfolio management experience.

 

Lance J. Baller. Mr. Baller was co-founder, CEO and President (2010-2013), CFO (2006-2013) of Iofina Plc since prior to his departure for health reasons in June 2013. Mr. Baller returned to Iofina plc as Chairman in April 2014. Mr. Baller has been the CEO of Global Healthcare REIT since 2015. Mr. Baller is the former managing partner of The Elevation Fund and Elevation Capital Management. Mr. Baller is the former managing partner of Shortline Equity Partners, Inc., a mid-market merger and acquisitions consulting and investment company in the United States. He has actively served on the investment, audit, corporate governance, and compensation committees, while on the board of directors of companies in Asia and North America. Mr. Baller is also a former vice president of mergers and acquisitions, financing and corporate development at Integrated Biopharma, Inc. and prior to this a vice president of the investment banking firms UBS AG and Morgan Stanley. He has served as Chairman to various companies and has led successful restructurings. He was chosen to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services, investment management and accounting experience.

 

Vijoy P. Chattergy. Mr. Chattergy brings to the Board his investment management leadership expertise in public, private, and nonprofit sector financial services entities, covering equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, and alternatives asset classes. Mr. Chattergy is the President and Founder of VMLH, LLC, a consulting firm which provides strategic and practical advice to global asset managers. His professional experience includes work in the development of functional risk class portfolio design, risk management applications, and brand development. In addition, Mr. Chattergy has been selected to exclusive formal leadership programs spanning three decades and provides global and multi-cultural sensitivity and experience. He was chosen to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based upon his investment management leadership and experience.

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Specific details regarding each Trustee’s principal occupations during the past five years are included in the table above. The summaries set forth above as to the experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills of the Trustees do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and do not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board as a whole than would otherwise be the case.

 

Board Composition and Leadership Structure

 

The Board currently consists of three individuals, one of whom is an Interested Trustee. The Board has appointed Michael G. Willis, an Interested Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman’s role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. Mr. Willis is also the President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Fund and the President of the Adviser. The Board has does not have a lead Independent Trustee. The Independent Trustees, acting collectively, seek to serve as a check and balance on the activities of the Interested Trustee.

 

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with the Trustees. The Trust has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Trust’s organizational documents. The Board meets at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings.

 

The Board believes that its structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Trustees from the Adviser and other service providers with respect to services provided to the Fund, potential conflicts of interest that could arise from these relationships and other risks that the Fund may face. The Board further believes that its structure allows all of the Trustees to participate in the full range of the Board’s oversight responsibilities. The Board believes that the orderly and efficient flow of information and the ability to bring each Trustee’s talents to bear in overseeing the Fund’s operations is important, in light of the size and complexity of the Fund and the risks that the Fund faces. The Board and its committees review their structure regularly, to help ensure that it remains appropriate as the business and operations of the Fund and the environment in which the Fund operates changes.

 

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight of the Fund

 

The Board oversees risk management for the Fund directly and, as to certain matters, through its committees. The Board exercises its oversight in this regard primarily through requesting and receiving reports from and otherwise working with the Fund’s senior officers (including, Mr. Willis and the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer), the Fund’s independent auditors, legal counsel and personnel from the Fund’s other service providers. The Board has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, and periodically reviews with the assistance of the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, policies and procedures designed to address certain risks associated with the Fund’s activities. In addition, the Adviser and the Fund’s other service providers also have adopted policies, processes and procedures designed to identify, assess and manage certain risks associated with the Fund’s activities, and the Board receives reports from service providers with respect to the operation of these policies, processes and procedures as required and/or as the Board deems appropriate. The Board does not believe that a separate Risk Oversight Committee is necessary for effective risk oversight at this time, but intends to continuously evaluate how it assesses risk and will consider again in the future whether any changes to their current structure are prudent.

 

Committees

 

The Board has established an Audit Committee, and a Nominating and Governance Committee.

 

The Audit Committee consists of the Independent Trustees. The members of the Audit Committee are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined by the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”). The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to oversee the accounting and financial reporting policies, practices and internal controls of the Trust.

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The Audit Committee is currently chaired by Lance J. Baller. The Audit Committee: (i) recommends to the Board of Trustees the selection, retention and compensation of an independent public accounting firm; (ii) annually reviews the scope of the proposed audit, the audit procedures to be utilized and the proposed audit fees; (iii) reviews the results of the annual audit with the independent auditors; (iv) reviews the annual financial statements of the Fund with management and the independent auditors; and (v) reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls and procedures with management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee met two times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.

 

The Trust also has a Nominating and Governance Committee that is comprised of the Independent Trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee: (i) makes nominations for trustee membership on the Board; (ii) evaluates on a periodic basis the operations and effectiveness of the Board as a whole; (iii) periodically reviews the composition of the Board to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skills from those already on the Board; (iv) periodically reviews Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board; and (v) periodically reviews trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Board as a group. The Nominating and Governance Committee does not consider nominees recommended by shareholders. The Nominating and Governance Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.

 

Trustee Share Ownership

 

The following tables provide the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Board on December 21, 2023.

 

 

 

 

Name of Trustee

 

 

Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in All Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by Trustee in
Family of Investment Companies
Independent Trustees:
Lance J. Baller   None None
Vijoy P. Chattergy   None None
Interested Trustee:
Michael G. Willis   None None

 

None of the Independent Trustees own securities in the Adviser or the Distributor, nor do they own securities in any entity directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser or the Distributor.

 

Trustee Compensation*

 

The following table provides the total fees paid to Trustees by the Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.

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Name of Trustee

 

Aggregate Compensation
from the Fund

Total Compensation from
Fund and Fund Complex
Paid to Trustees
Independent Trustees:
Lance J. Baller $0 $482.33
Vijoy P. Chattergy $0 $482.36
Interested Trustees:
Michael Willis $0 $0 

 

**      Trustees of the Trust not affiliated with the Adviser received from the Trust an annual retainer of 1/10 of 1 basis point of the average annual assets under management, paid quarterly. Trustees who are affiliated with the Adviser do not receive compensation from the Trust. All Trustees (Interested and Independent) are reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel and lodging) relating to attendance at such meetings. The Trust has not adopted any pension or retirement plans for the officers or Trustees of the Trust. Therefore, there have been no currently estimated annual benefits upon retirement.

 

Except for the Chief Compliance Officer and the Assistant Secretary, none of the officers receive compensation from the Trust for their services.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially owns 5% or more of any class of the Fund’s outstanding equity securities. A control person is any person who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of control.

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not commenced operations and therefore has no outstanding shareholders.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Trust and the Adviser each have adopted a code of ethics, as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust and the Adviser from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which may also be held by persons subject to a code). Such persons are prohibited from effecting certain transactions, allowed to effect certain exempt transactions, required to preclear certain transactions and to report certain transactions on a regular basis.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER TO THE FUND

 

ONEFUND, LLC (the “Adviser”, formerly known as “The Index Group, LLC” and “the Index Group, Inc.”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory contract (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser is located at 200 2nd Ave. South #737, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The Adviser is majority-owned and controlled by Michael Willis, an interested Trustee of the Trust and the portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Willis also serves as Chairman and President of the Adviser.

 

Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser serves as the investment adviser and makes the investment decisions for the Fund and continuously reviews, supervises and administers the investment program of the Fund, subject to the supervision of, and policies established by, the Trustees of the Trust. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the investment advisory services of the Adviser are not exclusive. The Adviser is free to render investment advisory services to others.

 

For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 0.95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser provides investment advisory services and pays the Fund’s operating expenses, with certain exceptions, in return for a “unitary fee” exclusive of expenses incurred pursuant to

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the Fund’s 12b-1 Distribution Plan, if any; costs of borrowing (such as interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); taxes or governmental fees; acquired fund fees and expenses, if any; brokerage commissions and other expenses of executing portfolio transactions; costs of holding shareholder meetings, including proxy costs; fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s securities lending program, if any; fees of independent counsel to the disinterested Trustees; and litigation and potential litigation and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. 

 

Because the Fund has not yet commenced operations, the Fund has not paid any fees to the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement was approved in December 2023. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years. The Advisory Agreement continues in effect, unless sooner terminated, for successive one-year periods so long as it is approved annually. The Board or the Adviser may terminate the Investment Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ notice while the shareholders may terminate the Investment Advisory Agreement immediately.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

 

Michael Willis is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Prospectus contains information about Mr. Willis and his management of the Fund. The sections below contain certain additional information about his compensation, his management of other accounts, and potential conflicts of interest.

 

Management of Other Accounts. As of December 21, 2023, Mr. Willis was primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of other accounts, as set forth in the table below.

 

  Other Accounts Managed /
Total Assets in Accounts ($ in millions)
Other Accounts with
Performance - Based Fees/
Total Assets in Accounts

 

Other Registered
Investment
Companies
(“RICs”)

Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles (“PIVs”)

Other
Accounts
Number &
Type of
Accounts
in this
Category

Total Assets
in such
Accounts,

if any

Michael Willis 1 / $106M 0 / $0 0 / $0M 0 $0

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure

 

Mr. Willis is entitled to receive a base salary from the Adviser for his services in the various positions he holds with the Adviser, including his position as portfolio manager and President. In addition, Mr. Willis, as the principal shareholder of the Adviser, is entitled to receive a share of net profits earned by the Adviser. Mr. Willis does not receive any other form of compensation or benefits for his services to the Adviser.

