497 1 d293503d497.htm EQ ADVISORS TRUST EQ Advisors Trust
EQ ADVISORS TRUSTSM
Prospectus dated May 1, 2022
This Prospectus describes sixteen (16) Portfolios offered by EQ Advisors Trust (the “Trust”) and the Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares offered by the Trust on behalf of each Portfolio that you can choose as investment alternatives.* Each Portfolio has its own investment objective and strategies that are designed to meet different investment goals. This Prospectus contains information you should know before investing. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing and keep it for future reference.
Equity Portfolios
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio†
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio†
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio†
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio†, **
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio
Fixed Income Portfolios
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio†
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio†
Allocation Portfolios
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio†
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio†
Specialty/Sector Portfolios
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio†
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio
1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio†
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio†
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio†
*
Not all of these Portfolios may be available as an investment in your variable life or annuity product. In addition, certain of these Portfolios may be available only as underlying investment portfolios of certain other portfolios of EQ Advisors Trust and EQ Premier VIP Trust and may not be available directly as an investment under your variable life or annuity product. Please consult your product prospectus to see which Portfolios are available under your contract.
**
Effective March 21, 2022, 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity Portfolio was renamed 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio.
The Trust offers only Class IB and Class K shares of this Portfolio.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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Table of Contents 1

1. About the Portfolios
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks a combination of growth and income to achieve an above-average and consistent total return.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.75%
0.75%
0.75%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.12%
0.12%
0.12%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.12%
1.12%
0.87%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.17)%
(0.17)%
(0.17)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
0.95%
0.95%
0.70%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 0.95% for Class IA and IB shares and 0.70% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$97
$339
$600
$1,348
Class IB Shares
$97
$339
$600
$1,348
Class K Shares
$72
$261
$466
$1,057
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund
2 1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio

operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities. The Portfolio intends to invest primarily in dividend-paying common stocks of U.S. large- and mid-capitalization companies. Large- and mid-capitalization companies mean those companies with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell 1000® Value Index (market capitalization range of approximately $739.3 million - $1.9 trillion as of December 31, 2021).
The Portfolio invests primarily in common stocks, but it may also invest in other equity securities that the Sub-Adviser believes provide opportunities for capital growth and income. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers located in developed and developing economies.
The Sub-Adviser generally considers stocks for the Portfolio that not only currently pay a dividend, but also have a consistent history of paying cash dividends. The Sub-Adviser also generally seeks stocks that have long established histories of dividend increases in an effort to ensure that the growth of the dividend stream of the Portfolio’s holdings will be greater than that of the market as a whole. The Sub-Adviser constructs a portfolio of individual stocks, selected on a bottom-up basis, using fundamental analysis. The Sub-Adviser seeks to identify companies that are undervalued and temporarily out-of-favor for reasons it can identify and understand.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio 3

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Large-Cap Company Risk Larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Dividend RiskThere is no guarantee that the companies in which the Portfolio invests will pay dividends in the future or that dividends, if paid, will remain at current levels or increase over time.
Investment Style Risk The Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — in this case, a “value” style — to select investments. A particular style may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Value stocks are subject to the risks that, notwithstanding that a stock is selling at a discount to its perceived true worth, the stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced at the time of investment.
Sector RiskFrom time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible
4 1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio

to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Large Transaction Risk A significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Mid-Cap Company Risk Mid-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Performance information for periods prior to January 26, 2018, is that of the Portfolio when it was sub-advised by a different Sub-Adviser and had different investment policies and strategies.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
17.51%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-29.69%
2020 1st Quarter
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio 5


Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio - Class IA Shares
26.35
8.92
11.12
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio - Class IB Shares
26.40
8.90
11.12
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio - Class K Shares
26.62
9.17
11.39
Russell 1000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
25.16
11.16
12.97
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing the
Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
May 2011
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2009
Sub-Adviser: Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC d/b/a Barrow Hanley Global Investors (“Barrow Hanley” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing the
Portfolio
Lewis Ropp
Portfolio Manager of Barrow Hanley
January 2018
Brian Quinn, CFA®
Portfolio Manager of Barrow Hanley
January 2018
Brad Kinkelaar
Portfolio Manager of Barrow Hanley
September 2018
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
6 1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio

TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio 7

1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to maximize capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.69%
0.69%
0.69%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.11%
0.11%
0.11%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.05%
1.05%
0.80%
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$107
$334
$579
$1,283
Class IB Shares
$107
$334
$579
$1,283
Class K Shares
$82
$255
$444
$990
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 4% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio intends to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in stocks of small capitalization companies. For this Portfolio, small capitalization companies are companies with market capitalizations of $2.0 billion or less at the time of investment.
The Portfolio intends to invest primarily in common stocks, but it may also invest in other securities that the Sub-Adviser believes provide opportunities for capital growth, such as preferred stocks and warrants. The Portfolio also may invest in foreign securities.
The Sub-Adviser utilizes a value-oriented investment style that emphasizes companies deemed to be currently underpriced according to certain financial measurements, which may include price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios. In choosing
8 1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio

investments, the Sub-Adviser utilizes a process of fundamental analysis that involves researching and evaluating individual companies for potential investment by the Portfolio. The Sub-Adviser uses a proprietary research technique to determine which stocks have a market price that is less than the “private market value” or what an informed investor would pay for the company. This approach will often lead the Portfolio to focus on “strong companies” in out-of-favor sectors or out-of-favor companies exhibiting a catalyst for change. The Sub-Adviser may sell a security for a variety of reasons, such as because it becomes overvalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or to invest in a company believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Small-Cap Company Risk Small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies. The shares of smaller companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell these securities.
Investment Style RiskThe Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — in this case, a “value” style — to select investments. A particular style may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Value stocks are subject
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio 9

to the risks that, notwithstanding that a stock is selling at a discount to its perceived true worth, the stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced at the time of investment.
Mid-Cap Company RiskMid-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value.
Sector Risk From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
10 1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio

The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
26.68%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-30.53%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio - Class IA Shares
25.14
10.62
12.53
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio - Class IB Shares
25.15
10.62
12.52
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio - Class K Shares
25.45
10.90
12.81
Russell 2000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.27
9.07
12.03
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
May 2011
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2009
Sub-Adviser: GAMCO Asset Management, Inc. (“GAMCO” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Manager:The individual primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio is:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Mario J. Gabelli
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment
Officer of Value Portfolios of GAMCO
June 1996
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio 11

shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
12 1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio

1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation with lower absolute volatility than the broad equity markets.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.50%
0.50%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.58%
0.57%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.22%
0.22%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.55%
1.29%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.65)%
(0.64)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
0.90%
0.65%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses (including Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 0.90% for Class IB shares and 0.65% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$92
$426
$783
$1,790
Class K Shares
$66
$346
$646
$1,500
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 3% of the average value of its portfolio.
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio 13

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities. The Portfolio will invest in equity securities through investments in exchange-traded securities of other investment companies and investment vehicles (“exchange-traded funds” or “ETFs”). The Portfolio invests primarily in ETFs that, in turn, invest substantially all of their assets in equity securities that are believed to have lower absolute volatility than the markets in which the ETF invests. Volatility is one way to measure risk and, in this context, refers to the tendency of investments and markets to fluctuate over time. Stocks that exhibit lower absolute volatility may, over a market cycle, be able to earn investment returns comparable to market returns but with less volatility than the markets. The Portfolio may invest in ETFs that invest in securities of companies of any size in developed and emerging markets throughout the world. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio expects to invest in ETFs such that no less than approximately 40% (or 30%, if market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Portfolio’s management) of the Portfolio’s net assets will be indirectly invested in foreign securities. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will allocate its assets among at least three countries (one of which may be the United States). The Portfolio invests its assets in ETFs in accordance with weightings determined by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”), the Portfolio’s investment manager.
ETFs are investment companies or other investment vehicles whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, an ETF seeks to track a securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Dow Jones, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”)) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An index-based ETF generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such securities). Accordingly, an index-based ETF is designed so that its performance, before fees and expenses, will correspond closely with that of the index it seeks to track. ETFs may also be actively managed. The ETFs in which the Portfolio may invest are referred to herein as the “Underlying ETFs”.
The Adviser uses a two-stage asset allocation process to create an investment portfolio of ETFs for the Portfolio. The first stage involves a strategic asset allocation that is intended to achieve a desired risk/return profile for the Portfolio, while providing broad exposure to U.S. and foreign securities. In this stage, the Adviser decides what portion of the Portfolio’s assets should be invested in various geographic regions and market capitalization segments based on an evaluation of the potential return characteristics and risks of the particular asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Currently, the Portfolio intends to invest (through ETFs) approximately 50% of its assets in U.S. securities. Among U.S. securities, the Portfolio intends to maintain approximately 30% exposure to large-cap issuers and 20% to mid- and small-cap issuers. The Portfolio intends to invest (through ETFs) the remaining 50% of its assets in foreign securities, including maintaining approximately 15% exposure to securities of companies in emerging market countries. These percentages can deviate by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets. The Adviser may adjust these strategic asset allocations from time to time.
The second stage of this process involves the selection of Underlying ETFs within each of the geographic regions and market capitalization segments identified as a result of the first stage of the investment process. The Adviser seeks to select a combination of Underlying ETFs that together provide the targeted geographic and market capitalization exposure for the Portfolio. In selecting the Underlying ETFs, the Adviser also seeks to construct a diversified portfolio of ETFs that provides exposure to various methodologies used to reduce volatility. Individual ETF weights are based on a variety of factors, including the Underlying ETF’s exposure to the desired geographic region or market cap segment, investment objective(s), total return, portfolio holdings, volatility, expenses and liquidity.
For purposes of complying with the Portfolio’s investment policies, the Adviser will identify Underlying ETFs in which to invest by reference to such Underlying ETFs’ investment policies at the time of investment. An Underlying ETF that changes its investment policies subsequent to the time of the Portfolio’s investment may continue to be considered an appropriate investment for purposes of the policy. The Adviser may add new Underlying ETFs or replace or eliminate existing Underlying ETFs without notice or shareholder approval. The Underlying ETFs have been selected to represent a reasonable spectrum of investment options for the Portfolio. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying ETF believed to offer superior investment opportunities. The Portfolio may hold cash or invest in short-term paper and other short-term investments (instead of allocating investments to an Underlying ETF) as deemed appropriate by the Adviser.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
14 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio

Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying ETFs; please see the Underlying ETFs section of the Portfolio's Prospectus, and the prospectuses and statements of additional information for the Underlying ETFs for additional information about these risks.  
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Volatility Risk The Underlying ETFs selected by the Adviser may be unsuccessful in maintaining portfolios of investments that minimize volatility, and there is a risk that the Portfolio may experience more than minimum volatility. Securities held by the Underlying ETFs may be subject to price volatility and the prices may not be any less volatile than the market as a whole and could be more volatile. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques may limit an Underlying ETF’s and, in turn, the Portfolio's participation in market gains, particularly during periods when market values are increasing, but market volatility is high.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio 15

to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying ETFs The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear the fees and expenses paid by the Underlying ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. The Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying ETFs are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying ETFs that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an Underlying ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the Underlying ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying ETF, which will vary.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources,
16 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio

information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Mid-Cap, Small-Cap and Micro-Cap Company RiskMid-cap, small-cap and micro-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap and micro-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index shows how the Portfolio's performance compared with the returns of another index that has characteristics relevant to the Portfolio's investment strategies. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
10.03%
2019 1st Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-20.64%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio - Class IB Shares
15.38
9.30
7.66
10/28/2013
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio - Class K Shares
15.72
9.58
7.94
10/28/2013
MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility (Net) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes, except
foreign withholding taxes)
13.94
10.46
8.95
 
MSCI ACWI (Net) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes, except foreign
withholding taxes)
18.54
14.40
10.18
 
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio 17

Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
October 2013
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
October 2013
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
October 2013
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2017
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2019
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
18 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio

1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.85%
0.85%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.20%
0.20%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.30%
1.05%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.15)%
(0.15)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.15%
0.90%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.15% for Class IB shares and 0.90% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$117
$397
$699
$1,555
Class K Shares
$92
$319
$565
$1,269
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 62% of the average value of its portfolio.
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio 19

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of micro-cap companies (or other financial instruments that derive their value from the securities of such companies). For purposes of this Portfolio, micro-cap companies are those companies with market capitalizations that are either under $1 billion or are within the range of companies in the Russell Microcap® Index (“Russell Microcap”) at the time of purchase (as of December 31, 2021, the market capitalization of the companies in the Russell Microcap was between $8.0 million and $4.2 billion). The size of companies in the Russell Microcap changes with changes in market conditions, which can result in changes to the market capitalization range of companies in the index. The Portfolio intends to invest primarily in common stocks, but it may also invest in other securities that a Sub-Adviser believes provide opportunities for capital growth. The Portfolio may invest in U.S. and foreign securities, including securities of companies based in developing countries and depositary receipts of foreign-based companies.
The Portfolio’s assets normally are allocated among two or more investment managers, each of which manages its portion of the Portfolio using a different but complementary investment strategy. One portion of the Portfolio is actively managed (“Active Allocated Portion”) and one portion of the Portfolio seeks to track the performance of a particular index (“Index Allocated Portion”). Under normal circumstances, the Active Allocated Portion consists of approximately 50% of the Portfolio’s net assets and the Index Allocated Portion consists of approximately 50% of the Portfolio’s net assets.
The Active Allocated Portion invests primarily in equity securities of micro-cap companies that the Sub-Adviser believes have the potential for more rapid growth than the overall economy. Equity securities may include any interests that represent equity ownership in a company, such as common stocks, preferred stocks, equity interests in trusts (including real estate investment trusts), partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and vehicles with similar legal structures, other instruments convertible or exercisable into the foregoing, and other investments with similar economic characteristics. The Sub-Adviser to the Active Allocated Portion evaluates companies based on an analysis of their financial statements, products and operations, market sectors and interviews with management, and seeks to invest its portion of the Portfolio’s assets in companies that generally exhibit faster-than-average gains in earnings and that the portfolio management team expects to continue profit growth at a high level. Although the Sub-Adviser seeks to diversify the Active Allocated Portion across many industries and sectors, its assets may, from time to time, be overweighted or underweighted to certain industries and sectors relative to its benchmark index. Securities of foreign companies, including emerging market companies, may be traded on U.S. or non-U.S. securities exchanges, may be denominated in the U.S. dollar or other currencies, and may include American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) and other similar depositary receipts. The Sub-Adviser to the Active Allocated Portion may sell a security when it believes the security is less likely to benefit from the current market and economic environment or shows signs of deteriorating fundamentals, among other reasons.
The Index Allocated Portion of the Portfolio seeks to track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the Russell Microcap with minimal tracking error. This strategy is commonly referred to as an indexing strategy. The Index Allocated Portion may use a full replication technique or a sampling approach in pursuing its indexing strategy.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
20 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio

Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Small-Cap and Micro-Cap Company Risk Small-cap and micro-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies. The shares of smaller companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell these securities. In general, these risks are greater for micro-cap companies than for small-cap companies.
Investment Style RiskThe Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — in this case, a “growth” style — to select investments. A particular style may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks. Growth investing also is subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Portfolio, regardless of movements in the securities market. Growth stocks also tend to be more volatile than value stocks, so in a declining market their prices may decrease more than value stocks in general. Growth stocks also may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s share price.
Index Strategy Risk The Portfolio (or a portion thereof) employs an index strategy and generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in market trends or the economy, which means that the Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, the Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match that of the relevant index. To the extent the Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index.
Sector Risk From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio 21

Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Large Transaction Risk A significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Class IB shares were not operational for the period from April 14, 2015 through April 30, 2015. The returns of Class IB were calculated assuming the shares were in operation for the entire period. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
22 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio

The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
38.95%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-27.55%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio - Class IB Shares
10.96
20.86
14.80
04/21/2014
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio - Class K Shares
11.13
21.09
15.01
04/21/2014
Russell Microcap® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
19.34
11.69
10.04
 
Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for (i) the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Advisers, and (ii) allocating assets among the Portfolio's Allocated Portions  are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2014
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
April 2014
Sub-Adviser: Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC (“Lord Abbett” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Active Allocated Portion of the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
F. Thomas O’Halloran, J.D., CFA®
Partner and Portfolio Manager of Lord Abbett
April 2014
Matthew R. DeCicco, CFA®
Partner and Director of Equities of Lord Abbett
March 2015
Vernon T. Bice, CMT
Portfolio Manager of Lord Abbett
May 2019
Steven H. Wortman
Portfolio Manager of Lord Abbett
October 2020
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio 23

Sub-Adviser: BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Index Allocated Portion of the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Amy Whitelaw
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2019
Jennifer Hsui, CFA®
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2019
Suzanne Henige, CFA®
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2020
Paul Whitehead
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
January 2022
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
24 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio

1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.80%
0.80%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.16%
0.16%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.21%
0.96%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.06)%
(0.06)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.15%
0.90%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.15% for Class IB shares and 0.90% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$117
$378
$659
$1,461
Class K Shares
$92
$300
$525
$1,173
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 22% of the average value of its portfolio.
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio 25

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of companies with small market capitalizations (or other financial instruments that derive their value from the securities of such companies). For purposes of this Portfolio, small market capitalization companies are those companies with market capitalizations within the range of companies in the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000”) at the time of investment (as of December 31, 2021, the market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 2000 was between $31.6 million and $32.9 billion). The size of companies in the Russell 2000 changes with market conditions, which can result in changes to the market capitalization range of companies in the index.
The Portfolio intends to invest primarily in equity securities, but it may also invest in other securities that a Sub-Adviser believes provide opportunities for capital growth. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign securities, including securities of companies based in developing countries and depositary receipts of foreign-based companies. The Portfolio’s investments may include real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Portfolio’s assets normally are allocated among two or more investment managers, each of which manages its portion of the Portfolio using a different but complementary investment strategy. One portion of the Portfolio is actively managed (“Active Allocated Portion”) and one portion of the Portfolio seeks to track the performance of a particular index (“Index Allocated Portion”). Under normal circumstances, the Active Allocated Portion consists of approximately 50% of the Portfolio’s net assets and the Index Allocated Portion consists of approximately 50% of the Portfolio’s net assets.
The Sub-Adviser to the Active Allocated Portion of the Portfolio believes that favorable investment opportunities are available through companies that exhibit a number of the following characteristics: are selling below their perceived intrinsic value, have limited or no institutional ownership, have had short-term earnings shortfalls, have had a recent initial public offering but have not attracted significant analyst coverage, are selling at or below book or replacement value, and have price to earnings ratios that are less than one half of their projected growth rate. The Sub-Adviser focuses on undervalued and special situation small capitalization equities (including common stocks, convertible securities, warrants and other equity securities having the characteristics of common stocks, such as depositary receipts) that the Sub-Adviser believes have the potential for rewarding long-term investment results. The Sub-Adviser also may invest in convertible and non-convertible debt securities rated below investment grade (also known as “junk bonds”) or unrated securities that the Sub-Adviser has determined to be of comparable quality. The Sub-Adviser selects securities from companies that are engaged in a number of industries, including the media, financial services, retailing, manufacturing and consumer products, and utilities industries. The Sub-Adviser considers a company’s fundamentals by reviewing its balance sheets, corporate revenues, earnings and dividends. The Sub-Adviser also looks at the amount of capital a company spends on research and development. The Active Allocated Portion may invest up to 15% of its assets in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). The Active Allocated Portion may invest a significant portion of its assets in a single issuer or a small group of issuers. Sell decisions are generally triggered by either adequate value being achieved, as determined by the Sub-Adviser, or by an adverse change in a company’s operating performance or a deterioration of the company’s business model. A sell trigger also may occur if the Sub-Adviser discovers a new investment opportunity that it believes is more compelling and represents a better risk reward profile than other investments held by the Active Allocated Portion.
The Index Allocated Portion of the Portfolio seeks to track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the Russell 2000® Value Index with minimal tracking error. This strategy is commonly referred to as an indexing strategy. The Index Allocated Portion may use a full replication technique or a sampling approach in pursuing its indexing strategy.
The Portfolio may hold a significant portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents as part of its investment strategy.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
26 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio

Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Small-Cap Company Risk Small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies. The shares of smaller companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell these securities.
Energy Sector RiskThe energy markets have experienced significant volatility in recent periods. The energy sector is cyclical and highly dependent on commodities prices. The market values of companies in the energy sector may fluctuate widely and could be adversely affected by, among other factors, the levels and volatility of global energy prices, commodity price volatility, energy supply and demand, changes in exchange rates and interest rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, capital expenditures on and the success of exploration and production, depletion of resources, development of alternative energy sources and energy conservation efforts, technological developments, cybersecurity incidents, tax treatment, labor relations, and the economic growth and stability of the key energy-consuming countries. Companies in this sector are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings, and a significant portion of their revenues depends on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. Energy companies may also operate in or engage in transactions involving countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse policies. Energy companies also face a significant risk of liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental mishaps, equipment malfunctions or mishandling of materials and a risk of loss from terrorism, political strife, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on the Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio.
Focused Portfolio RiskFrom time to time, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more issuers. As a result, the Portfolio may incur more risk because changes in the value of a single issuer or group of issuers may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on the Portfolio’s net asset value. To the extent the Portfolio is invested more heavily in particular issuers, it may experience greater performance volatility than a portfolio that is more broadly invested.
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio 27

Investment Style RiskThe Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — in this case, a “value” style — to select investments. A particular style may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Value stocks are subject to the risks that, notwithstanding that a stock is selling at a discount to its perceived true worth, the stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced at the time of investment.
Index Strategy RiskThe Portfolio (or a portion thereof) employs an index strategy and generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in market trends or the economy, which means that the Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, the Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match that of the relevant index. To the extent the Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index.
Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Cash Management RiskThe Portfolio may maintain cash and cash equivalent positions as part of the Portfolio’s strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, to manage the Portfolio’s market exposure, and for other portfolio management purposes. As such, the Portfolio may maintain cash balances, which may be significant, with counterparties such as the Trust’s custodian or its affiliates. Maintaining larger cash and cash equivalent positions could negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance due to missed investment opportunities and may also subject the Portfolio to additional risks, such as increased credit risk with respect to the custodian bank holding the assets and the risk that a counterparty may be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations.
Convertible Securities Risk A convertible security is a form of hybrid security; that is, a security with both debt and equity characteristics. The value of a convertible security fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer and also fluctuates in relation to changes in the price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the current market price of the security. If a convertible security held by the Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Convertible securities are subject to equity risk, interest rate risk and credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. Lower quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock.
ETFs RiskThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to
28 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio

fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Real Estate Investing Risk Real estate-related investments may decline in value as a result of factors affecting the overall real estate industry. Real estate is a cyclical business, highly sensitive to supply and demand, general and local economic developments and characterized by intense competition and periodic overbuilding. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values. Losses may occur from casualty or condemnation, and government actions, such as tax law changes, zoning law changes, regulatory limitations on rents, or environmental regulations, also may have a major impact on real estate. The availability of mortgages and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. Changing interest rates and credit quality requirements also will affect the cash flow of real estate companies and their ability to meet capital needs. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values.
Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) generally invest directly in real estate (equity REITs), in mortgages secured by interests in real estate (mortgage REITs) or in some combination of the two (hybrid REITs). Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. Equity REITs may
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio 29

be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations.
Operating REITs requires specialized management skills, and a portfolio that invests in REITs indirectly bears REIT management and administration expenses along with the direct expenses of the portfolio. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Domestic REITs also must satisfy specific Internal Revenue Code requirements to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of net investment income and net realized gains distributed to shareholders. Failure to meet these requirements may have adverse consequences on the Portfolio. In addition, even the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. Moreover, shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers.
Sector Risk From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Special Situations Risk The Portfolio may seek to benefit from “special situations,” such as mergers, consolidations, bankruptcies, liquidations, reorganizations, restructurings, tender or exchange offers or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. In general, securities of companies which are the subject of a tender or exchange offer or a merger, consolidation, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or restructuring proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the transaction. However, it is possible that the value of securities of a company involved in such a transaction will not rise and in fact may fall, in which case the Portfolio would lose money. It is also possible that the transaction may not be completed as anticipated or may take an excessive amount of time to be completed, in which case the Portfolio may not realize any premium on its investment and could lose money if the value of the securities declines during the Portfolio’s holding period. In some circumstances, the securities purchased may be illiquid making it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them at an advantageous price.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Class IB shares were not operational for the period from April 14, 2015 through April 30, 2015. The returns of Class IB were calculated assuming the shares were in operation for the entire period.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
30 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio

Best quarter (% and time period)
32.07%
2021 1st Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-37.38%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio - Class IB Shares
38.52
11.39
9.12
04/21/2014
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio - Class K Shares
39.02
11.67
9.38
04/21/2014
Russell 2000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.27
9.07
9.13
 
Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for (i) the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Advisers, and (ii) allocating assets among the Portfolio's Allocated Portions are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2014
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
April 2014
Sub-Adviser: Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC (“Horizon” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Active Allocated Portion of the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Murray Stahl
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Investment Officer of Horizon
April 2014
Matthew Houk
Co-Portfolio Manager of Horizon
April 2014
Sub-Adviser: BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Index Allocated Portion of the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Amy Whitelaw
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2019
Jennifer Hsui, CFA®
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2019
Suzanne Henige, CFA®
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2020
Paul Whitehead
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
January 2022
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio 31

shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
32 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio

1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio1— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.70%
0.70%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.16%
0.16%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.11%
0.86%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.01)%
(0.01)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.10%
0.85%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.10% for Class IB shares and 0.85% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$112
$352
$611
$1,351
Class K Shares
$87
$273
$476
$1,060
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 39% of the average value of its portfolio.

1
Effective March 21, 2022, 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity Portfolio was renamed 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio.
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio 33

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities. The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of U.S. companies and foreign companies in developed markets. The Portfolio may invest in large, mid and small capitalization companies and will be broadly diversified across companies and industries. Equity securities in which the Portfolio may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, American Depositary Receipts and similar instruments.
The Sub-Adviser believes that investing in equity markets using a traditional indexing approach exposes the investor to general market risk, including concentration in the largest capitalization securities in the applicable index, volatility and unpredictable earnings that, over a market cycle, do not necessarily provide optimal returns. In the Sub-Adviser’s view, market return, or “beta,” can be achieved with less exposure to general market risk. The Sub-Adviser’s SmartBeta Equity strategy seeks to achieve, over a full market cycle, above-market returns with less volatility compared to the equity markets as a whole. Generally, a full market cycle consists of a period of increasing stock prices and strong performance (a bull market) followed by a period of weak performance and falling prices (a bear market), and a return to a bull market.
The Sub-Adviser’s strategy differs from a traditional indexing approach under which a portfolio generally invests in all or a representative sample of the securities in the applicable index and weights those securities according to their market capitalization weightings. In constructing the portfolio, the Sub-Adviser begins with a universe of global developed market equity securities. The Sub-Adviser then uses computer-aided quantitative analysis to identify securities for investment. This is accomplished through the application of proprietary filters which interact to analyze individual issuer data for such risk factors as lower earnings quality, higher price volatility, speculation and distress. Those securities that pass the filters are assigned a preliminary weighting in the portfolio. The Sub-Adviser next applies a proprietary diversification methodology which is designed to produce a weighting scheme that reduces concentration risk by applying a greater level of diversification to the largest securities (by market capitalization) that progressively lessens with smaller capitalization companies. The Sub-Adviser also integrates Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) considerations into its portfolio construction process based on the Sub-Adviser’s proprietary ESG framework and scoring that seeks to optimize the ESG portfolio while substantially retaining the desired risk/return thereof. In constructing the portfolio, the Sub-Adviser evaluates each company and considers various ESG factors, including a company’s environmental impact, carbon footprint and water intensity, and assesses the potential impact of corporate controversies. The Sub-Adviser may apply this investment selection process to invest in emerging market equity securities. The Sub-Adviser may sell a security for a variety of reasons, such as if its fundamentals no longer meet the Sub-Adviser’s criteria, to secure gains, limit losses, or redeploy assets into securities believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents,
34 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio

and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Large-Cap Company Risk Larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Quantitative Investing RiskThe success of the Portfolio's investment strategy depends largely on the effectiveness of the Portfolio's quantitative model for screening securities for investment by the Portfolio. The portfolio of securities selected using quantitative analysis may underperform the market as a whole or a portfolio of securities selected using a different investment approach, such as fundamental analysis. The factors used in quantitative analysis and the emphasis placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value. In addition, factors that affect a security’s value can change over time and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. Data for some companies may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies. There may also be errors in the computer code for the quantitative model or in the model itself, or issues relating to the computer systems used to screen securities. The Portfolio's securities selection can be adversely affected if it relies on erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems. As a result, the Portfolio may have a lower return than if it were managed using a fundamental analysis or an index-based strategy that did not incorporate quantitative analysis.
Investment Strategy RiskThe market may reward certain investment characteristics for a period of time and not others. The returns for a specific investment characteristic may vary significantly relative to other characteristics and may increase or decrease significantly during different phases of a market cycle. A Portfolio comprised of stocks intended to reduce exposure to uncompensated risk may not necessarily be less sensitive to a change in the broad market price level and may not accurately estimate the risk/return outcome of stocks. Portfolio investments may exhibit higher volatility than expected or underperform the markets. The Portfolio's strategy may result in the Portfolio underperforming the general securities markets, particularly during periods of strong positive market performance.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio 35

ESG Considerations RiskConsideration of ESG factors in the investment process may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Portfolio, and therefore carries the risk that, under certain market conditions, the Portfolio may underperform funds that do not consider ESG factors. The integration of ESG considerations may affect the Portfolio's exposure to certain sectors or types of investments and may impact the Portfolio's relative investment performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Furthermore, ESG criteria are not uniformly defined, and the Portfolio's ESG criteria may differ from those used by other funds. A company’s ESG performance or the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of a company’s ESG performance may change over time, which could cause the Portfolio temporarily to hold securities that do not comply with the Portfolio's responsible investment principles. In evaluating a company, the Sub-Adviser is dependent upon information or data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Sub-Adviser to incorrectly assess a company’s ESG performance. Successful application of the Portfolio's ESG considerations will depend on the Sub-Adviser’s skill in properly identifying and analyzing material ESG issues.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
European Economic RiskThe economies of European Union (“EU”) member countries and their trading partners, as well as the broader global economy, may be adversely affected by changes in the euro’s exchange rate, changes in EU or governmental regulations on trade, geopolitical tensions or conflicts, and the threat of default or an actual default by an EU member country on its sovereign debt, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Recent events in Europe may continue to impact the economies of every European country and their economic partners. Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. In addition, on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom
36 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio

(“UK”) officially withdrew from the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the UK’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU went into effect on January 1, 2021. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Any further withdrawals from the EU could cause additional market disruption globally.
Geographic Concentration RiskTo the extent the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies domiciled, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity, in one country or geographic region, it assumes the risk that economic, political, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or region will have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s investment performance and that the Portfolio’s performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, the risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area are generally more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries.
Sector Risk From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Prior to January 1, 2018, the Portfolio did not integrate ESG filters into its portfolio construction process.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
15.69%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-18.65%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio - Class IB Shares
23.08
14.65
10.96
10/28/2013
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio - Class K Shares
23.39
14.96
11.24
10/28/2013
MSCI World (Net) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes, except foreign
withholding taxes)
21.82
15.03
10.90
 
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio 37

Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
October 2013
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
October 2013
Sub-Adviser: AXA Investment Managers US Inc. (“AXA IM” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Gideon Smith, CFA®
Co-Chief Investment Officer of Equity QI at AXA
IM
October 2013
Cameron Gray
Head of Portfolio Implementation of Equity QI
at AXA IM
May 2015
Ram Rasaratnam, CFA®
Co-Chief Investment Officer of Equity QI at AXA
IM
May 2021
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
38 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio

PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio 39

1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.50%
0.50%
0.50%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.15%
0.15%
0.15%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
0.90%
0.90%
0.65%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$92
$287
$498
$1,108
Class IB Shares
$92
$287
$498
$1,108
Class K Shares
$66
$208
$362
$810
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 10% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio seeks to track the investment results of the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index (the “Underlying Index”), which is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to provide exposure to U.S. companies that have positive environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) characteristics. As of December 31, 2021, the Underlying Index consisted of 402 securities identified by MSCI Inc. (the “Index Provider” or “MSCI”) from the universe of companies included in the MSCI USA IMI Index, which targets 99% of the market coverage of stocks that are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Stock Market. MSCI analyzes each eligible company’s ESG performance using proprietary ratings covering ESG criteria, as described in more detail below. When selecting companies for the Underlying Index, MSCI also considers market capitalization and liquidity. Companies that MSCI determines have significant involvement in the following businesses are not
40 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio

eligible for the Underlying Index: fossil fuel extraction, fossil fuel reserves ownership, thermal coal power, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, nuclear weapons, controversial weapons, conventional weapons, civilian firearms, nuclear power, adult entertainment and genetically modified organisms.
The Underlying Index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies. The components of the Underlying Index are likely to change over time.
The Underlying Index uses company ratings and research provided by MSCI ESG Research to determine eligibility. The following description is as of the date of this Prospectus and is subject to change as determined from time to time by MSCI:
•  The Underlying Index uses research to identify companies that have demonstrated an ability to manage their ESG risks and opportunities. MSCI identifies key ESG issues that hold the greatest potential risk or opportunity for each industry sector:
Environment
Social
Governance
Carbon Emissions
Labor Management
Corporate Governance (Board Diversity;
Executive Pay; Ownership and Control;
Accounting)
Product Carbon Footprint
Human Capital Development
Business Ethics
Financing Environmental Impact
Health and Safety
Tax Transparency
Climate Change Vulnerability
Supply Chain Labor Standards
 
Water Stress
Product Safety and Quality
 
Biodiversity and Land Use
Chemical Safety
 
Raw Material Sourcing
Consumer Financial Protection
 
Toxic Emissions and Waste
Privacy and Data Security
 
Packaging Material and Waste
Responsible Investment
 
Electronic Waste
Health and Demographic Risk
 
Opportunities in Clean Tech
Controversial Sourcing
 
Opportunities in Green Building
Community Relations
 
Opportunities in Renewable Energy
Opportunities in Nutrition and Health
 
 
Access to Communications
 
 
Access to Finance
 
 
Access to Healthcare
 
MSCI analysts calculate the size of a company’s exposure to each key issue based on an analysis of a company’s business, then take into account the extent to which a company has developed strategies and demonstrated a strong track record of performance in managing its specific level of risks or opportunities. Using a sector-specific key issue weighting model, companies are rated and ranked in comparison to their sector peers. The companies in each sector undergo an annual review and are updated on a rolling basis as well as in response to major events.
•  The Underlying Index uses research to identify those companies that are involved in very serious controversies involving the ESG impact of their operations or products and services. The MSCI research covers five categories of impact: environment, customers, human rights and community, labor rights and supply chain, and governance. Companies are scored based on an evaluation framework designed to be consistent with international norms and principles such as those expressed in declarations of the United Nations and its agencies. Companies deemed to be involved in the most severe controversies related to the ESG impact of their operations or products and services are excluded from the Underlying Index.
The selection universe for the Underlying Index is large-, mid- and small-capitalization companies in the MSCI USA IMI Index. The Underlying Index targets a minimum of 200 large- and mid-capitalization constituents. The composition of the Underlying Index is reviewed on a quarterly basis. At each quarterly review, constituents are deleted from the Underlying Index if they are deleted from the MSCI USA IMI Index, if they fail the exclusion screens, or if their ESG ratings or scores fall below minimum standards. Additions are made to the Underlying Index to restore the number of constituents to 400 companies. All eligible securities of each issuer are included in the Underlying Index, so the Underlying Index may have more than 400 securities. The Underlying Index is rebalanced at the regular reviews in May, August, November and February.
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio 41

The Sub-Adviser uses a “passive” or indexing approach to try to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objective. Unlike many investment companies, the Portfolio does not try to “beat” the index it tracks and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear overvalued.
Generally, the Sub-Adviser uses a replication indexing strategy to manage the Portfolio, although in certain instances the Sub-Adviser may use a representative sampling indexing strategy to manage the Portfolio. “Replication” is an indexing strategy that involves holding each security in the Underlying Index in approximately the same weight that the security represents in the Underlying Index. “Representative sampling” is an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to that of the Underlying Index. The securities selected are expected to have, in the aggregate, investment characteristics (based on factors such as market capitalization and industry weightings), fundamental characteristics (such as return variability and yield) and liquidity measures similar to those of the Underlying Index. The Portfolio may or may not hold all of the securities in the Underlying Index.
The Portfolio generally invests at least 90% of its total assets in securities of the Underlying Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Underlying Index. The Portfolio may invest the remainder of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents, including shares of money market funds, including affiliated money market funds, as well as in securities not included in the Underlying Index, but which the Sub-Adviser believes will help the Portfolio track the Underlying Index. The Portfolio seeks to track the investment results of the Underlying Index before fees and expenses of the Portfolio.
The Portfolio may also lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
42 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio

Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
ESG Considerations Risk Consideration of ESG factors in the investment process may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Portfolio, and therefore carries the risk that, under certain market conditions, the Portfolio may underperform funds that do not consider ESG factors. The integration of ESG considerations may affect the Portfolio's exposure to certain sectors or types of investments and may impact the Portfolio's relative investment performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Furthermore, ESG criteria are not uniformly defined, and the Portfolio's ESG criteria may differ from those used by other funds. A company’s ESG performance or the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of a company’s ESG performance may change over time, which could cause the Portfolio temporarily to hold securities that do not comply with the Portfolio's responsible investment principles. In evaluating a company, the Sub-Adviser is dependent upon information or data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Sub-Adviser to incorrectly assess a company’s ESG performance. Successful application of the Portfolio's ESG considerations will depend on the Sub-Adviser’s skill in properly identifying and analyzing material ESG issues.
Index Strategy RiskThe Portfolio employs an index strategy and generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in market trends or the economy, which means that the Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, the Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match that of the relevant index. To the extent the Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index.
To the extent that the securities of a limited number of companies represent a significant percentage of the relevant index, the Portfolio may be subject to more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on the Portfolio’s net asset value. To the extent that the companies represented in the index are concentrated in particular sectors or industries, the Portfolio will be subject to investment concentration risk. The Portfolio may experience greater performance volatility than a portfolio that seeks to track the performance of an index that is more broadly diversified.
Investment Style RiskThe Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — in this case, a “growth” style — to select investments. A particular style may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks. Growth investing also is subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Portfolio, regardless of movements in the securities market. Growth stocks also tend to be more volatile than value stocks, so in a declining market their prices may decrease more than value stocks in general. Growth stocks also may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s share price.
Large-Cap Company Risk Larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Information Technology Sector RiskInvestment risks associated with investing in the information technology sector include, in addition to other risks, the intense competition to which information technology companies may be subject; the dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for qualified personnel among information technology companies; effects on profitability from being heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights and the loss or impairment of those rights; rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction; general economic conditions; and government regulation. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on the Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio.
Derivatives RiskThe Portfolio's investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio 43

to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio's ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Mid-Cap Company Risk Mid-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Sector RiskFrom time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Small-Cap Company Risk Small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies. The shares of smaller companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell these securities.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index shows how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of another index that has characteristics relevant to the Portfolio’s investment strategies. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Performance information for the periods prior to December 9, 2016 is that of the Portfolio when it was sub-advised by a different Sub-Adviser and tracked a different underlying index.
Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
44 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio

The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
21.18%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-18.42%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio - Class IA Shares
30.33
18.59
16.53
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio - Class IB Shares
30.29
18.59
16.53
MSCI KLD 400 Social Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
31.63
19.75
16.97
Russell 1000® Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
27.60
25.32
19.79
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
August 2012
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
August 2012
Sub-Adviser: BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Jennifer Hsui, CFA®
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
December 2016
Amy Whitelaw
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2019
Suzanne Henige, CFA®
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
May 2020
Paul Whitehead
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.
January 2022
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio 45

replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
46 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio

1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to maximize current income and total return.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.60%
0.60%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.13%
0.13%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.02%
0.02%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.00%
0.75%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1,2
(0.08)%
(0.08)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
0.92%
0.67%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 0.90% for Class IB shares and 0.65% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
2
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement information has been restated to reflect the current Expense Limitation Arrangement.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$94
$310
$545
$1,217
Class K Shares
$68
$232
$409
$923
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 156% of the average value of its portfolio.
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio 47

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in fixed income securities. For purposes of this investment policy, fixed income securities include direct and indirect investments in fixed income securities and investments in other investment companies (including investment companies advised by the Sub-Adviser) and financial instruments that derive their value from such securities. The Portfolio’s investments in fixed income securities include, but are not limited to, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored corporations; mortgage-backed securities; asset-backed securities; foreign and domestic corporate bonds; floating or variable rate obligations (including inverse floater collateralized mortgage obligations); bank loans; 144A bonds; fixed income securities issued by corporations and governments in foreign countries including emerging markets issuers and U.S. dollar-denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers; securities issued by municipalities; and other securities bearing fixed interest rates of any maturity.
The Portfolio may invest up to 40% of its assets in below investment grade securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Such investments may include debt obligations of distressed companies, including companies that are close to or in default. The Sub-Adviser allocates investments in below investment grade securities broadly by industry and issuer in an attempt to reduce the impact on the Portfolio of negative events affecting an industry or issuer. Securities below investment grade include those securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or BB+ or lower by Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) or by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities of any credit rating or credit quality without regard to the 40% limitation described above.
The Portfolio also may invest in inverse floaters, interest-only and principal-only securities. The Portfolio may invest in senior bank loans and assignments, including through investments in other investment companies advised by the Sub-Adviser. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), provided that investments (1) in CLOs and other vehicles considered to be “private funds” under Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act and (2) in other covered investment companies do not exceed, in the aggregate, 10% of the Portfolio’s assets at the time of a new investment in such instrument.
The Sub-Adviser actively manages the Portfolio’s asset class exposure using a top-down approach, which involves using fundamental research regarding the investment characteristics of each sector (such as risk, volatility, relative valve, and the potential for growth and income), as well as the Sub-Adviser’s outlook for the economy and financial markets as a whole. Primary sectors include government/municipals, high yield, global developed credit, international sovereign debt, emerging markets, and mortgage- and asset-backed. The Sub-Adviser will gradually rotate portfolio assets among sectors in various markets using a long-term approach to attempt to maximize return. Individual securities within asset classes are selected using a bottom up approach, which involves an analysis of each individual issuer’s creditworthiness.
The Sub-Adviser uses a controlled risk approach in managing the Portfolio, which includes consideration of:
•  Security selection within a given asset class
•  Relative performance of the various market sectors and asset classes
•  The rates offered by bonds at different maturities
•  Fluctuations in the overall level of interest rates
The Sub-Adviser also monitors the duration of the securities held by the Portfolio to seek to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. Under normal circumstances, the Sub-Adviser seeks to maintain an investment portfolio with a weighted average effective duration of no less than two years and no more than eight years. The duration of the Portfolio’s investments may vary materially from its target, from time to time, and there is no assurance that the duration of the Portfolio’s investments will meet its target.
Portfolio securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when the Sub-Adviser perceives deterioration in the credit fundamentals of the issuer, believes there are negative macro political considerations that may affect the issuer, determines to take advantage of a better investment opportunity, or the individual security has reached the Sub-Adviser’s sell target. The Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its investment objective.
48 1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio

The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Collateralized Debt Obligations RiskCollateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) involve many of the risks associated with debt securities including, but not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. The risks of an investment in a CDO also depend largely on the quality and type of the collateral and the class or “tranche” of the CDO in which the Portfolio invests. Normally, collateralized bond obligations, collateralized loan obligations, and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Portfolio as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market, or other relevant measures of liquidity, may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO potentially to be deemed liquid under the Portfolio’s liquidity policies. CDOs carry risks including, but not limited to: (a) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio 49

will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (b) the risk that the quality of the collateral securities may decline in value or default, particularly during periods of economic downturn; (c) the possibility that the Portfolio may invest in CDOs that are subordinate to other classes; and (d) the risk that the complex structure of CDOs may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. CDOs also can be difficult to value and may be highly leveraged (which could make them highly volatile), and the use of CDOs may result in losses to the Portfolio.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Mortgage-backed securities issued in the form of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities. In periods of supply and demand imbalances in the market for CMOs or in periods of sharp interest rate movements, the prices of CMOs may fluctuate to a greater extent than would be expected from interest rate movements alone. CMOs and other mortgage-backed securities may be structured similarly to collateralized debt obligations and may be subject to similar risks.
Investment Grade Securities RiskSecurities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
50 1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio

U.S. Government Securities RiskAlthough the Portfolio may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Portfolio itself and do not guarantee the market prices of the securities. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or other agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government may decline in value as a result of, among other things, changes in interest rates, political events in the United States, international developments, including strained relations with foreign countries, and changes in the credit rating of, or investor perceptions regarding the creditworthiness of, the U.S. government. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury involve greater credit risk than investments in other types of U.S. government securities.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Geographic Concentration RiskTo the extent the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies domiciled, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity, in one country or geographic region, it assumes the risk that economic, political, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or region will have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s investment performance and that the Portfolio’s performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, the risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area are generally more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio 51

Distressed Companies RiskDebt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower-rated or close to default. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for these securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility, and it may be difficult to value such securities. The Portfolio may lose a substantial portion or all of its investment in such securities. If the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio defaults, the Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on the security. Securities tend to lose much of their value before the issuer defaults.
Inverse Floaters RiskInverse floaters are securities with a floating or variable rate of interest. Inverse floaters have interest rates that tend to move in the opposite direction as the specified market rates or indices, and may exhibit substantially greater price volatility than fixed rate obligations having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity. Inverse floater collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) exhibit greater price volatility than the majority of mortgage-related securities. In addition, some inverse floater CMOs exhibit extreme sensitivity to changes in prepayments. As a result, the yield to maturity of an inverse floater CMO is sensitive not only to changes in interest rates but also to changes in prepayment rates on the related underlying mortgage assets. Inverse floaters typically involve leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio’s losses.
Large Transaction RiskA significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Loan RiskLoan interests are subject to liquidity risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, the risk of subordination to other creditors, restrictions on resale, and the lack of a regular trading market and publicly available information. Loan interests may be difficult to value and may have extended trade settlement periods. As a result, the proceeds from the sale of a loan may not be available to make additional investments or to meet redemption obligations until potentially a substantial period after the sale of the loan. The extended trade settlement periods could force the Portfolio to liquidate other securities to meet redemptions and may present a risk that the Portfolio may incur losses in order to timely honor redemptions. There is a risk that the value of any collateral securing a loan in which the Portfolio has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the loan. In the event the borrower defaults, the Portfolio's access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Portfolio, therefore may not have the benefit of the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in loan participations and assignments, it is subject to the risk that the financial institution acting as agent for all interests in a loan might fail financially. It is also possible that the Portfolio could be held liable, or may be called upon to fulfill other obligations, as a co-lender.
Portfolio Turnover RiskHigh portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to the Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities Risk Restricted securities, which include privately placed securities, are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Before they are registered, such securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to the Portfolio. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent restricted securities held by the Portfolio qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Portfolio likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase
52 1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio

the level of the Portfolio’s illiquidity. The Adviser or Sub-Adviser may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Where registration of a security is required, the Portfolio may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time the Portfolio desires to sell (and therefore decides to seek registration of) the security, and the time the Portfolio may be permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Portfolio might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it desired to sell. The risk that securities may not be sold for the price at which the Portfolio is carrying them is greater with respect to restricted securities than it is with respect to registered securities. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing the Portfolio’s net asset value.
Redemption RiskThe Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risks of Investing in Other Investment CompaniesA Portfolio that invests in other investment companies will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by those investment companies, in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio's net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the other investment companies in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the other investment companies invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will depend, to a significant degree, on the ability of the other investment companies to meet their objectives.
Sector RiskFrom time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk The market prices of securities with variable and floating interest rates are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than are the market prices of securities with fixed interest rates. Variable and floating rate securities may decline in value if market interest rates or interest rates paid by such securities do not move as expected. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally rise in value if market interest rates decline. Certain types of floating rate securities may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio 53

The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
5.79%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-4.44%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio - Class IB Shares
-0.36
2.96
2.59
05/01/2015
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio - Class K Shares
-0.23
3.21
2.84
05/01/2015
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.54
3.57
2.96
 
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio's Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
May 2015
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2015
Sub-Adviser: DoubleLine Capital LP (“DoubleLine” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Jeffrey E. Gundlach
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Investment Officer of DoubleLine
May 2015
Jeffrey Sherman
Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio
Manager of DoubleLine
May 2020
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the
54 1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio

Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio 55

1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to maximize current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.60%
0.60%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.19%
0.19%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.05%
0.05%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.09%
0.84%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.04)%
(0.04)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.05%
0.80%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.00% for Class IB shares and 0.75% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$107
$343
$597
$1,325
Class K Shares
$82
$264
$462
$1,033
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 53% of the average value of its portfolio.
56 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a broad range of high-yield, below investment-grade bonds. For purposes of this investment policy, a debt security is considered a “bond.” Debt securities represent an issuer’s obligation to repay a loan of money that generally pays interest to the holder. Bank loans, bonds, loan participations, notes and debentures are examples of debt securities. It is expected that the Portfolio will invest primarily in high-yield corporate bonds. Securities below investment grade include those securities rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or BB+ or lower by Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) or by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. The below investment grade securities in which the Portfolio invests are generally rated at least Ca by Moody’s or at least CC by Fitch or S&P or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. The Portfolio may continue to hold securities that are downgraded below these ratings subsequent to purchase. The Portfolio does not normally invest in securities that are in default or have defaulted with respect to the payment of interest or repayment of principal, but may do so depending on market or other conditions. Split rated securities, which are securities that receive different ratings from two or more rating agencies, will be considered to have the lower credit rating. The Portfolio may invest in debt securities issued by small-, mid- and large- capitalization companies. The Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its net assets in debt securities of issuers located outside the United States, including emerging markets issuers and U.S. dollar-denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers. Certain debt instruments in which the Portfolio may invest may be structured as pay-in-kind securities. The Portfolio may invest in privately placed and restricted securities (including 144A bonds).
The Portfolio’s assets normally are allocated among two portions, each of which is managed using a different but complementary investment strategy. One portion of the Portfolio is actively managed (“Active Allocated Portion”) and the other portion of the Portfolio invests in ETFs that are passively managed and that meet the investment objective of the Portfolio (“ETF Allocated Portion”). Under normal circumstances, at least 90% of the Portfolio’s net assets are allocated to the Active Allocated Portion and up to 10% of the Portfolio’s net assets are allocated to the ETF Allocated Portion. The ETFs in which the ETF Allocated Portion may invest may be changed from time to time without notice or shareholder approval.
The Active Allocated Portion will invest in high yield corporate debt securities as well as floating rate loans, and participations in and assignments of loans. The Active Allocated Portion may invest in securities of any maturity because the Sub-Advisers to the Active Allocated Portion place greater emphasis on credit risk in selecting securities than either maturity or duration. Maturity measures the average final payable dates of debt instruments. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s value to changes in interest rates. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses.
The ETF Allocated Portion currently invests in the following ETFs: the iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, the iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, and the SPDR® Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF. These ETFs seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of a fixed-income securities benchmark index. An investor in the Portfolio will bear both the expenses of the Portfolio as well as the indirect expenses associated with the ETFs held by the ETF Allocated Portion.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally.
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio 57

During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk Bonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Interest Rate RiskChanges in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
58 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio

Sector RiskFrom time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Loan Risk Loan interests are subject to liquidity risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, the risk of subordination to other creditors, restrictions on resale, and the lack of a regular trading market and publicly available information. Loan interests may be difficult to value and may have extended trade settlement periods. As a result, the proceeds from the sale of a loan may not be available to make additional investments or to meet redemption obligations until potentially a substantial period after the sale of the loan. The extended trade settlement periods could force the Portfolio to liquidate other securities to meet redemptions and may present a risk that the Portfolio may incur losses in order to timely honor redemptions. There is a risk that the value of any collateral securing a loan in which the Portfolio has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the loan. In the event the borrower defaults, the Portfolio's access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Portfolio, therefore may not have the benefit of the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in loan participations and assignments, it is subject to the risk that the financial institution acting as agent for all interests in a loan might fail financially. It is also possible that the Portfolio could be held liable, or may be called upon to fulfill other obligations, as a co-lender.
ETFs RiskThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio 59

Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
European Economic RiskThe economies of European Union (“EU”) member countries and their trading partners, as well as the broader global economy, may be adversely affected by changes in the euro’s exchange rate, changes in EU or governmental regulations on trade, geopolitical tensions or conflicts, and the threat of default or an actual default by an EU member country on its sovereign debt, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Recent events in Europe may continue to impact the economies of every European country and their economic partners. Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. In addition, on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) officially withdrew from the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the UK’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU went into effect on January 1, 2021. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Any further withdrawals from the EU could cause additional market disruption globally.
Investment Grade Securities RiskSecurities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Large Transaction Risk A significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Leveraging Risk When the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company Risk Mid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
60 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities Risk Restricted securities, which include privately placed securities, are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Before they are registered, such securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to the Portfolio. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent restricted securities held by the Portfolio qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Portfolio likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Portfolio’s illiquidity. The Adviser or Sub-Adviser may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Where registration of a security is required, the Portfolio may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time the Portfolio desires to sell (and therefore decides to seek registration of) the security, and the time the Portfolio may be permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Portfolio might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it desired to sell. The risk that securities may not be sold for the price at which the Portfolio is carrying them is greater with respect to restricted securities than it is with respect to registered securities. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing the Portfolio’s net asset value.
Redemption RiskThe Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes,
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio 61

such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Zero Coupon and Pay-in-Kind Securities Risk A zero coupon or pay-in-kind security pays no interest in cash to its holder during its life. Accordingly, zero coupon securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and, together with pay-in-kind securities, will be subject to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distribution of interest in cash.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
8.11%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-10.10%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio - Class IB Shares
3.95
5.41
4.87
02/08/2013
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio - Class K Shares
4.19
5.66
5.13
02/08/2013
ICE BofA US High Yield Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
5.36
6.10
5.73
 
62 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio

Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for (i) the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Advisers, (ii) allocating assets among the Portfolio's Allocated Portions, and (iii) the selection of investments in ETFs for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
February 2013
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
February 2013
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
February 2013
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2019
Sub-Adviser: AXA Investment Managers US Inc. (“AXA IM” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for a portion of the Active Allocated Portion of the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Robert Houle, CFA®
Senior US High Yield Portfolio Manager at AXA
IM
March 2018
Michael Graham, CFA®
Head of US High Yield and Senior US High Yield
Portfolio Manager at AXA IM
August 2021
Sub-Adviser: Post Advisory Group, LLC (“Post” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for a portion of the Active Allocated Portion of the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Schuyler Hewes
Managing Director – Portfolio Manager of Post
May 2014
David Kim
Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Post, Post
Board Member
May 2014
Jeffrey Stroll
Chief Investment Officer of Post, Post Board
Member
May 2014
Dan Ross
Managing Director – Portfolio Manager of Post
October 2014
Iris Shin
Managing Director – Portfolio Manager of Post
May 2019
James Wolf
Managing Director – Portfolio Manager of Post
May 2020
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio 63

shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
64 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio

1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve total return from long-term capital appreciation and income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.75%
0.75%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.26%
0.25%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.04%
0.04%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.30%
1.04%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.10)%
(0.09)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.20%
0.95%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses (including Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.20% for Class IB shares and 0.95% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$122
$402
$703
$1,559
Class K Shares
$97
$322
$565
$1,263
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 131% of the average value of its portfolio.
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio 65

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests in a diversified range of securities and other financial instruments, including derivatives, which provide investment exposure to equity and fixed income investments. The Portfolio will maintain a strategic, or typical, allocation of approximately 60% of its net assets to equity securities (or financial instruments that provide investment exposure to such securities) and approximately 40% of its net assets to fixed income securities (or financial instruments that provide investment exposure to such securities). The Portfolio employs a dynamic asset allocation strategy by periodically shifting allocations among asset classes and market sectors based on market opportunities. The Portfolio will tactically shift portfolio weightings among, and within, each asset class both to take advantage of changing market opportunities for capital appreciation and in response to changing market risk conditions. The Portfolio’s asset allocation will be based on an assessment of short- and long-term macroeconomic themes and an analysis of sector fundamentals and relative valuation.
The Portfolio’s equity allocation may range from 40% to 70% of the Portfolio’s net assets, and the Portfolio’s fixed income allocation may range from 30% to 60% of the Portfolio’s net assets. The Portfolio may gain or adjust exposure to each asset class through investments in individual securities or through other instruments, including derivatives. The Portfolio may invest in companies of any size and may invest without limit in foreign securities, including emerging market securities.
Equity Allocation The Portfolio’s equity allocation will occur between two equity tranches within the asset class: an actively-managed strategy (“Active Allocated Portion”) that seeks to outperform a particular benchmark, and a systematic strategy (“Index Allocated Portion”) that seeks to track the performance of a particular index. Within the Portfolio’s equity allocation, the Portfolio may shift the respective weighting for each of the equity tranches within a range of approximately 33% to 67% of the Portfolio’s net assets allocated to equity, with the Active Allocated Portion and the Index Allocated Portion each comprising potentially as little as one-third or potentially as much as two-thirds of the Portfolio’s total equity allocation.
The Portfolio’s equity allocation will consist primarily of common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common or preferred stock, rights or warrants to purchase common or preferred stock, and securities of other investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Portfolio may also invest in foreign companies, including in the form of American Depositary Receipts, American Depositary Shares, and other similar securities.
Equity Allocation — Active Allocated PortionThe Active Allocated Portion will consist of a diversified portfolio of approximately 35-50 stocks across a range of market capitalizations and sectors, which is actively managed to seek to outperform its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index. The Portfolio will actively manage the Active Allocated Portion using a fundamentals-focused, bottom-up approach, which involves analyzing various attributes of a company, in order to identify attractively priced investment opportunities. The Portfolio uses quantitative and qualitative criteria to screen hundreds or thousands of potential investments for favorable characteristics. Companies identified through this screening process are then subjected to in-depth fundamental analysis to arrive at an assessment of the expected future investment returns and the attendant risks associated with a particular stock, considering such factors as sustainable competitive advantage, management team quality and incentives, capital efficiency of the business model, and other variables affecting a company’s prospective investment returns. Those stocks affording the most attractive relative risk-reward profile will be included as investments, subject to portfolio-level considerations, such as correlation of risks across investment holdings, sector exposures or individual stock weightings. The Portfolio may invest in companies that do not have publicly-traded securities but that the Portfolio determines represent attractive investment opportunities, such as companies that are relatively newly-formed or that may be contemplating an initial public offering in the future.
Equity Allocation — Index Allocated PortionWith respect to the Index Allocated Portion, the Portfolio will use derivatives, or a combination of derivatives, ETFs and/or direct investments, to seek to provide a return that tracks closely the performance of the Shiller Barclays CAPE® US Sector TR USD Index (the “Index”). The Index aims to identify undervalued sectors in the large-cap equity market based on a modified CAPE® (Cyclically Adjusted Price Earnings) ratio, which is designed to assess longer term equity valuations by using an inflation adjusted earnings horizon. The Index allocates an equal weight to four U.S. sectors that are undervalued, as determined by the modified CAPE® ratio. Each U.S. sector is represented by a sector ETF. Each month, the Index ranks ten U.S. sectors based on the modified CAPE® ratio and a twelve-month price momentum factor. The Index selects the five U.S. sectors that are the most undervalued according to the modified CAPE® ratio. Only four of these five undervalued sectors, however, end up in the Index for a given month, as the sector with the worst twelve-month price momentum among the five selected sectors is eliminated.
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The Portfolio may enter into swap transactions, primarily total return swaps, or futures transactions designed to provide a return approximating the Index’s return. The pricing of any swap transaction will reflect a number of factors that will cause the return on the swap transaction to underperform the Index.
The Portfolio expects to use only a small percentage of its assets to attain the desired exposure to the Index because of the structure of the derivatives. As a result, certain derivatives along with other investments will create investment leverage in the Portfolio’s portfolio. In certain cases in which such derivatives may be unavailable or the pricing of those derivatives may be unfavorable, the Portfolio may attempt to replicate the Index’s return by purchasing some or all of the securities comprising the Index.
Fixed Income Allocation The Portfolio’s fixed income allocation will consist of fixed income instruments including, but not limited to, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored corporations, foreign and domestic corporate obligations (including foreign hybrid securities); commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities; asset-backed securities; fixed income securities issued by corporations and governments in foreign countries including emerging markets issuers; bank loans and assignments; inverse floaters and interest-only and principal-only securities; inflation-indexed bonds; and other securities bearing fixed or variable interest rates of any maturity.
The Portfolio may invest in fixed income securities of any credit quality, including below investment grade securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Securities rated below investment grade include those that, at the time of investment, are rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or BB+ or lower by Fitch Ratings Ltd. or Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or the equivalent by any other nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or, if unrated, determined by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”) or the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Portfolio may also invest to a limited extent in debt obligations of distressed companies, including companies that are close to or in default when, for example, the Sub-Adviser believes the restructured enterprise valuations or liquidation valuations may exceed current market values. The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed or other asset-backed securities of any credit rating or credit quality.
The Sub-Adviser will actively manage asset class exposure within the fixed income allocation using “bottom up” securities selection, and will attempt to exploit inefficiencies within the subsectors of the fixed income market. The Sub-Adviser uses a controlled risk approach in managing the Portfolio’s fixed income investments, which includes consideration of:
•  Security selection within a given asset class
•  Relative performance of the various market sectors and asset classes
•  The rates offered by bonds at different maturities
•  Fluctuations in the overall level of interest rates
Under normal market conditions, the weighted average effective duration of the Portfolio’s fixed income allocation will be no less than two years and no more than eight years. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. Effective duration is a measure of the duration of the Portfolio’s fixed income portfolio adjusted for the anticipated effect of interest rate changes on prepayment rates. The effective duration of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments may vary materially from its target, from time to time, and there is no assurance that the duration of the Portfolio’s fixed income investments will meet its target. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses.
Other Investments In implementing its dynamic allocation investment strategy, the Portfolio may invest in derivatives, including futures, forwards, swaps and options, and other instruments rather than investing directly in equity or fixed income securities. These derivatives and other instruments may be used for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage the Portfolio’s exposure to certain asset classes. The Portfolio may use index futures, for example, to gain broad exposure to a particular segment of the market, while buying representative securities to achieve exposure to another. The Portfolio also may enter into foreign currency transactions for hedging and non-hedging purposes on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or through the use of derivatives. The Sub-Adviser will choose in each case based on considerations of cost and efficiency of access to the desired investment exposure.
The Portfolio may invest in derivatives to the extent permitted by applicable law. It is anticipated that the Portfolio’s use of derivatives will be consistent with its overall investment strategy of obtaining and managing exposure to various asset classes. Because the Sub-Adviser will use derivatives to manage the Portfolio’s exposure to different asset classes, the Portfolio’s use of derivatives may be substantial. The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may involve the use of leverage because the Portfolio is not required to invest the full market value of the contract upon entering into the contract but participates in gains and losses on the full contract price. In addition, the Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may involve the use of leverage because the heightened price sensitivity of some derivatives to market changes may magnify the Portfolio’s gain or loss. It is not generally expected, however, that the Portfolio
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will be leveraged by borrowing money for investment purposes. The Portfolio may maintain a significant percentage of its assets in cash and cash equivalent instruments, some of which may serve as margin or collateral for the Portfolio’s obligations under derivative transactions.
The Portfolio may invest in other investment companies, including ETFs, in seeking to carry out the Portfolio’s investment strategies. Such investments may include investment companies sponsored or managed by the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates. The Portfolio also may invest its uninvested cash in high-quality, short-term debt securities, including high-quality money market instruments, and also may invest uninvested cash in money market funds, including money market funds managed by the Adviser and its affiliates. The Portfolio’s holdings may be frequently adjusted to reflect the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of changing risks, which could result in high portfolio turnover.
The Portfolio may also lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
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Large-Cap Company Risk Larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Mid-Cap, Small-Cap and Micro-Cap Company RiskMid-cap, small-cap and micro-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap and micro-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Investment Grade Securities RiskSecurities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Interest Rate RiskChanges in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
U.S. Government Securities RiskAlthough the Portfolio may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Portfolio itself and do not guarantee the market prices of the securities. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or other agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government may decline in value as a result of, among other
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things, changes in interest rates, political events in the United States, international developments, including strained relations with foreign countries, and changes in the credit rating of, or investor perceptions regarding the creditworthiness of, the U.S. government. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury involve greater credit risk than investments in other types of U.S. government securities.
Derivatives RiskThe Portfolio's investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio's ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign
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exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Sector RiskFrom time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Cash Management RiskUpon entering into certain derivatives contracts, such as futures contracts, and to maintain open positions in certain derivatives contracts, the Portfolio may be required to post collateral for the contract, the amount of which may vary. In addition, the Portfolio may maintain cash and cash equivalent positions as part of the Portfolio’s strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, to manage the Portfolio’s market exposure, and for other portfolio management purposes. As such, the Portfolio may maintain cash balances, which may be significant, with counterparties such as the Trust’s custodian or its affiliates. Maintaining larger cash and cash equivalent positions could negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance due to missed investment opportunities and may also subject the Portfolio to additional risks, such as increased credit risk with respect to the custodian bank holding the assets and the risk that a counterparty may be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations.
Convertible Securities RiskA convertible security is a form of hybrid security; that is, a security with both debt and equity characteristics. The value of a convertible security fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer and also fluctuates in relation to changes in the price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the current market price of the security. If a convertible security held by the Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Convertible securities are subject to equity risk, interest rate risk and credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. Lower quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock.
Counterparty RiskThe Portfolio may sustain a loss as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of, or other non-compliance or non-performance by, another party to a transaction.
Distressed Companies Risk Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower-rated or close to default. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for these securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility, and it may be difficult to value such securities. The Portfolio may lose a substantial portion or all of its investment in such securities. If the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio defaults, the Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on the security. Securities tend to lose much of their value before the issuer defaults.
ETFs RiskThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
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Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Index Strategy Risk The Portfolio may use a synthetic replication process to implement its index strategy, in which the Portfolio relies on derivatives such as swaps and futures designed to provide a return approximating the Index’s return. These derivatives are agreements between the Portfolio and a counterparty to pay the Portfolio the return of the index, subjecting the Portfolio to counterparty risk. There is the risk that (i) the performance of derivatives related to an index may not correlate with the performance of the Index and will be reduced by transaction costs or other aspects of the transaction’s pricing; (ii) the Portfolio may not be able to find counterparties willing to enter into derivative transactions whose returns are based on the return of the Index or find parties who are willing to do so at an acceptable cost or level of risk to the Portfolio; and (iii) errors may arise in carrying out the Index’s methodology, or the Index provider may incorrectly report information concerning the Index. Additionally, in cases where derivatives may be unavailable, the Portfolio may attempt to replicate the Index’s return by purchasing some or all of the securities comprising the Index. If the Portfolio invests directly in the securities comprising the Index, those assets will be unavailable for other investments. The Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the Index. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match that of the Index.
Inflation-Indexed Bonds RiskInflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to inflation. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, inflation-indexed bonds, including Treasury inflation-indexed securities, decline in value when real interest rates rise and rise in value when real interest rates decline. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed bonds may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar durations. Interest payments on inflation-indexed debt securities can be unpredictable and may vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. In periods of deflation, the Portfolio may have no income at all from such investments.
Inverse Floaters RiskInverse floaters are securities with a floating or variable rate of interest. Inverse floaters have interest rates that tend to move in the opposite direction as the specified market rates or indices, and may exhibit substantially greater price volatility than fixed rate obligations having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity. Inverse floaters typically involve leverage, which can magnify the Portfolio's losses.
Investment Style RiskThe Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — in this case, both “growth” and “value” styles — to select investments. Those styles may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks. Growth investing also is subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Portfolio, regardless of movements in the securities market. Growth stocks also tend to be more volatile than value stocks, so in a declining market their prices may decrease more than value stocks in general. Growth stocks also may increase the volatility of the Portfolio's share price. Value stocks are subject to the risks that, notwithstanding that a stock is selling at a discount to its perceived true worth, the stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced at the time of investment.
Leveraging RiskWhen the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be
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costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Loan RiskLoan interests are subject to liquidity risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, the risk of subordination to other creditors, restrictions on resale, and the lack of a regular trading market and publicly available information. Loan interests may be difficult to value and may have extended trade settlement periods. As a result, the proceeds from the sale of a loan may not be available to make additional investments or to meet redemption obligations until potentially a substantial period after the sale of the loan. The extended trade settlement periods could force the Portfolio to liquidate other securities to meet redemptions and may present a risk that the Portfolio may incur losses in order to timely honor redemptions. There is a risk that the value of any collateral securing a loan in which the Portfolio has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the loan. In the event the borrower defaults, the Portfolio's access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Portfolio, therefore may not have the benefit of the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in loan participations and assignments, it is subject to the risk that the financial institution acting as agent for all interests in a loan might fail financially. It is also possible that the Portfolio could be held liable, or may be called upon to fulfill other obligations, as a co-lender.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Portfolio Turnover RiskHigh portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to the Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return.
Preferred Stock Risk Preferred stock is subject to many of the risks associated with debt securities, including interest rate risk. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. In certain situations an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities.
Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities Risk Restricted securities, which include privately placed securities, are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to the Portfolio. The risk that securities may not be sold for the price at which the Portfolio is carrying them is greater with respect to restricted securities than it is with respect to registered securities. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing the Portfolio's net asset value.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio 73

income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risks of Investing in Other Investment CompaniesA Portfolio that invests in other investment companies will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by those investment companies, in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio's net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the other investment companies in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the other investment companies invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will depend, to a significant degree, on the ability of the other investment companies to meet their objectives.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio invests. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Performance information for the periods prior to the Portfolio’s restructuring on May 1, 2017 is that of the Portfolio when it was managed by EIM as a fund-of-funds and had different investment policies and strategies.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
13.99%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-10.94%
2020 1st Quarter
74 1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio


Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio - Class IB Shares
10.10
9.09
7.10
08/29/2012
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio - Class K Shares
10.42
9.36
7.37
08/29/2012
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
15.86
12.62
10.87
 
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.20
 
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.54
3.57
2.73
 
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
August 2012
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
August 2012
Sub-Adviser: DoubleLine Capital LP (“DoubleLine” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Jeffrey E. Gundlach
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Investment Officer of DoubleLine
May 2017
Jeffrey Sherman
Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio
Manager of DoubleLine
May 2020
Emidio Checcone
Portfolio Manager of DoubleLine
May 2020
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio 75

redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
76 1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio

1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks the highest total return over time consistent with its asset mix while managing portfolio volatility.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.70%
0.70%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.23%
0.23%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.06%
0.06%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.24%
0.99%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement2
(0.14)%
(0.14)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.10%
0.85%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses (including Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.10% for Class IB shares and 0.85% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$112
$380
$668
$1,488
Class K Shares
$87
$301
$533
$1,200
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 7% of the average value of its portfolio.
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Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in exchange-traded securities of other investment companies or investment vehicles (“Underlying ETFs”) and/or futures contracts that provide exposure to equity and fixed income markets. The Portfolio’s current target allocation for long-term investments is approximately 60% of its assets in equity investments and approximately 40% of its assets in fixed income investments, through investments in Underlying ETFs and/or futures contracts. The Portfolio may from time to time make tactical increases or decreases beyond these target allocations based on momentum factors to determine the relative attractiveness of equity and fixed income asset classes. This means at any time the Portfolio’s asset mix may differ from the target allocations. Momentum is the tendency of investments to exhibit persistence in their performance. When momentum deteriorates, the Adviser may reduce the Portfolio’s exposure to a particular asset class.
The Adviser targets an equity allocation of approximately 60% of its assets in Underlying ETFs and/or futures contracts that provide exposure to U.S. large, mid and small cap stocks and foreign developed markets securities. The Portfolio’s current target is to invest approximately the following percentages of its assets in Underlying ETFs and/or futures contracts that provide exposure to the following equity asset categories: U.S. Large Cap (35%), U.S. Mid Cap (5%), U.S. Small Cap (2%), and International Developed (18%). The allocations among the equity asset categories may be changed by the Adviser without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser will periodically rebalance the Portfolio’s allocations among the equity asset categories to maintain the desired exposure to each asset category. The Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests may be invested in securities denominated in any currency.
The Adviser targets a fixed income allocation of approximately 40% of its assets in Underlying ETFs that invest in corporate debt securities and U.S. interest rate futures contracts, to create a fixed income allocation with a risk and return profile similar to that of the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index, which is an unmanaged index that includes U.S. dollar-denominated, investment-grade, fixed-rate, taxable securities issued by industrial, utility and financial companies, with maturities between 5 and 10 years. An Underlying ETF’s investments may include fixed coupon bonds, step-up bonds, bonds with sinking funds, medium term notes, callable and putable bonds, and 144A bonds.
The Adviser selects the Underlying ETFs in which to invest the Portfolio’s assets. The Underlying ETFs are investment companies or other investment vehicles whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, an Underlying ETF seeks to track a securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An index-based Underlying ETF generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such securities). Accordingly, an index-based Underlying ETF is designed so that its performance, before fees and expenses, will correspond closely with that of the index it seeks to track. Underlying ETFs also may be actively managed.
In selecting Underlying ETFs, the Adviser will utilize a proprietary investment process that may take into consideration a number of factors including, as appropriate and applicable, fund performance, management team, investment style, correlations, asset class exposure, industry classification, benchmark, risk adjusted return, volatility, expense ratio, asset size and portfolio turnover. For purposes of asset class and asset category target allocations, where an Underlying ETF could be assigned to more than one asset category, the Adviser may, in its discretion, assign an Underlying ETF to one or more asset categories. For purposes of complying with the Portfolio’s investment policies, the Adviser will identify Underlying ETFs in which to invest by reference to such Underlying ETFs’ investment policies at the time of investment. An Underlying ETF that changes its investment policies subsequent to the time of the Portfolio’s investment may continue to be considered an appropriate investment for purposes of the policy. The Adviser may add new Underlying ETFs or replace or eliminate existing Underlying ETFs without notice or shareholder approval. The Underlying ETFs have been selected to represent a reasonable spectrum of investment options for the Portfolio. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying ETF believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
The Adviser also employs a volatility management strategy that seeks to manage the volatility level of the Portfolio’s returns. Volatility is a statistical measure of the magnitude of changes in the Portfolio’s returns. A higher volatility level generally indicates higher risk and often results in more frequent and sometimes significant changes in the Portfolio’s returns. To implement this volatility management strategy, the Adviser will monitor realized volatility of the Portfolio’s returns, placing a greater weight on recent historic data. During periods of heightened realized volatility, the Adviser will attempt to lower volatility by selling Underlying ETFs, by closing existing long exchange-traded equity index futures contracts or by investing
78 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio

up to 100% of its target allocation to that category in cash or cash equivalents. During periods of heightened realized volatility, the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its target asset allocation. During such times, the Portfolio’s allocation to equity investments may decrease to 0% and its allocation to fixed income investments and cash instruments may increase to 100%; however, its equity allocation may remain sizeable. In addition, over time the use of a volatility management strategy could result in the Portfolio’s having average exposure to equity investments that is lower than its target allocation. Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in the Portfolio, they may result in periods of underperformance, including during periods when market values are increasing, but market volatility is high. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio seeks to maintain, over an extended period of years, an average annualized volatility in the Portfolio’s daily equity returns of not more than 20%. The magnitude of the changes (or volatility) in the Portfolio’s daily equity returns is measured by standard deviation. The Adviser may determine, in its sole discretion, not to implement the volatility management strategy or to allocate the Portfolio’s assets in a manner different than the target allocations described above for various reasons including, but not limited to, if the volatility management strategy would result in de minimis trades or result in excess trading due to expected flows into or out of the Portfolio, or in connection with market events and conditions and other circumstances as determined by the Adviser. The Portfolio may maintain sizeable equity exposure during times of heightened volatility if in the Adviser’s judgment such equity exposure is warranted to produce better risk-adjusted returns over time. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products.
In pursuing its investment objectives, the Portfolio may also invest in derivatives for the efficient management of the Portfolio (including to enhance returns), to implement the volatility management strategy, or for the hedging of certain market risks. It is anticipated that the Portfolio’s derivative instruments will consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded equity and fixed income futures contracts. The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may be deemed to involve the use of leverage because the Portfolio is not required to invest the full market value of the contract upon entering into the contract but participates in gains and losses on the full contract price. The use of derivatives also may be deemed to involve the use of leverage because the heightened price sensitivity of some derivatives to market changes may magnify the Portfolio’s gain or loss. It is not generally expected, however, that the Portfolio will be leveraged by borrowing money for investment purposes.
From time to time or potentially for extended periods of time in periods of continued market distress, the Portfolio may maintain a considerable percentage of its total assets in cash and cash equivalent instruments, including money market funds, as margin or collateral for the Portfolio’s obligations under derivative transactions, to implement the volatility management strategy, and for other portfolio management purposes. The larger the value of the Portfolio’s derivative positions, as opposed to positions held in non-derivative instruments, the more the Portfolio will be required to maintain cash and cash equivalents as margin or collateral for such derivatives.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying ETFs; please see the Underlying ETFs section of the Portfolio's Prospectus, and the prospectuses and statements of additional information for the Underlying ETFs for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio 79

Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Volatility Management Risk The Adviser from time to time may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to the Portfolio’s asset mix (such as by using ETFs or futures and options to manage equity exposure) in managing the Portfolio. Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in the Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by the Portfolio or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when the Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of the Portfolio’s volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of the Portfolio’s volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the Portfolio’s volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose the Portfolio to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose the Portfolio to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by the Portfolio to hedge the value of the Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent the Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause the Portfolio to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques may not protect against market declines and may limit the Portfolio’s participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in the Portfolio, may result in underperformance by the Portfolio. For example, if the Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. The Portfolio’s performance may be lower than the performance of similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
80 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio

Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying ETFsThe Portfolio's shareholders will indirectly bear the fees and expenses paid by the Underlying ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio's performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. The Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio's performance. The Portfolio's net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying ETFs are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying ETFs that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an Underlying ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio's investment in the Underlying ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio's assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying ETF, which will vary.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Cash Management RiskUpon entering into certain derivatives contracts, such as futures contracts, and to maintain open positions in certain derivatives contracts, the Portfolio may be required to post collateral for the contract, the amount of which may vary. In addition, the Portfolio may maintain cash and cash equivalent positions as part of the Portfolio’s strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, to manage the Portfolio’s market exposure, and for other portfolio management purposes. As such, the Portfolio may maintain cash balances, which may be significant, with counterparties such as the Trust’s custodian or its affiliates. Maintaining larger cash and cash equivalent positions could negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance due to missed investment opportunities and may also subject the Portfolio to additional risks, such as increased credit risk with respect to the custodian bank holding the assets and the risk that a counterparty may be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations.
Derivatives RiskThe Portfolio's investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio 81

techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio's ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Geographic Concentration RiskTo the extent the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies domiciled, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity, in one country or geographic region, it assumes the risk that economic, political, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or region will have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s investment performance and that the Portfolio’s performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds.
Futures Contract Risk The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also
82 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio

may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Leveraging RiskWhen the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Momentum RiskMomentum entails investing more in securities that have recently had higher total returns and investing less in securities that have recently had lower total returns. These securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities, and momentum may be an indicator that a security’s price is peaking. Momentum can turn quickly, and utilizing momentum as a factor in the investment analysis process can cause significant variation from other types of investment strategies. The Portfolio may experience significant losses if a security’s momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
New Portfolio Risk The Portfolio is newly or recently established and has limited operating history. The Portfolio may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and there can be no assurance that the Portfolio will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, which could result in the Portfolio being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Until the Portfolio is fully capitalized, it may be unable to pursue its investment objective or execute its principal investment strategies.
Redemption RiskThe Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
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Short Position RiskThe Portfolio may engage in short sales and may enter into derivative contracts that have a similar economic effect (e.g., taking a short position in a futures contract). The Portfolio will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the asset sold short increases between the date of the short position sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks that could cause or increase losses or reduce gains, including greater reliance on the investment adviser’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument, potentially higher transaction costs, and imperfect correlation between the actual and desired level of exposure. Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, particularly in cases where the Portfolio is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position, because the Portfolio may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. In addition, by investing the proceeds received from selling securities short, the Portfolio could be deemed to be employing a form of leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Portfolio’s net asset value because it increases the Portfolio’s exposure to the market and may increase losses and the volatility of returns. Market or other factors may prevent the Portfolio from closing out a short position at the most desirable time or at a favorable price.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
After the close of business on March 22, 2021, operations for Class K ceased and shares of seed capital were fully redeemed.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
9.47%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-14.07%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio - Class IB Shares
12.51
11.19
02/01/2019
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
12.46
14.32
 
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
23.61
 
Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.52
6.56
 
84 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio

Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
February 2019
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
February 2019
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
February 2019
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
February 2019
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
February 2019
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve a total return before expenses that approximates the total return performance of the Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid Bond Index, including reinvestment of dividends, at a risk level consistent with that of the Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid Bond Index.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee1
0.50%
0.50%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.46%
0.46%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.06%
0.06%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses1
1.27%
1.02%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1,2
(0.31)%
(0.31)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
0.96%
0.71%
1
Expenses have been restated to reflect current fees in connection with the Portfolio's restructuring as a portfolio that pursues an index strategy.
2
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 0.90% for Class IB shares and 0.65% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$98
$372
$667
$1,507
Class K Shares
$73
$294
$533
$1,220
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 209% of the average value of its portfolio.
86 1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a diversified portfolio of convertible securities. A convertible security is generally a bond, preferred stock or other security that may be converted within a specified period of time and at a pre-stated price or formula into common stock of the same or a different issuer.
The Portfolio uses a strategy that is commonly referred to as an indexing strategy. In seeking to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objective, the Sub-Adviser generally will employ a sampling strategy to build a portfolio whose broad characteristics match those of the Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid Bond Index (the “Index”), which means that the Portfolio is not required to purchase all of the securities represented in the Index. Instead, the Portfolio may purchase a subset of the securities in the Index in an effort to hold a portfolio of securities with generally the same risk and return characteristics of the Index. The quantity of holdings in the Portfolio will be based on a number of factors, including the asset size of the Portfolio. Based on its analysis of these factors, the Sub-Adviser may either invest the Portfolio’s assets in a subset of securities in the Index or invest the Portfolio’s assets in substantially all of the securities represented in the Index in approximately the same proportions as the Index, as determined by the Sub-Adviser to be in the best interest of the Portfolio in pursuing its objective. The Portfolio may not track the performance of the Index due to differences in individual securities holdings, expenses and transaction costs, the size and frequency of cash flow into and out of the Portfolio, and differences between how and when the Portfolio and the Index are valued. The Portfolio generally will be broadly diversified across companies and industries.
The Index is designed to represent the market of U.S. convertible securities, such as convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock. Convertible bonds are bonds that can be exchanged, at the option of the holder or issuer, for a specific number of shares of the issuer’s equity securities. Convertible preferred stock is preferred stock that includes an option for the holder to convert to common stock. The Index components are a subset of issues in the Bloomberg Convertible Composite Index. To be included in the Index, a security must meet the following requirements: (i) have an issue amount of at least $350 million and a par amount outstanding of at least $250 million; (ii) be a non-called, non-defaulted security; (iii) have at least 31 days until maturity; (iv) be U.S. dollar denominated; and (v) be a registered or a convertible tranche issued under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Index may include investment grade, below investment grade and unrated securities, and may include distressed securities. The Portfolio may invest in distressed securities to the same extent as the Index. If the Index removes a security due to default, the Portfolio may not be able to dispose of the security or sell it at an advantageous time or price. The securities of small- and mid-cap issuers may comprise a significant percentage of the securities in the Index. The Index is rebalanced on a monthly basis on the last business day of the month. As of December 31, 2021, there were 310 securities in the Index. The Index is sponsored by Bloomberg Index Services Limited (the “Index Provider”), which is not affiliated with the Portfolio or the Adviser. The Index Provider determines the composition of the Index and relative weightings of the securities in the Index using a capitalization weighting approach, and publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.
The Portfolio also may invest in: (1) common stock, non-convertible preferred stock and other equity instruments; (2) debt securities that are not included in the Index; and (3) cash or short-term money market instruments, including certificates of deposit, commercial paper, U.S. Government securities and other income-producing cash equivalents. The Portfolio also may invest up to 10% of its assets in exchange-traded funds that invest in convertible securities.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions,
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio 87

inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Convertible Securities Risk A convertible security is a form of hybrid security; that is, a security with both debt and equity characteristics. The value of a convertible security fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer and also fluctuates in relation to changes in the price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the current market price of the security. If a convertible security held by the Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Convertible securities are subject to equity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. Lower quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. To the extent the Portfolio invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it also will be subject to the risks of investing in these companies.  The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile and less liquid than the securities of larger companies.  Convertible securities are normally “junior” securities, which means an issuer usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities.  If an issuer stops making interest or principal payments, these securities may become worthless and the Portfolio could lose its entire investment.  In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities may be paid before the company’s common stock holders but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Interest Rate RiskChanges in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are
88 1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio

usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company Risk Mid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Index Strategy Risk The Portfolio employs an index strategy and generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in market trends or the economy, which means that the Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, the Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match that of the relevant index. To the extent the Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index.
Sector RiskFrom time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Cash Management RiskThe Portfolio may maintain cash and cash equivalent positions as part of the Portfolio’s strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, to manage the Portfolio’s market exposure, and for other portfolio management purposes. As such, the Portfolio may maintain cash balances, which may be significant, with counterparties such as the Trust’s custodian or its affiliates. Maintaining larger cash and cash equivalent positions could negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance due to missed investment opportunities and may also subject the Portfolio to additional risks, such as increased credit risk with respect to the custodian bank holding the assets and the risk that a counterparty may be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations.
Distressed Companies Risk Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower-rated or close to default. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for these securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility, and it may be difficult to value such securities. The Portfolio may lose a substantial portion or all of its investment in such securities. If the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio defaults, the Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on the security. Securities tend to lose much of their value before the issuer defaults.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio 89

or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
Large Transaction Risk A significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Preferred Stock RiskPreferred stock is subject to many of the risks associated with debt securities, including interest rate risk. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. In certain situations an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities Risk Restricted securities, which include privately placed securities, are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Before they are registered, such securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to the Portfolio. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent restricted securities held by the Portfolio qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Portfolio likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Portfolio’s illiquidity. The Adviser or Sub-Adviser may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Where registration of a security is required, the Portfolio may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time the Portfolio desires to sell (and therefore decides to seek registration of) the security, and the time the Portfolio may be permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Portfolio might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it desired to sell. The risk that securities may not be sold for the price at which the Portfolio is carrying them is greater with respect to restricted securities than it is with respect to registered securities. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing the Portfolio's net asset value.
90 1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio

Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Prior to June 23, 2021, the Portfolio had a different investment objective, had different investment policies and strategies, and was managed by a different sub-adviser. Effective June 23, 2021, the Portfolio pursues an index strategy. If the Portfolio had been managed historically using its current investment policies and strategy, the performance of the Portfolio would have been different.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
23.71%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-13.21%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio - Class IB Shares
1.04
13.77
10.21
10/28/2013
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio - Class K Shares
1.25
14.04
10.48
10/28/2013
Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid Bond Index1 (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
3.07
17.61
13.30
 
ICE BofA US Convertible Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
6.34
16.87
12.67
 
1
Effective June 23, 2021, the Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid Bond Index replaced the ICE BofA US Convertible Index as the Portfolio’s benchmark because the Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid Bond Index better reflects the Portfolio’s investment universe.
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Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
October 2013
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
October 2013
Sub-Adviser: SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Michael Brunell, CFA®
Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of
SSGA FM
June 2021
Christopher DiStefano
Vice President and Portfolio Manager of SSGA
FM
June 2021
Frank Miethe, CFA®
Vice President and Portfolio Manager of SSGA
FM
June 2021
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
92 1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio

PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.16%
0.16%
0.16%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.03%
0.03%
0.03%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.34%
1.34%
1.09%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.06)%
(0.06)%
(0.06)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.28%
1.28%
1.03%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.25% for Class IA and IB shares and 1.00% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$130
$419
$728
$1,607
Class IB Shares
$130
$419
$728
$1,607
Class K Shares
$105
$341
$595
$1,323
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 190% of the average value of its portfolio.
94 1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests primarily in arbitrage opportunities by investing in equity securities of companies that are involved in publicly announced mergers, takeovers, tender offers, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, liquidations and other corporate re-organizations and in equity securities of companies that the Sub-Adviser believes are likely acquisition targets within 12 to 18 months. When a company agrees to be acquired by another company, its stock price often quickly rises to just below the stated acquisition price. If the Sub-Adviser determines that the acquisition is likely to be consummated on schedule at the stated acquisition price, then the Portfolio may purchase (if it does not already hold) or increase its investment in the selling company’s securities, offering the Portfolio the possibility of generous returns in excess of the return on cash equivalents with a limited risk of excessive loss of capital. At times, the stock of the acquiring company may also be purchased or shorted. The Portfolio may hold a significant portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents in anticipation of arbitrage opportunities.
The Portfolio may invest in companies of any size and from time to time may invest in companies with small, mid, and large market capitalizations. The Portfolio generally invests in securities of U.S. companies, but also may invest up to 20% of its assets in foreign securities, including those in emerging markets.
The Portfolio intends to invest primarily in common stocks, but it may also invest in other securities that the Sub-Adviser believes provide opportunities for capital appreciation, such as preferred stocks and warrants. It is expected that the Portfolio will engage in active or frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its investment objective. In this connection, it is expected that the Portfolio may have a portfolio turnover rate of 150% or more.
In choosing investments, the Sub-Adviser searches for the best values on securities that it believes have the potential to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objective of capital appreciation. In seeking to identify companies that are likely to be acquisition targets, the Sub-Adviser considers, among other things, consolidation trends within particular industries, whether a particular industry or company is undergoing a fundamental change or restructuring, the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of the “private market value” of individual companies and the potential for an event or catalyst to occur that enhances a company’s underlying value. The “private market value” of a company is the value that the Sub-Adviser believes informed investors would be willing to pay to acquire the entire company. The Sub-Adviser seeks to limit excessive risk of capital loss by utilizing various investment strategies, including investing in value oriented equity securities that should trade at a significant discount to the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of their private market value.
In evaluating arbitrage opportunities with respect to companies involved in publicly announced mergers or other corporate restructurings, the Sub-Adviser seeks to acquire target companies at a rate of return that provides compensation for assuming deal completion risk. Since such investments are ordinarily short-term in nature, they will tend to increase the turnover rate of the Portfolio, thereby increasing its brokerage and other transaction expenses. The Sub-Adviser may sell a security for a variety of reasons, such as when the security is selling in the public market at or near the Sub-Adviser’s estimate of its private market value or if the catalyst expected to happen fails to materialize.
The Portfolio may invest its uninvested cash in high-quality, short-term debt securities, including repurchase agreements and high-quality money market instruments, and also may invest uninvested cash in money market funds, including money market funds managed by the Adviser. Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions,
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio 95

inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Special Situations Risk The Portfolio may seek to benefit from “special situations,” such as mergers, consolidations, bankruptcies, liquidations, reorganizations, restructurings, tender or exchange offers or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. In general, securities of companies which are the subject of a tender or exchange offer or a merger, consolidation, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or restructuring proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the transaction. However, it is possible that the value of securities of a company involved in such a transaction will not rise and in fact may fall, in which case the Portfolio would lose money. It is also possible that the transaction may not be completed as anticipated or may take an excessive amount of time to be completed, in which case the Portfolio may not realize any premium on its investment and could lose money if the value of the securities declines during the Portfolio’s holding period. In some circumstances, the securities purchased may be illiquid making it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them at an advantageous price.
Cash Management RiskThe Portfolio may maintain cash and cash equivalent positions as part of the Portfolio’s strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, to manage the Portfolio’s market exposure, and for other portfolio management purposes. As such, the Portfolio may maintain cash balances, which may be significant, with counterparties such as the Trust’s custodian or its affiliates. Maintaining larger cash and cash equivalent positions could negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance due to missed investment opportunities and may also subject the Portfolio to additional risks, such as increased credit risk with respect to the custodian bank holding the assets and the risk that a counterparty may be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations.
Cash may be invested in institutional money market funds. An institutional money market fund does not maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share; rather the fund’s net asset value fluctuates with changes in the values of the securities in which the fund invests, and the fund's shares may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. An institutional money market fund may impose a fee upon the redemption of fund shares or may temporarily suspend the ability to redeem shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors.
Focused Portfolio RiskThe Portfolio may employ a strategy of investing in the securities of a limited number of companies. As a result, the Portfolio may incur more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on the Portfolio’s net asset value. A portfolio using such a focused investment strategy may experience greater performance volatility than a portfolio that is more broadly invested.
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Portfolio Turnover Risk High portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to the Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Large-Cap Company Risk Larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also
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may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Money Market RiskAlthough a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund’s investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund’s yield and can cause the price of a money market security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation. Money market funds are subject to specific rules that affect the manner in which money market funds are structured and operated and may impact a money market fund’s expenses, operations, returns and liquidity. A low- or negative-interest rate environment may prevent a money market fund from providing a positive yield, and could negatively impact a money market fund’s ability to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share.
Preferred Stock RiskPreferred stock is subject to many of the risks associated with debt securities, including interest rate risk. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. In certain situations an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities.
Sector RiskFrom time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may have significant positions in one or more sectors of the market. To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index shows how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of another index that has characteristics relevant to the Portfolio’s investment strategies. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
98 1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio

Best quarter (% and time period)
8.09%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-18.99%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio - Class IA Shares
11.36
3.81
4.69
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio - Class IB Shares
11.34
3.81
4.69
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio - Class K Shares
11.65
4.08
4.96
S&P Long-Only Merger Arbitrage Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
4.05
4.41
4.20
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
May 2011
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2009
Sub-Adviser: GAMCO Asset Management, Inc. (“GAMCO” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Manager:The individual primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio is:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Mario J. Gabelli
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment
Officer of Value Portfolios of GAMCO
May 2003
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
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TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
100 1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio

1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.50%
0.50%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
1.33%
1.26%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.49%
0.49%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
2.57%
2.25%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1,2
(0.98)%
(0.91)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.59%
1.34%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.10% for Class IB shares and 0.85% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
2
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement information has been restated to reflect the current Expense Limitation Arrangement.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$162
$706
$1,278
$2,832
Class K Shares
$136
$616
$1,122
$2,514
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 61% of the average value of its portfolio.
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Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in exchange-traded securities of other investment companies or investment vehicles (“Underlying ETFs”) comprising various asset categories and strategies. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio allocates substantially all of its assets to Underlying ETFs that invest primarily in non-traditional (alternative) asset categories and strategies. The Portfolio seeks to invest its assets among the Underlying ETFs to achieve a diversified exposure across multiple alternative asset categories and strategies. The Portfolio’s weightings in these alternative asset categories and strategies are determined by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser” or “EIM”), the Portfolio’s investment adviser. In considering the weightings to be allocated to each alternative asset category and strategy, the Adviser may consider, among other things, momentum factors to determine the relative attractiveness of each asset category and strategy. Momentum is the tendency of investments to exhibit persistence in their performance. When momentum deteriorates, the Adviser may reduce the Portfolio’s exposure to a particular asset category or strategy.
The alternative asset categories and strategies of the Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio currently may invest are as follows:
Commodities
Convertible Securities
Event Driven
Global Real Estate
Long/Short Equity
Managed Futures
Real Return
The percentage of the Portfolio’s assets exposed to an alternative asset category or strategy will vary from time to time, and the Portfolio may not invest in all of the alternative asset categories or strategies listed. In addition, the Adviser may allocate the Portfolio’s assets to additional alternative asset categories and strategies in the future.
Alternative investments are alternatives to traditional equity (stocks) or fixed income (bonds and cash) investments. Alternative investments have the potential to enhance portfolio diversification and reduce overall portfolio volatility because these investments may not have a strong correlation (relationship) to one another or to traditional market indexes. Alternative investments use a different approach to investing than do traditional investments. This approach may involve, for example, holding both long and short positions in securities or using derivatives or hedging strategies. Many alternative investment strategies are designed to help reduce the role of overall market direction in determining return.
The Underlying ETFs are investment companies or other investment vehicles whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, an Underlying ETF seeks to track a securities or commodity index or a basket of securities or commodities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Dow Jones, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An index-based Underlying ETF generally holds the same stocks, bonds or other assets as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such securities or assets). Accordingly, an index-based Underlying ETF is designed so that its performance, before fees and expenses, will correspond with that of the index it seeks to track. Underlying ETFs also may be actively managed.
The Adviser selects the Underlying ETFs in which to invest the Portfolio’s assets. In selecting Underlying ETFs, the Adviser will utilize a proprietary investment process that may take into consideration a number of factors including, as appropriate and applicable, fund performance, management team, investment style, correlations, asset class exposure, industry classification, benchmark, risk adjusted return, volatility, expense ratio, asset size and portfolio turnover. For purposes of asset class and asset category target allocations, where an Underlying ETF could be assigned to more than one asset category, the Adviser may, in its discretion, assign an Underlying ETF to one or more asset categories.
For purposes of complying with the Portfolio’s investment policies, the Adviser will identify Underlying ETFs in which to invest by reference to such Underlying ETFs’ investment policies at the time of investment. An Underlying ETF that changes its investment policies subsequent to the time of the Portfolio’s investment may continue to be considered an appropriate investment for purposes of the policy. The Adviser may add new Underlying ETFs or replace or eliminate existing Underlying ETFs without notice or shareholder approval. The Underlying ETFs have been selected to represent a reasonable spectrum of investment options for the Portfolio. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest
102 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio

in an Underlying ETF believed to offer superior investment opportunities. The Portfolio may hold cash or invest in short-term paper and other short-term investments (instead of allocating investments to an Underlying ETF) as deemed appropriate by the Adviser.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the Underlying ETFs’ investments; please see the “Information Regarding the Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the prospectuses and statements of additional information for the Underlying ETFs for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Alternative Investment Risk To the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying ETFs that invest in alternative investments, it will be subject to the risks associated with such investments. Alternative investments may involve a different approach to investing than do traditional investments (such as equity or fixed income investments) and the performance of alternative investments is not expected to correlate closely with more traditional investments; however, it is possible that alternative investments will decline in value along with equity or fixed income markets, or both, or that they may not otherwise perform as expected. Alternative investments may have different characteristics and risks than do traditional investments, can be highly volatile, may be less liquid, particularly in periods of stress, and may be more complex and less transparent than traditional investments. Alternative investments also may have more complicated tax considerations than traditional investments. The use of alternative investments may not achieve the desired effect and may result in losses to the Portfolio.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The
1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio 103

Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Commodity Risk Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, and changes in those markets may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The commodities markets may fluctuate widely based on a variety of factors including changes in overall market movements, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in exchange rates, domestic or foreign interest rates or inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, and trading activities in commodities. The prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors such as drought, floods and weather, pandemics, livestock disease, and embargoes, tariffs and regulatory developments. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions. Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers. As a result, political, economic and supply-related events in such countries could have a disproportionate impact on the prices of such commodities. Securities of companies that are dependent on a single commodity, or are concentrated in a single commodity sector, may exhibit even higher volatility attributable to commodity prices. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Portfolio to sell or realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments.
Momentum RiskMomentum entails investing more in securities that have recently had higher total returns and investing less in securities that have recently had lower total returns. These securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities, and momentum may be an indicator that a security’s price is peaking. Momentum can turn quickly, and utilizing momentum as a factor in the investment analysis process can cause significant variation from other types of investment strategies. The Portfolio may experience significant losses if a security’s momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
Inflation-Indexed Bonds Risk Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to inflation. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, inflation-indexed bonds, including Treasury inflation-indexed securities, decline in value when real interest rates rise and rise in value when real interest rates decline. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed bonds may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar durations. Interest payments on inflation-indexed debt securities can be unpredictable and may vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. In periods of deflation, the Portfolio may have no income at all from such investments.
Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying ETFsThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear the fees and expenses paid by the Underlying ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. The Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying ETFs are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying ETFs that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions
104 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio

that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an Underlying ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the Underlying ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying ETF, which will vary.
Short Position RiskThe Portfolio may engage in short sales and may enter into derivative contracts that have a similar economic effect (e.g., taking a short position in a futures contract). The Portfolio will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the asset sold short increases between the date of the short position sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks that could cause or increase losses or reduce gains, including greater reliance on the investment adviser’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument, potentially higher transaction costs, and imperfect correlation between the actual and desired level of exposure. Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, particularly in cases where the Portfolio is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position, because the Portfolio may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. In addition, by investing the proceeds received from selling securities short, the Portfolio could be deemed to be employing a form of leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Portfolio’s net asset value because it increases the Portfolio’s exposure to the market and may increase losses and the volatility of returns. Market or other factors may prevent the Portfolio from closing out a short position at the most desirable time or at a favorable price.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Interest Rate RiskChanges in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Convertible Securities RiskA convertible security is a form of hybrid security; that is, a security with both debt and equity characteristics. The value of a convertible security fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer and also fluctuates in relation to changes in the price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the current market price of the security. If a convertible security held by the Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Convertible securities are subject to equity risk, interest rate risk and credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. Lower quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock.
Counterparty RiskThe Portfolio may sustain a loss as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of, or other non-compliance or non-performance by, another party to a transaction.
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Derivatives RiskThe Portfolio's investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio's ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Futures Contract Risk The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when
106 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio

desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Large Transaction Risk A significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Leveraging RiskWhen the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Real Estate Investing Risk Real estate-related investments may decline in value as a result of factors affecting the overall real estate industry. Real estate is a cyclical business, highly sensitive to supply and demand, general and local economic developments and characterized by intense competition and periodic overbuilding. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values. Losses may occur from casualty or condemnation, and government actions, such as tax law changes, zoning law changes, regulatory limitations on rents, or environmental regulations, also may have a major impact on real estate. The availability of mortgages and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. Changing interest rates and credit quality requirements also will affect the cash flow of real estate companies and their ability to meet capital needs. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values.
Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) generally invest directly in real estate (equity REITs), in mortgages secured by interests in real estate (mortgage REITs) or in some combination of the two (hybrid REITs). Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning
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real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations.
Operating REITs requires specialized management skills, and a portfolio that invests in REITs indirectly bears REIT management and administration expenses along with the direct expenses of the portfolio. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Domestic REITs also must satisfy specific Internal Revenue Code requirements to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of net investment income and net realized gains distributed to shareholders. Failure to meet these requirements may have adverse consequences on the Portfolio. In addition, even the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. Moreover, shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Special Situations Risk The Portfolio may seek to benefit from “special situations,” such as mergers, consolidations, bankruptcies, liquidations, reorganizations, restructurings, tender or exchange offers or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. In general, securities of companies which are the subject of a tender or exchange offer or a merger, consolidation, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or restructuring proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the transaction. However, it is possible that the value of securities of a company involved in such a transaction will not rise and in fact may fall, in which case the Portfolio would lose money. It is also possible that the transaction may not be completed as anticipated or may take an excessive amount of time to be completed, in which case the Portfolio may not realize any premium on its investment and could lose money if the value of the securities declines during the Portfolio’s holding period. In some circumstances, the securities purchased may be illiquid making it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them at an advantageous price.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
7.42%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-12.33%
2020 1st Quarter
108 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio


Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio - Class IB Shares
3.09
2.85
11/13/2017
1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio - Class K Shares
3.22
3.10
11/13/2017
ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
0.05
1.22
 
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
November 2017
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
November 2017
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
November 2017
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
November 2017
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2019
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an
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underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
110 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio

1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.50%
0.50%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses1
0.81%
0.81%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.56%
1.31%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement2
(0.64)%
(0.65)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
0.92%
0.66%
1
Includes interest expense of 0.02%.
2
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses (including Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 0.90% for Class IB shares and 0.65% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$94
$430
$789
$1,802
Class K Shares
$67
$351
$656
$1,522
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.
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Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of domestic and foreign companies within the natural resources sector or in other securities or instruments the value of which is related to the market value of some natural resources asset. Such equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, depositary receipts, rights and warrants. The Portfolio normally invests in companies that are involved directly or indirectly in the exploration, development, production or distribution of natural resources. This includes companies that provide services to use, or may benefit from, developments in the natural resources sector or companies that develop, design or provide products and services significant to a country’s or region’s infrastructure and its future evolution. For these purposes “natural resources” generally include: energy (such as utilities, producers/developers, refiners, service/drilling), alternative energy (such as hydrogen, wind, solar), industrial products (such as building materials, cement, packaging, chemicals, supporting transport and machinery), forest products (such as lumber, pulp, paper), base metals (such as aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, iron ore and steel), precious metals and minerals (such as gold, silver, diamonds), and agricultural products (grains and other foods, seeds, fertilizers, water). The Portfolio is non-diversified, which means that it may invest a greater portion of its assets in the securities of one or more issuers and invests overall in a smaller number of issuers than a diversified portfolio.
The Portfolio seeks to track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the MSCI World Commodity Producers Index with minimal tracking error. This strategy is commonly referred to as an indexing strategy. Generally, the Portfolio uses a full replication technique, although in certain instances a sampling approach may be utilized for a portion of the Portfolio. The Portfolio also may invest in other instruments, such as exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or futures and options contracts, that provide comparable exposure as the index without buying the underlying securities comprising the index. The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its assets in ETFs.
The Portfolio will concentrate its investments in the natural resources group of industries.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
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Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Natural Resources Sector Risk The profitability of companies in the natural resources sector can be adversely affected by worldwide energy prices and other world events, limits on and the success of exploration projects, and production spending. Companies in the natural resources sector also could be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, interest rates or inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in the supply of, or the demand for, natural resources, climate change, imposition of import controls, government regulation and intervention, civil conflict, economic conditions, increased competition, technological developments, and labor relations. In addition, companies in the natural resources sector may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources, such as the risks of mining and oil drilling, and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources, such as natural or man-made disasters, fire, drought, liability for environmental damage claims, and increased regulatory and environmental costs. Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities have historically been very volatile due to various economic, financial, social and political factors and may adversely affect the financial condition of companies involved with precious metals. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on the Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio.
Index Strategy RiskThe Portfolio employs an index strategy and generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in market trends or the economy, which means that the Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, the Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match that of the relevant index. To the extent the Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index.
To the extent that the securities of a limited number of companies represent a significant percentage of the relevant index, the Portfolio may be subject to more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on the Portfolio’s net asset value. To the extent that the companies represented in the index are concentrated in particular sectors or industries, the Portfolio will be subject to investment concentration risk. The Portfolio may experience greater performance volatility than a portfolio that seeks to track the performance of an index that is more broadly diversified.
Non-Diversified Portfolio RiskThe Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Portfolio’s performance may be more vulnerable to changes in market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.
Energy Sector Risk The energy markets have experienced significant volatility in recent periods. The energy sector is cyclical and highly dependent on commodities prices. The market values of companies in the energy sector may fluctuate widely and could be adversely affected by, among other factors, the levels and volatility of global energy prices, commodity price volatility, energy supply and demand, changes in exchange rates and interest rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, capital expenditures on and the success of exploration and production, depletion of resources, development of alternative energy sources and energy conservation efforts, technological developments, cybersecurity incidents, tax treatment, labor relations, and the economic growth and stability of the key energy-consuming countries. Companies in this sector are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings, and a significant portion of their revenues depends on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. Energy companies may also operate in or engage in transactions involving countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse policies. Energy companies also face a significant risk of liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental mishaps, equipment malfunctions or mishandling of materials and a risk of loss from terrorism, political strife, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on the Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio 113

and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio's investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio's ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend
114 1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio

on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
Large Transaction Risk A significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Sector RiskTo the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Securities Lending Risk The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
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The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
23.23%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-38.98%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio - Class IB Shares
30.04
3.26
0.30
02/08/2013
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio - Class K Shares
30.32
3.51
0.54
02/08/2013
MSCI World Commodity Producers (Net) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes,
except foreign withholding taxes)
31.78
3.88
0.79
 
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
February 2013
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
February 2013
Sub-Adviser: AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Joshua Lisser
Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer,
Index Strategies of AllianceBernstein
February 2013
Katherine Robertson, CFA®
Portfolio Manager, Index Strategies of
AllianceBernstein
January 2022
Geoff Tomlinson, CFA®
Portfolio Manager, Index Strategies of
AllianceBernstein
January 2022
116 1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio

The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.50%
0.50%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.48%
0.48%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.23%
0.98%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement1
(0.33)%
(0.33)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
0.90%
0.65%
1
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 0.90% for Class IB shares and 0.65% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$92
$358
$644
$1,460
Class K Shares
$66
$279
$510
$1,171
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio 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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 25% of the average value of its portfolio.
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Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of companies in the real estate industry, including real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and derivative instruments that provide exposure to the real estate industry. For purposes of this Portfolio, “equity securities” may include common stocks, preferred stocks, depositary receipts, and rights and warrants. REITs are companies that own interests in real estate or in real estate-related loans or other interests and their revenue primarily consists of rent derived from owned, income producing real estate properties and capital gains from the sale of such properties. The Portfolio also may invest in preferred stocks of issuers in real estate-related industries, which have the potential to generate capital appreciation and/or income. The Portfolio retains the ability to invest in real estate companies of any market capitalization.
The Portfolio seeks to track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Index with minimal tracking error. This strategy is commonly referred to as an indexing strategy. Generally, the Portfolio uses a full replication technique, although in certain instances a sampling approach may be utilized for a portion of the Portfolio. The Portfolio also may invest in other instruments, such as exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or futures and options contracts, that provide comparable exposure to the index without buying the underlying securities comprising the index. The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its assets in ETFs.
The index tracks the performance of listed real estate companies or REITs in North America, Europe and Asia, including some countries that may be considered emerging markets. The index is rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly. The Portfolio will make changes to its portfolio holdings when changes are made by the index provider in the composition of the index.
The Portfolio may also invest without limitation in foreign currency transactions, including currency forward transactions, which are a type of derivative.
The Portfolio will concentrate its investments in the real estate group of industries.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio 119

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Real Estate Investing Risk Real estate-related investments may decline in value as a result of factors affecting the overall real estate industry. Real estate is a cyclical business, highly sensitive to supply and demand, general and local economic developments and characterized by intense competition and periodic overbuilding. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values. Losses may occur from casualty or condemnation, and government actions, such as tax law changes, zoning law changes, regulatory limitations on rents, or environmental regulations, also may have a major impact on real estate. The availability of mortgages and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. Changing interest rates and credit quality requirements also will affect the cash flow of real estate companies and their ability to meet capital needs. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values.
Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) generally invest directly in real estate (equity REITs), in mortgages secured by interests in real estate (mortgage REITs) or in some combination of the two (hybrid REITs). Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations.
Operating REITs requires specialized management skills, and a portfolio that invests in REITs indirectly bears REIT management and administration expenses along with the direct expenses of the portfolio. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Domestic REITs also must satisfy specific Internal Revenue Code requirements to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of net investment income and net realized gains distributed to shareholders. Failure to meet these requirements may have adverse consequences on the Portfolio. In addition, even the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. Moreover, shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers.
Index Strategy Risk The Portfolio employs an index strategy and generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in market trends or the economy, which means that the Portfolio may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, the Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match that of the relevant index. To the extent the Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential
120 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio

gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Sector Risk To the extent the Portfolio invests more heavily in particular sectors, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio's investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio's ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
Large-Cap Company Risk Larger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio 121

Large Transaction Risk A significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the Portfolio’s net asset value and performance.
Leveraging Risk When the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company Risk Mid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Preferred Stock RiskPreferred stock is subject to many of the risks associated with debt securities, including interest rate risk. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. In certain situations an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Prior to February 22, 2016, a portion of the Portfolio was operated using an active management strategy.
122 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio

The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
14.56%
2019 1st Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-28.32%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio - Class IB Shares
25.80
7.75
6.19
02/08/2013
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio - Class K Shares
26.17
8.04
6.46
02/08/2013
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
27.21
8.82
7.39
 
Who Manages the Portfolio
Investment Adviser: Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the selection, monitoring and oversight of the Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
February 2013
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
February 2013
Sub-Adviser: AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein” or the “Sub-Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for the securities selection, research and trading for the Portfolio are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Joshua Lisser
Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer,
Index Strategies of AllianceBernstein
February 2013
Katherine Robertson, CFA®
Portfolio Manager, Index Strategies of
AllianceBernstein
January 2022
Geoff Tomlinson, CFA®
Portfolio Manager, Index Strategies of
AllianceBernstein
January 2022
The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the Securities and Exchange Commission to hire, terminate and
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio 123

replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and without obtaining shareholder approval. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of the Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser unless the sub-advisory agreement is approved by the Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by the Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to shareholder approval.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other portfolios managed by EIM that currently sell their shares to such accounts and to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares may be sold only to other portfolios of the Trust, portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust and certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
124 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio

2. More information on fees and expenses
Advisory Fees
Each Portfolio pays a fee to the Adviser for advisory services. The table below shows the annual rate of the advisory fees (as a percentage of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets) that the Adviser received in 2021 for providing advisory services to each Portfolio included in the table and the rate of advisory fees waived by the Adviser in 2021 in accordance with the provisions of the Expense Limitation Agreement (including voluntary waivers, if any), as defined below, between the Adviser and the Trust with respect to certain Portfolios.
Advisory Fees Paid by the Portfolios in 2021
 