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest. Since the Fund and other accounts that may be managed by Mr. Willis and the Adviser in the future could have similar investment strategies, there is a potential risk that Mr. Willis could favor one or more of the other accounts over the Fund. However, the Adviser has established policies and procedures governing brokerage practice and the allocation of trades, which are designed to seek to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among various accounts managed by the Adviser are fairly and equitably allocated. The Adviser is not aware of any cases where the investment strategies employed for the other accounts managed by Mr. Willis and the Adviser would cause him to take positions on the contrary side of the market from the Fund, or otherwise contrary to the interests of the Fund.

 

Portfolio Manager Ownership of Securities

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Because the Fund has not initiated operations, the table below demonstrates no ownership of Fund securities by the Portfolio Manager as of December 21, 2023.

 

Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund Beneficially Owned
Michael G. Willis $0

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The Fund has adopted Proxy Voting Policies that delegate the responsibility of voting proxies to the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies of the Fund and Adviser are attached as Appendix B and Appendix C respectively. These policies provide a general indication as to how the Adviser and will vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. However, the guidelines do not address all potential voting issues or the intricacies that may surround individual proxy votes. For that reason, there may be instances in which votes may vary from the guidelines presented. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser will always endeavor to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective. The policies also describe the courses of action available to the Adviser when it determines that there is a material conflict of interest, including for example taking instruction from the Fund’s Board.

 

Information regarding how the Adviser voted proxies is available during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 without charge (1) by calling the Fund at 1-844-464-6339; and (2) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES

 

The Trust and ACA Group (the “Distributor”) are parties to a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”), whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Trust’s shares and distributes the shares of the Fund. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor only in Creation Units. Each Creation Unit is made up of 25,000 Shares. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in amounts less than a Creation Unit and does not maintain a secondary market in Fund Shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is 140 E. 45th Street, 29th Floor (2 Grand Central Tower) New York, NY 10017.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, as agent for the Trust, will receive orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units, provided that any subscriptions and orders will not be binding on the Trust until accepted by the Trust. The Distributor will deliver a prospectus to authorized participants purchasing Shares in Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and a member of FINRA.

 

Upon direction from the Trust, the Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants (as discussed in “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units” below) or DTC participants (as defined below).

 

The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable thereafter. The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by majority vote of its outstanding voting shares or by a vote of a majority of its Board (including a majority of the Independent Trustees), or by the Distributor on 60 days written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Distribution Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Distributor, or reckless disregard by it of its obligations thereunder, the Distributor shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.

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Distribution Plan

 

The Fund has adopted a distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act that allows the Fund to pay distribution and/or service fees for the sale and distribution of Fund shares, and for services provided to shareholders. No Rule 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Fund, and there are no plans to impose these fees. However, in the event Rule 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

 

ADMINISTRATION, TRANSFER AGENT AND COMPLIANCE

 

Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, as compensation for its services, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“U.S. Bank”) receives from the Adviser a combined fee for fund administration and fund accounting services based on the Fund’s current average daily net assets. U.S. Bank is also entitled to be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to its role as administrator, U.S. Bank also acts as fund accountant (“Fund Accountant”).

 

The Fund is new, and U.S. Bank has not received any fees for administrative services to the Fund as of the date of this SAI.

 

PINE Advisors LLC (“PINE”) provides Chief Compliance Officer services to the Fund under a Services Agreement. Under the Services Agreement, PINE also provides services in monitoring and testing the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with the requirements under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. PINE receives compensation for these services under the Services Agreement.

 

To generate additional income, the Fund may lend up to 33 1⁄3% of its total assets pursuant to agreements that would require that the loan be continuously secured by cash. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund has not entered into a securities lending agreement with a securities lending agent.

 

CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT

 

U.S. Bank National Association., (“USBNA”) (the “Custodian”), located at U.S. Bank Tower, 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 serves as the custodian for the Fund. As such, the Custodian holds in safekeeping certificated securities and cash belonging to the Fund and, in such capacity, is the registered owner of securities in book-entry form belonging to the Fund. Upon instruction, the Custodian receives and delivers cash and securities of the Fund in connection with Fund transactions and collects all dividends and other distributions made with respect to Fund portfolio securities. The Custodian also maintains certain accounts and records of the Fund. Sub-custodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside of the United States. USBNA also serves as the Fund’s Transfer Agent.

 

COUNSEL

 

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, located at 1500 17th Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80202, serves as counsel to the Trust.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Cohen & Company serves as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Trust. Cohen & Company provides audit and tax services, and assistance and consultation in connection with certain SEC filings, and is located at 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800, Cleveland, OH 44115.

 

Fund Records

 

The Fund’s administrator, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, maintains certain books and records of the Fund that are required by applicable federal regulations at 1 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94111. The Fund’s custodian, U.S. Bank National Association also maintains certain books and records of the Fund that are required by applicable federal regulations at U.S. Bank Tower, 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. The Fund and its investment advisor, ONEFUND LLC, are also responsible for keeping and maintaining Fund books and records at 200 Ave. South #737, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.

 

EXPENSES

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The Fund bears the costs of its operations not assumed by the Adviser. The costs borne by the Fund include expenses incurred pursuant to the Fund’s 12b-1 Distribution Plan, if any; costs of borrowing (such as interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); taxes or governmental fees; acquired fund fees and expenses, if any; brokerage commissions and other expenses of executing portfolio transactions; costs of holding shareholder meetings, including proxy costs; fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s securities lending program, if any; fees of independent counsel to the disinterested Trustees; and litigation and potential litigation and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

 

Brokerage Transactions

 

The policy of the Trust regarding purchases and sales of securities for the Fund is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Trust’s policy is to pay commissions which are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances. The Trust believes that a requirement always to seek the lowest possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and preclude the Fund and the Adviser from obtaining a high quality of brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser will rely upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage and research services received from the broker effecting the transaction. These services may be more beneficial to the Fund or certain accounts of the Adviser than to others. Such determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, as in most cases, an exact dollar value for those services is not ascertainable. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of the Fund’s shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.

 

The Adviser owes a fiduciary duty to its clients to seek to provide best execution on trades effected. In selecting a broker/dealer for each specific transaction, the Adviser chooses the broker/dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution. Best execution is generally understood to mean the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances. The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to: liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, underwriting and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending upon the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker/dealers. The Adviser will also use electronic crossing networks (“ECNs”) when appropriate.

 

The Adviser does not currently use the Fund’s assets for, or participate in, any third-party soft dollar arrangements, although it may receive proprietary research from various full-service brokers, the cost of which is bundled with the cost of the broker’s execution services. The Adviser does not “pay up” for the value of any such proprietary research.

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The Adviser is responsible, subject to oversight by the Adviser and the Board, for placing orders on behalf of the Fund for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of the Fund and one or more other investment companies or clients supervised by the Adviser are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among the several investment companies and clients in a manner deemed equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to all by the Adviser. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security so far as the Fund is concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions will be beneficial to the Fund. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price.

 

The Fund may deal with affiliates in principal transactions to the extent permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation.

 

Regular Broker-Dealers

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. “Regular brokers or dealers” of the Trust are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (i) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Trust’s portfolio transactions; (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Trust; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Trust’s shares.

 

The Fund is new and has no securities of “regular broker dealers” to report.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Trust is an open-end, management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust. The Fund is a separate series of shares of beneficial interest.

 

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of one or more series and classes within any series and to divide or combine the shares of any series or class without materially changing the proportionate beneficial interest of such shares of such series or class in the assets held with respect to that series. Each share represents an equal beneficial interest in the net assets of the Fund with each other share of the Fund. The Trustees of the Trust may authorize the issuance of shares of additional series and the creation of classes of shares within any series with such preferences, voting powers, rights, duties and privileges as the Trustees may determine; however, the Trustees may not classify or change outstanding shares in a manner materially adverse to shareholders of each share. Upon liquidation of the Fund, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to such shareholders.

 

The shareholders of the Fund are entitled to one vote for each dollar of NAV (or a proportionate fractional vote with respect to the remainder of the NAV of shares, if any), on matters on which shares of the Fund shall be entitled to vote. Subject to the 1940 Act, the Trustees themselves have the power to alter the number and the terms of office of the Trustees, to lengthen their own terms, or to make their terms of unlimited duration subject to certain removal procedures, and appoint their own successors, provided, however, that immediately after such appointment the requisite majority of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders. The voting rights of shareholders are not cumulative with respect to the election of Trustees. It is the intention of the Trust not to hold meetings of shareholders annually. The Trustees may call meetings of shareholders for action by shareholder vote as may be required by either the 1940 Act or the Declaration of Trust of the Trust.

 

Each share of a series represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets in that series with each other share of that series. The shares of each series participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets of the particular series. Expenses of the Trust which are not attributable to a specific series are allocated among all of their series in a manner deemed by the Trustees to be fair and equitable. Shares have no pre-emptive or conversion rights, and when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable. Shares of each series generally vote together, except when required under federal securities laws to vote separately on matters that may affect a particular class, such as the approval of distribution plans for a particular class.

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The Trustees of the Trust may, without shareholder approval (unless otherwise required by applicable law): (i) cause the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into one or more corporations (or series thereof) to the extent permitted by law, partnerships, associations, corporations or other business entities (including trusts, partnerships, associations, corporations, or other business entities created by the Trustees to accomplish such merger or consolidation) so long as the surviving or resulting entity is an investment company as defined in the 1940 Act, or is a series thereof, that will succeed to or assume the Trust’s registration under the 1940 Act and that is formed, organized, or existing under the laws of the U.S. or of a state, commonwealth, possession or territory of the U.S., unless otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act; (ii) cause the shares to be exchanged under or pursuant to any state or federal statute to the extent permitted by law; or (iii) cause the Trust to reorganize as a corporation, limited liability company or limited liability partnership under the laws of Delaware or any other state or jurisdiction. However, the exercise of such authority may be subject to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act.