Annual
Rate
Received
Rate of Fees Waived and
Expenses Reimbursed
Portfolios
All Classes
Class IA
Class IB
Class K
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio
0.59%
N/A
-0.25%
-0.25%
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio
0.75%
N/A
-0.10%
-0.09%
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio
0.60%
N/A
-0.06%
-0.06%
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio
0.75%
-0.17%
-0.17%
-0.17%
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio
0.90%
-0.06%
-0.06%
-0.06%
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio
0.69%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
1290 VT High Yield Portfolio
0.60%
N/A
-0.04%
-0.04%
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio
0.50%
N/A
-0.65%
-0.64%
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio
0.85%
N/A
-0.15%
-0.15%
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio
0.70%
N/A
-0.14%
N/A
1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio
0.50%
N/A
-0.94%
-0.87%
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio
0.50%
N/A
-0.64%
-0.65%
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio
0.50%
N/A
-0.33%
-0.33%
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio
0.80%
N/A
-0.06%
-0.06%
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio
0.70%
N/A
-0.01%
-0.01%
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio
0.50%
0.00%
0.00%
N/A
 
Effective October 1, 2021, the contractual rate of the advisory fee (as a percentage of a Portfolio’s average daily net assets) payable by each Portfolio listed below changed to the contractual fee rate shown in the following table.
Portfolios
First
$2 billion
Next
$4 billion
Next
$2 billion
Thereafter
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio
0.500%
0.450%
0.425%
0.400%
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio
0.500%
0.450%
0.425%
0.400%
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio
0.500%
0.450%
0.425%
0.400%
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio
0.500%
0.450%
0.425%
0.400%
 
The Sub-Advisers are paid by the Adviser. Changes to the sub-advisory fees may be negotiated, which could result in an increase or decrease in the amount of the advisory fee retained by the Adviser, without shareholder approval. However, any amendment to an investment advisory agreement between EIM and the Trust that would result in an increase in the advisory fee rate specified in that agreement (i.e., the aggregate advisory fee) charged to a Portfolio will be submitted to shareholders for approval.
A discussion of the basis for the decision by the Trust’s Board of Trustees to approve the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements with respect to the Portfolios is available in the Trust’s Semi-Annual or Annual Reports to Shareholders for the period ended June 30 and December 31, respectively.
More information on fees and expenses 125

The Administrator
Equitable Investment Management, LLC (“Administrator”), 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104, serves as the Administrator of the Trust. The administrative services provided to the Trust by the Administrator include, among others, coordination of the Trust’s audit, financial statements and tax returns; expense management and budgeting; legal administrative services and compliance monitoring; portfolio accounting services, including daily net asset value accounting; operational risk management; and assistance with the administration of the Trust’s proxy voting policies and procedures and anti-money laundering program.
Administration Fees
For these administrative services, each Portfolio pays the Administrator its proportionate share of an asset-based administration fee, as described below.
With respect to the 1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio, 1290 VT Doubleline Dynamic Allocation Portfolio, 1290 VT Doubleline Opportunistic Bond Portfolio, 1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio, 1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio, 1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio, 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio, 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio, 1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio, 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio, 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio, and 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio, each Portfolio pays the Administrator its proportionate share of an asset-based administration fee of 0.100% of the first $30 billion of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Single-Advised Portfolios (as defined in the paragraph immediately below); 0.0975% of the next $10 billion; 0.0950% of the next $5 billion; 0.0775% of the next $10 billion; 0.0750% of the next $30 billion; and 0.0725% thereafter. The asset-based administration fee is calculated and billed monthly, and each Portfolio is subject to a minimum annual fee of $30,000.
For purposes of calculating the asset-based administration fee, the assets of the Portfolios named in the immediately preceding paragraph are aggregated with the following Portfolios of the Trust, which are also managed by EIM and which are offered in another prospectus: EQ/AB Short Duration Government Bond Portfolio, EQ/AB Sustainable U.S. Thematic Portfolio, EQ/American Century Mid Cap Value Portfolio, EQ/Capital Group Research Portfolio, EQ/ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG Portfolio, EQ/Loomis Sayles Growth Portfolio, EQ/Value Equity Portfolio, EQ/Common Stock Index Portfolio, EQ/Core Bond Index Portfolio, EQ/Equity 500 Index Portfolio, EQ/lnternational Equity Index Portfolio, EQ/lntermediate Government Bond Portfolio, EQ/lnvesco Comstock Portfolio, EQ/JPMorgan Value Opportunities Portfolio, EQ/Janus Enterprise Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Growth Index Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Value Index Portfolio, EQ/MFS International Growth Portfolio, EQ/MFS Technology Portfolio, EQ/Mid Cap Index Portfolio, EQ/Money Market Portfolio, EQ/Invesco Global Portfolio, EQ/PIMCO Global Real Return Portfolio, EQ/PIMCO Ultra Short Bond Portfolio, EQ/Small Company Index Portfolio, EQ/T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Portfolio, EQ/Fidelity Institutional AM® Large Cap Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Rising Dividends Portfolio, EQ/Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Portfolio, EQ/Invesco Global Real Assets Portfolio, EQ/Invesco International Growth Portfolio, EQ/Wellington Energy Portfolio, EQ/MFS Mid Cap Focused Growth Portfolio, EQ/Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, EQ/MFS International Intrinsic Value Portfolio, EQ/MFS Utilities Series Portfolio, EQ/T. Rowe Price Health Sciences Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Strategic Income Portfolio, EQ/PIMCO Real Return Portfolio, EQ/PIMCO Total Return ESG Portfolio, and EQ/Long-Term Bond Portfolio (collectively, the “Single-Advised Portfolios”).
With respect to the 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio, 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio, 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio (each a “Hybrid Portfolio”) and 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, each Portfolio pays the Administrator its proportionate share of an asset-based administration fee of 0.140% of the first $60 billion of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Aggregated Portfolios (as defined in the paragraph immediately below); 0.110% of the next $20 billion; 0.0875% of the next $20 billion; 0.0775% of the next $20 billion; 0.0750% of the next $20 billion; and 0.0725% thereafter. The asset-based administration fee is calculated and billed monthly, and each Portfolio is subject to a minimum annual fee of $32,500.
For purposes of calculating the asset-based administration fee, the assets of the Portfolios named in the immediately preceding paragraph are aggregated with (i) the following Portfolios of the Trust, which are also managed by EIM and which are offered in other prospectuses: EQ/Global Equity Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/International Core Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/International Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Core Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Growth Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Mid Cap Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Small Cap Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Morgan Stanley Small Cap Growth Portfolio, EQ/ClearBridge Select Equity Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Emerging Markets Equity PLUS Portfolio, EQ/Quality Bond PLUS Portfolio, Multimanager Aggressive Equity Portfolio, Multimanager Core Bond Portfolio, Multimanager Technology Portfolio, EQ/AB Dynamic Aggressive Growth Portfolio, EQ/AB Dynamic Growth Portfolio, EQ/AB Dynamic Moderate Growth Portfolio, EQ/American Century Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/AXA Investment
126 More information on fees and expenses

Managers Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/First Trust Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Goldman Sachs Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Goldman Sachs Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Invesco Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Invesco Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/JPMorgan Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio, ATM International Managed Volatility Portfolio, ATM Large Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio, ATM Mid Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio, ATM Small Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/2000 Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/400 Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/500 Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/International Managed Volatility Portfolio, Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio, and (ii) the following portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust, which are also managed by EIM and which are offered in other prospectuses: EQ/Core Plus Bond Portfolio, EQ/Aggressive Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Conservative-Plus Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Moderate-Plus Allocation Portfolio, Target 2015 Allocation Portfolio, Target 2025 Allocation Portfolio, Target 2035 Allocation Portfolio, Target 2045 Allocation Portfolio, and Target 2055 Allocation Portfolio (collectively, the “Aggregated Portfolios”).
Expense Limitation Agreement
In the interest of limiting through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) the expenses of the Portfolios listed in the following table, the Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Trust with respect to the Portfolios (“Expense Limitation Agreement”). Pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolios so that the annual operating expenses of each Portfolio (other than interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses (unless noted), dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Portfolio’s business) as a percentage of average daily net assets do not exceed the following respective expense ratios:
Expense Limitation Provisions
 
Total Annual Operating Expenses Limited to
(% of average daily net assets)
Portfolios
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio***
N/A
0.90%
0.65%
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio
N/A
1.20%*
0.95%*
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio****
N/A
0.90%
0.65%
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio
0.95%
0.95%
0.70%
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio
1.25%
1.25%
1.00%
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio
1.10%
1.10%
0.85%
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio
N/A
1.00%
0.75%
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio
N/A
0.90%*
0.65%*
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio
N/A
1.15%
0.90%
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio
N/A
1.10%*
0.85%*
1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio****
N/A
1.10%
0.85%
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio**
N/A
0.90%*
0.65%*
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio
N/A
0.90%
0.65%
1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio
N/A
1.15%
0.90%
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio
N/A
1.10%
0.85%
1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio
1.15%
1.15%
0.90%
 
*
For purposes of calculating the maximum annual operating expense limit, acquired fund fees and expenses are included in annual operating expenses.
**
Effective June 18, 2021.
***
Effective June 23, 2021.
****
Effective October 1, 2021.
N/A
This class of shares either is not registered or is registered but not currently offered for sale.
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The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower. If the actual expense ratio is less than the expense cap and the Adviser has recouped any eligible previous payments or waivers made, the Portfolio will be charged such lower expenses. The Adviser's selection of Underlying ETFs may positively or negatively impact its obligations under the Expense Limitation Agreement and its ability to recoup previous payments or waivers made under the Expense Limitation Agreement.
Payments or waivers will increase returns and yield, and reimbursement of payments or waivers will decrease returns and yield.
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3. More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs
Strategies
Changes in Investment Objectives and Investment Strategies
As described in this Prospectus, each Portfolio has its own investment objective, policies and strategies. There is no assurance that a Portfolio will achieve its investment objective. The investment objective of each Portfolio may be changed without shareholder approval. Except as otherwise noted, the investment policies and strategies of a Portfolio are not fundamental policies and may be changed without a shareholder vote. In addition, to the extent a Portfolio is new or is undergoing a transition (such as a reorganization or rebalancing, or experiences large inflows or outflows) or takes a temporary defensive position, it may not be pursuing its investment objective or executing its principal investment strategies.
80% Policies
Each Portfolio, except the 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio, 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio, 1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio, 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio and 1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio, has a policy that it will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a particular type of investment connoted by its name, as described in the section of the Prospectus entitled “About the Portfolios”. Each such policy is subject to change only upon at least sixty (60) days’ prior notice to shareholders of the affected Portfolio. As applicable, to the extent a Portfolio invests in securities of other investment companies or investment vehicles (such as exchange-traded funds), it takes into consideration the investment policies of such investment companies and investment vehicles at the time of investment in determining compliance with its 80% policy. The 80% investment requirement is applied at the time a Portfolio invests its assets. If, subsequent to an investment by a Portfolio, this requirement is no longer met, the Portfolio’s future investments will be made in a manner consistent with bringing the Portfolio into compliance with this requirement. In addition, in appropriate circumstances, synthetic investments may count toward the 80% minimum if they have economic characteristics similar to the other investments included in the 80% policy. In addition, a Portfolio may specify a market capitalization range for acquiring portfolio securities. If a security that is within the range at the time of purchase later appreciates or depreciates in value outside the range, which may happen due to market fluctuation, the Portfolio may continue to hold the security. However, this change in market capitalization could affect the Portfolio’s flexibility in making additional investments in securities of the applicable issuer, and the continued investment in securities of the issuer could cause the Portfolio to be subject to additional risks, such as those associated with holding securities of larger or smaller capitalization companies, as the case may be.
Concentration Policies
The 1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio will concentrate its investments in the natural resources group of industries. The 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio will concentrate its investments in the real estate group of industries. Each Portfolio’s concentration policy is a fundamental policy and may not be changed without a shareholder vote. Each Portfolio seeks to achieve a total return before expenses that approximates the total return performance of a particular index, and will generally be concentrated in an industry or group of industries to the extent the index concentrates in a particular industry or group of industries.
Underlying ETFs
The 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio, 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, and 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio (“the ETF Portfolios”) invest primarily in securities issued by the Underlying ETFs. Accordingly, each ETF Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying ETFs as well as the ability of the Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. ETFs are investment companies or other investment vehicles whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, an index-based ETF seeks to track a securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”)) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An index-based ETF generally holds the same stocks, bonds or other instruments as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such instruments). Accordingly, an index-based ETF is designed so that its performance will correspond closely with that of the index it seeks to track. ETFs also may be actively managed.
Generally, the ETF Portfolios’ investments in other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), including in certain circumstances a prohibition against acquiring shares of another investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, the ETF Portfolio and its affiliated persons (i) would hold more than 3% of such other
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investment company’s total outstanding shares, (ii) would have invested more than 5% of its total assets in such other investment company, or (iii) would have invested more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies. However, there are regulatory exemptions from these restrictions under the 1940 Act on which the ETF Portfolios may rely to invest in Underlying ETFs in excess of these limits, subject to certain conditions.
The Underlying ETFs in which the ETF Portfolios currently may invest are listed below. This list may change from time to time at the discretion of the Adviser. The ETF Portfolios will not necessarily invest in every Underlying ETF at one time. Additional information regarding the Underlying ETFs is included in their current prospectuses.
1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio
Domestic Equity
Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF
iShares® Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
iShares® MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF
iShares® MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF
Invesco® S&P 500® Low Volatility ETF
Invesco® S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF
Invesco® S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF
Invesco® S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF
Invesco® S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF
SPDR® SSGA US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF
SPDR® SSGA US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Emerging Equity
iShares® Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets Min Vol Factor ETF
Invesco® S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility ETF
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Global Equity
iShares® MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF
International Developed Equity
iShares® Core MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares® MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF
Invesco® S&P International Developed Low Volatility ETF
Invesco® S&P International Developed High Dividend Low Volatility ETF
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF

1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio
Commodities
Invesco® DB Agriculture Fund
Invesco® DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund
Invesco® DB Energy Fund
Invesco® DB Gold Fund
Invesco® DB Precious Metals Fund
iShares® GSCI Commodity Dynamic Roll Strategy ETF
Invesco® Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF
Convertible Securities
SPDR® Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF
iShares® Convertible Bond ETF
Event Driven
IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF
ProShares Merger ETF
Global Real Estate
iShares® Core U.S. REIT ETF
Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF
Long/Short Equity
ProShares Long Online/Short Stores ETF
ProShares RAFI™ Long/Short
Managed Futures
WisdomTree® Managed Futures Strategy Fund
ProShares Managed Futures Strategy ETF
Real Return
iShares® TIPS Bond ETF
Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF

1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio
US Large Cap
iShares® Core S&P 500 ETF
Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF
Vanguard Large-Cap Index Fund ETF
US Mid Cap
iShares® Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF
Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund ETF
US Small Cap
iShares® Core S&P Small-Cap ETF
iShares® Russell 2000 ETF
Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund ETF
International Developed
iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF
iShares® Core MSCI EAFE ETF
SPDR® Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF
Investment Grade
iShares® iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF
Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF
SPDR® Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF
Short-Term Treasury
SPDR® Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF
iShares® Short Treasury Bond ETF
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iShares® is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. (“BIT”). Neither BIT nor the iShares® Funds make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in any of the funds listed above.
Invesco® is a registered trademark of Invesco Capital Management LLC (“Invesco”). Neither Invesco nor the Invesco® Funds make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in any of the funds listed above.
SPDR® is used under license from Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”), a division of S&P Global. S&P makes no representation or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in any of the funds listed above.
Indexing Strategies
As described in this Prospectus, certain Portfolios (or portions thereof) seek to track the total return performance (before fees and expenses) of a particular index. Additional information about these indexes is provided in the section “Benchmarks.” The following provides additional information regarding the management strategies employed by the Sub-Advisers of these Portfolios (or portions thereof) in pursuing these objectives.
The Sub-Adviser to a Portfolio (or portion thereof) that seeks to track the total return performance (before fees and expenses) of a particular index does not utilize customary economic, financial or market analyses or other traditional investment techniques to manage the Portfolio (or portion). Rather, the Sub-Adviser may employ a full replication technique or sampling technique in seeking to track the total return performance (before fees and expenses) of the index. A full replication technique generally involves holding each security in a particular index in approximately the same weight that the security represents in the index. Conversely, a sampling technique strives to match the characteristics of a particular index without having to purchase every stock in that index by selecting a representative sample of securities for the Portfolio (or portion thereof) based on the characteristics of the index and the particular securities included therein. Such characteristics may include, with respect to equity indexes, industry weightings, market capitalizations and fundamental characteristics and, with respect to fixed income indexes, interest rate sensitivity, credit quality and sector diversification.
In addition, during any period when the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser to a Portfolio determines that it would be impracticable or uneconomical for a Portfolio to invest its assets in accordance with its primary investment policies (e.g., the Portfolio does not have sufficient assets to buy all of the securities in a particular broad-based index and to manage those assets in an efficient manner), the Portfolio may pursue its investment strategy by investing in other portfolios, as consistent with the Portfolio’s investment policies and strategies, including portfolios managed by the Adviser to the extent permitted by statute or regulation.
Allocation Strategies
Hybrid Portfolios
As described in this Prospectus, the Adviser allocates the assets of the Hybrid Portfolios among two or more portions of those Portfolios, each of which is managed using different yet complementary investment strategies.
Each allocation percentage for the Hybrid Portfolios is an asset allocation target established by EIM intended to achieve the Hybrid Portfolio’s investment objective and may be changed without shareholder approval. Each portion of a Hybrid Portfolio may deviate temporarily from its asset allocation target for defensive purposes, in response to large inflows or outflows of assets to and from the Hybrid Portfolio (e.g., in connection with asset allocation rebalancing transactions, reorganization transactions and separate account substitution transactions), or as a result of appreciation or depreciation of its holdings. EIM rebalances each portion of a Hybrid Portfolio as it deems appropriate. To the extent that a Hybrid Portfolio is being rebalanced, experiences large inflows or outflows, or takes a temporary defensive position, it may not be pursuing its investment objective or executing its principal investment strategy.
Allocation Portfolio
As described in this Prospectus, by adjusting investment exposure among the various asset classes in the 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, the Adviser will attempt to reduce overall portfolio volatility and mitigate the effects of extreme market environments, without sacrificing long-term returns. The 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio may gain or adjust exposure to each asset class either through transactions in Underlying ETFs or through other instruments, including derivatives.
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Active Management Strategies
With respect to Portfolios that utilize active management strategies, a Sub-Adviser has complete discretion to select portfolio securities for its portion of a Portfolio’s assets, subject to the Portfolio’s investment objectives, restrictions and policies and other parameters that may be developed from time to time by the Adviser. In selecting investments, the Sub-Advisers use their proprietary investment strategies, which are summarized above in the section “About the Portfolios — Investments, Risks, and Performance — Principal Investment Strategy” for each Portfolio. The following is an additional general description of certain common types of active management strategies that may be used by the Sub-Advisers to the Portfolios.
Growth investing generally focuses on companies that, due to their strong earnings and revenue potential, offer above-average prospects for capital growth, with less emphasis on dividend income. Earnings predictability and confidence in earnings forecasts are an important part of the selection process. A Sub-Adviser using this approach generally seeks out companies experiencing some or all of the following: high sales growth, high unit growth, high or improving returns on assets and equity, and a strong balance sheet. Such a Sub-Adviser also generally prefers companies with a competitive advantage such as unique management, marketing or research and development.
Value investing attempts to identify strong companies selling at a discount from their perceived true worth. A Sub-Adviser using this approach generally selects stocks at prices that, in its view, are temporarily low relative to the company’s earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. Value investing generally emphasizes companies that, considering their assets and earnings history, are attractively priced and may provide dividend income.
Core investing is an investment style that includes both the strategies used when seeking either growth companies (those with strong earnings growth) or value companies (those that may be temporarily out of favor or have earnings or assets not fully reflected in their stock price).
Fundamental analysis generally involves the analysis of the balance sheet and income statements of a company in order to forecast its future stock price movements. Fundamental analysis considers past records of assets, earnings, sales, products, management and markets in predicting future trends in these indicators of a company’s success or failure. By appraising a company’s prospects, analysts using such an approach assess whether a particular stock or group of stocks is undervalued or overvalued at its current market price.
Additional Information about the Investment Strategies
The following provides additional information regarding the principal investment strategies discussed in the “About the Portfolios — Investments, Risks, and Performance — Principal Investment Strategy” section for each Portfolio, and information regarding additional investment strategies that a Portfolio may employ. The Portfolios also may make other types of investments to the extent permitted by applicable law. For further information about investment strategies, please see the Portfolios’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Alternative InvestmentsUnder normal market conditions, the 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio allocates substantially all of its assets to Underlying ETFs that invest primarily in alternative asset categories and strategies. Alternative investments are alternatives to traditional equity (stocks) or fixed income (bonds and cash) investments. Alternative investments have the potential to enhance portfolio diversification and reduce overall portfolio volatility because these investments may not have a strong correlation (relationship) to one another or to traditional market indexes. Alternative investments use a different approach to investing than do traditional investments. This approach may involve, for example, seeking excess returns that are not tied to traditional investment benchmarks (e.g., real return strategies); taking both long and short positions on securities believed to be significantly under- or over-priced (e.g., long/short equity); taking both long and short positions in futures contracts (e.g., managed futures); seeking to benefit from price movements caused by anticipated corporate events, such as mergers, acquisitions, or other special situations (e.g., event driven); or using derivatives or hedging strategies. Many alternative investment strategies are designed to help reduce the role of overall market direction in determining return.
Bank LoansA Portfolio may invest in bank loans. A bank loan represents an interest in a loan or other direct indebtedness that entitles the acquirer of such interest to payments of interest, principal and/or other amounts due under the structure of the loan. A Portfolio may acquire a bank loan through a participation interest, which gives the Portfolio the right to receive payments of principal, interest and/or other amounts only from the lender selling the participation interest and only when the lender receives the payments from the borrower, or through an assignment in which the Portfolio succeeds to the rights of the assigning lender and becomes a lender under the loan agreement. Bank loans are typically borrowers’ senior debt obligations and, as such, are considered to hold a senior position in the borrower’s capital structure. The senior capital structure position generally gives the holders of bank loans a priority claim on some or all of the borrower’s assets in the event of a default. In many situations, the assets or cash flow of the
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borrowing corporation, partnership or other business entity may serve as collateral for the bank loan. Bank loans may be issued in connection with acquisitions, refinancings and recapitalizations.
Cash and Short-Term InvestmentsA Portfolio may hold cash or invest in short-term paper and other short-term investments as deemed appropriate by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. Short-term paper generally includes any note, draft bill of exchange or banker’s acceptance payable on demand or having a maturity at the time of issuance that does not exceed nine months or any renewal thereof payable on demand or having a maturity that is likewise limited.
A Portfolio also may invest its uninvested cash in high-quality, short-term debt securities, including repurchase agreements and high-quality money market instruments, and also may invest its uninvested cash in money market funds, including money market funds managed by the Adviser. To the extent a Portfolio invests in a money market fund, it generally is not subject to the limits placed on investments in other investment companies by the 1940 Act.
Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
Convertible SecuritiesCertain Portfolios may invest in convertible securities, including both convertible debt and convertible preferred stock. A convertible security is generally a bond, preferred stock or other security that may be converted within a specified period of time and at a pre-stated price or formula into the common stock of the same or a different issuer. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock because they have fixed income characteristics; and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
CurrencyA Portfolio may enter into foreign currency transactions for hedging and non-hedging purposes on a spot (i.e., cash) basis or through the use of derivatives. A forward foreign currency exchange contract (“forward contract”) is a type of derivative that involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are principally traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large, commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no margin deposit requirement and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
DerivativesA Portfolio may use “derivative” instruments to hedge its portfolio against market, economic, currency, issuer and other risks, to gain or manage exposure to the markets, sectors and securities in which the Portfolio may invest and to other economic factors that affect the Portfolio’s performance (such as interest rate movements), to increase total return or income, to reduce transaction costs, to manage cash, and for other portfolio management purposes. In general terms, a derivative instrument is an investment contract, the value of which is linked to (or is derived from), in whole or in part, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index (e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates and market indexes). Futures and options contracts (including futures and options on individual securities and equity and bond market indexes and options on futures contracts), swaps (including interest rate swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and contracts for difference) and forward contracts, and structured securities, including forward currency contracts, are examples of derivatives in which a Portfolio may invest. A Portfolio that engages in derivatives transactions may maintain a significant percentage of its assets in cash and cash equivalent instruments or other liquid assets, which may serve as margin or collateral for the Portfolio’s obligations under derivative transactions. A Portfolio’s percentage investment limits for derivative investments may be measured based on mark-to-market value rather than the notional value of the derivative instrument. Mark-to-market value is the current market value or fair value reflecting the price at which the derivative could be expected to be liquidated. In contrast, the notional value of a derivative instrument, such as a futures contract, is equal to the contract size (number of units per contract) multiplied by the current (spot) unit price of the reference asset underlying the contract. Therefore, the investment exposure that a Portfolio obtains through a derivative investment measured based on notional value may exceed the mark-to-market value of the derivative investment.
Equity SecuritiesCertain Portfolios, including certain Portfolios that invest primarily in debt securities, may invest in equity securities. Equity securities may be bought on stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. Equity securities generally include common stock, preferred stock, warrants, securities convertible into common stock, securities of other investment companies and securities of real estate investment trusts.
Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) —A Portfolio may invest in ETFs. ETFs are investment companies or other investment vehicles whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, an index-based ETF seeks to track a securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Dow Jones, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An index-based ETF generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such securities). Accordingly,
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an index-based ETF is designed so that its performance, before fees and expenses, will correspond with that of the index it seeks to track. ETFs also may be actively managed. By investing in a Portfolio that invests in ETFs, you will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses.
Generally, a Portfolio's investments in other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), including in certain circumstances a prohibition against acquiring shares of another investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, the Portfolio and its affiliated persons (i) would hold more than 3% of such other investment company’s total outstanding shares, (ii) would have invested more than 5% of its total assets in such other investment company, or (iii) would have invested more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies. However, there are regulatory exemptions from these restrictions under the 1940 Act on which a Portfolio may rely to invest in ETFs in excess of these limits, subject to certain conditions.
Fixed Income SecuritiesA Portfolio may invest in short- and long-term fixed income securities in pursuing its investment objective and for other fund management purposes, such as to manage cash. Fixed income securities are debt securities such as bonds, notes, debentures and commercial paper. Domestic and foreign governments, banks and companies raise cash by issuing or selling debt securities to investors. Most debt securities pay fixed or adjustable rates of interest at regular intervals until they mature, at which point investors receive their principal back.
Foreign SecuritiesCertain Portfolios may invest in foreign securities. Generally, foreign securities are issued by companies organized outside the U.S. or by foreign governments or international organizations, are traded primarily in markets outside the U.S., and are denominated in a foreign currency. Foreign securities may include securities of issuers in developing countries or emerging markets. In addition, foreign securities may include depositary receipts of foreign companies. American Depositary Receipts are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company that evidence underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. European Depositary Receipts (issued in Europe) and Global Depositary Receipts (issued throughout the world) each evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Depositary receipts also may be convertible into securities of foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted.
FuturesA Portfolio may purchase or sell futures contracts on individual securities or securities indexes. In purchasing a futures contract, the buyer agrees to purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. In selling a futures contract, the seller agrees to sell a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the buyer and seller enter into the contract. Futures can be held until their delivery dates, or can be closed out before then if a liquid market is available. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of its underlying instrument. Therefore, purchasing futures contracts will tend to increase a Portfolio's exposure to positive and negative price fluctuations in the underlying instrument, much as if it had purchased the underlying instrument directly. When a Portfolio sells a futures contract, by contrast, the value of its futures position will tend to move in a direction contrary to the market. Selling futures contracts, therefore, will tend to offset both positive and negative market price changes, much as if the underlying instrument had been sold. Futures contracts in which a Portfolio may invest are highly standardized contracts that typically trade on futures exchanges.
The use of futures contracts and similar instruments may be deemed to involve the use of leverage because a Portfolio is not required to invest the full market value of the futures contract upon entering into the contract. Instead, a Portfolio, upon entering into a futures contract (and to maintain its open position in a futures contract), is required to post collateral for the contract, known as “initial margin” and “variation margin,” the amount of which may vary but which generally equals a relatively small percentage (e.g., less than 5%) of the value of the contract being traded.
Illiquid InvestmentsEach Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. Illiquid investment means any investment the Portfolio reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.
Inflation-Indexed Bonds A Portfolio may invest in inflation-indexed bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds (other than municipal inflation-indexed bonds and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds, which are more fully described below) are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. The U.S. Treasury Department uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers as the inflation measure for Treasury inflation-indexed bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds issued by a foreign government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation-index, calculated by that government. If the index measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds (other than municipal inflation-indexed bonds and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds) will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury Department inflation-indexed bonds. For bonds that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.
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With regard to municipal inflation-indexed bonds and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds, the inflation adjustment is reflected in the semi-annual coupon payment. As a result, the principal value of municipal inflation-indexed bonds and such corporate inflation-indexed bonds does not adjust according to the rate of inflation. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates may rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is considered ordinary income in the taxable year of the increase to an investing Portfolio, which generally must distribute the amount of that income for federal income tax purposes even though it does not receive the increased principal until maturity.
Because market convention for bonds is to use nominal yields to measure duration, duration for real return bonds, which are based on real yields, are converted to nominal durations through a conversion factor. The resulting nominal duration typically can range from 20% and 90% of the respective real duration. All security holdings will be measured in effective (nominal) duration terms. Similarly, the effective duration of the relevant index (e.g., the Bloomberg World Government Inflation-Linked Index (hedged)) will be calculated using the same conversion factors.
Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”) —A Portfolio may participate in the IPO market. An IPO is the first sale of stock by a company to the public. Companies offering an IPO are sometimes new or young companies or sometimes companies that have been around for many years but are deciding to go public.
Insured Bank Obligations The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as “banks”) up to $250,000. The Portfolios may purchase bank obligations which are fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability. Unless a Portfolio determines that a readily available market exists for such obligations, a Portfolio will treat such obligations as subject to the limit for illiquid investments for each Portfolio unless such obligations are payable at principal amount plus accrued interest on demand or within seven days after demand.
Inverse Floaters A Portfolio may invest in inverse floaters. Inverse floaters are securities that have coupon rates that vary inversely at a multiple of a designated floating rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate or an alternative reference rate. Any rise in the reference rate of an inverse floater (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a drop in the coupon rate, while any drop in the reference rate of an inverse floater causes an increase in the coupon rate.
Investment Grade SecuritiesA Portfolio may invest in investment grade debt securities. Investment grade securities are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, comparably rated by another rating agency or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser or the applicable Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality.
Loan Participations and Assignments Certain Portfolios may invest in loan participations and assignments. These investments are typically secured or unsecured fixed or floating rate loans arranged through private negotiations between a borrowing corporation, government or other entity and one or more financial institutions, and may be in the form of participations in loans or assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties.
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities A Portfolio may invest in mortgage- and asset-backed securities. A mortgage-backed security may be an obligation of the issuer backed by a mortgage or pool of mortgages or a direct interest in an underlying pool of mortgages. Some mortgage-backed securities make payments of both principal and interest at a variety of intervals; others make semiannual interest payments at a predetermined rate and repay principal at maturity (like a typical bond). Mortgage-backed securities are based on different types of mortgages, including those on commercial real estate or residential properties.
Asset-backed securities have structural characteristics similar to mortgage-backed securities. However, the underlying assets are not first lien mortgage loans or interests therein but include assets such as motor vehicle installment sales contracts, other installment sales contracts, home equity loans, leases of various types of real and personal property and receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements. Such assets are securitized through the use of trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to a certain amount and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the issuer, or other credit enhancements may be present.
Non-Investment Grade Securities Certain Portfolios may invest in securities rated below investment grade (i.e., BB or lower by S&P or Fitch, Ba or lower by Moody’s or deemed to be of comparable quality by the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser), sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”. Junk bonds are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings or by those companies with questionable credit strength.
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OptionsA Portfolio may write and purchase put and call options, including exchange-traded or over-the-counter put and call options on securities indices and put and call options on ETFs tracking certain securities indices, for hedging and non-hedging purposes and for the purpose of achieving its objective. In general, options give the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell in the future an asset at a predetermined price during the term of the option. A securities index option and an ETF option are option contracts whose values are based on the value of a securities index at some future point in time. A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the securities included in the index. The effectiveness of purchasing or writing securities index options will depend upon the extent to which price movements in a Portfolio's investment portfolio correlate with price movements of the securities index. By writing (selling) a call option, a Portfolio forgoes, in exchange for the premium less the commission, the opportunity to profit during the option period from an increase in the market value of an index above the exercise price. By writing (selling) a put option, a Portfolio, in exchange for the net premium received, accepts the risk of a decline in the market value of the index below the exercise price.
Portfolio Turnover The Portfolios do not restrict the frequency of trading to limit expenses. A Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its investment objective. A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to a Portfolio buying and selling all of its portfolio securities once during the course of a given fiscal year. High portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to a Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return, and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders (although tax implications for investments in Contracts typically are deferred during the accumulation phase).
Preferred Stocks A Portfolio may invest in preferred stocks. Although preferred stocks represent a partial ownership interest in a company, preferred stocks generally do not carry voting rights and have economic characteristics similar to fixed-income securities. Preferred stocks generally are issued with a fixed par value and pay dividends based on a percentage of that par value at a fixed or variable rate. Preferred stocks often have a liquidation value that generally equals the original purchase price of the preferred stock at the date of issuance.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) —Certain Portfolios may invest in REITs, which are pooled vehicles that invest primarily in income-producing real estate or loans related to real estate and are defined by the federal tax law. A REIT is not subject to federal corporate income tax, provided it complies with a number of Internal Revenue Code requirements, including distributing a significant portion of its net income to its shareholders. Various other countries have also adopted REIT-like structures that receive comparable tax treatment, provided certain requirements are met.
Securities of Other Investment CompaniesCertain Portfolios may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law. Generally, a Portfolio's investments in other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations in the 1940 Act, including in certain circumstances a prohibition against acquiring shares of another investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, the Portfolio and its affiliated persons (i) would hold more than 3% of such other investment company’s total outstanding shares, (ii) would have invested more than 5% of its total assets in such other investment company, or (iii) would have invested more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies. However, there are statutory and regulatory exemptions from these restrictions under the 1940 Act on which the Portfolios may rely to invest in other investment companies in excess of these limits, subject to certain conditions. Other investment companies in which certain Portfolios may invest include ETFs, as discussed in “Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)”.
Short SalesA Portfolio may engage in short sales and may enter into derivative contracts that have a similar economic effect (e.g., taking a short position in a futures contract). A “short sale” is the sale by a Portfolio of a security that has been borrowed from a third party on the expectation that the market price will drop. If the price of the security drops, a Portfolio will make a profit by purchasing the security in the open market at a price lower than the price at which it sold the security. If the price of the security rises, a Portfolio may have to cover short positions at a higher price than the short sale price, resulting in a loss.
SwapsA Portfolio may engage in swap transactions. Swap contracts are derivatives in the form of a contract or other similar instrument that is an agreement to exchange the return generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument. The payment streams are calculated by reference to a specified security or index and agreed upon notional amount. The term “specified index” includes, but is not limited to, currencies, fixed interest rates, prices and total return on interest rate indices, fixed income indices, total return on equity securities, stock indices and commodity indices (as well as amounts derived from arithmetic operations on these indices).
Temporary Defensive Investments For temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, each Portfolio (except the Portfolios that seek to track the performance (before fees and expenses) of a particular securities market index) may invest, without limit, in cash, money market instruments or high quality, short-term debt securities, including repurchase agreements. To the extent a Portfolio is invested in these instruments, the Portfolio will not be pursuing its principal
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investment strategies and may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, each Hybrid Portfolio may vary from its asset allocation targets and target investment percentages for defensive purposes.
U.S. Government Securities A Portfolio may invest in U.S. government securities, which include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as Treasury bills, notes or bonds) and obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest (but not as to market value) by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities include mortgage- and asset-backed securities issued or guaranteed by government agencies or government-sponsored enterprises. Other U.S. government securities may be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or supported primarily or solely by the creditworthiness of the government-related issuer or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, by pools of assets.
When-Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward CommitmentsA Portfolio may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when issued basis. A Portfolio may also purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment (including on a “TBA” (to be announced) basis). These transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by a Portfolio at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. A Portfolio enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Portfolio at the time of entering into the transaction.
Zero Coupon and Pay-in-Kind Securities A Portfolio may invest in zero coupon and pay-in-kind securities. Zero coupon securities are debt securities that do not pay regular interest at regular intervals, but are issued at a discount from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue from the date of issuance to maturity. Pay-in-kind securities normally give the issuer an option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or to give the holder of the security a similar security with the same coupon rate and a face value equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made. Convertible securities, corporate debt securities, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, U.S. government securities, foreign securities and other types of debt instruments may be structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities.
Risks
Risk is the chance that you will lose money on your investment or that it will not earn as much as you expect. In general, the greater the risk, the more money your investment can earn for you and the more you can lose. Like other investment companies, the value of each Portfolio’s shares may be affected by the Portfolio’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and particular risk factors. Each Portfolio follows a distinct set of investment strategies. Consequently, each Portfolio may be subject to different risks. Some of the risks of investing in the Portfolios are discussed below, including the principal risks of the Portfolios as discussed in “About the Portfolios — Investments, Risks, and Performance — Principal Risks.” However, other factors may also affect a Portfolio’s investment results. There is no assurance that a Portfolio will achieve its investment objective or that it will not lose value.
To the extent an ETF Portfolio invests in Underlying ETFs that invest primarily in certain types of securities or other instruments (such as equity securities and other equity instruments, fixed income securities and other fixed income instruments, foreign securities, or alternative investments), the performance of the ETF Portfolio will be subject to the risks of investing in such securities or other instruments. The Underlying ETFs have principal investment strategies that come with inherent risks. Certain Underlying ETFs may emphasize different market sectors. Some of the risks, including principal risks of investing in the Underlying ETFs, are discussed below. An Underlying ETF may be subject to certain additional risks as discussed in its prospectus. More information about the Underlying ETFs is available in their respective prospectuses. Because each ETF Portfolio invests in Underlying ETFs, the return on your investment will be based on the risks and rewards of the Underlying ETFs’ investments. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include an ETF Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or both.
Principal Investment Risks
As indicated in “About the Portfolios — Investments, Risks, and Performance — Principal Risks,” a Portfolio may be subject to the following principal risks. The risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of perceived importance or potential exposure, can negatively affect a Portfolio’s performance.
Alternative Investment RiskTo the extent a Portfolio invests in Underlying ETFs that invest in alternative investments, it will be subject to the risks associated with such investments. Alternative investments may involve a different approach to investing than do traditional investments (stocks, bonds, and cash) and the performance of alternative investments is not expected to correlate closely with more traditional investments; however, it is possible that alternative investments will decline in value along with equity or fixed income markets, or both, or that they may not otherwise perform as expected. Alternative investments can be highly volatile, are often less liquid, particularly in periods of stress, and are generally more complex and less transparent than traditional investments. Alternative investments also may have more complicated tax considerations than traditional investments. In addition, the performance of alternative investments may be more dependent on the Adviser’s experience and skill than the performance of traditional investments. The use of alternative investments may not achieve the desired effect and may result in losses to a Portfolio.
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Asset Allocation RiskThe investment performance of an allocation Portfolio depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause a Portfolio to lose value, may not produce the desired results, or may cause a Portfolio's results to lag relevant benchmarks or other portfolios with similar investment objectives. For example, weighting equity securities too heavily during a period of stock market decline may result in a failure to preserve capital. Conversely, weighting debt securities too heavily during a period of stock market appreciation may result in lower total return. In addition, the allocation and investment decisions made may not be timely relative to market, economic or other developments. Moreover, if a Portfolio has set limitations on the amount of assets that normally may be allocated to each asset class, the Portfolio will have less flexibility in its investment strategy than portfolios that are not subject to such limitations.
Cash Management RiskUpon entering into certain derivatives contracts, such as futures contracts, and to maintain open positions in certain derivatives contracts, a Portfolio may be required to post collateral for the contract, the amount of which may vary. In addition, a Portfolio may maintain cash and cash equivalent positions as part of the Portfolio’s strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, to manage the Portfolio’s market exposure, and for other portfolio management purposes. As such, a Portfolio may maintain cash balances, including foreign currency balances, which may be significant, with counterparties such as the Trust’s custodian or its affiliates. Maintaining larger cash and cash equivalent positions could negatively affect a Portfolio’s performance due to missed investment opportunities and may also subject a Portfolio to additional risks, such as increased credit risk with respect to the custodian bank holding the assets and the risk that a counterparty may be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations, and costs, such as any fees imposed for large cash balances.
Collateralized Debt Obligations RiskCollateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) involve many of the risks associated with debt securities including, but not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. The risks of an investment in a CDO also depend largely on the quality and type of the collateral and the class or “tranche” of the CDO in which a Portfolio invests. Normally, collateralized bond obligations, collateralized loan obligations, and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by a Portfolio as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market, or other relevant measures of liquidity, may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO potentially to be deemed liquid under a Portfolio’s liquidity policies. CDOs carry risks including, but not limited to: (a) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (b) the risk that the quality of the collateral securities may decline in value or default, particularly during periods of economic downturn; (c) the possibility that a Portfolio may invest in CDOs that are subordinate to other classes; and (d) the risk that the complex structure of CDOs may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. CDOs also can be difficult to value and may be highly leveraged (which could make them highly volatile), and the use of CDOs may result in losses to a Portfolio.
Commodity RiskExposure to the commodities markets, or a particular sector of the commodities markets, may subject a Portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, and changes in those markets may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The commodities markets may fluctuate widely based on a variety of factors including changes in overall market movements, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in exchange rates, domestic or foreign interest rates or inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, and trading activities in commodities. The frequency, duration and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. The prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors such as drought, floods and weather, pandemics, livestock disease, and embargoes, tariffs and regulatory developments. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions. Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers. As a result, political, economic and supply-related events in such countries could have a disproportionate impact on the prices of such commodities. Securities of companies that are dependent on a single commodity, or are concentrated in a single commodity sector, may exhibit even higher volatility attributable to commodity prices. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of a Portfolio to sell or realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of commodities investments.
Because the value of a commodity-linked derivative instrument typically is based upon the price movements of a physical commodity, the value of a commodity-linked derivative instrument may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity price volatility, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity. The value of these instruments will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index of investment. Some commodity-linked investments are issued by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issuers in the financial services sector may adversely affect a Portfolio's performance. Although investments in commodities may move in different directions than traditional equity securities and debt instruments, when the value of those traditional investments is declining due to adverse economic conditions, there is no guarantee that commodities will perform
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in that manner, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to those of traditional equity securities and debt instruments.
Convertible Securities Risk A convertible security is a form of hybrid security; that is, a security with both debt and equity characteristics. The value of a convertible security fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer and also fluctuates in relation to changes in the price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security tends to perform more like a stock when the underlying stock price is high relative to the conversion price (because more of the security’s value resides in the option to convert) and more like a debt security when the underlying stock price is low relative to the conversion price (because the option to convert is less valuable). Because its value can be influenced by many different factors, a convertible security generally is not as sensitive to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible debt security, and generally has less potential for gain or loss than the underlying stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the current market price of the security. If a convertible security held by a Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Investments by a Portfolio in convertible debt securities may not be subject to any ratings restrictions, but a Portfolio's investment manager will consider ratings, and any changes to ratings, in its determination of whether the Portfolio should invest in and/or continue to hold the securities. Convertible securities are subject to equity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. Lower quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. To the extent a Portfolio invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it also will be subject to the risks of investing in these companies. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile and less liquid than the securities of larger companies. Convertible securities are normally “junior” securities, which means an issuer usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If an issuer stops making interest or principal payments, these securities may become worthless and a Portfolio could lose its entire investment. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities may be paid before the company’s common stock holders but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company. To the extent a Portfolio invests in securities that may be considered “enhanced” convertible securities, some or all of these risks may be more pronounced.
Counterparty RiskA Portfolio may sustain a loss as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of, or other non-compliance or non-performance by, another party to a transaction.
Credit Risk A Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or the guarantor (or other obligor, such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract, repurchase agreement, loan of portfolio securities or other transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived (whether by market participants, ratings agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. Securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, which are often reflected in their credit ratings. Higher credit ratings correspond to lower perceived credit risk, and lower credit ratings correspond to higher perceived credit risk. However, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes to credit ratings in response to subsequent events and a credit rating may become stale in that it fails to reflect changes in an issuer’s financial condition. Credit ratings also may be influenced by conflicts of interest. Credit ratings represent a rating agency’s opinion regarding the quality of a security and are not a guaranty of quality. Credit ratings do not protect against a decline in the value of a security. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly. When a fixed income security is not rated, an investment manager may have to assess the risk of the security itself. In addition, legislation and regulations to reform rating agencies could adversely impact a Portfolio's investments or investment process.
Derivatives RiskA derivative instrument is generally an investment contract the value of which depends upon (or is derived from), in whole or in part, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, index or event (e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates and market indexes). A Portfolio's investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Examples of derivative instruments include, among others, futures contracts, options contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, and swaps. Particular derivative instruments that a Portfolio may use are described under “Investments, Risks and Performance — Principal Investment Strategy” in this Prospectus.The following provides a more general discussion of important risk factors (e.g., management risk, leveraging risk, liquidity risk, market and interest rate risk, counterparty and credit risk, and other risks) relating to all derivative instruments that a Portfolio may use. A discussion of additional risks associated with particular derivative instruments follows the general discussion, and particular derivative instruments are discussed in more detail under “Additional Investment Strategies and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information.
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Management RiskDerivative products are highly specialized instruments. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying asset, reference rate, index or event, but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions.
Leveraging RiskDerivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on a Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, currency exchange rates or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss or gain, and a Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. A Portfolio may experience leveraging risk in connection with investments in derivatives because its investments in derivatives may be small relative to the investment exposure assumed, leaving more assets to be invested in other investments. Such investments may have the effect of leveraging a Portfolio because the Portfolio may experience gains or losses not only on its investments in derivatives, but also on the investments purchased with the remainder of the assets. If the value of a Portfolio's investments in derivatives is increasing, this could be offset by declining values of the Portfolio's other investments. Conversely, it is possible that a rise in the value of a Portfolio's non-derivative investments could be offset by a decline in the value of the Portfolio's investments in derivatives. In either scenario, a Portfolio may experience losses. In a market where the value of a Portfolio's investments in derivatives is declining and the value of its other investments is declining, the Portfolio may experience substantial losses. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses.
Liquidity RiskIt may be difficult or impossible for a Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. In addition, the possible lack of a liquid secondary market for certain derivatives, and the resulting inability of a Portfolio to sell or otherwise close out a derivatives position, could expose the Portfolio to losses and could make such derivatives more difficult for the Portfolio to value accurately. When a Portfolio uses derivatives, it likely will be required to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate cash or other liquid assets. Assets segregated to cover these transactions may decline in value, may become illiquid, and are not available to meet redemptions. The need to segregate assets also could limit a Portfolio's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Market and Interest Rate RiskSome derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. The successful use of derivatives will usually depend on the Adviser’s or a Sub-Adviser's ability to accurately forecast movements in the market relating to the underlying asset, reference rate, index or event. If the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser does not predict correctly the direction of asset prices, interest rates and other economic factors, a Portfolio's derivatives positions could lose value. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by a Portfolio, especially in abnormal market conditions. Derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. While some derivatives strategies can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Portfolio investments.
Counterparty and Credit RiskA Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. Counterparty risk may arise because of market activities and developments, the counterparty’s financial condition (including financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), or other reasons. To the extent a Portfolio has significant exposure to a single counterparty or small group of counterparties, this risk will be particularly pronounced. In addition, derivatives traded over-the-counter that are uncleared do not benefit from the protections provided by exchanges and central counterparties (derivatives clearing organizations and clearing corporations) in the event that a counterparty is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. Such uncleared over-the-counter derivatives therefore involve greater counterparty and credit risk and may be more difficult to value than exchange-traded derivatives that are cleared by a central counterparty.
Valuation RiskDerivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a Portfolio. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly, or at all, with the underlying asset, reference rate or index.
Other RisksDerivatives also may be subject to risks related to potential operational issues, including documentation issues, settlement issues, systems failures, inadequate controls, and human error, as well as legal risks, such as insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract.
When a derivative is used as a hedge against a position that a Portfolio holds, any loss generated by the derivative should generally be offset by gains on the hedged instrument, and vice versa. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it also can reduce or eliminate gains. Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the hedged investment,
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and there can be no assurance that a Portfolio’s hedging transactions will be effective. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that a Portfolio will engage in derivative transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that might be beneficial or that, if used, such strategies will be successful. Derivatives also may involve fees, commissions, or other costs that may reduce a Portfolio’s gains or exacerbate its losses from the derivatives.
The federal income tax treatment of a derivative may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying asset and may adversely affect the timing, character and amount of income a Portfolio realizes from its investments. In addition, certain derivatives are subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal income tax treatment of certain derivatives, such as swaps, is unsettled and may be subject to future legislation, regulation or administrative pronouncements issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
Legislative and regulatory developments may limit the availability of certain derivatives, may make the use of derivatives by a Portfolio more costly, and may otherwise adversely impact the performance and value of derivatives. Legislative and regulatory developments also may change the way in which a Portfolio itself is regulated. Such developments may impact a Portfolio’s ability to invest, or remain invested, in certain derivatives, adversely affect a Portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment objective and subject a Portfolio to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Complying with new requirements also may increase the cost of a Portfolio’s investments and the cost of implementing a Portfolio’s investment program and related operations, which could adversely affect a Portfolio and its investors. For example, in October 2020 the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”), which imposes new requirements and restrictions on registered funds’ (including the Portfolios’) use of derivatives, and with which the Portfolios generally will be required to comply in August 2022. Unless a Portfolio qualifies as a ‘‘limited derivatives user’’ as defined in Rule 18f-4, Rule 18f-4 would, among other things, require the Portfolio to establish a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, comply with certain value-at-risk based leverage limits, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. If a Portfolio qualifies as a limited derivatives user, Rule 18f-4 would require the Portfolio to have policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. Also, as a Portfolio transitions into reliance on the new requirements, the Portfolio’s approach to asset segregation and coverage requirements described in this Prospectus with respect to derivatives may be impacted.
A discussion of additional risks associated with particular derivative instruments follows:
Forward Contract RiskThere are no limits on daily price fluctuations of forward contracts. Changes in foreign exchange regulations by governmental authorities might limit the trading of forward contracts on currencies. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (i.e., the difference between the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and the price at which it is prepared to sell).
Futures Contract RiskThere is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts and may halt trading if a contract’s price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a Portfolio to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a Portfolio's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired.
Options Contract RiskBy writing put options, a Portfolio takes on the risk of declines in the value of the underlying instrument, including the possibility of a loss up to the entire strike price of each option it sells, but without the corresponding opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the underlying instrument. When a Portfolio writes a put option, it assumes the risk that it must purchase the underlying instrument at a strike price that may be higher than the market price of the instrument. If there is a broad market decline and a Portfolio is not able to close out its written put options, it may result in substantial losses to the Portfolio. By writing a call option, a Portfolio may be obligated to deliver instruments underlying an option at less than the market price. In the case of an uncovered call option, there is a risk of unlimited loss. When an uncovered call is exercised, a Portfolio must purchase the underlying instrument to meet its call obligations and the necessary instrument may be unavailable for purchase. Additionally, volatility in the market for equity securities, which has been dramatically increased recently for certain stocks, can meaningfully increase the risk of loss associated with options. When a Portfolio writes a covered call option, it gives up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying instrument above the strike price. If a covered call option that a Portfolio has written is exercised, the Portfolio will experience a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying instrument, depending on the price at which the Portfolio purchased the instrument and the strike price of the option. A Portfolio will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised options. In the case of a covered call, the premium received may be offset by a decline in the market value of the
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underlying instrument during the option period. If an option that a Portfolio has purchased is never exercised or closed out, the Portfolio will lose the amount of the premium it paid and the use of those funds.
Swaps RiskSwap transactions generally do not involve delivery of reference instruments or payment of the notional amount of the contract. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments that a Portfolio is contractually obligated to make or, in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that a Portfolio is contractually entitled to receive. As a seller of a credit default swap, a Portfolio effectively adds economic leverage because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio is subject to investment exposure on the entire notional amount of the contract. See “Leveraging Risk” above. Additionally, holding a position in a credit default swap could result in losses if a Portfolio does not correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the company on which the credit default swap is based. Some swaps are now executed through an organized exchange or regulated facility and cleared through a regulated clearing organization. The absence of an organized exchange or market for certain swap transactions may result in difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. The use of an organized exchange or market for swap transactions is expected to result in swaps being easier to trade or value, but this may not always be the case.
Distressed Companies RiskA Portfolio may invest in distressed debt securities, including loans, bonds and notes, many of which are not publicly traded and may involve a substantial degree of risk. Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower-rated or close to default. Distressed debt securities include securities of companies that are in financial distress and that may be in or about to enter bankruptcy. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for these securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility. It may be difficult to obtain financial information regarding the financial condition of a borrower or issuer, and its financial condition may change rapidly. It may be more difficult to value such securities and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than expected. A Portfolio may lose a substantial portion or all of its investment in such securities or it may be required to accept cash, securities or other property with a value less than the Portfolio's original investment. Defaulted debt securities involve risks such as the possibility of complete loss of the investment where the issuer does not restructure to enable it to resume principal and interest payments. If the issuer of a security held by a Portfolio defaults, the Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on the security. Securities tend to lose much of their value before the issuer defaults. The Portfolio may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.
Dividend Risk Dividends received on common stocks are not fixed but are paid at the discretion of an issuer’s board of directors. There is no guarantee that the companies in which a Portfolio invests will pay dividends in the future or that dividends, if paid, will remain at current levels or increase over time. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise, the prices of such securities may fall. A sharp rise in interest rates, or other market downturn, could result in a decision to decrease or eliminate a dividend.
Energy Sector RiskThe energy markets have experienced significant volatility in recent periods. The energy sector is cyclical and highly dependent on commodities prices. The market values of companies in the energy sector may fluctuate widely and could be adversely affected by, among other factors, the levels and volatility of global energy prices, commodity price volatility, energy supply and demand, changes in exchange rates and interest rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, capital expenditures on and the success of exploration and production, depletion of resources, development of alternative energy sources and energy conservation efforts, technological developments, cybersecurity incidents, tax treatment, labor relations, and the economic growth and stability of the key energy-consuming countries. Companies in this sector are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings, and a significant portion of their revenues depends on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. As a result, governmental budget constraints may have a material adverse effect on the stock prices of companies in this industry. Energy companies may also operate in or engage in transactions involving countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse policies. Energy companies also face a significant risk of liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental mishaps, equipment malfunctions or mishandling of materials and a risk of loss from terrorism, political strife, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Any such event could result in a material adverse impact to a Portfolio’s holdings and the performance of a Portfolio. In addition, there is growing political pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which could begin to impact the securities of companies in the fossil fuel industry and the prices of related commodities. The value of a Portfolio’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. Stock markets tend to run in cycles, with periods when stock prices generally go up and periods when stock prices generally go down. However, stock markets also can move up and down rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility
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than fixed-income securities. A Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
ESG Considerations RiskConsideration of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors in the investment process may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to a Portfolio, and therefore carries the risk that, under certain market conditions, the Portfolio may underperform funds that do not consider ESG factors or use a different methodology to identify and/or integrate ESG factors. The integration of ESG considerations may affect a Portfolio’s exposure to certain sectors or types of investments and may impact a Portfolio’s relative investment performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Furthermore, ESG criteria are not uniformly defined, and a Portfolio's ESG criteria may differ from those used by other funds. A company’s ESG performance or the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of a company’s ESG performance may change over time, which could cause a Portfolio temporarily to hold securities that do not comply with the Portfolio’s responsible investment principles. In evaluating a company, the Sub-Adviser is dependent upon information or data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Sub-Adviser to incorrectly assess a company’s ESG performance. Socially responsible norms differ by region, and an issuer’s ESG practices or the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of an issuer’s ESG practices may change over time. Successful application of a Portfolio’s ESG considerations will depend on the Sub-Adviser’s skill in properly identifying and analyzing material ESG issues, and there can be no assurance that the considerations or techniques employed will be successful. There is also a risk that a Portfolio could have indirect exposure (through, including but not limited to, derivatives and investments in other investment companies) to issuers that do not meet the relevant ESG criteria used by the Portfolio. Further, investors may differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative ESG characteristics of a security. ESG investing is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the factors utilized by the Sub-Adviser or any judgment exercised by the Sub-Adviser will reflect the opinions of any particular investor, and the factors utilized by the Sub-Adviser may differ from (or may be considered to be more or less stringent than) the factors that any particular investor considers relevant in evaluating an issuer’s ESG practices.
Exchange-Traded Funds RiskA Portfolio's shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in a Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, a Portfolio's net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. A Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with a Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio's assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary. A Portfolio does not control the investments of the ETFs, which may have different investment objectives and may engage in investment strategies that the Portfolio would not engage in directly. The ETFs may change their investment objectives or policies without the approval of a Portfolio. If that were to occur, the Portfolio might be forced to sell its investment in an ETF at a time and price that is unfavorable to the Portfolio.
In addition, many ETFs invest in securities included in, or representative of, underlying indexes regardless of investment merit or market trends and, therefore, these ETFs do not change their investment strategies to respond to changes in the economy, which means that such an ETF may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. Imperfect correlation between an ETF’s securities and those in the index it seeks to track, rounding of prices, changes to the indices and regulatory policies may cause an ETF’s performance not to match the performance of its index. An ETF’s use of a representative sampling approach will result in it holding a smaller number of securities than are in the index it seeks to track. As a result, an adverse development respecting an issuer of securities held by the ETF could result in a greater decline in net asset value than would be the case if the ETF held all of the securities in the index. To the extent the assets in the ETF are smaller, these risks will be greater. No ETF fully replicates its index, and an ETF may hold securities not included in its index. Therefore, there is a risk that the investment strategy of the ETF manager may not produce the intended results.
Moreover, there is the risk that an ETF may value certain securities at a price higher than the price at which it can sell them. Secondary market trading in shares of ETFs may be halted by a national securities exchange because of market conditions or for other reasons. In addition, trading in these shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements necessary to maintain the listing of the shares will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In addition, although ETFs are listed for trading on national securities exchanges, certain foreign exchanges and in over-the-counter markets, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of a Portfolio's investment in the ETFs could be substantially and adversely affected. In addition, because ETFs are traded on these exchanges and in these markets, the purchase and sale of their shares involve transaction fees and commissions. The market price of an ETF may be different from the net asset value of such ETF (i.e., an ETF may trade at a discount or premium to its net asset value). The performance of a Portfolio that invests in such an ETF could be adversely impacted.
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Focused Portfolio RiskA Portfolio that employs a strategy of investing in the securities of a limited number of companies may incur more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on the Portfolio’s net asset value. A Portfolio using such a focused investment strategy may experience greater performance volatility than a Portfolio that is more broadly invested.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks not associated with, or more prevalent than those that may be associated with, investments in U.S. securities. The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Over a given period of time, foreign securities may underperform U.S. securities — sometimes for years. A Portfolio could also underperform if it invests in countries or regions whose economic performance falls short. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war or other political or economic actions or factors, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. The costs of buying and selling foreign securities, including taxes, brokerage and custody costs, generally are higher than the costs of buying and selling domestic securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. In addition, securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings can involve risks relating to conditions in foreign countries. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments in foreign currencies and in securities that trade in, or receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. To the extent a Portfolio invests or hedges based on the perceived relationship between two currencies, there is a risk that the correlation between those currencies may not behave as anticipated. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by a number of factors, including changes in interest rates; intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities; investor perception of a country’s economy; or the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors external to a country’s economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency risk may be particularly high to the extent that a Portfolio invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market countries.
Depositary Receipts RiskInvestments in depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts) are generally subject to the same risks of investing directly in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted. Unsponsored depositary receipts are issued by one or more depositaries in response to market demand, but without a formal agreement with the company that issues the underlying securities. Unsponsored depositary receipts may not provide as much information about the underlying issuer and may not carry the same voting privileges as sponsored depositary receipts. A Portfolio may therefore receive less timely information or have less control than if it invested directly in the foreign issuer. There also may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
Emerging Markets RiskEmerging market countries generally are located in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and Africa. There are greater risks and uncertainties involved in investing in emerging market countries and/or their securities markets, and investments in these countries and/or markets are more susceptible to loss than investments in developed countries and/or markets. Investments in these countries and/or markets may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed countries. For instance, these countries may be more likely than developed countries to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political, economic or social structures or intervene in or manipulate financial markets. Some emerging market countries restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or may nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies. Therefore, a Portfolio may be limited in its ability to make direct or additional investments in an emerging market country or could lose the entire value of its investment in the affected market. Such restrictions also may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price,
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and investment returns. The U.S. government also may impose restrictions on the ability of U.S. investors to hold and/or acquire securities of certain companies in emerging market countries, which may adversely impact a Portfolio.
In addition, companies in emerging market countries may be newly organized, smaller and less seasoned, and the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of developed countries. Shareholder claims and legal remedies that are common in the United States may be difficult or impossible to pursue in many emerging market countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, matters of comity and various other factors, U.S. authorities may be limited in their ability to bring enforcement actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons in certain emerging market countries. Emerging market countries often have less uniformity in (or may lack) regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers; less reliable clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions; and less reliable registration and custodial procedures, which could result in ownership registration being completely lost. There are generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, transfer taxes, and higher custodial costs. A Portfolio may not know the identity of trading counterparties, which may increase the possibility of the Portfolio not receiving payment or delivery of securities in a transaction. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Investments in frontier markets may be subject to greater levels of these risks than investments in more developed and traditional emerging markets.
European Economic RiskThe European Union’s (the “EU”) Economic and Monetary Union requires member countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, and other factors, each of which may significantly impact every European country and their economic partners. The economies of EU member countries and their trading partners may be adversely affected by changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of the EU), changes in EU or governmental regulations on trade and other areas, geopolitical tensions or conflicts, and the threat of default or an actual default by an EU member country on its sovereign debt, which could negatively impact a Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. In recent years, the European financial markets have been negatively impacted by concerns relating to rising government debt levels and national unemployment; possible default on or restructuring of sovereign debt in several European countries; and economic downturns. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. A European country’s default or debt restructuring would adversely affect the holders of the country’s debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to the country’s creditworthiness and could negatively impact global markets more generally. Recent events in Europe may adversely affect the euro’s exchange rate and value and may continue to impact the economies of every European country and their economic partners.
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets.
In addition, uncertainties regarding the viability of the EU have impacted and may continue to impact markets in the United States and around the world. Withdrawals from the EU (or the possibility of such withdrawals or the dissolution of the EU) could cause additional and significant market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) officially withdrew from the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the UK’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU went into effect on January 1, 2021. The full impact of Brexit and the nature of the future relationship between the UK and the EU remains uncertain. Brexit may create additional and substantial economic stresses for the UK, including a contraction of the UK economy, price volatility in UK stocks, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of the British pound, wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty, and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact a Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money.
Geographic Concentration RiskA Portfolio that invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies domiciled, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity, in one country or geographic region assumes the risk that economic, political, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or region will have a significant impact on the Portfolio's investment performance and that the Portfolio's performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified portfolios. From time to time, a small number of companies and industries may represent a large portion of the market in a particular country or region, and these companies and industries can be sensitive to adverse
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economic, political, social, currency, or regulatory developments. In addition, certain areas are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, droughts or tsunamis and are economically sensitive to environmental events. The risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area also are generally more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries.
International Fair Value Pricing RiskA Portfolio that invests in foreign securities is subject to the risk that its share price may be exposed to arbitrage attempts by investors seeking to capitalize on differences in the values of foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that may close before the time the Portfolio's net asset value is determined. If such arbitrage attempts are successful, the Portfolio's net asset value might be diluted. A Portfolio's use of fair value pricing in certain circumstances may help deter such arbitrage activities. The effect of such fair value pricing is that foreign securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary foreign securities market in which they are traded, but rather may be priced using more subjective methods, known as fair value pricing. As such, it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale of a foreign security. It is also possible that the use of fair value pricing will limit a Portfolio's ability to implement its investment strategy (e.g., reduce the volatility of the Portfolio's share price) or achieve its investment objective.
Regulatory RiskLess information may be available about foreign companies. In general, foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements as are U.S. companies. Many foreign governments do not supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities to the same extent as does the United States and may not have laws to protect investors that are comparable to U.S. securities laws. In addition, some countries may have legal systems that may make it difficult for a Portfolio to vote proxies, exercise shareholder rights, and pursue legal remedies with respect to its foreign investments.
Settlement RiskSettlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement and clearance procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically associated with the settlement of U.S. investments. At times, settlements in certain foreign countries have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions. These problems may make it difficult for a Portfolio to carry out transactions. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a sale of securities, it may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if it has contracted to sell the security to another party, the Portfolio could be liable for any losses incurred.
Trade Suspensions RiskSecurities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that a Portfolio holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Portfolio's ability to liquidate its positions may be compromised and the Portfolio could incur significant losses. Trade suspensions, or other restrictions on trading, and market closures could lead to affected securities being valued at zero.
Index Strategy Risk A Portfolio (or a portion thereof) that employs an index strategy generally invests in all of the securities included in (or “replicates”) an index or invests in a representative sampling of such securities, regardless of market trends, to seek to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities, whereas an actively managed Portfolio (or portion thereof) typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. A Portfolio generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in the economy, which means that it may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. To the extent that the companies represented in the index are concentrated in particular sectors or industries, a Portfolio will be subject to investment concentration risk. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, a Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Also, unlike index performance, a Portfolio’s performance will be reduced by its fees and expenses. Cash flow into and out of a Portfolio, portfolio transaction costs, changes in the securities that comprise the index, and the Portfolio’s valuation procedures also may affect the Portfolio’s performance. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match or achieve a high degree of correlation to that of the relevant index. Tracking error may cause a Portfolio’s performance to be less than expected. In addition, to the extent a Portfolio’s investments track the relevant index, the Portfolio may underperform other portfolios that invest more broadly.
To the extent a Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index. A Portfolio’s use of a representative sampling approach will result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in the index it seeks to track. As a result, an adverse development with respect to an issuer of securities held by the Portfolio could result in a greater decline in net asset value than would be the case if the Portfolio held all of the securities in the index.
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To the extent that the securities of a limited number of companies represent a significant percentage of the relevant index, a Portfolio may be subject to more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on the Portfolio’s net asset value. A Portfolio may experience greater performance volatility than a portfolio that seeks to track the performance of an index that is more broadly diversified.
Inflation-Indexed Bonds RiskInflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to inflation. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, inflation-indexed bonds, including Treasury inflation-indexed securities, decline in value when real interest rates rise and rise in value when real interest rates decline. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed bonds may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar durations. Interest payments on inflation-indexed debt securities can be unpredictable and may vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. In periods of deflation, a Portfolio may have no income at all from such investments. The principal value of an investment in a Portfolio is not protected or otherwise guaranteed by the value of the Portfolio's investments in inflation-indexed debt securities.
Information Technology Sector Risk Investment risks associated with investing in the information technology sector include, in addition to other risks, the intense competition to which information technology companies may be subject; the dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for qualified personnel among information technology companies; effects on profitability from being heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights and the loss or impairment of those rights; rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction; general economic conditions; and government regulation. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on a Portfolio’s securities and the performance of a Portfolio.
Interest Rate RiskChanges in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of a Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of a Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity (i.e., the term of a debt security) or duration (i.e., a measure of the sensitivity of a debt security to changes in market interest rates, based on the entire cash flow associated with the security) of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. For example, if a debt security has a duration of five years and interest rates increase by 1%, the debt security’s price typically would be expected to decline by approximately 5%. Thus, the sensitivity of a Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates may increase the volatility of a debt security’s value and may lead to losses. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and are influenced by a number of factors, including government policy, monetary policy, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, perceptions of risk, and supply and demand of bonds. Changes in government monetary policy, including changes in federal tax policy or changes in a central bank’s implementation of specific policy goals, may have a substantial and immediate impact on interest rates. However, there can be no guarantee that any particular government or central bank policy will be continued, discontinued or changed, or that any such policy will have the desired effect on interest rates. Short-term and long-term interest rates, and interest rates in different countries, do not necessarily move in the same direction or by the same amount.
Interest rates in the United States and many parts of the world continue to be near historically low levels. The historically low interest rate environment was created in part by the world’s major central banks keeping their overnight policy interest rates at, near or below zero percent and implementing monetary policy facilities, such as asset purchase programs, to anchor longer-term interest rates below historical levels in response to economic challenges and uncertainty, including that brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain countries have experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income instruments. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk by, among other things, reducing or eliminating interest income and causing declines in the value of investments in income producing or debt securities. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses, which could be substantial, to a Portfolio. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Portfolio performance to the extent a Portfolio is exposed to such interest rates.
Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. However, due to concerns regarding rising inflation in many sectors of the U.S. and global economy, it is expected that the U.S. and many foreign governments and monetary authorities will raise interest rates and implement other policy initiatives that are intended to contain the impacts of rising inflation. Rising interest rates may present a particularly greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives, or their alteration or cessation.
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Inverse Floaters RiskInverse floaters are securities with a floating or variable rate of interest (i.e., the rate of interest varies with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as the prime rate, or at specified intervals). Inverse floaters have interest rates that tend to move in the opposite direction as the specified market rates or indices and may exhibit substantially greater price volatility than fixed rate obligations having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity. Any increase in the reference rate of an inverse floater (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a drop in the coupon rate, while any drop in the reference rate of an inverse floater causes an increase in the coupon rate. Inverse floaters generally will underperform the market for fixed rate securities in a rising interest rate environment. Inverse floater collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) exhibit greater price volatility than the majority of mortgage-related securities. In addition, some inverse floater CMOs exhibit extreme sensitivity to changes in prepayments. As a result, the yield to maturity of an inverse floater CMO is sensitive not only to changes in interest rates but also to changes in prepayment rates on the related underlying mortgage assets. Inverse floaters typically involve leverage, which can magnify a Portfolio's losses; accordingly, the holder of an inverse floater could lose more than its principal investment.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Debt securities generally are rated by national bond ratings agencies. A Portfolio considers securities to be investment grade if they are rated BBB or higher by S&P or Fitch, or Baa or higher by Moody’s, or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality. Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Investment Strategy RiskThe market may reward certain investment characteristics for a period of time and not others. The returns for a specific investment characteristic may vary significantly relative to other characteristics and may increase or decrease significantly during different phases of a market cycle. A Portfolio comprised of stocks intended to reduce exposure to uncompensated risk may not necessarily be less sensitive to a change in the broad market price level and may not accurately estimate the risk/return outcome of stocks. Portfolio investments may exhibit higher volatility than expected or underperform the markets. A Portfolio's strategy may result in the Portfolio underperforming the general securities markets, particularly during periods of strong positive market performance.
Investment Style RiskA Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — for example, growth or value investing styles — to select investments. Those styles may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods.
Growth investing generally focuses on companies that, due to their strong earnings and revenue potential, offer above-average prospects for capital growth, with less emphasis on dividend income. Earnings predictability and confidence in earnings forecasts are an important part of the selection process. As a result, the price of growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks. A Portfolio using this approach generally seeks out companies experiencing some or all of the following: high sales growth, high unit growth, high or improving returns on assets and equity, and a strong balance sheet. Such a Portfolio also prefers companies with a competitive advantage such as unique management, marketing or research and development. Growth investing also is subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Portfolio, regardless of movements in the securities market. Growth stocks tend to be more volatile than value stocks, so in a declining market their prices may decrease more than value stocks in general. Growth stocks also may increase the volatility of the Portfolio's share price.
Value investing attempts to identify strong companies selling at a discount from their perceived true worth. A Portfolio using this approach generally selects stocks at prices that, in its view, are temporarily low relative to the company’s earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. Value investing is subject to the risk that a stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced or overvalued at the time of investment. Value investing generally emphasizes companies that, considering their assets and earnings history, are attractively priced and may provide dividend income.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. Investing more heavily in one market capitalization category (large, medium or small) carries the risk that due to market conditions that category may be out of favor with investors.
Large Transaction RiskA significant percentage of a Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, a Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders, including in connection with substitution and other transactions by affiliates of the Adviser. These inflows and outflows may be frequent and could negatively affect a Portfolio’s net asset value and performance,
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and could cause a Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. It would be particularly disadvantageous for a Portfolio if it experiences outflows and needs to sell securities at a time of volatility in the markets, when values could be falling. These inflows and outflows also could negatively affect a Portfolio’s ability to meet shareholder redemption requests or could limit a Portfolio’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in its prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. During periods of declining or illiquid markets, the Adviser or its affiliates also may be subject to conflicts of interest in selecting shares of Portfolios for redemption and in deciding whether and when to redeem such shares. In addition, these inflows and outflows could increase a Portfolio’s brokerage or other transaction costs, and large-scale outflows could cause a Portfolio’s actual expenses to increase, or could result in a Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which, depending on any applicable expense caps, could lead to an increase in the Portfolio’s expense ratio.
Leveraging RiskWhen a Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in that Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to a Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, or have embedded leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. In addition, the costs that a Portfolio pays to engage in these practices are additional costs borne by the Portfolio and could reduce or eliminate any net investment profits. Unless the profits from engaging in these practices exceed the costs of engaging in these practices, the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of a Portfolio compared with what it would have been had the Portfolio not used leverage. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful. When a Portfolio utilizes certain of these practices, it must comply with certain asset segregation requirements, which at times may require the Portfolio to dispose of some of its holdings at an unfavorable time or price. The need to segregate assets also could limit a Portfolio's ability to pursue its objectives or other opportunities as they arise.
Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which a Portfolio may invest or is invested due to a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to deterioration in the financial condition of an issuer or issuers in a particular industry or market segment, periods of economic and market stress, changes in investor perceptions regarding an issuer or industry, periods of market volatility that trigger market circuit breakers that halt trading in securities or close markets entirely, planned market closures, shortened trading hours, extended market holidays, and other reasons. In such a market, the value of such investments and a Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve a Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, a Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing illiquid investments than investments with more active markets, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which a Portfolio is carrying them. A Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. In addition, the trading market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect a Portfolio's value or prevent a Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a similar investment at the same time as a Portfolio could decrease the liquidity of such an investment, especially during periods of market stress. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect a Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
The SEC has instituted various requirements for open-end funds, including the Portfolios, to establish, and the Portfolios have established, a program to manage liquidity risks. These requirements are intended to reduce liquidity risk, but they may not work as intended. Analyses, judgments and decisions made in connection with administering the liquidity risk management program may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the desired results. In addition, changes in market conditions, which may occur rapidly and unpredictably, may adversely affect the administration of the program. Changes related to the requirements may increase a Portfolio's expenses, may negatively affect a Portfolio's yield and return potential, and may not reduce a Portfolio's liquidity risk.
Additional legislative or regulatory actions to address perceived liquidity or other issues in markets generally, or in particular markets such as the fixed income securities markets, may alter or impair a Portfolio's ability to pursue its investment objectives or utilize certain investment strategies and techniques.
Loan RiskLoan interests are subject to liquidity risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, the risk of subordination to other creditors, restrictions on resale, and the lack of a regular trading market and publicly available information. Loan interests may be difficult to value and may have extended trade settlement periods (bank loans may have trade settlement periods that extend beyond seven days). As a result, the proceeds from the sale of a loan may not be available to make additional investments or to meet redemption
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obligations until potentially a substantial period after the sale of the loan. The extended trade settlement periods could force a Portfolio to liquidate other securities to meet redemptions and may present a risk that the Portfolio may incur losses in order to timely honor redemptions.
A Portfolio's investments in loans are subject to the risk that the Portfolio will not receive payment of interest, principal and other amounts due in connection with these investments and will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. Fully secured loans offer a Portfolio more protection than unsecured loans in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, although there is no assurance that the liquidation of a secured loan’s collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation or that the collateral could be readily liquidated. In addition, a Portfolio's access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. In the event of a default, a Portfolio may not recover its principal, may experience a substantial delay in recovering its investment and may not receive interest during the delay. Unsecured loans are subject to a greater risk of default than secured loans, especially during periods of deteriorating economic conditions. Unsecured loans also have a greater risk of nonpayment in the event of a default than secured loans since there is no recourse for the lender to collateral. Loans in which a Portfolio may invest may be made to finance highly leveraged corporate transactions. The highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in such transactions may make such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. In addition, loan interests may be unrated, and a Portfolio's Sub-Adviser may be required to rely exclusively on its own analysis of the borrower in determining whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, a loan. Loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as a Portfolio, therefore may not have the benefit of the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Loan agreements, which set forth the terms of a loan and the obligations of the borrower and lender, contain certain covenants that mandate or prohibit certain borrower actions, including financial covenants (or “maintenance covenants”) that dictate certain minimum and maximum financial performance levels. Certain types of loans contain fewer maintenance covenants than traditional loans (or no maintenance covenants at all) and may not include terms that permit the lender to monitor the financial performance of the borrower and declare an event of default if certain criteria are breached. This may hinder a Portfolio's ability to reprice credit risk associated with the borrower and reduce a Portfolio's ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. As a result, a Portfolio's exposure to losses on these types of loans may be increased, especially during a downturn in the credit cycle.
A Portfolio may acquire a loan interest by obtaining an assignment of all or a portion of the interests in a particular loan that are held by an original lender or a prior assignee. As an assignee, a Portfolio normally will succeed to all rights and obligations of its assignor with respect to the portion of the loan that is being assigned. However, the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of a loan assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the original lenders or the assignor. A Portfolio may also purchase a participation in a loan interest that is held by another party. When a Portfolio's loan interest is a participation, the Portfolio may have less control over the exercise of remedies than the party selling the participation interest, and the Portfolio normally would not have any direct rights against the borrower. It is possible that a Portfolio could be held liable, or may be called upon to fulfill other obligations, with respect to loans in which it receives an assignment in whole or in part, or in which it owns a participation. The potential for such liability is greater for an assignee than for a participant.