 

The Trustees may, without shareholder vote, generally restate, amend or otherwise supplement the Trust’s governing instruments, including the Certificate of Trust and the Declaration of Trust, without the approval of shareholders, subject to limited exceptions, such as the right to elect Trustees.

 

The Trustees, without obtaining any authorization or vote of shareholders, may change the name of any series or dissolve or terminate any series.

 

Shares have no subscription or preemptive rights and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Board may grant in its discretion. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus and this SAI, Shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, Shares of the Fund are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to the Fund, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the relative asset values of the Fund, of any general assets not belonging to the Fund which are available for distribution.

 

Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Fund affected by the matter. For purposes of determining whether the approval of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Fund will be required in connection with a matter, the Fund will be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of the Fund in the matter are identical, or that the matter does not affect any interest of the Fund. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to the Fund only if approved by a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. However, Rule 18f-2 also provides that the ratification of independent public accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts, and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by Shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.

 

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION, AND PRICING OF SHARES

 

Buying and Selling Shares

 

In the Secondary Market

 

Most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the secondary market on the Exchange. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares. There is no minimum investment. When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. The spread varies over time for Shares of the Fund based on the Fund’s trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if the Fund has a lot of trading volume and market liquidity.

 

Shares of the Fund trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the daily NAV of the Shares.

 

Directly with the Fund

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The Fund’s Shares are issued or redeemed by the Fund at NAV only in Creation Units. Investors such as market makers, large investors and institutions who wish to deal in Creation Units directly with the Fund must have entered into an authorized participant agreement with the Distributor, or purchase through a dealer that has entered into such an agreement. For additional information regarding the creation and redemption of creation units, see the section below entitled, “Creation and Redemption of Creation Units.”

 

Creation and Redemption of Creation Units

 

General

 

The Trust issues and sells Shares of the Funds only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without an initial sales load, at their NAV next determined after receipt, on any Business Day (as defined herein), of an order in proper form. An Authorized Participant (defined below) that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, will not be able to receive, as part of a redemption, restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.

 

A “Business Day” with respect to the Fund is any day on which the Exchange is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the Exchange observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

Continuous Offering

 

The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the 1933 Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner that could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the 1933 Act.

 

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells such shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of 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 1933 Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.

 

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, generally are required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the 1933 Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to Shares of the Fund are reminded that, pursuant to Rule 153 under the 1933 Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at the Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is available only with respect to transactions on an exchange.

 

Portfolio Deposit

 

The consideration for a purchase of Creation Units generally consists of the in-kind deposit of a portfolio of securities and other investments (the “Deposit Instruments”) included in the Fund and an amount of cash computed as described below (the “Cash Amount”). The Cash Amount together with the Deposit Instruments, as applicable, are referred to as the “Portfolio Deposit,” which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund.

 

In the event the Fund requires Deposit Instruments in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the

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portfolio of securities required may be different than the portfolio of securities the Fund will deliver upon redemption of Fund Shares.

 

In the event the Fund requires Deposit Instruments and a Cash Amount in consideration for purchasing a Creation Unit, the function of the Cash Amount is to compensate for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount (as defined below). The Cash Amount would be 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 aggregate market value of the Deposit Instruments. If the Cash Amount is a positive number (the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Amount. If the Cash Amount is a negative number (the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Amount. Computation of the Cash Amount excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Instruments, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant.

 

The Adviser, through the NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, immediately prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Instrument to be included in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day), as well as information regarding the Cash Amount for the Fund. Such Portfolio Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, in order to effect creations of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced Portfolio Deposit composition is made available.

 

In addition, the Trust reserves the right to accept a basket of securities or cash that differs from Deposit Instruments or to permit the substitution of an amount of cash (i.e., a “cash in lieu” amount) to be added to the Cash Amount to replace any Deposit Instrument.

 

Procedures for Creation of Creation Units

 

To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor to create Creation Units of the Fund, an entity or person either must be (1) a “Participating Party,” i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC; or (2) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”); which, in either case, must have executed an agreement with the Distributor (as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms) (“Participant Agreement”) (discussed below). A Participating Party and DTC Participant are collectively referred to as an “Authorized Participant.” All Creation Units 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.

 

Except as described below, and in all cases subject to the terms of the applicable Participant Agreement, all orders to create Creation Units, whether through the NSCC Clearing Process or outside the NSCC Clearing Process through DTC or otherwise, must be received by the Distributor no later than the closing time of the regular trading session on the Exchange (“Closing Time”) (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time or, for Custom Orders (discussed below), such earlier time set forth in the Participant Agreement or the Authorized Participant Procedures Handbook), in each case on the date such order is placed in order for creation of Creation Units to be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as determined on such date. A “Custom Order” may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the event that the Trust accepts (or delivers, in the case of a redemption) a basket or securities or cash that differs from the published Deposit Instruments or Redemption Instruments (discussed below). The Business Day on which a creation order (or order to redeem as discussed below) is placed is herein referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” Orders must be transmitted by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement or Authorized Participant Procedures Handbook. Severe economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede the ability to reach the Distributor, a Participating Party or a DTC Participant. Creation Units may be created in advance of the receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the Portfolio Deposit. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will remain liable for the full deposit of the missing portion(s) of the Portfolio Deposit and will be required to post collateral with the Trust consisting of cash at least equal to a percentage of the marked-to-market value of such missing portion(s) that is specified in the Participant Agreement. The Trust may use such collateral to buy the missing portion(s) of the Portfolio Deposit at any time and will subject such Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such securities and the value of such collateral. The Trust will have no liability for any such shortfall. The Trust will return any unused portion of the collateral to the Authorized Participant once the entire Fund Deposit has

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been properly received and deposited into the Trust.

 

Orders to create Creation Units of the Fund shall be placed with a Participating Party or DTC Participant, as applicable, in the form required by such Participating Party or DTC Participant. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement, and that, therefore, orders to create Creation Units of the Fund may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through a Participating Party or a DTC Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. At any given time there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement. Those placing orders to create Creation Units of the Fund through the NSCC Clearing Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date.

 

Orders for creation that are effected outside the NSCC Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the NSCC Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the NSCC Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of Deposit Instruments and Cash Amount.

 

The Distributor has adopted guidelines regarding Authorized Participants’ transactions in Creation Units that are made available to all Authorized Participants through the Participant Agreement. These guidelines set forth the processes and standards for Authorized Participants to transact with the Distributor in connection with creation and redemption transactions.

 

Placement of Creation Orders Using NSCC Clearing Process

 

Portfolio Deposits created through the NSCC Clearing Process, if available, must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement.

 

The Participant Agreement authorizes Custodian to transmit to the NSCC on behalf of the Participating Party such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the Participating Party’s creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions to the NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to transfer the requisite Deposit Instruments (or contracts to purchase such Deposit Instruments that are expected to be delivered in a “regular way” manner by the second (2nd) Business Day (“T+2” basis)) and the Cash Amount to the Trust, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable law. An order to create Creation Units of the Fund through the NSCC Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

 

Placement of Creation Orders Outside NSCC Clearing Process

 

Portfolio Deposits created outside the NSCC Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units of the Fund to be effected outside the NSCC Clearing Process need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the NSCC Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will instead be effected through a transfer of securities and cash. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Instruments through DTC to the account of the Trust by no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, of the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Instruments 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 cash equal to the Cash Amount must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve wire system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. An order to create Creation Units of the Fund outside the NSCC Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the Custodian

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does not receive both the requisite Deposit Instruments and the Cash Amount in a timely fashion on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date, such order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such cancelled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using the Portfolio Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the current NAV of the applicable Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created will occur no later than the second (2nd) Business Day following the day on which the creation order is deemed received by the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other T+2 if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable law.

 

Additional transaction fees may be imposed with respect to transactions effected outside the NSCC Clearing Process (through a DTC Participant) and in circumstances in which any cash can be used in lieu of Deposit Instruments to create Creation Units. (See “Creation Transaction Fee” section below.)

 

Acceptance of Creation Orders

 

The Trust and the Distributor reserve the right to reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order transmitted to it in respect of the Fund, for example, if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the purchaser or group of related purchasers, upon obtaining the Creation Units of Shares, would own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of such Fund; (c) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of the Fund, be unlawful, as in the case of a purchaser who was banned from trading in securities; or (f) there exist circumstances outside the control of the Fund that make it impossible to process purchases of Creation Units of Shares for all practical purposes. Examples of such circumstances include: acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outage resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Funds, the Adviser, any sub-adviser, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC or any other participant in the purchase process; and similar extraordinary events. The Transfer Agent will notify a prospective creator of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Custodian, any subcustodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits to Authorized Participants nor shall either of them incur any liability to Authorized Participants for the failure to give any such notification. All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Instruments and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

Creation Units of the Fund may be created in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Instruments as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Instruments, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Amount, plus (ii) at least 105%, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the market value of the undelivered Deposit Instruments (the “Additional Cash Deposit”) with the Fund pending delivery of any missing Deposit Instruments.

 

If an Authorized Participant determines to post an Additional Cash Deposit as collateral for any undelivered Deposit Instruments, such Authorized Participant must deposit with the Custodian the appropriate amount of federal funds by 10:00 a.m. New York, (or such other time as specified by the Trust) on the date of requested settlement. If the Custodian does not receive the Additional Cash Deposit in the appropriate amount by such time, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to a fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Custodian, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Instruments to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to 105% as required, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Instruments. To the extent that missing Deposit Securities are not received by the specified time on the settlement date, or in the event a marked-to market payment is not made within one Business Day following notification by the Distributor that such a payment is required, the Trust may use the cash on deposit to purchase the missing Deposit Instruments. The Authorized Participant will be liable to the Trust for the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Instruments exceeds the market value of such Deposit Instruments on the transmittal date plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Instruments have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee will be charged in all cases.

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Creation Transaction Fee

 

A fixed creation transaction fee is imposed on each creation transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased in the transaction. The amount of the fixed creation transaction fee is $500.00. In addition, a variable charge for cash creations or for creations outside the NSCC Clearing Process currently of up to four times the fixed creation transaction fee will be imposed. The variable fee is subject to a maximum fee limit of 200 basis points.

 

In the case of cash creations or where the Trust permits a creator to substitute cash in lieu of depositing a portion of the Deposit Instruments, the creator may be assessed an additional variable charge to compensate a Fund for the costs associated with purchasing the applicable securities. (See “Portfolio Deposit” section above.) As a result, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind creation order process, the Trust expects to purchase, in the secondary market or otherwise gain exposure to, the portfolio securities that could have been delivered as a result of an in-kind creation order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons (“Market Purchases”). In such cases where the Trust makes Market Purchases, the Authorized Participant may be required to reimburse the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the Adviser’s discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes. The Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the creation securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Amount to protect existing shareholders. Amounts in excess of any caps will be borne by a Fund. Creators of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Instruments to the account of the Trust.

 

Redemption of Creation Units

 

Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Distributor, only on a Business Day and only through a Participating Party or DTC Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. The Trust will not redeem Shares in amounts less than Creation Units. Beneficial owners also may sell Shares in the secondary market, but must accumulate enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.

 

The Adviser, through the NSCC, makes available on each Business Day prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30

a.m. Eastern time), the identity of a Fund’s securities and/or an amount of cash that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day. The securities the Fund delivers upon redemption (“Redemption Instruments”) may not be identical to Deposit Instruments that are applicable to creations of Creation Units. An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that it (or its client) (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Shares to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) the Shares to be redeemed have not been loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement which would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Trust. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion, but will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from the Fund in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust. Unless cash redemptions are permitted or required for the Fund, the redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit generally consist of Redemption Instruments as announced on the Business Day of the request for redemption, plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Redemption Instruments, less the redemption transaction fee and variable fees described below. Should the Redemption Instruments have a value greater than the NAV of the Shares being redeemed, a compensating cash payment to the Trust equal to the differential plus the applicable redemption transaction fee will be required to be arranged for by or on behalf of the redeeming shareholder.

 

The Distributor in coordination with the index receipt agent has established guidelines regarding Authorized

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Participants’ transactions in Creation Units that are made available to all Authorized Participants through the Participant Agreement and the index receipt agent’s Authorized Representatives Documentation Package. These guidelines set forth the processes and standards for Authorized Participants to transact with the Distributor and the index receipt agent in connection with creation and redemption transactions.

 

The Trust may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for Shares for more than seven days when:

 

(a) trading on the Exchange is broadly restricted by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC;

 

(b) the Exchange is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closing;

 

(c) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or

 

(d) the SEC has declared a market emergency.

 

Redemption Transaction Fee

 

The fixed redemption transaction fee is $500.00 is the same no matter how many Creation Units are being redeemed pursuant to any one redemption request. An additional variable fee of up to four times the fixed redemption transaction fee will be charged with respect to cash redemptions or redemptions outside of the NSCC Clearing Process.

 

An additional variable charge for cash redemptions or partial cash redemptions (when cash redemptions are permitted or required for the Fund) may also be imposed to compensate each applicable Fund for the costs associated with selling the applicable securities. As a result, in order to seek to replicate the in-kind redemption order process, the Trust expects to sell, in the secondary market, the portfolio securities or settle any financial instruments that may not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Participating Party as a result of an in-kind redemption order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons (“Market Sales”). In such cases where the Trust makes Market Sales, the Authorized Participant may be required to reimburse the Trust for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were sold or settled by the Trust and the cash in lieu amount (which amount, at the Adviser’s discretion, may be capped), applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes (“Transaction Costs”). The Adviser may adjust the transaction fee to the extent the composition of the redemption securities changes or cash in lieu is added to the Cash Amount to protect existing shareholders. In no event will transaction fees charged by the Fund in connection with a redemption exceed 2% of the amount being redeemed. Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. To the extent the Fund cannot recoup the amount of Transaction Costs incurred in connection with a redemption from the redeeming shareholder because of the 2% cap or otherwise, those Transaction Costs will be borne by the Fund’s remaining shareholders and negatively affect the Fund’s performance.

 

Placement of Redemption Orders Using NSCC Clearing Process

 

Orders to redeem Creation Units of the Fund through the NSCC Clearing Process, if available, must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed the Participant Agreement. An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund using the Clearing Process is deemed received on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date (or, for Custom Orders, such earlier time set forth in the Participant Agreement or the Authorized Participant Procedures Handbook); and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed; such order will be effected based on the NAV of the Fund as next determined. An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund using the NSCC Clearing Process made in proper form but received by the Fund after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time (or, for certain Custom Orders, such earlier time set forth in the Participant Agreement or the Authorized Participant Procedures Handbook), will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date. The requisite Redemption Instruments (or contracts to purchase such Redemption Instruments which are expected to be delivered in a “regular way” manner)

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and the applicable cash payment will be transferred by the second (2nd) Business Day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received. the Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable law.

 

Placement of Redemption Orders Outside NSCC Clearing Process

 

Orders to redeem Creation Units of the Fund outside the NSCC Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Units of the Fund to be effected outside the NSCC Clearing Process need not be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that redemption of Creation Units of the Fund will instead be effected through transfer of Creation Units of the Fund directly through DTC. An order to redeem Creation Units of the Fund outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (i) such order is received by the Distributor not later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on such Transmittal Date (or, for certain Custom Orders, such earlier time disclosed in the Participant Agreement or the Authorized Participant Procedures Handbook); (ii) such order is preceded or accompanied by the requisite number of Shares of Creation Units specified in such order, which delivery must be made through DTC to the Custodian no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern time, on such Transmittal Date (the “DTC Cut-Off-Time”); and (iii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

 

After the Distributor has deemed an order for redemption outside the NSCC Clearing Process received, the Custodian will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Redemption Instruments (or contracts to purchase such Redemption Instruments) which are expected to be delivered within two Business Days and the cash redemption payment to the redeeming Beneficial Owner by the second Business Day following the Transmittal Date on which such redemption order is deemed received by the Custodian. the Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 if necessary or appropriate under the circumstances and compliant with applicable law. An additional variable redemption transaction fee of up to four times the basic transaction fee is applicable to redemptions outside the NSCC Clearing Process.

 

To the extent contemplated by the Participant Agreement, in the event the 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’s Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent will nonetheless 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 having a value (marked to market daily) of at least 105%, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the value of the missing shares.

 

The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds and shall be held by the Custodian and marked to market daily, and that the fees of the Custodian and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Participant Agreement will permit the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, to purchase the missing shares or acquire the Deposit Instruments and the Cash Amount underlying such shares at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such shares, Deposit Instruments or Cash Amount and the value of the collateral.

 

Beneficial Ownership

 

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depositary for the Shares. 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. Certificates will not be issued for Shares.

 

DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the “DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More

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specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).

 

Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as “Beneficial Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares.

 

Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares holdings of each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust 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. 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 the Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

The NAV per share of the Fund is equal to the value of all the assets, minus the liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares. Except as described in the Fund’s prospectus, NAV of the Fund is calculated each business day as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) which is typically 4:00 p.m. ET. On occasion, the NYSE will close before 4:00 p.m. ET. When that happens, NAV will be calculated as of the time the NYSE closes. The Fund will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption or closure in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will calculate NAV as of 4:00 p.m. ET if the particular disruption or closure directly affects only the NYSE. The following is a discussion of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing its assets.

 

Securities for which market quotations are readily available are generally valued at their current market value. Other securities and assets, including securities for which market quotations are not readily available; market quotations are determined not to be reliable; or, their value has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of trading

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on the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded (for example, a natural disaster affecting an entire country or region, or an event that affects an individual company) but before the Fund’s NAV is calculated, may be valued at its fair value in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. Fair value represents a good faith determination of the value of a security or other asset based upon specifically applied procedures. Fair valuation determinations may require subjective determinations. There can be no assurance that the fair value of an asset is the price at which the asset could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair value was used in determining the Fund’s NAV.

 

Equity securities listed on a North American, Central American, South American or Caribbean securities exchange are generally valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. Other foreign equity securities are fair valued using quotations from an independent pricing service. The value of securities listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. is generally the NASDAQ official closing price.

 

Fixed income securities with a remaining maturity of 61 days or more are valued using prices supplied by an approved independent third party or affiliated pricing services or broker/dealers. Generally, short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if their maturity at acquisition was 60 days or less, or by amortizing their value on the 61st day prior to maturity, if their maturity when acquired by a Fund was more than 60 days.

 

Assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates from an approved independent pricing service as of 4:00 p.m. ET.