Market RiskA Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the markets, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In some cases, for example, the stock prices of individual companies have been negatively impacted even though there may be little or no apparent degradation in the financial condition or prospects of the issuers. The value of a security may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.
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 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. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole. A Portfolio 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 a Portfolio 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. Market speculation focused on profiting from fluctuations in the value of one or more securities or asset classes over a short period of time may result in large-scale and sudden purchases and sales of those securities or asset classes, which can significantly affect the value of those securities and asset classes as well as the market more broadly in unexpected ways, and cause significant share price volatility and losses for a Portfolio.
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Global economies and financial markets are highly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions (or failure to react) to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Geopolitical and other events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to overall instability in world economies and markets generally and have led, and may in the future lead, to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects. As a result, whether or not a Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio's investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions. Moreover, systemic market dislocations of the kind that occurred during the global financial crisis that began in 2008, if repeated, would be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely affecting individual companies and industries, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of a Portfolio's investments.
Scientific consensus indicates that elevated concentration of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere is contributing to climate change. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or the U.S. Federal Reserve and political events within the United States, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
In addition, markets and market-participants are increasingly reliant on both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at-large. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in a Portfolio being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately price its investments.
Mid-Cap, Small-Cap and Micro-Cap Company RiskA Portfolio's investments in mid-, small- and micro-cap companies may involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established issuers because they generally are more vulnerable than larger companies to adverse business or economic developments, which can negatively affect their value. Such companies generally have narrower product lines, more limited financial and management resources and more limited markets for their securities as compared with larger companies. Their securities may be less well-known and trade less frequently and in limited volume compared with the securities of larger, more established companies. As a result, the value of such securities may be more volatile than the value of securities of larger companies, and the Portfolio may experience difficulty in purchasing or selling such securities at the desired time and price or in the desired amount. Mid-, small- and micro-cap companies also are typically subject to greater changes in earnings and business prospects than larger companies. Consequently, the prices of mid-, small- and micro-cap company securities tend to rise and fall in value more frequently than the prices of securities of larger companies. Although investing in mid-, small- and micro-cap companies offers potential for above-average returns, the companies may not succeed and the value of their securities could decline significantly. In general, these risks are greater for small- and micro-cap companies than for mid-cap companies. Investing more heavily in one market capitalization category (large, medium or small) carries the risk that due to market conditions that category may be out of favor with investors.
Momentum Risk Momentum entails investing more in securities that have recently had higher total returns and investing less in securities that have recently had lower total returns. These securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities, and momentum may be an indicator that a security’s price is peaking. Momentum can turn quickly, and utilizing momentum as a factor in the investment analysis process can cause significant variation from other types of investment strategies. A Portfolio may experience significant losses if a security’s momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
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Money Market RiskAlthough a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund’s investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund’s yield and can cause the price of a money market security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation. A low- or negative-interest rate environment may prevent a money market fund from providing a positive yield, and could negatively impact a money market fund’s ability to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share. In the event that any money market fund that seeks to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value fails to maintain a stable net asset value (or if there is a perceived threat that a money market fund is likely to fail to maintain a stable net asset value), money market funds in general could face increased redemption pressures, which could jeopardize the stability of their net asset values. Certain money market funds have in the past failed to maintain stable $1.00 net asset values, and there can be no assurance that such failures and resulting redemption pressures will not occur in the future.
Certain money market funds are institutional money market funds, which means that the net asset value of the fund’s shares will “float”. A money market fund with a floating net asset value does not maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share; rather, its net asset value will fluctuate with changes in the values of the securities in which the fund invests. Shares sold utilizing a floating net asset value may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. An institutional money market fund may impose a fee upon the redemption of fund shares or may temporarily suspend the ability to redeem shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors.
Money market funds are subject to specific rules that affect the manner in which these funds are structured and operated. These rules are subject to change. A change in these rules may impact a money market fund’s expenses, operations, returns and liquidity.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk Investments in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to credit risk, liquidity risk, the risk of default, interest rate risk, and prepayment and extension risk, sometimes to a greater extent than various other types of fixed income investments. Declines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to a Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk. In addition, even when there is no default or threat of default, instability in the markets for mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may reduce (at times, significantly) the liquidity of such securities. As a result, the value of such securities may decrease and a Portfolio may incur greater losses on the sale of such securities than under more stable market conditions. Furthermore, instability and illiquidity in the market for lower-rated mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may affect the overall market for such securities, thereby impacting the liquidity and value of higher-rated securities.
If a Portfolio purchases mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities that are “subordinated” to other interests in the same pool, the Portfolio, as a holder of those securities, may receive payments only after the pool’s obligations to other investors have been satisfied. For example, an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may limit substantially the pool’s ability to make payments of principal or interest to the Portfolio as a holder of such subordinated securities, reducing the values of those securities or in some cases rendering them worthless. In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The underwriting standards for subprime loans may be lower and more flexible than the standards generally used by lenders for borrowers with non-blemished credit histories with regard to the borrowers’ credit standing and repayment ability. Borrowers who qualify generally have impaired credit histories, which may include a record of major derogatory credit items such as outstanding judgments or prior bankruptcies. In addition, they may not have the documentation required to qualify for a standard loan. As a result, the loans in the pool are likely to experience rates of delinquency, foreclosure, and bankruptcy that are higher, and that may be substantially higher, than those experienced by loans underwritten in a more traditional manner. In addition, changes in the values of the assets underlying the loans (if any), as well as changes in interest rates, may have a greater effect on the delinquency, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and loss experience of the loans in the pool than on loans originated in a more traditional manner. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Payment of interest and repayment of principal, the schedule for which varies based on the terms of the loan, may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by various forms of insurance
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or guarantees, including letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit or liquidity enhancements. There can be no assurance that insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may lock in a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio's having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates. Unscheduled prepayments also would limit the potential for capital appreciation on these securities and may make them less effective than other fixed income securities as a means of “locking in” long-term interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio's income. Prepayment rates are difficult to predict, and the potential impact of prepayments on the value of a mortgage-related or other asset-backed security depends on the terms of the instrument and can result in significant volatility.
Privately issued mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may be subject to heightened liquidity risk. During periods of market stress or high redemptions, a Portfolio may be forced to sell these securities at significantly reduced prices, resulting in losses. Liquid privately issued mortgaged-related and other asset-backed securities can become illiquid during periods of market stress. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not subject to the same underwriting standards for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-related securities that have U.S. government or government-sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) guarantees. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying privately issued mortgage-related securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk, liquidity risk, or other underwriting characteristics than U.S. government or GSE mortgage-related securities.
Mortgage-backed securities issued in the form of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities. In periods of supply and demand imbalances in the market for CMOs or in periods of sharp interest rate movements, the prices of CMOs may fluctuate to a greater extent than would be expected from interest rate movements alone. CMOs and other mortgage-backed securities may be structured similarly to collateralized debt obligations and may be subject to similar risks.
Natural Resources Sector RiskThe profitability of companies in the natural resources sector can be adversely affected by worldwide energy prices and other world events, limits on and the success of exploration projects, and production spending. Companies in the natural resources sector also could be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, interest rates or inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in the supply of, or the demand for, natural resources, climate change, imposition of import controls, government regulation and intervention, civil conflict, economic conditions, increased competition, technological developments, and labor relations. In addition, companies in the natural resources sector may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources, such as the risks of mining and oil drilling, and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources, such as natural or man-made disasters, fire, drought, liability for environmental damage claims, and increased regulatory and environmental costs. Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities have historically been very volatile due to various economic, financial, social and political factors and may adversely affect the financial condition of companies involved with precious metals. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
New Portfolio RiskCertain Portfolios may be relatively new and small with limited operating history. A new Portfolio’s performance may not represent how the Portfolio is expected to or may perform in the long-term and a Portfolio may not be successful in implementing its respective investment strategies. Portfolio performance may be lower or higher during this “ramp-up” period, and may also be more volatile, than would be the case after the Portfolio is fully invested. In addition, investment positions may have a disproportionate impact (negative or positive) on performance in new Portfolios. There can be no assurance that such Portfolios will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, which could result in a Portfolio, including a Portfolio offered by this Prospectus, being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders.
Non-Diversified Portfolio Risk A non-diversified Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Portfolio’s performance may be more vulnerable to changes in market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.
Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk Bonds rated below BBB by S&P or Fitch, or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality, are speculative in nature, involve greater risk of default by the issuing entity and may be subject to greater market fluctuations than higher rated fixed income securities. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings,
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or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and the reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks. The retail secondary market for these “junk bonds” may be less liquid than that of higher rated securities and adverse conditions could make it difficult at times to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating a Portfolio's net asset value. A Portfolio investing in “junk bonds” may also be subject to greater credit risk because it may invest in debt securities issued in connection with corporate restructuring by highly leveraged issuers or in debt securities not current in the payment of interest or principal or in default. If the issuer of a security is in default with respect to interest or principal payments, a Portfolio may lose its entire investment. The credit rating of a below investment grade security does not necessarily address its market value risk and may not reflect its actual credit risk. Ratings and market value may change from time to time, positively or negatively, to reflect new developments regarding the issuer. Because of the risks involved in investing in below investment grade securities, an investment in a Portfolio that invests substantially in such securities should be considered speculative.
Portfolio Management Risk A Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to a Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies, some of which are created or maintained by an investment manager or its affiliates and some of which are created or maintained by third parties. A Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. Imperfections, errors or limitations may go undetected for long periods of time or may never be detected, which could adversely affect decision making for a Portfolio, as well as a Portfolio's operations or performance, and may result in, among other things, the execution of unanticipated trades, the failure to execute anticipated trades, the failure to properly gather and organize available data and/or the failure to take certain hedging or risk-reducing actions. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for a Portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover RiskHigh portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to a Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return. A Portfolio that adopts new investment objectives or policies or portfolio management strategies, has a new or an additional Sub-Adviser, and/or undergoes a reorganization with another Portfolio may experience substantially increased portfolio turnover due to the differences between the Portfolio's previous and current investment objectives and policies and portfolio management strategies.
Preferred Stock RiskPreferred stock is subject to many of the risks associated with debt securities, including interest rate risk. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. In certain situations an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities. Preferred stock also may be less liquid than common stock. To the extent that a Portfolio invests a substantial portion of its assets in convertible preferred stocks, declining common stock values may also cause the value of the Portfolio's investments to decline.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by a Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Falling interest rates generally result in quicker payoffs as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by a Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. Rising interest rates generally result in slower payoffs, which effectively increase the duration of certain debt securities and heighten interest rate risk. Additionally, a Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities RiskRestricted securities, which include privately placed securities, are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Before they are registered, such securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a Portfolio. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent restricted securities held by a Portfolio qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Portfolio likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase
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the level of a Portfolio's illiquidity. The Adviser or Sub-Adviser may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Where registration of a security is required, a Portfolio may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time the Portfolio desires to sell (and therefore decides to seek registration of) the security, and the time the Portfolio may be permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, a Portfolio might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it desired to sell. The risk that securities may not be sold for the price at which a Portfolio is carrying them is greater with respect to restricted securities than it is with respect to registered securities. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing a Portfolio's net asset value.
Quantitative Investing Risk A portfolio of securities selected using quantitative analysis may underperform the market as a whole or a portfolio of securities selected using a different investment approach, such as fundamental analysis. The factors used in quantitative analysis and the emphasis placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value. In addition, factors that affect a security’s value can change over time and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. The performance of a quantitative model depends upon the quality of its design and effective execution under actual market conditions. Even a well-designed quantitative model cannot be expected to perform well in all market conditions or across all time intervals. Data for some companies, particularly for non-U.S. companies, may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies. There may also be errors in the computer code for the quantitative model or in the model itself, or issues relating to the computer systems used to screen securities. A Portfolio's securities selection can be adversely affected if it relies on erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems. As a result, a Portfolio may have a lower return than if the Portfolio were managed using a fundamental analysis or an index-based strategy that did not incorporate quantitative analysis. There can be no assurance that a quantitative model used in managing a Portfolio will perform as anticipated or enable the Portfolio to achieve its investment objective.
Real Estate Investing RiskReal estate-related investments may decline in value as a result of factors affecting the overall real estate industry. Real estate is a cyclical business, highly sensitive to supply and demand, general and local economic developments and characterized by intense competition and periodic overbuilding. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values. Losses may occur from casualty or condemnation, and government actions, such as tax law changes, zoning law changes, regulatory limitations on rents, or environmental regulations, also may have a major impact on real estate. The availability of mortgages and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. Changing interest rates and credit quality requirements also will affect the cash flow of real estate companies and their ability to meet capital needs. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values.
Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) generally invest directly in real estate (equity REITs), in mortgages secured by interests in real estate (mortgage REITs) or in some combination of the two (hybrid REITs). Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations. The risk of defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages involving borrowers with blemished credit histories. The liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Operating REITs requires specialized management skills, and a Portfolio that invests in REITs indirectly bears REIT management and administration expenses along with the direct expenses of the Portfolio. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Domestic REITs also must satisfy specific Internal Revenue Code requirements in order to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of net investment income and net realized gains distributed to shareholders. Failure to meet these requirements may have adverse consequences on an investing Portfolio. Similar treatment may also apply to REIT-like entities under the laws of the countries in which they were formed. In addition, even the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. Moreover, shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers.
Redemption Risk A Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times, which could have a negative impact on the Portfolio’s overall liquidity, or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Redemption risk also is greater to the extent that one or more investors control a large percentage of investments in a Portfolio, have short investment horizons, or have unpredictable cash flow needs. Heavy redemptions could hurt a Portfolio’s performance and increase transaction costs.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed
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income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risks of Investing in Other Investment Companies A Portfolio that invests in other investment companies will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by those investment companies, in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio's net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the other investment companies in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the other investment companies invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will depend, to a significant degree, on the ability of the other investment companies to meet their objectives. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular investment company will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio's assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the investment company, which will vary. A Portfolio does not control the investments of the other investment companies, which may have different investment objectives and may engage in investment strategies that the Portfolio would not engage in directly. The other investment companies may change their investment objectives or policies without the approval of a Portfolio. If that were to occur, the Portfolio might be forced to withdraw its investment from the investment company at a time and price that is unfavorable to the Portfolio.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying ETFsA Portfolio that invests in Underlying ETFs (i.e., operates under a “fund of funds” arrangement) will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by those Underlying ETFs, in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio's performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. The Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect a Portfolio's performance. In addition, the Portfolio's net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. In addition, because each Underlying ETF is managed independently, the same security may be held by different Underlying ETFs, or may be acquired for one portfolio at a time when another portfolio deems it appropriate to dispose of the security, resulting in higher indirect expenses without accomplishing any net investment result. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio's assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying ETF, which will vary. A Portfolio does not control the investments of the Underlying ETFs, which may have different investment objectives and may engage in investment strategies that the Portfolio would not engage in directly. The Underlying ETFs may change their investment objectives or policies without the approval of a Portfolio. If that were to occur, the Portfolio might be forced to sell its investment in an Underlying ETF at a time and price that is unfavorable to the Portfolio.
In addition, many ETFs invest in securities included in, or representative of, underlying indexes regardless of investment merit or market trends and, therefore, these ETFs do not change their investment strategies to respond to changes in the economy, which means that such an Underlying ETF may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. Imperfect correlation between an Underlying ETF’s securities and those in the index it seeks to track, rounding of prices, changes to the indices and regulatory policies may cause an Underlying ETF’s performance not to match the performance of its index. An Underlying ETF’s use of a representative sampling approach will result in it holding a smaller number of securities than are in the index it seeks to track. As a result, an adverse development respecting an issuer of securities held by the Underlying ETF could result in a greater decline in net asset value than would be the case if the Underlying ETF held all of the securities in the index. To the extent the assets in the Underlying ETF are smaller, these risks will be greater. No ETF fully replicates its index, and an Underlying ETF may hold securities not included in its index. Therefore, there is a risk that the investment strategy of the Underlying ETF manager may not produce the intended results.
Moreover, there is the risk that an Underlying ETF may value certain securities at a price higher than the price at which it can sell them. Secondary market trading in shares of Underlying ETFs may be halted by a national securities exchange because of market conditions or for other reasons. In addition, trading in these shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements necessary to maintain the listing of the shares will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In addition, although ETFs are listed for trading on national securities exchanges,
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certain foreign exchanges and in over-the-counter markets, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of a Portfolio's investment in the Underlying ETFs could be substantially and adversely affected. In addition, because Underlying ETFs are traded on these exchanges and in these markets, the purchase and sale of their shares involve transaction fees and commissions. The market price of an Underlying ETF may be different from the net asset value of such ETF (i.e., an Underlying ETF may trade at a discount or premium to its net asset value). The performance of a Portfolio that invests in such an ETF could be adversely impacted.
In addition, new regulations relating to “fund of funds” arrangements may impact a Portfolio's or an Underlying ETF’s ability to achieve its investment objective, impact a Portfolio's or an Underlying ETF’s investment policies or strategies, adversely affect a Portfolio's or an Underlying ETF’s efficiency in implementing its investment strategies, increase operating costs, and/or adversely affect a Portfolio's or an Underlying ETF’s performance.
Sector RiskTo the extent a Portfolio invests more heavily in one sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect that sector, industry, or sub-sector. An individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. A Portfolio's performance could also be affected if the sector, industry, or sub-sector does not perform as expected. Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries may adversely affect performance.
Securities Lending RiskA Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and other financial institutions to seek income. Generally, any such loan of portfolio securities will be continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the security loaned. Such collateral will be in the form of cash, marketable securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, or a standby letter of credit issued by qualified banks. A Portfolio could lose money on its investment of cash collateral. To the extent that portfolio securities acquired with such collateral have decreased in value, it may result in a Portfolio realizing a loss at a time when it would not otherwise do so. As such, securities lending may introduce leverage into a Portfolio. The risks of lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of secured credit, also consist of possible delay in receiving additional collateral (to cover an increase in the market value of the loaned securities or a decrease in the value of any securities collateral) or in the recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. Securities loans are subject to termination by a Portfolio (lender) or a borrower at any time. If a Portfolio terminates a securities loan, it will forego any income on the loan after the termination. Loans will be made only to firms deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and approved by the Board and will not be made unless, in the judgment of the Adviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.
Short Position RiskA Portfolio may engage in short sales and may enter into derivative contracts that have a similar economic effect (e.g., taking a short position in a futures contract). A Portfolio will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the asset sold short increases between the date of the short position sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks that could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Short sales involve greater reliance on an investment adviser’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument, potentially higher transaction costs, and imperfect correlation between the actual and desired level of exposure. Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, particularly in cases where a Portfolio is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position, because the Portfolio may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. Volatility in the market for equity securities, which has been dramatically increased recently for certain stocks, can meaningfully increase the risk of loss associated with short sales. In addition, by investing the proceeds received from selling securities short, a Portfolio could be deemed to be employing a form of leverage, which creates special risks. A Portfolio's long positions could decline in value at the same time that the value of the short positions increase, thereby increasing the Portfolio's overall potential for loss more than it would be without the use of leverage. Market or other factors may prevent a Portfolio from closing out a short position at the most desirable time or at a favorable price. In addition, a lender of securities may request, or market conditions may dictate, that securities sold short be returned to the lender on short notice. If this happens, the Portfolio may have to buy the securities sold short at an unfavorable price, which will potentially reduce or eliminate any gain or cause a loss to the Portfolio. When a Portfolio is selling a security short, it must maintain a segregated account of cash or high-grade securities equal to the margin requirement. As a result, a Portfolio may maintain high levels of cash or other liquid assets (such as U.S. Treasury bills, money market accounts, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) or may utilize borrowings or the collateral obtained from securities lending for this cash. The need to maintain cash or other liquid assets in segregated accounts could limit a Portfolio's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Special Situations RiskA Portfolio may seek to benefit from “special situations,” such as acquisitions, mergers, consolidations, bankruptcies, liquidations, reorganizations, restructurings, tender or exchange offers or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. In general, securities of companies which are the subject of a tender or exchange offer or an acquisition, merger,
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consolidation, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or restructuring proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the transaction. However, it is possible that the value of securities of a company involved in such a transaction will not rise and in fact may fall, in which case a Portfolio would lose money. It is also possible that a Sub-Adviser’s assessment that a particular company is likely to be acquired or acquired during a specific time frame may be incorrect, in which case a Portfolio may not realize any premium on its investment and could lose money if the value of the securities declines during the Portfolio's holding period. A Portfolio's return also could be adversely impacted to the extent that a Sub-Adviser’s strategies fail to identify companies for investment by the Portfolio that become the subject of a merger or similar transaction that results in an increase in the value of the securities of those companies. Moreover, publicly announced mergers and similar types of transactions may be renegotiated or terminated, in which case a Portfolio may lose money. In addition, if a transaction takes a longer time to close than a Sub-Adviser originally anticipated, a Portfolio may realize a lower-than-expected rate of return. In some circumstances, the securities purchased may be illiquid making it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them at an advantageous price.
U.S. Government Securities Risk Although a Portfolio may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Portfolio itself and do not guarantee the market prices of the securities. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or other agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government may decline in value as a result of, among other things, changes in interest rates, political events in the United States, international developments, including strained relations with foreign countries, and changes in the credit rating of, or investor perceptions regarding the creditworthiness of, the U.S. government. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury involve greater credit risk than investments in other types of U.S. government securities. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. Increases or decreases in the demand for U.S. government securities may occur at any time and may result in increased volatility in the values of those securities.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk The market prices of securities with variable and floating interest rates are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than are the market prices of securities with fixed interest rates. Variable and floating rate securities may decline in value if market interest rates or interest rates paid by such securities do not move as expected. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally rise in value if market interest rates decline. Certain types of floating rate securities, such as interests in bank loans, may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.
Certain variable and floating rate securities have an interest rate floor feature, which prevents the interest rate payable by the security from dropping below a specified level as compared to a reference interest rate (the “reference rate”). Such a floor protects a Portfolio from losses resulting from a decrease in the reference rate below the specified level. However, if the reference rate is below the floor, there will be a lag between a rise in the reference rate and a rise in the interest rate payable by the security, and a Portfolio may not benefit from increasing interest rates for a significant period of time. Rates on certain variable rate securities typically reset only periodically. As a result, changes in prevailing interest rates, particularly sudden and significant changes, can cause some fluctuations in a Portfolio's value to the extent that it invests in variable rate securities.
Volatility Management RiskThe Adviser from time to time may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to a Portfolio’s asset mix (such as by using ETFs or futures and options to manage equity exposure) in managing certain Portfolios. Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in a Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by a Portfolio or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when a Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser. Volatility is a statistical measure of the magnitude of changes in a portfolio’s returns. A higher volatility level generally indicates higher risk and often results in more frequent and sometimes significant changes in a portfolio’s returns.
The result of a Portfolio’s volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of a Portfolio’s volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser uses proprietary modeling tools to implement a Portfolio’s volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose a Portfolio to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance;
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on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose a Portfolio to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by a Portfolio to hedge the value of the Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Portfolio’s other investments. When equity exposure is reduced, a lack of correlation between the changes in the value of the futures contracts or other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy and the value of a Portfolio’s other equity investments (if any) being hedged could result in losses.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent a Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause a Portfolio to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques may not protect against market declines and may limit a Portfolio’s participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in a Portfolio, may result in underperformance by a Portfolio. For example, if a Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. A Portfolio’s performance may be lower than the performance of similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used. In addition, the Adviser and its insurance company affiliates manage or advise other funds and accounts that engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities and instruments (such as futures contracts) as a Portfolio. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which a Portfolio invests, directly or indirectly, and could have an adverse impact on a Portfolio’s performance. Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interests of the Portfolio and that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and strategies.
Volatility Risk The Underlying ETFs selected by the Adviser may be unsuccessful in maintaining portfolios of investments that minimize volatility, and there is a risk that a Portfolio may experience more than minimum volatility. Securities held by the Underlying ETFs may be subject to price volatility and the prices may not be any less volatile than the market as a whole and could be more volatile. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques may limit an Underlying ETF’s and, in turn, a Portfolio's participation in market gains, particularly during periods when market values are increasing, but market volatility is high.
Zero Coupon and Pay-in-Kind Securities Risk A zero coupon or pay-in-kind security pays no interest in cash to its holder during its life. Accordingly, zero coupon securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and, together with pay-in-kind securities, will be subject to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distribution of interest in cash. There is a risk that zero coupon securities may not keep pace with inflation.
General Investment Risks
Each Portfolio is subject to the following general risks. The risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of perceived importance or potential exposure, can negatively affect a Portfolio's performance.
Asset Class RiskA Portfolio is subject to the risk that the returns from the asset classes, or types of securities, in which it invests will underperform the general securities markets or different asset classes. Different asset classes tend to go through cycles of outperformance and underperformance in comparison to each other and to the general securities markets.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk A Portfolio and its service providers, and shareholders’ ability to transact with a Portfolio, may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Portfolio assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a Portfolio or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks (e.g., malicious software coding, ransomware, or “hacking”) or unintentional events (e.g., inadvertent release of confidential information, including by a Portfolio or its service providers). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on a Portfolio and its shareholders.
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The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, the inability to process Portfolio transactions or calculate a Portfolio’s net asset value, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory scrutiny, penalties, fines, reputational damage, additional compliance costs or other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on a Portfolio or its shareholders. The Adviser, through its monitoring and oversight of Portfolio service providers, seeks to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. However, it is not possible for the Adviser or Portfolio service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect a Portfolio or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Technology is continuously changing, and new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing.
Among other situations, disruptions (for example, pandemics or health crises) or other developments that cause prolonged periods of remote work or significant employee absences at a Portfolio’s service providers could impact the ability to conduct the Portfolio’s operations. Most issuers in which a Portfolio invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations and require ready access to the internet to conduct their businesses. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which a Portfolio invests, leading to significant loss of value. A Portfolio may incur substantial costs to prevent or address cybersecurity incidents in the future.
Insurance Fund RiskThe Portfolios are available through Contracts offered by insurance company affiliates of the Adviser, and the Portfolios may be used to fund all or a portion of certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts. To the extent the assets in a Portfolio are insufficient to fund those benefits and guarantees, the Adviser’s insurance company affiliates might otherwise be obligated to fulfill them out of their own resources. The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with providing advice to, or developing strategies and modeling tools used to manage, a Portfolio (e.g., with respect to the allocation of assets between passively and actively managed portions of a Portfolio and the development and implementation of the modeling tools used to manage a Portfolio). The performance of a Portfolio may impact the obligations and financial exposure of the Adviser’s insurance company affiliates under any death benefit, income benefit and other guarantees provided through Contracts that offer the Portfolio as an investment option, and the ability of an insurance company affiliate to manage (e.g., through the use of various hedging techniques) the risks associated with these benefits and guarantees. The Adviser’s investment decisions and the design of the Portfolios may be influenced by these factors. For example, the Portfolios or modeling tools and strategies may be managed or designed in a manner (e.g., using more conservative or less volatile investment styles, including volatility management strategies) that could reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance company affiliates that provide the benefits and guarantees and offer the Portfolios as investment options in their products, and also could facilitate such an insurance company’s ability to provide benefits and guarantees under its Contracts, including by making more predictable the costs of the benefits and guarantees and by reducing the regulatory capital needed to provide them. The financial benefits to the Adviser’s insurance company affiliates may be material. The performance of a Portfolio also may adversely impact the value of Contracts that offer the Portfolio as an investment option and could suppress the value of the benefits and guarantees offered under a Contract. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information about any benefits and guarantees offered under the Contract. Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interests of the Portfolio and that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and strategies described in detail in this Prospectus.
Issuer-Specific RiskThe value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the market as a whole. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as poor management performance; reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services; investigations or other controversies related to the issuer; strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives; and the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets. Certain unanticipated events, such as litigation or natural disasters, can have a dramatic adverse effect on the value of an issuer’s securities. A change in the financial condition of a single issuer may affect securities markets as a whole.
Recent Market Conditions RiskThe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions, international, national and local border closings, extended quarantines and stay-at-home orders, event cancellations, service cancellations, reductions and other changes, labor shortages, and significant challenges in healthcare service preparation and delivery, as well as general concern, uncertainty and social unrest. Global financial markets have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant volatility and severe losses, and the pandemic has resulted in an economic slowdown that has negatively affected national and global economies, as well as national and global securities and commodities markets, which may continue for an extended period of time and have unforeseen impacts. Any deterioration in economic fundamentals may increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular companies, negatively impact market values, increase market volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce liquidity. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping online, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and the value of investments in other companies and industries that historically have relied on higher concentrations of people working in traditional office and commercial environments. The travel,
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hospitality, and public transit industries, among others, may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. In addition, companies and industries may lose the services of key personnel on a temporary or long-term basis due to illness or other reasons. Although COVID-19 vaccines have been released, countries have struggled to control the spread of the virus and re-open their economies. The prevalence of new COVID-19 variants or other unforeseen circumstances may result in the continued spread of the virus.
Public health crises caused by outbreaks of infectious diseases or other public health issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, and economic tensions and risks, disrupt market conditions and operations and economies around the world, and negatively affect market performance and the value of investments in individual companies in significant and unforeseen ways. The impact of infectious diseases may be greater in countries that do not move effectively to control them or that have limited access to vaccines, which may occur because of a lack of health care or economic resources or for political or other reasons.
Governments, including the U.S. federal government, and central banks have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets during the COVID-19 pandemic and may continue to do so, but the ultimate impact of these efforts is uncertain, and they may not be successful. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons. Central banks may increase interest rates or begin phasing out, or “tapering,” accommodative monetary policy facilities. The timing, coordination, magnitude and effect of such policy changes on various markets are uncertain, and such changes in monetary policy may adversely affect the value of a Portfolio’s investments.
In the future, the U.S. federal government or other governments may take actions that could affect the overall economy as well as the securities in which the Portfolios invest, the markets in which they trade, or the issuers of such securities, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, have in the past responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs, and dramatically lower interest rates. Certain of those policy changes were implemented or considered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in government or central bank policies could negatively affect the value and liquidity of a Portfolio’s investments and cause it to lose money, and there can be no assurance that the initiatives undertaken by governments and central banks will be successful.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and other outbreaks of infectious diseases or other public health issues that may arise in the future, could also impair the information technology and other operational systems upon which the Adviser relies, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of a Portfolio’s service providers to perform essential tasks. Such impacts could impair a Portfolio’s ability to maintain operational standards (such as with respect to satisfying redemption requests), disrupt the operations of a Portfolio’s service providers, and negatively impact a Portfolio’s performance. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in a Portfolio being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately value its investments.
Global economies and financial markets are highly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in, or foreign exchange rates with, a different country or region. The rise in protectionist trade policies, and changes to some major international trade agreements and the potential for changes to others, could affect the economies of many countries in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, including the current contentious domestic political environment and changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The United States has developed increasingly strained relations with a number of foreign countries. If relations with certain countries deteriorate, it could adversely affect U.S. issuers as well as non-U.S. issuers that rely on the United States for trade. Financial markets in the United States and China have been sensitive to the outlook for resolving ongoing U.S.-China trade disputes, a trend that may continue in the future.
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. The United States and other countries have imposed broad-ranging economic sanctions on Russia and certain Russian individuals, banking entities and corporations as a response to its invasion of Ukraine. The United States and other countries have also imposed economic sanctions on Belarus and may impose sanctions on other countries that provide military or economic support to Russia. These sanctions, as well as any other economic consequences related to the invasion, such as additional sanctions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences or cyberattacks on governments, companies or individuals, may further decrease the value and liquidity of certain Russian securities and securities of issuers in other countries that are subject to economic sanctions related to the invasion. To the extent that a Portfolio
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has exposure to Russian investments or investments in countries affected by the invasion, the Portfolio’s ability to price, buy, sell, receive or deliver such investments may be impaired. In addition, any exposure that a Portfolio may have to counterparties in Russia or in countries affected by the invasion could negatively impact the Portfolio’s investments. The extent and duration of military actions and the repercussions of such actions (including any retaliatory actions or countermeasures that may be taken by those subject to sanctions) are impossible to predict. These events have resulted in, and could continue to result in, significant market disruptions, including in certain industries or sectors such as the oil and natural gas markets, and may further strain global supply chains and negatively affect inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly impact a Portfolio’s performance and the value of an investment in a Portfolio beyond any direct exposure the Portfolio may have to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) officially withdrew from the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the UK’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU went into effect on January 1, 2021. The full impact of Brexit and the nature of the future relationship between the UK and the EU remains uncertain. The effects of Brexit on the UK and EU economies and the broader global economy could be significant, resulting in negative impacts, such as business and trade disruptions, increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth of markets in the UK, EU and globally, which could negatively impact the value of a Portfolio’s investments. There is some uncertainty as to whether dislocations in the UK’s economy are mainly the result of the COVID-19 pandemic (as the government claims) or the result of the country’s having left the EU.
High public debt in the United States and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there has been a significant increase in the amount of debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Economic, political and other developments may result in a further increase in the amount of public debt, including in the United States. The long-term consequences of high public debt are not known, but high levels of public debt may negatively affect economic conditions and the value of markets, sectors and companies in which a Portfolio invests.
Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the United States and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. However, due to concerns regarding rising inflation in many sectors of the U.S. and global economy, it is expected that the U.S. and many foreign governments and monetary authorities will raise interest rates and implement other policy initiatives that are intended to contain the impacts of rising inflation. Rising interest rates may present a particularly greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives, or their alteration or cessation. Inflation risk is the uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. A Portfolio’s investments may not keep pace with inflation, and the value of an investment in a Portfolio may be eroded over time by inflation.
Extremely low or negative interest rates may persist or become more prevalent. In that event, to the extent a Portfolio has a bank deposit or holds a debt instrument with a negative interest rate to maturity, the Portfolio would generate a negative return on that investment. Similarly, negative rates on investments by a fund that is a money market fund would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the fund to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share without financial support from the fund’s sponsor or other persons. There is no assurance that such support would be provided, which could lead to losses on investments in the fund, including on investments by a Portfolio that uses the fund as an investment option for the Portfolio’s uninvested cash. While negative yields may reduce the demand, liquidity and valuation of fixed income investments, investors may be willing to continue to purchase such investments for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, price insensitivity, arbitrage opportunities across fixed income markets or rules-based investment strategies. If negative interest rates persist or become more prevalent, investors may over time seek to reallocate assets to other income-producing assets or equity investments that pay a dividend, which may cause the price of such instruments to rise while triggering a corresponding decrease in yield and the value of debt instruments over time.
Funds and their advisers, as well as many of the companies in which they invest, are subject to regulation by the federal government. There is a potential for materially increased regulation in the future, as well as higher taxes or taxes restructured to incentivize different activities. These changes, should they occur, may impose added costs on a Portfolio and its service providers, and affect the businesses of various portfolio companies, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.
In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values. A rise in sea levels, an increase in powerful storms and/or an increase in flooding could cause coastal properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Economists warn that, unlike previous declines in the real estate market, properties in affected coastal zones may never recover their value. Large wildfires have devastated, and in the future may devastate, entire communities and may be very costly to any business found to be responsible for the fire or conducting operations in affected areas. The current U.S. administration may focus regulatory and public works projects around climate change concerns. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products
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are seen as accelerating climate change. Losses related to climate change could adversely affect corporate borrowers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax revenues and tourist dollars generated by such properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities. Since property and security values are driven largely by buyers’ perceptions, it is difficult to know the time period over which these effects might unfold.
All of these risks may have a material adverse effect on the performance and financial condition of the companies and other issuers in which the Portfolios invest, and on the overall performance of a Portfolio.
Regulatory Risk Each Portfolio is subject to extensive laws and regulations that govern its operations. Each Portfolio is subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is also subject to regulations imposed by other governmental regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations. Similarly, the businesses and other issuers of the securities and other instruments in which a Portfolio invests are also subject to considerable regulation. These laws and regulations are subject to change. Extensive regulation or a change in existing laws or regulations may have unpredictable and unintended effects and may materially impact a Portfolio, a security, business, sector or market. For example, extensive regulation or a change in existing laws or regulations made by the government or a regulatory body may limit or preclude a Portfolio's ability to achieve its investment objective, impact a Portfolio's investment policies or strategies, adversely affect a Portfolio's efficiency in implementing its investment strategies, reduce the attractiveness or increase the cost of an investment, and/or adversely affect a Portfolio's performance. A Portfolio also may incur additional costs to comply with any new requirements as well as to monitor for compliance with any new requirements going forward. A Portfolio also may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws or regulations.
Risk Management The Adviser and Sub-Advisers undertake certain analyses with the intention of identifying particular types of risks and reducing a Portfolio's exposure to them. However, risk is an essential part of investing, and the degree of return an investor might expect is often tied to the degree of risk the investor is willing to accept. By its very nature, risk involves exposure to the possibility of adverse events. Accordingly, no risk management program can eliminate a Portfolio's exposure to such events; at best, it can only reduce the possibility that the Portfolio will be affected by adverse events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Portfolio's investment program. While the prospectus describes material risk factors associated with a Portfolio's investment program, there is no assurance that as a particular situation unfolds in the markets, the Adviser or Sub-Advisers will identify all of the risks that might affect the Portfolio, rate their probability or potential magnitude correctly, or be able to take appropriate measures to reduce the Portfolio's exposure to them. Measures taken with the intention of decreasing exposure to identified risks might have the unintended effect of increasing exposure to other risks.
Valuation RiskThe price at which a Portfolio sells any particular investment may differ from the Portfolio's valuation of the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value some investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require a Portfolio to value these investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values. An investment’s valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. Investors who purchase or redeem Portfolio shares on days when the Portfolio is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Portfolio had not held fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain futures and fixed income securities, and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded but before a Portfolio determines its net asset value. A Portfolio's ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Additional Information about Risks
Additional information that may be associated with a Portfolio's principal risks but that may not be principal to a Portfolio's investment strategies follows. The risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of perceived importance or potential exposure, can negatively affect a Portfolio's performance.
Banking Industry Sector RiskTo the extent a Portfolio invests in the banking industry, it is exposed to the risks generally associated with such industry, including interest rate risk, credit risk and the risk that regulatory developments relating to the banking industry may affect its investment. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Concentration RiskIf an Underlying ETF concentrates, or invests a higher percentage of its assets, in the securities of a particular issuer or issuers in a particular country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class, that Underlying ETF may be adversely affected by the performance of those securities, may be subject to increased price volatility, and
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may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class.
Financial Services Sector Risk To the extent a Portfolio invests in the financial services sector, the value of the Portfolio's shares may be particularly vulnerable to factors affecting that sector, such as the availability and cost of capital funds, changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, extensive government regulation and price competition. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Industrials Sector Risk The value of securities issued by companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by supply and demand changes related to their specific products or services and industrials sector products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Global events and changes in government regulations, economic conditions and exchange rates may adversely affect the performance of companies in the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by liability for environmental damage and product liability claims. The industrials sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced by unpredictable factors. Companies in the industrials sector, particularly aerospace and defense companies, may also be adversely affected by government spending policies because companies in this sector tend to rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on a Portfolio’s securities and the performance of a Portfolio.
Infrastructure Sector RiskCompanies in the infrastructure sector may be subject to a variety of factors that could adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction programs, high degrees of leverage, costs associated with governmental, environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdowns, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning costs, the level of government spending on infrastructure projects, the effects of natural disasters, and other factors. Infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, import controls, depletion of resources, technological developments, and labor relations. There is also the risk that corruption may negatively affect publicly funded infrastructure projects, especially in emerging markets, resulting in delays and cost overruns.
Infrastructure issuers can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and other government demand for their products. In addition, infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by government regulation or world events (e.g., expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of capital, military coups, social or labor unrest, or violence) in the regions in which the companies operate. Infrastructure companies may have significant capital investments in, or engage in transactions involving, emerging market countries, which may heighten these risks. In addition, the failure of an infrastructure company to carry adequate insurance or to operate its assets appropriately could lead to significant losses. Infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by environmental clean-up costs and catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires and terrorist acts. Infrastructure-related securities may be issued by companies that are highly leveraged, less creditworthy or financially distressed. These investments are considered to be speculative and are subject to greater risk of loss, greater sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes, valuation difficulties, and potential illiquidity. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) RiskSecurities issued in IPOs are subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. Prior to an IPO, there is no public market for an issuer’s securities, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained following the IPO. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. Therefore, a Portfolio may hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. At times, a Portfolio may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, if, for example, only a small portion of the securities being offered in an IPO are made available to the Portfolio. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. Similarly, as the number of portfolios to which IPO securities are allocated increases, the number of securities allocated to any one portfolio may decrease. To the extent a Portfolio with a small asset base invests in IPOs, a significant portion of its returns may be attributable to its investments in IPOs, which have a magnified impact on Portfolios with small asset bases. The impact of IPOs on such a Portfolio's performance will likely decrease as the Portfolio's asset size increases, which could reduce the Portfolio's returns. There is no guarantee that as such a Portfolio's assets grow it will continue to experience substantially similar performance by investing in profitable IPOs.
LIBOR RiskTrillions of dollars’ worth of financial products and contracts around the world, including some of the Portfolios' investments, utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate (or “LIBOR”) as the reference or benchmark rate for variable interest rate calculations. LIBOR is produced daily by averaging the rates reported by a number of banks. LIBOR may be a significant factor in determining a Portfolio's payment obligations under a derivative investment, the cost of financing to a Portfolio, or an investment’s
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value or return to a Portfolio, and may be used in other ways that affect a Portfolio's investment performance. The publication of various LIBOR settings either has been, or is in the process of being, discontinued. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) has been selected by a committee established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to replace LIBOR as a reference or benchmark rate in the United States. Other countries have undertaken similar initiatives to identify replacement reference or benchmark rates in their respective markets. However, there are obstacles to converting certain existing investments and transactions to a new reference or benchmark rate, as well as risks associated with using a new reference or benchmark rate with respect to new investments and transactions. The transition process, or a failure to transition properly, might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on the LIBOR to determine interest rates, a reduction in the values of some LIBOR-based investments, and reduced effectiveness of certain hedging strategies, which may adversely affect a Portfolio's performance or net asset value. While some LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR becomes unreliable or is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, not all may have such provisions and there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to LIBOR ceasing to be published. In addition, the SOFR or other alternative reference or benchmark rate may be an ineffective substitute with respect to an existing or new investment or transaction, resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions for a Portfolio, which could negatively affect the Portfolio's performance and/or net asset value.
SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and has been published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since April 2018. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York also has been publishing historical indicative Secured Overnight Financing Rates from 2014. Historical changes or trends in SOFR may not be reliable as indicators of future changes in SOFR. The composition and characteristics of SOFR are not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR because (1) SOFR is a secured rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate, and (2) SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market volatility, or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. In addition, there can be no assurance that “Term SOFR,” which would be available for different maturities, develops and can be implemented under current documentation as a successor to LIBOR or currently-available SOFR methodologies.
Additionally, daily changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in other benchmark or market rates, such as LIBOR. The return on and value of an investment in notes or other investments linked to SOFR may fluctuate more than the value of investments that are linked to less volatile rates. In addition, the volatility of SOFR has reflected the underlying volatility of the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has at times conducted operations in the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market in order to help maintain the federal funds rate within a target range. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will continue to conduct such operations in the future, and the duration and extent of any such operations is inherently uncertain. The effect of any such operations, or of the cessation of such operations to the extent they are commenced, is uncertain and could result in losses to a Portfolio.
SOFR is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on data that it receives from various sources. There can be no guarantee, particularly given its relatively recent introduction, that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in a Portfolio. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction in the amount of interest payable on a Portfolio's investments and the trading prices of those investments. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may withdraw, modify or amend published SOFR data in its sole discretion and without notice. The interest rate for any interest period typically will not be adjusted for any modifications or amendments to SOFR data that may be published after the interest rate for that interest period has been determined.
Since SOFR is a relatively new reference rate, a Portfolio's investments in debt securities and other instruments linked to SOFR may not have an established trading market, and an established trading market may never develop or may not be very liquid. Market terms for instruments linked to SOFR, such as the spread over the base rate reflected in interest rate provisions or the manner of compounding the base rate, may evolve over time, and trading prices for such instruments may be lower than those of later-issued SOFR-based debt instruments as a result. Similarly, if SOFR does not prove to be widely used, the trading price of investments linked to SOFR may be lower than those of investments linked to reference rates that are more widely used. A Portfolio may not be able to sell the investments at all or may not be able to sell them at prices that will provide a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.
Listed Private Equity Company Risk Listed private equity companies include publicly traded vehicles whose purpose is to invest in privately held companies. Generally, little public information exists for privately held companies, and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make a fully informed investment decision. Investing in less mature privately held companies involves greater risk than investing in well-established, publicly-traded companies.
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Multiple Sub-Adviser RiskThe Adviser may allocate a Portfolio’s assets among multiple Sub-Advisers, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Portfolio’s assets. To a significant extent, a Portfolio’s performance will depend on the success of the Adviser in allocating the Portfolio’s assets to Sub-Advisers and its selection and oversight of the Sub-Advisers. The Sub-Advisers’ investment strategies may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance. In addition, because each Sub-Adviser manages its allocated portion of a Portfolio independently from another Sub-Adviser, the same security may be held in different portions of the Portfolio, or may be acquired for one portion of the Portfolio at a time when a Sub-Adviser to another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion, resulting in higher expenses without accomplishing any net result in the Portfolio’s holdings. Similarly, under some market conditions, one Sub-Adviser may believe that temporary, defensive investments in short-term instruments or cash are appropriate for its allocated portion of the Portfolio when another Sub-Adviser believes continued exposure to the equity or debt markets is appropriate for its allocated portion of the Portfolio. Because each Sub-Adviser directs the trading for its own portion of a Portfolio, and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other Sub-Adviser, the Portfolio may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single Sub-Adviser were managing the entire Portfolio. In addition, while the Adviser seeks to allocate a Portfolio’s assets among the Portfolio’s Sub-Advisers in a manner that it believes is consistent with achieving the Portfolio’s investment objective(s), the Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among Sub-Advisers, including affiliated Sub-Advisers, because the Adviser pays different fees to the Sub-Advisers and due to other factors that could impact the Adviser’s revenues and profits.
If the Adviser hires, terminates or replaces a Sub-Adviser to a Portfolio or adjusts the asset allocation among Sub-Advisers in a Portfolio, the Portfolio may experience a period of transition during which the securities held in the Portfolio may be repositioned in connection with the change in Sub-Advisers. A Portfolio may not pursue its principal investment strategies during such a transition period and may incur increased brokerage commissions and other transaction costs in connection with the changes.
Repurchase Agreements RiskRepurchase agreements carry certain risks, including risks that are not associated with direct investments in securities. If a seller under a repurchase agreement were to default on the agreement and be unable to repurchase the security subject to the repurchase agreement, a Portfolio would look to the collateral underlying the seller’s repurchase agreement, including the securities or other obligations subject to the repurchase agreement, for satisfaction of the seller’s obligation to the Portfolio. A Portfolio's right to liquidate the securities or other obligations subject to the repurchase agreement in the event of a default by the seller could involve certain costs and delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase are less than the repurchase price (e.g., due to transactions costs or a decline in the value of the collateral), the Portfolio could suffer a loss. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited and a loss may be incurred.
Structured Securities RiskBecause structured securities of the type in which a Portfolio may invest typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. A Portfolio may invest in a class of structured securities that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured securities. Structured securities are typically sold in private placement transactions, and there currently is no active trading market for structured securities. Certain issuers of such structured securities may be deemed to be “investment companies” as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, a Portfolio’s investment in such securities may be limited by certain investment restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.
Sub-Adviser Selection RiskA Portfolio is subject to the risk that the Adviser’s process for selecting or replacing a Sub-Adviser and its decision to select or replace a Sub-Adviser does not produce the intended results.
In addition, the Adviser is subject to certain conflicts of interest in connection with recommending the appointment and continued service of Sub-Advisers. The Adviser is affiliated with certain Sub-Advisers and, therefore, the Adviser will benefit not only from the net management fee the Adviser retains, but also from the advisory fees paid by the Adviser to an Affiliated Sub-Adviser. Since the Adviser pays fees to the Sub-Advisers from the management fees that it earns from the Portfolios, any increase or decrease in the advisory fees negotiated with proposed or current Sub-Advisers will result in a corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, in the amount of the management fee retained by the Adviser. The Adviser or its affiliates also have distribution relationships with certain Sub-Advisers or their affiliates under which the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates distribute or support the distribution of investment products issued or sold by the Adviser or its affiliates (including those in which the Portfolios serve as investment options), which could financially benefit the Adviser and its affiliates or provide an incentive to the Adviser in selecting one Sub-Adviser over another. In addition, the Adviser’s and/ or its affiliates’ other existing or potential business relationships, including with Sub-Advisers and/or their affiliates, or other financial or personal relationships, could influence the Adviser’s selection and retention or termination of Sub-Advisers. When recommending the appointment or continued service of a Sub-Adviser, consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser relies primarily on the qualitative and quantitative factors described in detail in the Prospectus.
Tax Risk A Portfolio is subject to the risk that the tax treatment of swap agreements and other derivative instruments, such as commodity-linked derivative instruments, including commodity index-linked notes and commodity options, futures, and options
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on futures, may be affected by future regulatory or legislative changes that could affect whether income from such investments is “qualifying income” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of a Portfolio's taxable income or gains and distributions.
Technology Sector Risk The value of the shares of a Portfolio that invests primarily in technology companies is particularly vulnerable to factors affecting the technology sector, such as dependency on consumer and business acceptance as new technology evolves, large and rapid price movements resulting from competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services and short product cycles. Many technology companies are small and at an earlier stage of development and, therefore, may be subject to risks such as those arising out of limited product lines, markets and financial and managerial resources. The value of a Portfolio’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Unseasoned Companies RiskUnseasoned companies are companies that have been in operation for less than three years, including operations of any predecessors. These securities may have limited liquidity and their prices may be very volatile.
Utilities Sector Risk The utilities sector in general is subject to significant governmental regulation and review, which may result in limitations or delays with regard to changes in the rates that companies in this sector charge their customers. Other risk factors that may affect utility companies include the risk of increases in fuel and other operating costs; the high cost of borrowing to finance capital construction during inflationary periods; restrictions on operations and increased costs and delays associated with compliance with environmental and safety regulations; the potential impact of natural or man-made disasters; difficulties in obtaining natural gas or other key inputs; risks related to the construction and operation of power plants; the effects of energy conservation and the effects of regulatory changes. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on a Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio. The value of a Portfolio’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments RiskWhen-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security a Portfolio buys will decline in value prior to its delivery. This risk is in addition to the risk that a Portfolio's other assets will decline in value. Therefore, these transactions may result in a form of leverage and increase a Portfolio's overall investment exposure. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, a Portfolio may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price.
Benchmarks
The performance of each Portfolio that has annual returns for at least one calendar year, as shown in the section “About the Portfolios”, is compared to that of a broad-based securities market index and/or a blended index. Each Portfolio’s annualized rates of return are net of: (i) its investment management fees; and (ii) its other expenses. These rates are not the same as the actual return you would receive under your Contract.
A Portfolio’s investment performance will change over time with the value of its underlying investments, and recent performance may differ significantly from performance for the time periods shown in this Prospectus.
Broad-based securities market indexes are unmanaged and are not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed investment company portfolios. Broad-based securities market indexes are also not subject to contract and insurance-related expenses and charges. Investments cannot be made directly in a broad-based securities market index. Comparisons with these benchmarks, therefore, are of limited use. They are included because they are widely known and may help you to understand the universe of securities from which each Portfolio is likely to select its holdings.
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Indexcovers the U.S. dollar denominated investment-grade, fixed-rate, taxable bond market of securities. The index includes bonds from the Treasury, government-related and corporate securities, agency fixed rate and hybrid adjustable mortgage pass through securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities.
Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Indexis an unmanaged index that includes U.S. dollar-denominated, investment-grade, fixed rate, taxable securities issued by industrial, utility and financial companies, with maturities between 5 and 10 years.
Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid Bond Indexis designed to represent the market of U.S. convertible securities. The Index may include investment grade, below investment grade and unrated securities.
ICE BofA U.S. Convertible Indexconsists of U.S. dollar denominated investment grade and non-investment grade convertible securities sold into the U.S. market and publicly traded in the United States. The Index constituents are market value weighted based on the convertible securities prices and outstanding shares, and the underlying index is rebalanced daily.
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ICE BofA U.S. High Yield Indextracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. Qualifying securities must have at least 18 months to final maturity at the time of issuance, at least one year remaining term to final maturity as of the rebalancing date, a fixed coupon schedule and a minimum amount outstanding of $100 million. It is capitalization-weighted.
ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Indexmeasures the returns of negotiable debt obligations issued by the U.S. government and backed by its full faith and credit, having a maturity of three months.
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Indexis designed to measure the performance of listed real estate companies and REITs worldwide.
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) KLD 400 Social Indexis a capitalization weighted index of 400 US securities that provides exposure to companies with outstanding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings and excludes companies whose products have negative social or environmental impacts.
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ACWI (Net) Indexis a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of 23 developed markets and 24 emerging markets. The index covers approximately 85% of the global investment opportunities.
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ACWI Minimum Volatility (Net) Indexaims to reflect the performance characteristics of a minimum variance strategy applied to large and mid-cap equities across 23 developed markets and 24 emerging markets countries. The index is calculated by optimizing the MSCI ACWI Index, its parent index, in USD for the lowest absolute risk (within a given set of constraints). Historically, the index has shown lower beta and volatility characteristics relative to the MSCI ACWI Index.
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EAFE® Index(Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index consists of the following 21 developed market country indexes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World (Net) Indexis a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. The index consists of 23 developed market country indexes.
MSCI World Commodity Producers (Net) Indexis a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index designed to reflect the performance of listed commodity producers across three industry (or sub-industry) categories as defined by the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®): energy, metals and agriculture.
Russell 1000® Growth Indexmeasures the performance of those Russell 1000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. It is market-capitalization weighted.
Russell 1000® Value Indexmeasures the performance of those Russell 1000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. It is market-capitalization weighted.
Russell 2000® Indexmeasures the performance of approximately 2000 of the smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index. It is market-capitalization weighted.
Russell 2000® Value Indexmeasures the performance of those Russell 2000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. It is market-capitalization weighted.
Russell Microcap® Indexmeasures the performance of the smallest 1,000 securities in the small-cap Russell 2000® Index, plus the next 1,000 smallest eligible securities by market cap, which represents less than 3% of the U.S. equity market. It is market-capitalization weighted.
Standard & Poor’s Long-Only Merger Arbitrage Indexseeks to model a risk arbitrage strategy that exploits commonly observed price changes associated with mergers. The index is comprised of a maximum of 40 large and liquid stocks that are active targets in pending merger deals.
Standard & Poor’s 500® Composite Stock Price Index(“S&P 500® Index”) is a weighted index of common stocks of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy, capturing 75% coverage of U.S. equities. The index is capitalization weighted, thereby giving greater weight to companies with the largest market capitalizations.
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Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400® Index(“S&P MidCap 400® Index” or “S&P 400 Index”) is a weighted index of 400 domestic stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. The index captures approximately 7% of the U.S. equities market. The index returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends.
1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Indexis a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 60% and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index at a weighting of 40%.
1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Indexis a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index at a weighting of 40%, MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 18%, S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 5%, S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 35% and the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 2%.
“Blended” performance numbers assume a static mix of the indexes. The Adviser believes that these indexes reflect more closely the market sectors in which the Portfolio invests.
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Underlying ETFs
The following is additional information regarding the Underlying ETFs in which the 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio, 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio and 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio currently may invest, including investment objectives, principal investment strategies and principal investment risks identified by the Underlying ETFs. If you would like more information about the Underlying ETFs, their Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information are available by contacting your financial professional. The information below is derived from disclosures contained in each Underlying ETF’s Prospectus. The Adviser makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. The Adviser may add new Underlying ETFs or replace existing Underlying ETFs without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser’s selection of Underlying ETFs may have a positive or negative impact on its revenues and/or profits.
Below is a list of the Underlying ETFs in which the 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio currently may invest.
ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
Domestic Equity
Fidelity Low Volatility
Factor ETF
Seeks to provide
investment returns that
correspond, before fees
and expenses, generally
to the performance of
the Fidelity U.S. Low
Volatility Factor IndexSM.
The Fund invests at least 80% of
assets in securities included in the
Fidelity U.S. Low Volatility Factor
IndexSM, which is designed to
reflect the performance of stocks
of large and mid-capitalization U.S.
companies with lower volatility
than the broader market.
• Low Volatility Strategy
• Stock Market Volatility
• Issuer-Specific Changes
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value and
Share Price
• Correlation to Index
• Passive Management Risk
• Trading Issues
• Mid Cap Investing
• Securities Lending Risk
iShares® Core S&P Total
U.S. Stock Market ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of a
broad-based index
composed of U.S.
equities.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
Total Market Index™ (the “Index”),
by generally investing at least 80%
of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing securities of the
Index. The fund may invest the
remainder of its assets in certain
futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
will help the fund track the Index.
The fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
iShares® MSCI USA Min
Vol Factor ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
equities that, in the
aggregate, have lower
volatility characteristics
relative to the broader
U.S. equity market.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the MSCI
USA Minimum Volatility (USD)
Index (the “Index”), by generally
investing at least 80% of its assets
in the component securities of the
Index. The fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the fund. The
fund may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Healthcare Sector Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
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ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
will help the fund track the Index.
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Volatility Risk
iShares® MSCI USA Small-
Cap Min Vol Factor ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
small-capitalization U.S.
equities that, in the
aggregate, have lower
volatility characteristics
relative to the
small-capitalization U.S.
equity market.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the MSCI
USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility
(USD) Index (the “Index”), by
generally investing at least 80% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Index. The fund’s
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the fund. The fund may
invest up to 20% of its assets in
certain futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
will help the fund track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Healthcare Sector Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Volatility Risk
Invesco® S&P 500 Low
Volatility ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
500® Low Volatility
Index.
The fund generally will invest at
least 90% of its total assets in the
securities that comprise the S&P
500 Low Volatility Index (“Index”).
S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P
DJI”) selects 100 securities from the
S&P 500 Index for inclusion in the
Index that have the lowest realized
volatility over the past 12 months
as determined by S&P DJI. The
fund generally invests in all of the
securities comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in
the Index.
• COVID-19 Risk
• Equity Risk
• Index Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
Invesco® S&P 500 High
Dividend Low Volatility
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
500® Low Volatility
High Dividend Index.
The fund generally will invest at
least 90% of its total assets in the
securities that comprise the S&P
500® Low Volatility High Dividend
Index (“Index”). S&P Dow Jones
Indices LLC (“S&P DJI”) identifies
from the S&P 500® Index the 75
securities with the highest dividend
yields over the past 12 months,
with no one sector with the S&P
500® Index allowed to contribute
• High Dividend Paying Securities Risk
• Equity Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Market Risk
• COVID-19 Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Index Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
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ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
more than 10 securities. From
those securities, S&P DJI selects for
inclusion in the Index the 50
securities with the lowest volatility
over the past 12 months. The fund
generally invests in all of the
securities comprising its Index in
proportion to their weightings in
the Index.
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
Invesco® S&P MidCap
Low Volatility ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
MidCap 400® Low
Volatility Index.
The fund generally will invest at
least 90% of its total assets in the
securities that comprise the S&P
MidCap 400® Low Volatility Index
(“Index”). S&P Dow Jones Indices
LLC (“S&P DJI”) selects for inclusion
in the Index the 80 securities that it
has determined have the lowest
volatility over the past 12 months
out of the 400 medium
capitalization range securities that
are contained in the S&P MidCap
400® Index. S&P DJI weights the
80 securities within the Index
based upon the inverse of each
security’s volatility, with the least
volatile securities receiving the
highest weights in the Index. The
fund generally invests in all of the
securities comprising its Index in
proportion to their weightings in
the Index.
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Company Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Index Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• COVID-19 Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
Invesco® S&P SmallCap
High Dividend Low
Volatility ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
SmallCap 600® Low
Volatility High Dividend
Index.
The Fund generally will invest at
least 90% of its total assets in the
securities that comprise the S&P
SmallCap 600 Low Volatility High
Dividend Index (“Index”). The Index
is composed of 60 securities in the
S&P SmallCap 600® Index that
historically have provided high
dividend yields with lower volatility.
The Fund generally invests in all of
the components of the Index in
proportion to their weightings in
the Index. The Fund will
concentrate its investments (i.e.,
invest more than 25% of the value
of its net assets) in securities of
issuers in any one industry or
group of industries only to the
extent that the Index reflects a
concentration in that industry or
group of industries.
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• COVID-19 Risk
• Equity Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• High Dividend Paying Securities Risk
• Index Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• Large Shareholder Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
• Small-Capitalization Company Risk
Invesco® S&P SmallCap
Low Volatility ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
SmallCap 600® Low
Volatility Index.
The fund generally will invest at
least 90% of its total assets in the
securities that comprise the S&P
SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index
(“Index”). S&P Dow Jones Indices
LLC (“S&P DJI”) selects for inclusion
• Equity Risk
• Small-Capitalization Company Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Index Risk
• Market Risk
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ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
in the Index the 120 securities that
it has determined have the lowest
volatility over the past 12 months
out of the 600 small capitalization
range securities that are contained
in the Index. S&P DJI weights the
120 securities within the Index
based on the inverse of each
security’s volatility, with the least
volatile securities receiving the
highest weights in the Index. The
fund generally invests in all of the
securities comprising the Index in
proportion to their weightings in
the Index.
• Market Trading Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• COVID-19 Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
SPDR® SSGA US Large
Cap Low Volatility Index
ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of a
large cap, low volatility
index.
The fund employs a sampling
strategy, which means it may
purchase a subset of the securities
in the SSGA US Large Cap Low
Volatility Index (“Index”), in an
effort to hold a portfolio of
securities with generally the same
risk and return characteristics of
the Index. Under normal market
conditions, the fund generally
invests substantially all, but at least
80%, of its total assets in the
securities comprising the Index. In
addition, the fund may invest in
equity securities that are not
included in the Index, cash and
cash equivalents or money market
instruments, such as repurchase
agreements and money market
funds (including money market
funds advised by the fund’s
Adviser). Futures contracts may be
used by the fund in seeking
performance that corresponds to
the Index and in managing cash
flows.
• Equity Investing Risk
• Financial Sector Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Low Volatility Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Unconstrained Sector Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Industrial Sector Risk
SPDR® SSGA US Small
Cap Low Volatility Index
ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of a
small cap, low volatility
index.
The fund employs a sampling
strategy, which means that it is not
required to purchase all of the
securities represented in the SSGA
US Small Cap Low Volatility Index
(“Index”). Instead, the fund may
purchase a subset of the securities
in the Index in an effort to hold a
portfolio of securities with
generally the same risk and return
characteristics of the Index. Under
normal market conditions the fund
generally invests substantially all,
but at least 80%, of its total assets
in the securities comprising the
Index. In addition, the fund may
invest in equity securities that are
not included in the Index, cash and
• Equity Investing Risk
• Financial Sector Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Unconstrained Sector Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Low Volatility Risk
• Small-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Valuation Risk
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ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
cash equivalents or money market
instruments, such as repurchase
agreements and money market
funds (including money market
funds advised by the fund’s
Adviser). Futures contracts may be
used by the fund in seeking
performance that corresponds to
the Index and in managing cash
flows.
 