 

Shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are generally valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which the ETF is principally traded. Shares of open-end mutual funds are valued at their respective NAVs.

 

Fixed income securities are valued using market quotations supplied by approved independent third-party pricing services, affiliated pricing services or broker/dealers. In determining security prices, pricing services and broker/dealers may consider a variety of inputs and factors, including, but not limited to proprietary models that may take into account market transactions in securities with comparable characteristics, yield curves, option-adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, underlying collateral and estimated cash flows.

 

Options (e.g., on stock indices or equity securities) traded on U.S. equity securities exchanges are valued at the composite mean price, using the National Best Bid and Offer quotes at the close of options trading on such exchanges.

 

Exchange traded futures (e.g., on stock indices, debt securities or commodities) are valued at the settled price, or if no settled price is available, at the last sale price as of the close of the exchanges on which they trade.

 

Non-listed over-the-counter options and futures are valued utilizing market quotations provided by approved pricing service.

 

Swaps and structured notes are priced generally by an approved independent third party or affiliated pricing service or at an evaluated price provided by a counterparty or broker/dealer.

 

Certain fixed income securities and swaps may be valued using market quotations or valuations provided by pricing services affiliated with the Adviser. Valuations received by the Fund from affiliated pricing services are the same as those provided to other affiliated and unaffiliated entities by these affiliated pricing services.

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DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS

 

The following discussion is a brief summary of some of the important federal (and, where noted, state) income tax consequences affecting the Fund and its shareholders. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. This section does not address in detail the tax consequences affecting any shareholder who, as to the U.S., is a nonresident alien individual, foreign trust or estate, foreign corporation, or foreign partnership. This section is based on the Code, the regulations thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. The following tax discussion is very general; therefore, prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors about the impact an investment in the Fund may have on their own tax situations and the possible application of foreign, state and local law.

 

The Fund generally will be treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Net long-term and short-term capital gain, net income and operating expenses therefore will be determined for the Fund.

 

Special tax rules apply to investments held through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans.

 

Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company

 

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things:

 

(a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gain from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gain from options, swaps, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (“QPTPs,” defined below);

 

(b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested (x) in the securities (other than cash or cash items, or securities issued by the U.S. government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more QPTPs. In the case of the Fund’s investments in loan participations, the Fund shall treat both the financial intermediary and the issuer of the underlying loan as an issuer for the purposes of meeting this diversification requirement; and

 

(c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid — generally, taxable ordinary income and any excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and net tax-exempt interest income, for such taxable year.

 

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in paragraph (a) above, income derived from

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a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (a “QPTP”) (defined as a partnership where (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities markets or readily tradable on a secondary market as the substantial equivalents thereof, (y) that derives at least 90% of its income from passive income sources defined in Section 7704(d) of the Code, and (z) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (a)(i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. Although income from a QPTP is qualifying income, as discussed above, investments in QPTPs cannot exceed 25% of the Fund’s assets. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a QPTP.

 

Gains from foreign currencies (including foreign currency options, foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts) currently constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 90% test, described in paragraph (a) above. However, the Treasury Department has the authority to issue regulations (possibly with retroactive effect) excluding from the definition of “qualifying income” a fund’s foreign currency gains to the extent that such income is not directly related to the Fund’s principal business of investing in stock or securities.

 

For purposes of paragraph (b) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a QPTP. The Fund’s investment in MLPs may qualify as an investment in (1) a QPTP, (2) a “regular” partnership, (3) a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) or (4) a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The treatment of particular MLPs for U.S. federal income tax purposes will affect the extent to which the Fund can invest in MLPs. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Fund’s investments in “PFICs” and “regular” partnerships are discussed in greater detail below.

 

If the Fund qualifies for a taxable year as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including Capital Gain Dividends, defined below). If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to taxation on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gain, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and for treatment as qualified dividend income in the case of individual shareholders. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gain, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

 

The Fund intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and may distribute its net capital gain (that is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Investment company taxable income which is retained by the Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate tax rates. The Fund might also retain for investment its net capital gain. If the Fund does retain such net capital gain, such gain will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its shareholders who (i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their respective shares of the undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their respective shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

 

In determining its net capital gain, including in connection with determining the amount available to support a Capital Gain Dividend, its taxable income and its earnings and profits, the Fund may elect to treat part or all of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, or if there is no net capital loss, any net long-term capital loss or any net short-term capital loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after that date) or late-year ordinary loss (generally, (i) net ordinary loss from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, plus (ii) other net ordinary loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding

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taxable year.

 

Excise Tax on Regulated Investment Companies

 

If the Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending October 31 (or later if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects), plus any retained amount from the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. The Fund intend to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax, although the Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (e.g., the excise tax amount is deemed by the Fund to be de minimis). Certain derivative instruments give rise to ordinary income and loss. If the Fund has a taxable year that begins in one calendar year and ends in the next calendar year, the Fund will be required to make this excise tax distribution during its taxable year. There is a risk that the Fund could recognize income prior to making this excise tax distribution and could recognize losses after making this distribution. As a result, all or a portion of an excise tax distribution could constitute a return of capital (see discussion below).

 

Fund Distributions

 

The Fund anticipate distributing substantially all of their net investment income for each taxable year. Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gain earned by the Fund before a shareholder’s investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid). Distributions are taxable whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund. Distributions of net capital gain from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for more than one year and that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) will be taxable as long- term capital gain despite how long a shareholder may have owned shares in the Fund. Distributions of capital gain generally are made after applying any available capital loss carryovers. The maximum individual rate applicable to long-term capital gains is either 15% or 20%, depending on whether the individual’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts. A shareholder whose distributions are reinvested in shares will be treated as having received a dividend equal to the amount of cash that the shareholder would have received if such shareholder had elected to receive the distribution in cash.

 

Dividends and distributions on the Fund’s shares generally are subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions may represent economically a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such dividends and distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s NAV reflects gains that are either (i) unrealized, or (ii) realized but not distributed.

 

For federal income tax purposes, distributions of net investment income generally are taxable as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gain are determined by how long the Fund owned the investment. A distribution of gain from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions attributable to gain from the sale of MLPs that is characterized as ordinary income under the Code’s recapture provisions will be taxable as ordinary income.

 

Distributions of investment income reported by the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. In order for some portion of the dividends received by the Fund shareholder to be qualified dividend income, the Fund must meet certain holding-period and other requirements with respect to some portion of the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio, and the shareholder must meet certain holding-period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (i) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (ii) to the extent that the recipient is 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, (iii) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment interest for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (iv) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with

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the U.S. (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S.) or (b) treated as a PFIC. The amount of the Fund’s distributions that would otherwise qualify for this favorable tax treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities or high portfolio turnover rate.

 

In general, distributions of investment income reported by the Fund as derived from qualified dividend income will be treated as qualified dividend income by a non-corporate taxable shareholder so long as the shareholder meets the holding period and other requirements described above with respect to the Fund’s shares. In any event, if the qualified dividend income received by the Fund during any taxable year is equal to or greater than 95% of its “gross income,” then 100% of the Fund’s dividends (other than dividends that are properly reported as Capital Gain Dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income. For this purpose, the only gain included in the term “gross income” is the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss.

 

If the Fund receives dividends from an underlying fund, and the underlying fund reports such dividends as “qualified dividend income,” then the Fund may, in turn, report a portion of its distributions as “qualified dividend income” as well, provided the Fund meets the holding-period and other requirements with respect to shares of the underlying fund.

 

Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any Capital Gain Dividends received by the shareholder with respect to those shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other shares of such Fund are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

A distribution paid to shareholders by the Fund in January of a year generally is deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31 of the preceding year, if the distribution was declared and payable to shareholders of record on a date in October, November, or December of that preceding year. The Fund will provide federal tax information annually, including information about dividends and distributions paid during the preceding year to taxable investors and others requesting such information.

 

If the Fund makes a distribution to its shareholders in excess of its current and accumulated “earnings and profits” in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of each shareholder’s basis (for tax purposes) in its shares, and any distribution in excess of basis will be treated as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces the shareholder’s basis in its shares, which reduces the loss (or increases the gain) on a subsequent taxable disposition by such shareholder of the shares.

 

Dividends of net investment income received by corporate shareholders (other than shareholders that are S corporations) of the Fund will qualify for the 50% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations to the extent of the amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year. A dividend received by the Fund will not be treated as a qualifying dividend (1) if the stock on which the dividend is paid is considered to be “debt-financed” (generally, acquired with borrowed funds), (2) if it has been received with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held less than 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date in the case of certain preferred stock) or (3) to the extent that the Fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Moreover, the dividends-received deduction may be disallowed or reduced (1) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to its shares of the Fund or (2) by application of the Code. However, any distributions received by the Fund from REITs and PFICs will not qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction. The amount eligible for the dividends received deduction may also be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities or high portfolio turnover rate.

 

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, but excluding any exempt interest dividends from the Fund) 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

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case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.

 

Sale or Redemption of Shares

 

The sale, exchange, or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss arising from (or treated as arising from) the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund will be considered capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or redemption of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received on (or undistributed capital gains credited with respect to) such shares. Additionally, any loss realized upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares with a tax holding period of six months or less may be disallowed to the extent of any distributions treated as exempt interest dividends with respect to such shares. The maximum individual rate applicable to long-term capital gains is either 15% or 20%, depending on whether the individual’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Capital gain of a corporate shareholder is taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.

 

Fund Investments

 

Certain investments of the Fund, including transactions in options, swaptions, futures contracts, forward contracts, straddles, swaps, short sales, foreign currencies, inflation-linked securities and foreign securities, including for hedging purposes, will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules). In a given case, these rules may accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities, convert long-term capital gain into short-term capital gain, convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital loss, or otherwise affect the character of the Fund’s income. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders and cause differences between the Fund’s book income and its taxable income. If the Fund’s book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax- exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If the Fund’s book income is less than taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment. Income earned as a result of these transactions would, in general, not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction or for treatment as exempt-interest dividends when distributed to shareholders. The Fund will endeavor to make any available elections pertaining to such transactions in a manner believed to be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

The Fund’s participation in loans of securities may affect the amount, timing, and character of distributions to shareholders. With respect to any security subject to a securities loan, any (i) amounts received by the Fund in place of dividends earned on the security during the period that such security was not directly held by the Fund will not give rise to qualified dividend income and (ii) withholding taxes accrued on dividends during the period that such security was not directly held by the Fund will not qualify as a foreign tax paid by the Fund and therefore cannot be passed through to shareholders even if the Fund meets the requirements described in “Foreign Taxes,” below.

 

Certain debt securities purchased by the Fund are sold at an original issue discount and thus do not make periodic cash interest payments. Similarly, zero-coupon bonds do not make periodic interest payments. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount is treated as interest income and is included in taxable income (and required to be distributed) over the term of the debt security even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. In addition, payment-in-kind securities will give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. Because the Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income to its shareholders (including such imputed interest), the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities in order to generate the cash necessary for the required distributions. Such sales may occur at a time when the Adviser would not otherwise have chosen to sell such securities and may result in a taxable gain or loss. Some of the Fund may invest in inflation-linked debt securities. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-linked debt security will be original issue discount, which is taxable as ordinary income and is required to be distributed, even though the Fund will not receive the principal, including any increase thereto, until maturity. The Fund investing in such securities may be required to liquidate other investments, including at times when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution

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requirements and to eliminate any possible taxation at the Fund level. Certain debt securities that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

 

The Fund may invest to a significant extent in debt obligations that are in the lowest rated categories (or are unrated), including debt obligations of issuers that are not currently paying interest or that are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of being in default (or are presently in default) present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income taxation or any excise tax.

 

Any investment that the Fund may make in foreign currencies, foreign currency denominated debt securities and certain options, futures or forward foreign currency contracts (and similar instruments) will be subject to special tax rules. Generally, transactions in foreign currencies give rise to ordinary income or loss. An election under Section 988(a)(1)(B) may be available to treat foreign currency gain or loss attributable to certain forward, futures and option contracts as capital, including certain “foreign currency contracts.” A “foreign currency contract” is a contract that (1) requires delivery of, or settlement of, a foreign currency that is a currency in which positions are also traded through regulated futures contracts, (2) is traded in the interbank market, and (3) is entered into at an arm’s-length price determined by reference to the price in the interbank market. If this Section 988(a)(1)(B) election is made, foreign currency contracts are treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss under the Section 1256 mark-to-market rules. All other forward contracts under this 988(a)(1)(B) election would be characterized as capital and generally gain or loss would be recognized when the contract is closed and completed. Other rules apply to options, futures or forward foreign currency contracts that may be part of a straddle or a Section 988 hedging transaction within the meaning of Code Section 988(d).

 

Special tax considerations apply if the Fund invests in investment companies that are taxable as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. In general, the Fund will not recognize income earned by such an investment company until the close of the investment company’s taxable year. But the Fund will recognize such income as it is earned by the investment company for purposes of determining whether it is subject to the 4% excise tax. Therefore, if the Fund and such an investment company have different taxable years, the Fund may be compelled to make distributions in excess of the income recognized from such an investment company in order to avoid the imposition of the 4% excise tax. The Fund’s receipt of a non-liquidating cash distribution from an investment company taxable as a partnership generally will result in recognized gain (but not loss) only to the extent that the amount of the distribution exceeds the Fund’s adjusted basis in shares of such investment company before the distribution. If the Fund receives a liquidating cash distribution from an investment company taxable as a partnership, it will recognize capital gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the proceeds received by the Fund and the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in shares of such investment company; however, the Fund will recognize ordinary income, rather than capital gain, to the extent that the Fund’s allocable share of “unrealized receivables” (including any accrued but untaxed market discount) exceeds the shareholder’s share of the basis in those unrealized receivables.

 

Some amounts received by the Fund with respect to its investments in MLPs will likely be treated as a return of capital because of accelerated deductions available with respect to the activities of such MLPs. On the disposition of an investment in such an MLP, the Fund will likely realize taxable income in excess of economic gain with respect to that asset (or, if the Fund does not dispose of the MLP, the Fund likely will realize taxable income in excess of cash flow with respect to the MLP in a later period), and the Fund must take such income into account in determining whether the Fund has satisfied its distribution requirements. The Fund may have to borrow or liquidate securities to satisfy its distribution requirements and to meet its redemption requests, even though investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for the Fund to sell securities or borrow money at such time.

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The Fund may invest in REITs. Such 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.

 

Tax reform legislation enacted on December 22, 2017, informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), established a 20% deduction for qualified business income. Under this provision, which is effective for taxable years beginning in 2018 and, without further legislation, will sunset for taxable years beginning after 2025, individuals, trusts, and estates generally may deduct (the “Deduction”) 20% of “qualified business income,” which includes all ordinary REIT dividends (“Qualifying REIT Dividends”) and certain income from investments in MLPs (“MLP Income”). The IRS has recently issued proposed regulations permitting a RIC to pass through to its shareholders Qualifying REIT Dividends eligible for the deduction. However, the proposed regulations do not provide a mechanism for a RIC to pass through to its shareholders MLP Income that would be eligible for such deduction. It is uncertain whether future legislation or other guidance will enable a RIC to pass through the special character of MLP Income to the RIC’s shareholders.

 

The Fund might invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (“TMPS”). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have not yet been issued (but may apply with retroactive effect) a portion of the Fund’s income from a REIT that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a REMIC or a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to federal income taxation in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as each of the Fund, will generally be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC or TMP residual interest directly.

 

In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions) and (ii) 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 UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income. In addition, because the Code provides that excess inclusion income is ineligible for treaty benefits, a regulated investment company must withhold tax on excess inclusions attributable to its foreign shareholders at a 30% rate of withholding, regardless of any treaty benefits for which a shareholder is otherwise eligible.

 

Any investment in residual interests of a CMO that has elected to be treated as a REMIC can create complex tax problems, especially if the Fund has state or local governments or other tax-exempt organizations as shareholders. Under current law, the Fund serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a tax-exempt shareholder will recognize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Section 514(b) of the Code. Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in REMIC residual interests or TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).

 

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT, as defined in Section 664 of the Code, that realizes UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in the Fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the U.S., a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in the Fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income,” then the Fund will be subject to a tax on that portion of

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its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. The Fund have not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.

 

If the Fund invests in PFICs, certain special tax consequences may apply. A PFIC is any foreign corporation in which (i) 75% or more of the gross income for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) that produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. Generally, passive income for this purpose includes dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gains over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, and foreign currency gains. Passive income for this purpose does not include rents and royalties received by the foreign corporation from active business and certain income received from related persons. The Fund’s investments in certain PFICs could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. In addition, certain interest charges may be imposed on the Fund as a result of such distributions.

 

If the Fund is in a position to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), the Fund will be required to include in its gross income its share of the company’s income and net capital gain annually, regardless of whether it receives any distributions from the company. Alternately, the Fund may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings “to the market” as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gain and loss are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may have the effect of accelerating the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increasing the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections, therefore, may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund’s total return. The Fund that invests indirectly in PFICs by virtue of the Fund’s investment in other investment companies that qualify as “U.S. persons” within the meaning of the Code may not make a QEF election; rather, such underlying investment companies investing directly in the PFICs would decide whether to make such election. Furthermore, the IRS recently issued final regulations that generally treat the Fund’s income inclusion with respect to a PFIC with respect to which the Fund has made a qualified electing fund, or “QEF,” election, as qualifying income for purposes of determining the Fund’s ability to be subject to tax as a RIC if either if (A) there is a current distribution out of the earnings and profits of the PFIC that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income.”

 

The Fund has a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, which is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (the “Subsidiary”). The Fund will invest a portion of its assets in the Subsidiary. A foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. It is expected that the Subsidiary will conduct its activities in a manner so as to meet the requirements of a safe harbor provided under Section 864(b)(2) of the Code under which the Subsidiary may engage in trading in stocks or securities or certain commodities without being deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. However, if certain of the Subsidiary’s activities were determined not to be of the type described in the safe harbor (which is not expected), then the activities of the Subsidiary may constitute a U.S. trade or business, and subject to U.S. taxation as such.

 

In general, a foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, that does not conduct a U.S. trade or business is nonetheless subject to tax at a flat rate of 30 percent (or lower tax treaty rate), generally payable through withholding, on the gross amount of certain U.S.-source income that is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. There is presently no tax treaty in force between the U.S. and the Cayman Islands that would reduce this rate of withholding tax. It is not expected that the Subsidiary will derive meaningful income subject to such withholding tax.