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of the S&P
500 Index, which
measures the
investment return of
large-capitalization
stocks.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
500 Index (“Index”), a widely
recognized benchmark of U.S.
stock market performance that is
dominated by the stocks of large
U.S. companies. The fund attempts
to replicate the Index by investing
all, or substantially all, of its assets
in the stocks that make up the
Index, holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Stock Market Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Emerging Equity
iShares® Core MSCI
Emerging Markets ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
Index composed of
large-, mid- and
small-capitalization
emerging market
equities.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the MSCI
Emerging Markets Investable
Market Index (“Index”), by
generally investing at least 80% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index. The fund’s
adviser uses a representative
sampling index strategy to manage
the fund. The fund may invest up
to 20% of its assets in certain
futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
will help the fund track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Custody Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privatization Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Emerging
Markets
• Risk of Investing in India
• Risk of Investing in Russia
• Risk of Investing in Saudi Arabia
174 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
 
• Saudi Arabia Broker Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Treaty/Tax Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® MSCI Emerging
Markets Min Vol Factor
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
emerging market
equities that, in the
aggregate, have lower
volatility characteristics
relative to the broader
emerging equity
markets.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the MSCI
Emerging Markets Minimum
Volatility (USD) Index (the “Index”),
by generally investing at least 80%
of its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index. The fund
may invest up to 20% of its assets
in certain futures, options and
swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
will help the fund track the Index.
The fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Communication Services Sector Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Custody Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privatization Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Emerging
Markets
• Risk of Investing in India
• Risk of Investing in Russia
• Risk of Investing in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Broker Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Tax Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Volatility Risk
Invesco® S&P Emerging
Markets Low Volatility ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
BMI Emerging Markets
Low Volatility Index™.
The fund generally will invest at
least 90% of its total assets in the
securities of companies that
comprise the S&P BMI Emerging
Markets Low Volatility Index™
(“Index”). The Index is designed to
measure the performance of 200
of the least volatile stocks of the
S&P Emerging Plus LargeMidCap
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Emerging Markets Investment Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Investment Risk
• Geographic Concentration Risk
• Index Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Issuer-Specific-Changes Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 175

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
Index. Strictly in accordance with
its guidelines and mandated
procedures, S&P Dow Jones
Indices LLC (“S&P DJI”) determines
which securities are the least
volatile over the past 12 months of
companies in the S&P Emerging
Plus LargeMidCap Index for
inclusion in the Index. The fund
generally invests in all of the
securities comprising its Index in
proportion to their weightings in
the Index.
• Market Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Company Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Operational Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Valuation Time Risk
• COVID-19 Risk
• Taiwan Investment Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
Vanguard FTSE Emerging
Markets ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
stocks issued by
companies located in
emerging market
countries.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
Emerging Markets All Cap China A
Inclusion Index (“Index”), a
market-capitalization-weighted
index that is made up of
approximately 4,125 common
stocks of large-, mid-, and small-
cap companies located in
emerging markets around the
world. The fund invests by
sampling the Index, meaning that
it holds a broadly diversified
collection of securities that, in the
aggregate, approximates the Index
in terms of key characteristics.
• Stock Market Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Currency Risk
• China A-Shares Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Global Equity
iShares® MSCI Global Min
Vol Factor ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
developed and
emerging market
equities that, in the
aggregate, have lower
volatility characteristics
relative to the broader
developed and
emerging equity
markets.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the MSCI
ACWI Minimum Volatility (USD)
Index (“Index”). The fund invests in
a representative sample of
securities that collectively has an
investment profile similar to that of
the Index. The fund generally will
invest at least 80% of its assets in
the component securities of the
Index and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index
and may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
will help the fund’s performance
track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Healthcare Sector Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Russia
176 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
 
• Risk of Investing in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Broker Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Volatility Risk
International Developed Equity
iShares® Core MSCI EAFE
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large-, mid- and
small-capitalization
developed market
equities, excluding the
U.S. and Canada.
The fund employs an indexing
approach to track the performance
of the MSCI EAFE IMI Index
(“Index”), by generally investing at
least 80% of its assets in the
component securities of the Index
and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index.
The fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
fund may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
will help the fund track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Japan
• Securities Lending Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® MSCI EAFE Min
Vol Factor ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index, which is
composed of
developed market
equities that, in the
aggregate, have lower
volatility characteristics
relative to the broader
developed equity
markets, excluding the
U.S. and Canada.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the MSCI
EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD)
Index (“Index”), by generally
investing at least 80% of its assets
in the component securities of the
Index and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index.
The fund may invest up to 20% of
its assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the fund’s adviser believes
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Consumer Staples Sector Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Healthcare Sector Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 177

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
will help the fund track the Index.
The fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Japan
• Securities Lending Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Volatility Risk
Invesco® S&P
International Developed
Low Volatility ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
BMI International
Developed Low
Volatility Index™.
The fund will invest at least 90% of
its total assets in the securities that
comprise the S&P BMI
International Developed Low
Volatility Index™ (“Index”). The
Index is designed to measure the
performance of 200 of the least
volatile stocks of the S&P
Developed ex US and South Korea
LargeMidCap Index. Strictly in
accordance with its guidelines and
mandated procedures, S&P Dow
Jones Indices (“S&P DJI”)
determines which securities are the
least volatile over the past 12
months of companies in the S&P
Developed ex US and South Korea
LargeMidCap Index for inclusion in
the Index. The fund generally
invests in all of the securities
comprising its (Index in proportion
to their weightings in the Index.
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Investment Risk
• Geographic Concentration Risk
• Index Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Company Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Operational Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Valuation Time Risk
• COVID-19 Risk
• Japan Investment Risk
Invesco® S&P
International Developed
High Dividend Low
Volatility ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results
(before fees and
expenses) of the S&P
EPAC Ex- Korea Low
Volatility High Dividend
Index.
The Fund generally will invest at
least 90% of its total assets in
securities that comprise the S&P
EPAC Ex-Korea Low Volatility High
Dividend Index (the “Index”). The
index is composed of 100
securities in the S&P EPAC
Ex-Korea LargeMidCap Index that
historically have provided high
dividend yields with lower volatility.
The Fund generally invests in all of
the components of the Index in
proportion to their weightings in
the Index. The Fund will
concentrate its investments (i.e.,
invest more than 25% of the value
of its net assets) in securities of
issuers in any one industry or
group of industries only to the
extent that the Index reflects a
concentration in that industry or
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Investment Risk
• Geographic Concentration Risk
• High Dividend Paying Securities Risk
• Index Risk
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Company Risk
• Non-Correlation Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Valuation Time Risk
• COVID-19 Risk
• Asia Pacific Investment Risk
178 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
group of industries.
 
Vanguard FTSE Developed
Markets ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of the
FTSE Developed All Cap
ex US Index, which
measures the
investment return of
stocks issued by
companies located in
Canada and the major
markets of Europe and
the Pacific region.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
Developed All Cap ex US Index
(“Index”), a market-capitalization-
weighted index that is made up of
approximately 3,865 common
stocks of large-, mid-, and small-
cap companies located in Canada
and the major markets of Europe
and the Pacific region. The fund
attempts to replicate the
performance of the Index by
investing all, or substantially all, of
its assets in the stocks that make
up the Index, holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Stock Market Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Currency Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Below is a list of the Underlying ETFs in which the 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio currently may invest.
ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
Commodities
Invesco® DB Agriculture
Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Diversified
Agriculture Index Excess
ReturnTM over time,
plus the excess, if any,
of the sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income,
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Diversified Agriculture Index Excess
ReturnTM, which is intended to
reflect the change in value of the
agricultural sector.
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Commodity
Index Tracking Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Diversified
Commodity Index
Excess ReturnTM, over
time, plus the excess, if
any, of the sum of the
Fund’s Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income,
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Optimum Yield Diversified
Commodity Index Excess ReturnTM,
which is a rules-based index
composed of futures contracts on
14 of the most heavily traded and
important physical commodities in
the world.
• Risks Related to Investing in Oil
Markets
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Energy Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Energy Index
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Optimum Yield Energy Index
Excess ReturnTM, which is intended
• Risks Related to Investing in Oil
Markets
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 179

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
Excess ReturnTM over
time, plus the excess, if
any, of the sum of the
Fund’s Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income,
over the expenses of
the Fund.
to reflect the changes in market
value of the energy sector.
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Gold Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Gold Index Excess
ReturnTM over time,
plus the excess, if any,
of the sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts gold, which is the
single commodity that comprises
the DBIQ Optimum Yield Gold
Index Excess ReturnTM, which is
intended to reflect the changes in
market value of gold.
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Precious
Metals Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Precious Metals
Index Excess ReturnTM
over time, plus the
excess, if any, of the
sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on gold and
silver, the commodities comprising
the DBIQ Optimum Yield Precious
Metals Index Excess ReturnTM,
which is intended to reflect the
changes in market value of the
precious metals sector.
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
iShares® GSCI Commodity
Dynamic Roll Strategy ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of
the S&P GSCI Dynamic
Roll (USD) Total Return
Index, which is
composed of a broad
range of commodity
exposures with
enhanced roll selection.
The fund seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing
in a combination of exchange-
traded commodity futures
contracts, exchange-traded
options on commodity-related
futures contracts and exchange-
cleared commodity-related swaps
(together, “Commodity-Linked
Investments”), thereby obtaining
exposure to the commodities
markets. Commodity-Linked
Investments may also include
exchange-cleared swaps on
commodities and exchange-traded
options on futures that provide
exposure to the investment returns
of the commodities markets,
without investing directly in
physical commodities.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk
• Commodity Regulatory Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Credit Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Illiquid Investments Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
180 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
 
• Metals and Mining Industry Risk
• Money Market Instruments Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Issuers Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment
Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Agriculture and
Livestock
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Risk of Swap Agreements
• Structural Risk
• Subsidiary Risk
• Tax Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
Invesco® Optimum Yield
Diversified Commodity
Strategy No K-1 ETF
Seeks long-term capital
appreciation
The Fund is an actively managed
exchange-traded fund that seeks
to achieve its investment objective
by investing in a combination of
financial instruments that are
economically linked to the world’s
most heavily traded commodities.
Under normal circumstances, the
Fund invests, either directly or
through a wholly-owned
subsidiary in a combination of four
categories of investments: (i)
exchange-traded futures contracts
on underlying commodities; (ii)
other instruments whose value is
derived from or linked to price
movements of underlying physical
commodities, (iii) exchange-traded
products related to or providing
exposure to commodities; and (iv)
cash, cash-like instruments or
high-quality securities.
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Cash Transaction Risk
• Clearing Broker Risk
• Collateral Securities Risk
• Commodity Pool Risk
• Commodity-Linked Derivatives Risk
• Commodity-Linked Notes Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Equity Risk
• ETN Risk
• Futures Contracts Risk
• Gap Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Investments in Investment
Companies Risk
• Issuer-Specific Changes Risk
• Leverage Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Options Risk
• Pooled Investment Vehicle Risk
• Subsidiary Investment Risk
• Swap Agreements Risk
• Tax Risk
• Valuation Risk
Convertible Securities
SPDR® Bloomberg
Convertible Securities ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the price
and yield performance
Under normal market conditions,
the fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
of its total assets in the securities
comprising the Bloomberg U.S.
Convertible Liquid Bond Index
• Below Investment-Grade Securities
Risk
• Communication Services Sector Risk
• Consumer Non-Cyclical Sector Risk
• Debt Securities Risk
• Convertible Securities Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 181

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
of an index that tracks
United States
convertible securities
markets.
(“Index”) and in securities that the
fund’s adviser determines have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
economic characteristics of the
securities that comprise the Index.
The Index is designed to represent
the market of U.S. convertible
securities, such as convertible
bonds and convertible preferred
stock.
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Income Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Restricted Securities Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Unconstrained Sector Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® Convertible Bond
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
dollar-denominated
convertible securities,
specifically cash pay
bonds, with outstanding
issue sizes greater than
$250 million.
The fund seeks to track the
investment results of the
Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Cash
Pay Bond ˃$250MM Index (the
“Underlying Index”). The
Underlying Index is a subset of the
Bloomberg U.S. Convertibles: Cash
Pay Bonds Index, which is one of
the four classes of the Bloomberg
U.S. Convertibles Index (i.e., cash
pay, zero coupon, preferred and
mandatory convertible bonds) and
measures the performance of the
U.S. dollar-denominated
convertibles market. The
Underlying Index is market
capitalization-weighted and
consists of only cash pay
convertible bonds. The Fund
generally will invest at least 90% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Underlying Index
may invest up to 10% of its assets
in certain futures, options and
swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the Fund’s adviser or its affiliates,
as well as in securities not included
in the Underlying Index, but which
the Fund’s adviser believes will help
the Fund track the Underlying
Index. The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the
Underlying Index before fees and
expenses of the Fund. The Fund’s
adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to
achieve the Fund’s investment
objective. The Fund’s adviser uses
a representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund may lend securities
representing up to one-third of the
value of the Fund’s total assets
• Agency Debt Risk
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Call Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Consumer Cyclical Industry Risk
• Convertible Securities Risk
• Credit Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• High Yield Securities Risk
• Illiquid Investments Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privately-Issued Securities Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
182 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
(including the value of any
collateral received).
 