 

The Subsidiary will be treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) and the Fund investing in the Subsidiary

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will be treated as a “U.S. shareholder” of that Subsidiary. As a result, the Fund will be required to include in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of the Subsidiary’s “subpart F income,” whether or not such income is distributed by the Subsidiary. It is expected that all of the Subsidiary’s income will be “subpart F income.” The Fund’s recognition of the Subsidiary’s “subpart F income” will increase the Fund’s tax basis in the Subsidiary. Distributions by the Subsidiary to the Fund will be tax-free, to the extent of its previously undistributed “subpart F income,” and will correspondingly reduce the Fund’s tax basis in the Subsidiary. “Subpart F income” is generally treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the Subsidiary’s underlying income. If a net loss is realized by the Subsidiary, such loss is not generally available to offset the income earned by the Fund and such loss cannot be carried forward to offset taxable income of the Fund or the Subsidiary in future periods. The IRS recently issued final regulations that generally treat the Fund’s income inclusion with respect to a CFC as qualifying income for purposes of determining the Fund’s ability to be subject to tax as a RIC either if (A) there is a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the CFC that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies.

 

The ability of the Fund to invest directly in commodities, and in certain commodity-related securities and other instruments, is subject to significant limitations in order to enable the Fund to maintain its status as a regulated investment company under the Code.

 

Investment in Other Funds

 

If the Fund invests in shares of mutual funds, other ETFs or other companies that are taxable as regulated investment companies, as well as certain investments in REITs (collectively, “underlying funds”), its distributable income and gains will normally consist, in part, of distributions from the underlying funds and gains and losses on the disposition of shares of the underlying funds. To the extent that an underlying fund realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Fund will not be able to recognize its share of those losses (so as to offset distributions of net income or capital gains from other underlying funds) until it disposes of shares of the underlying fund. Moreover, even when the Fund does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss, which will not be treated as favorably for federal income tax purposes as a short-term capital loss or an ordinary deduction. In particular, the Fund will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of underlying fund shares against its ordinary income (including distributions of any net short-term capital gain realized by an underlying fund).

 

In addition, in certain circumstances, the “wash sale” rules under Section 1091 of the Code may apply to the Fund’s sales of underlying fund shares that have generated losses. A wash sale occurs if shares of an underlying fund are sold by the Fund at a loss and the Fund acquires substantially identical shares of that same underlying fund 30 days before or after the date of the sale. The wash-sale rules could defer losses in the Fund’s hands on sales of underlying fund shares (to the extent such sales are wash sales) for extended (and, in certain cases, potentially indefinite) periods of time.

 

As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, the amount of net investment income and net capital gain that the Fund will be required to distribute to shareholders may be greater than what such amounts would have been had the Fund directly invested in the securities held by the underlying funds, rather than investing in shares of the underlying funds. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from the Fund (e.g., long-term capital gain, exempt interest, eligibility for dividends-received deduction, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the underlying funds.

 

If the Fund received dividends from an underlying fund that qualifies as a regulated investment company, and the underlying fund reports such dividends as “qualified dividend income,” then the Fund is permitted in turn to designate a portion of its distributions as “qualified dividend income,” provided the Fund meets holding period and other requirements with respect to shares of the underlying fund.

 

Depending on the Fund’s percentage ownership in an underlying fund, both before and after a redemption, a redemption of shares of an underlying fund by the Fund may cause the Fund to be treated as distribution taxable as a dividend under the Code, to the extent of its allocable shares of earnings and profits, on the full amount of the distribution instead of receiving capital gain income on the shares of the underlying fund. Such a distribution may be treated as qualified dividend income and thus eligible to be taxed at the rates applicable to long- term capital gain. If

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qualified dividend income treatment is not available, the distribution may be taxed as ordinary income. This could cause shareholders of the Fund to recognize higher amounts of ordinary income than if the shareholders had held the shares of the underlying funds directly.

 

The Fund may elect to pass through to shareholders foreign tax credits from an underlying fund and exempt-interest dividends from an underlying fund, provided that at least 50% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in other regulated investment companies at the end of each quarter of the taxable year.

 

Backup Withholding

 

The Fund generally is required to backup withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable dividends and other distributions paid to, and the proceeds of share sales, exchanges, or redemptions made by, any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rules may also apply to distributions that are properly reported as exempt-interest dividends. The backup withholding tax rate is 24%.

 

Foreign Shareholders

 

Distributions properly reported as Capital Gain Dividends and exempt-interest dividends generally will not be subject to withholding of federal income tax. However, exempt-interest dividends may be subject to backup withholding (as discussed above). In general, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends and exempt-interest dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. However, the Fund will not be required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (w) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (x) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (y) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (z) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly reported by the Fund (“interest-related dividends”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests (as described below)) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions are properly reported by the Fund (“short-term capital gain dividends”). Depending on the circumstances, the Fund may make reporting of interest-related and/or short-term capital gain dividends with respect to all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for these exemptions from withholding. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports with respect to a payment. Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.

 

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or on Capital Gain Dividends or exempt-interest dividends unless (i) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States or (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met or (iii) the shares constitute “U.S. real property interests” (“USRPIs”) or the Capital Gain Dividends are attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of USRPIs in accordance with the rules set forth below.

 

Special rules apply to distributions to foreign shareholders from the Fund that is either a “U.S. real property holding

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corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of the exceptions to the definition thereof described below. Additionally, special rules apply to the sale of shares in the Fund that is a USRPHC. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds U.S. real property interests (“USRPIs”) — USRPIs are defined as any interest in U.S. real property or any equity interest in a USRPHC — the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USRPIs, interests in real property located outside the United States and certain other assets. The Fund that holds (directly or indirectly) significant interests in REITs may be a USRPHC. The special rules discussed in the next paragraph will also generally apply to distributions from the Fund that would be a USRPHC absent exclusions from USRPI treatment for interests in domestically controlled REITs or regulated investment companies and not-greater- than-10% or interests in publicly traded classes of stock in REITs or regulated investment companies, respectively.

 

In the case of the Fund that is a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the exceptions from the definition of USRPI (described immediately above), distributions by the Fund that are attributable to (a) gains realized on the disposition of USRPIs by the Fund and (b) distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands will retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of the Fund’s foreign shareholders. If the foreign shareholder holds (or has held in the prior year) more than a 5% interest in the Fund, such distributions will be treated as gains “effectively connected” with the conduct of a “U.S. trade or business,” and subject to tax at graduated rates. Moreover, such shareholders will be required to file a U.S. income tax return for the year in which the gain was recognized and the Fund will be required to withhold 21% of the amount of such distribution. In the case of all other foreign shareholders (i.e., those whose interest in the Fund did not exceed 5% at any time during the prior year), the USRPI distribution will be treated as ordinary income (regardless of any reporting by the Fund that such distribution is a short-term capital gain dividend or a Capital Gain Dividend), and the Fund must withhold 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) of the amount of the distribution paid to such foreign shareholder. Foreign shareholders of the Fund are also subject to “wash sale” rules to prevent the avoidance of the tax-filing and -payment obligations discussed above through the sale and repurchase of Fund shares.

 

In addition, the Fund that is a USRPHC must typically withhold 15% of the amount realized in a redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, and that shareholder must file a U.S. income tax return for the year of the disposition of the USRPI and pay any additional tax due on the gain. No withholding is generally required with respect to amounts paid in redemption of shares of the Fund if the Fund is a domestically controlled USRPHC or, in certain limited cases, if the Fund (whether or not domestically controlled) holds substantial investments in regulated investment companies that are domestically controlled USRPHCs.

 

In order to qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from backup withholding, the foreign investor must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-US status (including, in general, furnishing an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substitute form). Foreign investors in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

 

If a shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States.

 

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal tax on income referred to above. Foreign shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisors with respect to the potential application of the above rules.

 

The Fund is required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of taxable dividends made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to the Fund to enable the Fund to determine whether withholding is required.

 

Creation Units

 

As a result of U.S. federal income tax requirements, the Trust on behalf of the Fund, has the right to reject an order for a creation of Shares if the creator (or group of creators) would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the Deposit Instruments different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination.

 

State and Local Tax Matters

 

Depending on the residence of the shareholders for tax purposes, distributions may also be subject to state and local taxation. Rules of state and local taxation regarding qualified dividend income, ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends from regulated investment companies may differ from the rules of U.S. federal income tax in many respects. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of these and other state and local tax rules affecting investment in the Fund.

 

Most states provide that a regulated investment company may pass through (without restriction) to its shareholders state and local income tax exemptions available to direct owners of certain types of U.S. government securities (such as U.S. Treasury obligations). Thus, for residents of these states, distributions derived from the Fund’s investment in certain types of U.S. government securities should be free from state and local income taxation to the extent that the interest income from such investments would have been exempt from state and local taxes if such securities had been held directly by the respective shareholders. Certain states, however, do not allow a regulated investment company to pass through to its shareholders the state and local income tax exemptions available to direct owners of certain types of U.S. government securities unless the Fund holds at least a required amount of U.S. government securities. Accordingly, for residents of these states, distributions derived from the Fund’s investment in certain types of U.S. government securities may not be entitled to the exemptions from state and local income taxes that would be available if the shareholders had purchased U.S. government securities directly. The exemption from state and local income

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taxes does not preclude states from asserting other taxes on the ownership of U.S. government securities. To the extent that the Fund invests to a substantial degree in U.S. government securities which are subject to favorable state and local tax treatment, shareholders of the Fund will be notified as to the extent to which distributions from the Fund are attributable to interest on such securities.

 

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations

 

If a shareholder realizes a loss on disposition of the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the Internal Revenue Service a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

General Considerations

 

The federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of shares of each of the Fund, as well as the effects of state, local and foreign tax law and any proposed tax law changes.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, all without par value. The Board of Trustees may establish additional funds (with different investment objectives and fundamental policies) at any time in the future. Establishment and offering of additional funds will not alter the rights of the Trust’s shareholders. When issued, shares are fully paid, non- assessable, redeemable and freely transferable. Shares do not have preemptive rights or subscription rights. In any liquidation of the Fund, each shareholder is entitled to receive his pro rata share of the net assets of that Fund.

 

VOTING RIGHTS

 

Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of the Fund’s shareholders to elect Trustees or for other purposes. It is not anticipated that the Trust will hold shareholders’ meetings unless required by law or the Declaration of Trust. In this regard, the Trust will be required to hold a meeting to elect Trustees to fill any existing vacancies on the Board if, at any time, fewer than a majority of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders of the Trust. In addition, the holders of not less than 51% of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove persons serving as Trustee either by declaration in writing or at a meeting called for such purpose. The Trustees are required to call a meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of persons serving as Trustee if requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. To the extent required by applicable law, the Trustees shall assist shareholders who seek to remove any person serving as Trustee.

 

The Trust’s shares do not have cumulative voting rights, so that the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares may elect the entire Board of Trustees, in which case the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to elect any Trustees.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Financial Statements and Annual Reports will be available after the Fund has completed a fiscal year of operations. When available, you may request a copy of the Trust’s Annual Report at no charge by calling 1.844.282.3837 (1.844.BTC.ETFs) or through the Trust’s website at /www.CyberHornetETFs.com.

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Appendix A –

 

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

 

The following descriptions are summaries of published ratings.

 

Description of Commercial Paper Ratings

 

A-1 This is the highest category by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) and indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.

 

A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory and the obligation is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories.

 

PRIME-1 Issues rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

 

- Leading market positions in well-established industries.

 

- High rates of return on funds employed.

 

- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

 

- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

 

- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

 

The rating F1 (Highest Credit Quality) is the highest commercial rating assigned by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”). Paper rated F1 is regarded as having the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. The rating F2 (Good Credit Quality) is the second highest commercial paper rating assigned by Fitch which reflects a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

 

The rating TBW-1 by Thomson BankWatch (“Thomson”) indicates a very high likelihood that principal and interest will be paid on a timely basis.

 

Description of Municipal Note Ratings

 

Moody’s highest rating for state and municipal and other short-term notes is MIG-1 and VMIG-l. Short-term municipal securities rated MIG-1 or VMIG-1 are of the best quality. They have strong protection from established cash flows, superior liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing

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or both. Short-term municipal securities rated MIG-2 or VMIG-2 are of high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the MIG-I/VMIG-2 group.

 

An S&P note rating reflects the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:

 

- Amortization Schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note, and

 

- 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.

 

S&P note rating symbols are as follows:

 

SP-1

 

Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay a 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 votes.

 

Description of Corporate Bond Ratings

 

S&P

 

Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating S&P assigns to a debt obligation. Such a rating indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only in small degree. Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

 

Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories. Debt rated BB and B is regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative grade debt. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating. Debt rate B has greater vulnerability to default but presently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions would likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category also is used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating.

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Moody’s

 

Bonds which are rated Aaa by Moody’s are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edge.” Interest payments are protected by a large, or an exceptionally stable, margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues. Bonds rated Aa by Moody’s are judged by Moody’s to be of high quality by all standards. Together with bonds rated Aaa, they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities. Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future. Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

 

Moody’s bond ratings, where specified, are applied to financial contracts, senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims obligations with an original maturity in excess of one-year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letters-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated.

 

Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located. Unless noted as an exception, Moody’s rating on a bank’s ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody’s sovereign rating. Such branch obligations are rated at the lower of the bank’s rating or Moody’s sovereign rating for the bank deposits for the country in which the branch is located.

 

When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody’s ratings do not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor’s home country and either the issuer’s home country or the country where an issuer branch is located are not incorporated into Moody’s ratings.

 

Moody’s makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company obligations are exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or issued in conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody’s represent that any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally enforceable or is a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer.

 

Moody’s ratings are opinions, not recommendations to buy or sell, and their accuracy is not guaranteed. A rating should be weighed solely as one factor in an investment decision and you should make your own study and evaluation of any issuer whose securities or debt obligations you consider buying or selling.

 

Fitch

 

Bonds rated AAA by Fitch are judged by Fitch to be strictly high grade, broadly marketable, suitable for investment by trustees and fiduciary institutions liable to but slight market fluctuation other than through changes in the money rate. The prime feature of an AAA bond is a showing of earnings several times or many times interest requirements, with such stability of applicable earnings that safety is beyond reasonable question whatever changes

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occur in conditions. Bonds rated AA by Fitch are judged by Fitch to be of safety virtually beyond question and are readily salable, whose merits are not unlike those of the AAA class, but whose margin of safety is less strikingly broad. The issue may be the obligation of a small company, strongly secured but influenced as to rating by the lesser financial power of the enterprise and more local type market.

 

Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

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Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings. Bonds rated BB are considered speculative. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements. Bonds rated B are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor’s limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue.

 

Thomson

 

Bonds rated AAA by Thomson BankWatch indicate that the ability to repay principal and interest on a timely basis is extremely high. Bonds rated AA indicate a very strong ability to repay principal and interest on a timely basis, with limited incremental risk compared to issues rated in the highest category. Bonds rated A indicate the ability to repay principal and interest is strong. Issues rated A could be more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher ratings.

 

Bonds rated BBB (the lowest investment-grade category) indicate an acceptable capacity to repay principal and interest. Issues rated “BBB” are, however, more vulnerable to adverse developments (both internal and external) than obligations with higher ratings.

 

While not investment grade, the BB rating suggests that the likelihood of default is considerably less than for lower-rated issues.

 

However, there are significant uncertainties that could affect the ability to adequately service debt obligations. Issues rated B show a higher degree of uncertainty and therefore greater likelihood of default than higher-rated issues. Adverse developments could negatively affect the payment of interest and principal on a timely basis.

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Appendix B –

 

ONEFUND TRUST
PROXY VOTING POLICY

 

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

 

The ONEFUND TRUST (the “Trust”) has adopted the following Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the “Trust’s Policy”), as set forth below, in recognition of the fact that proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to advance the best interests of the Trust’s shareholders.

 

Shareholders of the Trust expect the Funds to vote proxies received from issuers whose voting securities are held by the Funds. The Trust exercises its voting responsibilities as a fiduciary, with the goal of maximizing the value of the Trust and its shareholder’s investments. Under the Trust’s Proxy Voting Policy, the Board has delegated proxy voting authority to ONEFUND, LLC (the “Adviser”). The Adviser will seek to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of the Trust and its shareholders except where the Trust may be required by law to vote proxies in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders (i.e., “echo vote”).

 

Delegation of Proxy Voting to the Adviser

 

The Adviser shall vote all proxies relating to securities held by the Trust and, in that connection subject to any further policies and procedures contained herein, shall use proxy voting policies and procedures (“Proxy Policy”) adopted by the Adviser in conformance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”).

 

Material Conflicts of Interest

 

If (i) the Adviser knows that a vote presents a material conflict between the interests of: (a) shareholders of the Trust, and (b) the Adviser or any of affiliated persons; and (ii) the Adviser proposes to vote on the particular issue in the manner not prescribed by its Proxy Policy, then the Adviser will follow the material conflict of interest procedures set forth in the Adviser’s Proxy Policy when voting such proxies.

 

Adviser and Trust CCO Responsibilities

 

The Trust has delegated proxy voting authority with respect to the Trust’s portfolio securities to the Adviser, as set forth above. Consistent with this delegation, the Adviser is responsible for the following:

 

Implementing written policies and procedures, in compliance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act, reasonably designed to ensure that the Adviser votes portfolio securities in the best interest of shareholders of the Trust.
Providing the Board and Trust CCO a summary of material changes made to the proxy policy during the period covered by the Adviser CCO’s annual compliance report, and a redlined copy of such Proxy Policy, as applicable.

 

Quarterly, per the Trust CCO’s request, the Adviser shall provide confirmation that proxy votes for the Trust were handled in compliance with the Proxy Policies.

 

Review Responsibilities

 

The Adviser may retain a proxy-voting service to coordinate, collect, and maintain all proxy-related information.

If the Adviser retains a proxy-voting service, the Adviser will review the Trust’s voting records maintained by the service provider, select a sample of proxy votes from those submitted, and examine them against the proxy voting service files for accuracy of the votes at least annually in regard to adhering to foregoing policy guidelines.

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Board Reporting

 

At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies. In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Board promptly of material changes to any of these documents.

With respect to any proxies that the Adviser or any third-party proxy voting firm hired by the Adviser has identified as involving a conflict of interest, the Adviser shall submit a report indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy.

 

Preparation and Filing of Proxy Voting Record on Form N-PX

Each Fund will file its complete proxy voting record with the SEC on Form N-PX annually by August 31 of each year.

 

The Trust’s Administrator(s) will be responsible for the oversight and completion of the filing of the Form N-PX required for each Series within the ONEFUND TRUST with the SEC.

 

The Trust’s Administrator(s) will file Form N-PX for each twelve-month period ended June 30, and the filing for each year will be made with the SEC on or before August 31 of that year.

 

Recordkeeping

 

Documentation of all votes for the Trust will be maintained by the Adviser, and through a third-party proxy voting service, as applicable.

Adopted: April 9, 2015

Amended: June 11, 2021, December 15, 2023

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