Event Driven
IQ Merger Arbitrage ETF
Seeks investment results
that correspond (before
fees and expenses)
generally to the price
and yield performance
of the IQ Merger
Arbitrage Index.
The fund employs a “passive
management” — or indexing —
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the IQ
Merger Arbitrage Index (“Index”).
The Index seeks to employ a
systematic investment process
designed to identify opportunities
in companies whose equity
securities trade in developed
markets, including the U.S., and
which are involved in announced
mergers, acquisitions and other
buyout-related transactions. The
Fund invests, under normal
circumstances, at least 80% of its
net assets, plus the amount of
anyborrowings for
investmentpurposes, in the
investments included in the Index.
In addition, the Index includes
short exposure to the U.S. and
non-U.S. equity markets.
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Debt Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Focused Investment Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Foreign Securities Valuation Risk
• Index Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Merger Arbitrage Risk
• Money Market/Short-Term Securities
Risk
• Non-Diversified Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Management Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Secondary Market Trading Risk
• Short Sales Risk
• Small and/or Mid- Capitalization
Companies Risk
• Swap Agreements Risk
• Trading Price Risk
• Valuation Risk
ProShares Merger ETF
Seeks investment
results, before fees and
expenses, that track the
performance of the S&P
Merger Arbitrage Index.
The fund is designed to track the
performance of the S&P Merger
Arbitrage Index (“Index”) and
provide exposure to a global
merger arbitrage strategy. The
Index, and by extension the fund,
seeks to produce consistent,
positive returns in virtually all
market environments. A global
merger arbitrage strategy seeks to
capture the spread between the
price at which the stock of
acompany (each such company, a
“Target”) trades after a
proposedacquisition of such Target
is announced and the value (cash
plus stock) that the acquiring
company (the “Acquirer”) has
proposed to pay for the stock of
the Target (a “Spread”). To obtain
exposure to the Index, the Fund
takes long positions in shares of
the Target. The Fund also takes
short positions in shares of the
Acquirer when the deal involves an
• Risks Associated with the Use of
Derivatives
• Concentration and Focused
Investing
• Correlation Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Early Close/Late Close/Trading Halt
Risk
• Equity and Market Risk
• Foreign Investments Risk
• Index Performance Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Long/Short Risk
• Market Price Variance Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Risks Related to Foreign Currencies
and the Fund’s Currency Hedging
Strategy
• Risks Related to the Merger
Arbitrage Strategy
• Short Sale Exposure Risk
• Tax Risk
• Small-and Mid-Cap Company
Investment Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 183

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
exchange of the Acquirer’s stock.
Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will invest at least 80% of its
total assets in component
securities of the Index.
• Valuation Risk
Global Real Estate
iShares® Core U.S. REIT
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
real estate equities.
The fund seeks to track the
investment results of the FTSE
NAREIT Equity REITs Index (the
“Underlying Index”), which
measures the performance of U.S.
listed equity real estate investment
trusts (“REITs”), excluding
infrastructure REITs, mortgage
REITs, and timber REITs. The fund’s
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the fund. The fund
generally will invest at least 80% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Underlying Index
and may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Underlying
Index, but which the fund’s adviser
believes will help the fund track the
Underlying Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Dividend-Paying Stock Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Real Estate Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
Vanguard Global ex-U.S.
Real Estate ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
international real estate
stocks.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
Global ex-U.S. Property Index
(“Index”), a float-adjusted, market-
capitalization-weighted index that
measures the equity market
performance of international real
estate stocks in both developed
and emerging markets. The Index
is composed of stocks of publicly
traded equity real estate
investment trusts (known as REITs)
and certain real estate
management and development
companies (REMDs). The fund
attempts to replicate the Index by
investing all, or substantially all, of
its assets in the stocks that make
up the Index, holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index
• Industry Concentration Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Stock Market Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Currency Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Long/Short Equity
ProShares Long
Online/Short Stores ETF
Seeks investment
results, before fees and
expenses, that track the
performance of the
ProShares Long
The Index consists of long
positions in the online retailers
included in the ProShares Online
Retail Index and short positions in
the “bricks and mortar” retailers
• Risks Associated with the Use of
Derivatives
• Correlation Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Short Sale Exposure Risk
184 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
Online/Short Stores
Index.
included in the Solactive-ProShares
Bricks and Mortar Retail Store
Index. The Fund and Index are
designed to help investors take
advantage of both sides of the
retail industry’s transformation by
combining full (100%) long
exposure to online retailers with a
partial (50%) short position to
retailers that depend on physical
stores. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will invest
at least 80% of its total assets in
the component securities of
theOnline Index. The Fund intends
to obtain short exposure to the
positions in the Retail Store Index
by investing in derivatives.
• Long/Short Risk
• Internet Companies Risk
• Online Retail Companies Risk
• Retailing Industry Risk
• Equity and Market Risk
• Foreign Investments Risk/ Emerging
Markets Risk
• Concentration and Focused
Investing
• Geographic Concentration Risk
• Large-Cap Company Investment
Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Market Price Variance Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Tax Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Self-Indexing Performance Risk
• Early Close/Late Close/ Trading Halt
Risk
ProShares RAFITM
Long/Short
Seeks investment
results, before fees and
expenses, that track the
performance of the
FTSETM RAFI US 1000
Long/Short Total Return
Index.
The fund invests in financial
instruments that ProShare Advisors
believes, in combination, should
track the performance of the
FTSETM RAFI US 1000 Long/Short
Total Return Index (“Index”). The
Index allocates an aggregate equal
dollar amount to both long and
short equity positions each time
the Index rebalances. The long
position of the Index consists of
the equity securities in the FTSE
RAFI US 1000 Total Return Index
and the short position of the Index
consists of the securities included
in the Russell 1000 Total Return
Index.
• Risks Associated with the Use of
Derivatives
• Correlation Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Short Sale Exposure Risk
• Long/Short Risk
• Equity and Market Risk
• Concentration and Focused
Investing
• Large-Cap Company Investment
Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Index Performance Risk
• Market Price Variance Risk
• Early Close/Late Close/Trading Halt
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Small- and Mid-Cap Company
Investment Risk
• Tax Risk
• Valuation Risk
Managed Futures
WisdomTree® Managed
Futures Strategy Fund
Seeks to provide
investors with positive
total returns in rising or
falling markets.
The Fund is managed using a
quantitative, rules-based strategy
designed to provide returns that
correspond to the performance of
the WisdomTree Managed Futures
Index. The fund will invest, under
normal circumstances, at least 80%
of its net assets, plus the amount
of any borrowings for investment
purposes, in “managed futures.”
For these purposes, managed
futures are investments in
• Futures Contracts Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Investment Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Shares of the Fund May Trade at
Prices Other Than NAV
• Active Management Risk
• Cash Redemption Risk
• Counterparty and Issuer Credit Risk
• Currency Exchange Rate Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 185

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
commodity and currency-linked
instruments, as well as U.S.
government securities and money
market instruments, that taken
together have economic
characteristics similar or equivalent
to those of the listed commodity,
currency and financial futures
contracts described in the fund’s
prospectus.
• Derivatives Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer-Specific Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Models and Data Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Repurchase Agreement Risk
• Short Sales Risk
• Subsidiary Investment Risk
• Tax Risk
• Volatility Risk
ProShares Managed
Futures Strategy ETF
Seeks to provide
positive returns that are
not directly correlated
to broad equity or fixed
income markets.
The fund is an actively managed
exchange-traded fund and uses
the S&P Strategic Futures Index
(“Benchmark”) as a performance
benchmark. While the fund
generally will seek exposure to the
commodity and financial markets
included in the Benchmark, the
fund is not an index tracking ETF
and will seek to enhance its
performance by actively selecting
investments with varying maturities
from the underlying components
of the Benchmark. Under normal
market conditions, the fund invests
in a portfolio of commodity futures
contracts and currency and U.S.
Treasury futures contracts
(collectively, “Futures Contracts”).
The fund will also hold cash or
cash equivalents such as U.S.
Treasury securities or other high
credit quality, short-term
fixed-income or similar securities
for direct investment or as
collateral for Futures Contracts.
The fund may also invest up to
100% of its assets in any of these
types of cash or cash equivalent
instruments.
• Active Management Risk
• Commodity and Currency Risk
• Commodity Market Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Early Close/Late Close/ Trading Halt
Risk
• Foreign Currency Risk
• General Risks Related to
Commodities, Foreign Currencies
and Fixed Income Futures
• Interest Rate Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Long/Short Risk
• Market Price Variance Risk
• Monthly Repositioning Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Risks Associated with the Use of
Derivatives
• Risks Related to a Managed Futures
Strategy
• Risk that Current Assumptions and
Expectations Could Become
Outdated As a Result of Global
Economic Shock
• Risks Associated with the Use of
Futures Contracts
• Rolling Futures Contract Risk
• Short Sale Exposure Risk
• Subsidiary Investment Risk
• Tax Risk
• U.S. Treasury Market Risk
• Valuation Risk
Real Return
iShares® TIPS Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
inflation-protected U.S.
Treasury bonds.
The fund seeks to track the
investment results of the
Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Inflation
Protected Securities (TIPS) Index
(Series-L) (the “Underlying Index”),
which measures the performance
of the inflation-protected public
obligations of the U.S. Treasury,
commonly known as “TIPS.” TIPS
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
186 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

ETF
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risks
 
 
are securities issued by the U.S.
Treasury that are designed to
provide inflation protection to
investors. The fund generally
invests at least 90% of its assets in
the bonds of the Underlying Index
and at least 95% of its assets in
U.S. government bonds.
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
Vanguard Short-Term
Inflation-Protected
Securities ETF
The fund seeks to track
the performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
inflation-protected
public obligations of the
U.S. Treasury with
remaining maturities of
less than 5 years.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the
Bloomberg U.S. Treasury
Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)
0-5 Year Index. The Index is a
market-capitalization-weighted
index that includes all
inflation-protected public
obligations issued by the U.S.
Treasury with remaining maturities
of less than 5 years. The fund
attempts to replicate the target
index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in the
securities that make up the Index,
holding each security in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index. The fund maintains a
dollar-weighted average maturity
consistent with that of the target
index.
• Income Fluctuations Risk
• Real Interest Rate Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Below is a list of the Underlying ETFs in which the 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio currently may invest.
Underlying ETFs
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risk
US Large Cap
iShares® Core S&P 500
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large-capitalization U.S.
equities.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
500® Index (the “Index”), by
generally investing at least 80% of
its assets in securities of the Index
and in depositary receipts
representing securities of the
Index. The Fund may invest the
remainder of its assets in certain
futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
The Fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 187

Underlying ETFs
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risk
Vanguard 500 Index Fund
ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
large-capitalization
stocks.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (the
“Index”), a widely recognized
benchmark of U.S. stock market
performance that is dominated by
the stocks of large U.S. companies.
The Fund attempts to replicate the
target index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in the
stocks that make up the Index,
holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Stock Market Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard Large-Cap
Index Fund ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
large-capitalization
stocks.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the CRSP
US Large Cap Index (the “Index”), a
broadly diversified index of large
U.S. companies representing
approximately the top 85% of the
U.S. market capitalization. The
Fund attempts to replicate the
target index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in the
stocks that make up the Index,
holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Stock Market Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
US Mid Cap
iShares® Core S&P
Mid-Cap ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
mid-capitalization U.S.
equities.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
MidCap 400® Index (the “Index”),
by generally investing at least 80%
of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing securities of the
Index. The Fund may invest the
remainder of its assets in certain
futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
The Fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
Vanguard Mid-Cap Index
Fund ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the CRSP
US Mid Cap Index (the “Index”), a
• Stock Market Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
188 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs

Underlying ETFs
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risk
 
investment return of
mid-capitalization
stocks.
broadly diversified index of stocks
of mid-size U.S. companies. The
Fund attempts to replicate the
target index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in the
stocks that make up the Index,
holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
US Small Cap
iShares® Core S&P
Small-Cap ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
small-capitalization U.S.
equities.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
SmallCap 600® Index (the “Index”),
by generally investing at least 80%
of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing securities of the
Index. The Fund may invest the
remainder of its assets in certain
futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
The Fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Consumer Discretionary Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
iShares® Russell 2000 ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
small-capitalization U.S.
equities.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the
Russell 2000® Index (the “Index”),
by generally investing at least 80%
of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing securities of the
Index. The Fund may invest the
remainder of its assets in certain
futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
The Fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Healthcare Sector Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
Vanguard Small-Cap
Index Fund ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of an
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
• Stock Market Risk
• Investment Style Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks and underlying ETFs 189

Underlying ETFs
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risk
 
index, which measures
the investment return of
small-capitalization
stocks.
track the performance of the CRSP
US Small-Cap Index (the “Index”), a
broadly diversified index of stocks
of small U.S. companies. The Fund
attempts to replicate the target
index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in the
stocks that make up the Index,
holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
International Developed
iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large- and
mid-capitalization
developed market
equities, excluding the
U.S. and Canada.
The Fund employs an indexing
approach to track the performance
of the MSCI EAFE Index (the
“Index”), by generally investing at
least 80% of its assets in securities
of the Index and in depositary
receipts representing securities of
the Index. The Fund may invest the
remainder of its assets in certain
futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
The Fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Japan
• Securities Lending Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® Core MSCI EAFE
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large-, mid- and
small-capitalization
developed market
equities, excluding the
U.S. and Canada.
The Fund employs an indexing
approach to track the performance
of the MSCI EAFE IMI Index (the
“Index”), by generally investing at
least 80% of its assets in the
component securities of the Index
and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of
its assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
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Underlying ETFs
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risk
 
 
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
The Fund’s adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Japan
• Securities Lending Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
SPDR® Portfolio
Developed World ex-US
ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of
an index based upon
the developed world
(ex-US) equity markets.
In seeking to track the
performance of the S&P
Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index (the
“Index”), the Fund employs a
sampling strategy, which means
that the Fund is not required to
purchase all of the securities
represented in the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 80%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index and in depositary
receipts based on securities
comprising the Index. In addition,
the Fund may invest in equity
securities that are not included in
the Index, cash and cash
equivalents or money market
instruments, such as repurchase
agreements and money market
funds.
• Currency Risk
• Depositary Receipts Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Financial Sector Risk
• Geographic Focus Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Unconstrained Sector Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Industrial Sector Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Liquidity Risk
Investment Grade
iShares® iBoxx $
Investment Grade
Corporate Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
dollar-denominated,
investment-grade
corporate bonds.
The Fund employs an indexing
approach designed to track the
performance of the Markit iBoxx®
USD Liquid Investment Grade
Index (the “Index”), by generally
investing at least 90% of its assets
in component securities of the
Index and at least 95% of its assets
in investment-grade corporate
bonds. The Fund may invest up to
20% of its assets in certain futures,
options and swap contracts, cash
and cash equivalents as well as
bonds not included in the Index,
but which the Fund’s adviser
believes will help the Fund track
the Index. The Fund’s adviser uses
a representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Call Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Credit Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
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Underlying ETFs
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risk
 
 
 
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
Vanguard Intermediate-
Term Corporate Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
market-weighted
corporate bond index
with an
intermediate-term
dollar-weighted average
maturity.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the
Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year
Corporate Bond Index (the
“Index”). The fund invests by
sampling the Index, meaning that
it holds a range of securities that,
in the aggregate, approximates the
full Index in terms of key risk
factors and other characteristics.
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Income Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard Total Corporate
Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
broad, market-weighted
corporate bond index.
The fund is a fund of funds and
employs an indexing investment
approach designed to track the
performance of the Bloomberg
U.S. Corporate Bond Index (the
“Index”), which measure the
investment-grade, fixed-rate,
taxable corporate bond market.
The fund intends to obtain its
exposure to the bond held in the
Index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in a
mix of Vanguard bond index ETFs,
rather than in individual securities
held in the Index. Each of the
underlying funds seeks to track the
performance of an index that
represents a subset of the Index.
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Income Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
SPDR® Portfolio
Corporate Bond ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the price
and yield information of
an index that tracks the
U.S. corporate bond
market.
The Fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
or its total assets in the securities
comprising the Bloomberg US
Corporate Bond Index (the “Index”)
and in securities that the Fund’s
adviser determines have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the economic
characteristics of the securities that
comprise the Index. The Index is
designed to measure the
performance of the investment
grade corporate bond market.
• Counterparty Risk
• Debt Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Financial Sector Risk
• Income Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Industrial Sector Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Restricted Securities Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
Short-Term Treasury
SPDR® Bloomberg 1-3
Month T-Bill ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
In seeking to track the
performance of the Bloomberg 1-3
Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index (the
• Debt Securities Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
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Underlying ETFs
Investment
Objective
Principal
Investment Strategy
Principal
Investment Risk
 
expenses, correspond
generally to the price
and yield performance
of an index that tracks
the 1-3 month sector of
the United States
Treasury Bill market.
“Index”), the Fund employs a
sampling strategy, which means
that the Fund may purchase a
subset of the securities in the Index
in an effort to hold a portfolio of
securities with generally the same
risk and return characteristics of
the Index. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund generally
invests substantially all, but at least
80%, of its total assets in the
securities comprising the Index and
in securities that the fund’s adviser
determines have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the economic
characteristics of the securities that
comprise the Index. In addition, in
seeking to track the Index, the
Fund may invest in debt securities
that are not included in the Index,
cash and cash equivalents or
money market instruments.
• Income Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Low Short-Term Interest Rates Risk
iShares® Short Treasury
Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
Treasury bonds with
remaining maturities
one year or less.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the ICE Short
US Treasury Securities Index (the
“Index”), which measures the
performance of public obligations
of the U.S. Treasury that have a
remaining maturity of less than or
equal to one year. The Fund will
invest at least 80% of its assets in
the component securities of the
Index, and the Fund will invest at
least 90% of its assets in U.S.
Treasury securities that the fund’s
adviser believes will help the Fund
track the Index. The Fund may
invest up to 10% of its assets in
futures, options, and swaps
contracts that the fund’s adviser
believes will help the Fund track
the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• High Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
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4. Management of the Trust
The Trust
The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end management investment company. The Trust’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall management of the Trust and the Portfolios. The Trust issues shares of beneficial interest that are currently divided among one hundred and four (104) Portfolios, forty-eight (48) of which are authorized to issue Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares, fifty-two (52) of which are authorized to issue Class IB and Class K shares, and four (4) of which are authorized to issue Class K shares. This Prospectus describes the Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares of four (4) Portfolios, and the Class IB and Class K shares of twelve (12) Portfolios. Each Portfolio has its own investment objective, investment strategies and risks, which have been previously described in this Prospectus.
The Trust’s Board of Trustees oversees generally the operations of the Portfolios. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Adviser, Administrator, Sub-Advisers, custodian, and accountants, who provide services to the Portfolios. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This Prospectus provides information concerning the Portfolios that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Portfolio shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the Statement of Additional Information is intended, or should be read, to be or create an agreement or contract between the Trust or a Portfolio and any shareholder, or to create any right in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.
The Adviser
Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”), 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104, is the Adviser to each Portfolio. EIM is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. EIM also is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended; however, EIM currently claims an exclusion (under CFTC Rule 4.5) from registration as a CPO with respect to the Portfolios offered by this Prospectus. Being subject to dual regulation by the SEC and the CFTC may increase compliance costs and may affect Portfolio returns. EIM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”). Equitable Financial is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“Equitable Holdings”), which is a publicly-owned company. EIM serves as the investment adviser to mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles and, as of December 31, 2021, had approximately $135.2 billion in assets under management. The Trust is part of a family of mutual funds advised by EIM which also includes EQ Premier VIP Trust and the 1290 Funds.
The Adviser provides or oversees the provision of all investment advisory, portfolio management and administrative services to the Portfolios. The Adviser has supervisory responsibility for the management and investment of each Portfolio’s assets and develops the investment objectives and investment policies for the Portfolios. The Adviser also has full discretion to make all determinations with respect to the investment of a Portfolio’s assets that are not then managed by a Sub-Adviser. As further discussed below, with respect to each sub-advised Portfolio, the Adviser’s management responsibilities include the selection and monitoring of Sub-Advisers.
With respect to the 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio, 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio and 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio, in addition to its managerial responsibilities, the Adviser is responsible for determining the allocation of assets between actively and passively managed portions of the Portfolios, developing and overseeing the proprietary research model used to manage the portions of the Portfolios, and ensuring that asset allocations are consistent with the guidelines that have been approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. With respect to the 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio, the Adviser also is responsible for advising the ETF Allocated Portion of the Portfolio (including selecting ETFs in which the Portfolio invests).
With respect to the 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio and 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, in addition to its managerial responsibilities, the Adviser is responsible for determining the strategic asset allocation for the Portfolios and the selection of Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolios invest. The Adviser will make these determinations and engage in periodic rebalancing of each Portfolio’s investments.
With respect to the 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio, in addition to its managerial responsibilities, the Adviser is responsible for determining the asset allocation for the Portfolio and will periodically establish specific percentage targets for each asset category and strategy in which the Portfolio invests. In addition, the Adviser will identify the specific Underlying ETFs to be held by the Portfolio.
194 Management of the Trust

The Adviser is responsible for overseeing Sub-Advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the Board of Trustees.
The Adviser selects Sub-Advisers to manage a Portfolio’s assets by utilizing a due diligence process covering a number of key factors which include, but are not limited to, the Sub-Adviser’s reputation, organizational stability, investment personnel, long-term performance, investment philosophy and style and correlation with other Sub-Advisers, if any, retained for other allocated portions of the Portfolio.
The Adviser plays an active role in monitoring each Portfolio and Sub-Adviser and uses portfolio analytics systems to strengthen its evaluation of performance, style, risk levels, diversification and other criteria. The Adviser also monitors each Sub-Adviser’s portfolio management team to determine whether its investment activities remain consistent with a Portfolio’s investment style and objectives.
Beyond performance analysis, the Adviser monitors significant changes that may impact a Sub-Adviser’s overall business. The Adviser monitors continuity in each Sub-Adviser’s operations and changes in investment personnel and senior management. The Adviser performs due diligence reviews with each Sub-Adviser no less frequently than annually.
The Adviser obtains detailed, comprehensive information concerning Portfolio and Sub-Adviser performance and Portfolio operations that is used to supervise and monitor the Sub-Advisers and Portfolio operations. The Adviser has a team responsible for conducting ongoing investment reviews with each Sub-Adviser and for developing the criteria by which performance is measured.
The Adviser selects Sub-Advisers from a pool of candidates, including its affiliates, to manage a Portfolio (or portion thereof). The Adviser may hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and amend sub-advisory agreements subject to the approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Adviser also may allocate a Portfolio’s assets to additional Sub-Advisers subject to the approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees and has discretion to allocate a Portfolio’s assets among its current Sub-Advisers. The Adviser recommends Sub-Advisers for a Portfolio to the Trust’s Board of Trustees based upon its continuing quantitative and qualitative evaluation of each Sub-Adviser’s skills in managing assets pursuant to specific investment styles and strategies. Short-term investment performance, by itself, is not a significant factor in selecting or terminating a Sub-Adviser, and the Adviser does not expect to recommend frequent changes of Sub-Advisers.
If the Adviser hires, terminates or replaces a Sub-Adviser to a Portfolio (or portion thereof) or adjusts the asset allocation among Sub-Advisers to a Portfolio, the affected Portfolio may experience a period of transition during which the securities held in the Portfolio may be repositioned in connection with the change in Sub-Adviser. A Portfolio may not pursue its principal investment strategies during such a transition period and may incur increased brokerage commissions and other transaction costs in connection with the change. Generally, transitions may be implemented before or after the effective date of the new Sub-Adviser’s appointment as a sub-adviser to the Portfolio, and may be completed in several days to several weeks, depending on the particular circumstances of the transition. In addition, the past performance of a Portfolio is not an indication of future performance. This may be particularly true for any Portfolio that has undergone Sub-Adviser changes and/or changes to the investment objective or policies of the Portfolio.
A committee of Adviser investment personnel is primarily responsible for (i) selecting, monitoring and overseeing a Portfolio’s Sub-Adviser(s); (ii) determining the allocation of assets between the actively and passively managed portions of and developing and overseeing the proprietary research model used to manage the portions of the 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio, 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio and 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio, and ensuring that asset allocations are consistent with the guidelines that have been approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees; (iii) managing the ETF Allocated Portion of and the models used to manage the ETF Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio; and (iv) the day-to-day management of the 1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio, 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio and 1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio.
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, ChFC, CLU has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser since June 2012, as Executive Vice President of Equitable Investment Management, LLC since July 2021, and as Signatory Officer of Equitable Financial since November 2021. He served as Senior Vice President of the Adviser from May 2011 to June 2012, as a Vice President of Equitable Financial from February 2001 to August 2011, and as Managing Director of Equitable Financial from September 2011 to November 2021.
Alwi Chan, CFA® has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser since June 2012. He served as Vice President of the Adviser from May 2011 to June 2012. He has been an employee of Equitable Financial since 1999.
Xavier Poutas, CFA® has served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since May 2011 and as a Vice President of the Adviser since June 2016. He joined the Adviser in October 2004 as a Fund Administrator and was involved in the
Management of the Trust 195

implementation of the asset allocation strategy for the funds of funds managed by the Adviser. He has been an employee of Equitable Financial since August 2002.
Miao Hu, CFA® has served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since May 2016 and as a Vice President of the Adviser since June 2016. She has served as a Director of Portfolio Analytics of the Adviser since December 2014. She has been an employee of Equitable Financial since November 2013.
Kevin McCarthy has served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since December 2018. He is a manager of the asset allocation strategy for the funds of funds managed by the Adviser. He has been an employee of Equitable Financial since August 2015. Prior to joining Equitable Financial, he was a Senior Quantitative Analyst at Aviva Investors from October 2013 to August 2015.
Information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of securities of the Portfolios is available in the Trust’s SAI.
The Adviser has been granted relief from the SEC that permits the Adviser, subject to the approval of the Trust's Board of Trustees, to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers and to amend the sub-advisory agreements between the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers without obtaining shareholder approval. If a new Sub-Adviser is retained for a Portfolio, shareholders will receive notice of such action. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of a Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (“Affiliated Sub-Adviser”), such as AllianceBernstein L.P., unless the sub-advisory agreement with the Affiliated Sub-Adviser, including compensation, is also approved by the affected Portfolio's shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to the approval of the affected Portfolio's shareholders.
The Sub-Advisers
Certain Portfolios' investments are selected by one or more Sub-Advisers, which act independently of one another. The following describes each Portfolio’s Sub-Advisers and portfolio managers and each portfolio manager’s business experience. Information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of securities of the Portfolio(s) is available in the SAI.
AllianceBernstein L.P.(“AllianceBernstein”), 501 Commerce Street, Nashville, TN 37203, serves as Sub-Adviser to the 1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio and the 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio. AllianceBernstein manages investments for investment companies, endowment funds, insurance companies, foreign entities, qualified and non-tax qualified corporate funds, public and private pension and profit-sharing plans, foundations and tax-exempt organizations. As of December 31, 2021, AllianceBernstein had approximately $779 billion in assets under management.
AllianceBernstein’s Passive Equity Investment Team, which is responsible for management of all of AllianceBernstein’s Passive Equity accounts, manages and makes investment decisions for the 1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio and the 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio. The Passive Equity Investment Team relies heavily on quantitative tools.
Joshua Lisseris Senior Vice President/Chief Investment Officer, Index Strategies and is a member of the Blend Solutions Team. He joined AllianceBernstein in 1992 as a portfolio manager in the index strategies group and developed the international and global risk controlled equity services.
Katherine Robertson, CFA® is a Portfolio Manager for Index Strategies at AllianceBernstein. She joined AllianceBernstein in 2007 and transitioned into her current role in 2021, after seven years as a manager in the Multi-Asset Solutions Portfolio Management Group.
Geoff Tomlinson, CFA® is a Portfolio Manager for Index Strategies at AllianceBernstein. He joined AllianceBernstein in 2006 as an associate in the Institutional Investment Management Sales Group. Prior to transitioning to his current role, from 2011 to 2019, Mr. Tomlinson was a portfolio analyst for Index Strategies, with a focus on custom index and enhanced index strategies.
AXA Investment Managers US Inc.(“AXA IM”), 100 West Putnam Ave., 4th Floor, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830, serves as the Sub-Adviser to the 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio and a portion of the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio. AXA IM is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AXA Investment Managers, S.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AXA Group. As of January 1, 2022, AXA IM had approximately $97.5 billion in assets under management.
196 Management of the Trust

Gideon Smith, CFA®, Cameron Gray, and Ram Rasaratnam, CFA®are jointly and primarily responsible for the investment decisions for the 1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio.
Gideon Smith, CFA® is Co-Chief Investment Officer of AXA IM’s Equity QI expertise. Mr. Smith is responsible for the implementation of all of Equity QI’s investment strategies as well as advanced research and innovation. Since joining AXA IM in 1998, he has held a number of positions including Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Director of Client Services and Head of Strategy Engineering for Europe.
Cameron Gray is Head of Portfolio Implementation of AXA IM’s Equity QI expertise and currently manages Sustainable Equity strategies and also is a key contributor to integral projects on investment process and design. Mr. Gray joined AXA IM in 2007 as a portfolio manager.
Ram Rasaratnam, CFA®is Co-Chief Investment Officer of AXA IM’s Equity QI expertise and is responsible for the oversight of all of Equity QI’s investment strategies and client outcomes. Mr. Rasaratnam joined AXA IM in 2006 as a Research Associate and was one of the key architects of the Sustainable Equity investment strategy.
Robert Houle, CFA® and Michael Graham, CFA®are jointly and primarily responsible for the investment decisions for a portion of the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio.
Robert Houle, CFA® is a Senior US High Yield Portfolio Manager at AXA IM. Prior to joining AXA IM in 2005 as a US high yield analyst, Mr. Houle was a trader at Lehman Brothers.
Michael Graham, CFA® is Head of US High Yield and a Senior US High Yield Portfolio Manager at AXA IM. Since joining AXA IM in 2007, Mr. Graham has held various leadership roles within the US High Yield team.
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC d/b/a Barrow Hanley Global Investors (“Barrow Hanley”),2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201-2761, is the Sub-Adviser to the 1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio. Barrow Hanley is a global, diversified, asset management company with $50.6 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2021.
Lewis Ropphas been a Portfolio Manager at Barrow Hanley since 2011 and was an Equity Analyst at Barrow Hanley from 2001 to 2011.
Brian Quinn, CFA,has been a Portfolio Manager at Barrow Hanley since 2012 and was an Equity Analyst at Barrow Hanley from 2005 to 2012.
Brad Kinkelaarhas been a Portfolio Manager at Barrow Hanley since 2018.
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC(“BIM”), 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540, serves as Sub-Adviser to the 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio and also serves as Sub-Adviser to the Index Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio and the 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio. BIM is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock Inc. (“BlackRock”). BlackRock is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE: BLK), independent in ownership and governance, with no single majority stockholder and a majority of independent directors. BIM is a registered investment adviser and a commodity pool operator organized in 1999. As of December 31, 2021, BIM and its affiliates had approximately $10.01 trillion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management.
Jennifer Hsui, CFA®, Amy Whitelaw, Suzanne Henige, CFA®, and Paul Whiteheadserve as portfolio managers for the 1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio and the Index Allocated Portions of the 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio and the 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio.
Jennifer Hsui, CFA®,Managing Director of BlackRock since 2011; Director of BlackRock from 2009 to 2011; Principal of BGI from 2006 to 2009.
Amy Whitelaw,Managing Director of BlackRock since 2013; Director of BlackRock from 2009 to 2012; Principal of BGI from 2000 to 2009.
Suzanne Henige, CFA®,Managing Director of BlackRock since 2022; Director of BlackRock from 2016 to 2021; Vice President of BlackRock from 2011 to 2015.
Management of the Trust 197

Paul Whitehead,Managing Director of BlackRock, Co-Head of Index Equity. Mr. Whitehead is the Co-Head of BlackRock’s ETF and Index Investments business. Mr. Whitehead’s service with the firm dates back to 1996.
DoubleLine Capital LP(“DoubleLine”), 2002 North Tampa Street, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33602, serves as Sub-Adviser to the 1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio and the 1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio. DoubleLine is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and was organized in 2009. As of December 31, 2021, DoubleLine had approximately $134.1 billion in assets under management.
Jeffrey E. Gundlach and Jeffrey Shermanare primarily responsible for the investment decisions for the 1290 VT DoubleLine
Opportunistic Bond Portfolio. Jeffrey E. Gundlach, Jeffrey Sherman, and Emidio Checcone are primarily responsible for the investment decisions for the 1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio.
Jeffrey E. Gundlach is co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of DoubleLine. Mr. Gundlach has been Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of DoubleLine since its inception in December 2009.
Jeffrey Sherman is Deputy Chief Investment Officer at DoubleLine. He also serves as lead Portfolio Manager for multi-sector and derivative-based strategies. Prior to joining DoubleLine in 2009, he was a Senior Vice President at TCW, where he worked as a portfolio manager and quantitative analyst.
Emidio Checcone, Portfolio Manager, joined DoubleLine in 2014. Prior to DoubleLine, he worked at Huber Capital Management, where he was a Principal and Portfolio Manager, and PRIMECAP Management Company, where he was a Principal and Financial Analyst.
GAMCO Asset Management Inc.(“GAMCO”), One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580, serves as the Sub-Adviser to the 1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio and the 1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio. As of December 31, 2021, total assets under management for all clients were $35 billion.
Mario J. Gabelli serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the Value Portfolios for GAMCO and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolios. He has over 50 years’ experience in the investment industry.
Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC(“Horizon”), 470 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10016, serves as Sub-Adviser to the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio. Horizon is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Horizon Kinetics LLC. As of December 31, 2021, Horizon had $6.9 billion in assets under management.
Murray Stahlis primarily responsible for the investment decisions for the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio. Mr. Stahl currently serves as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Horizon. Mr. Stahl, a co-founder of Horizon, has over thirty years of investing experience and, in addition to overseeing the Horizon Research Team, is Chairman of Horizon’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for portfolio management decisions. Mr. Stahl has full authority over all aspects of the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio, including, but not limited to, purchases and sales of individual securities, portfolio risk assessment, and management of daily cash balances in accordance with anticipated investment management requirements.
Matthew Houk’sprimary responsibility is to assist Mr. Stahl in communicating Horizon’s investment strategy and research to clients. In addition, Mr. Houk is responsible for conducting and authoring research and is also a Co-Portfolio Manager of several mutual funds managed by Horizon. Mr. Houk joined the firm in 2008 and prior to that, was with Goldman, Sachs & Co. from 2005 to 2008.
Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC(“Lord Abbett”), 90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302-3973, serves as Sub-Adviser to the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio. Founded in 1929, Lord Abbett manages one of the nation’s oldest mutual fund complexes. As of December 31, 2021, Lord Abbett had approximately $255.2 billion in assets under management, including $1.1 billion for which Lord Abbett provides investment models to managed account sponsors.
F. Thomas O’Halloran, J.D., CFA®, Matthew R. DeCicco, CFA®, Vernon T. Bice, CMT and Steven H. Wortmanare jointly and primarily responsible for the investment decisions for the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio.
F. Thomas O’Halloran, J.D., CFA®is a Partner and Portfolio Manager of Lord Abbett, and is the lead portfolio manager of Lord Abbett’s small cap growth, micro cap growth and growth equity strategies. He joined Lord Abbett in 2001 as a research analyst for Lord Abbett’s small and micro cap growth equity strategy and was named Partner in 2003. Mr. O’Halloran has been in the investment business since 1987.
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Matthew R. DeCicco, CFA®is a Partner and Director of Equities of the micro cap growth strategy. He joined Lord Abbett in 1999, has been a member of the team since 2007, and assumed his current role in 2015.
Vernon T. Bice, CMTis a Portfolio Manager of Lord Abbett. He is responsible for contributing to the management for the firm’s micro cap growth, small cap growth, and growth equity strategies. He plays a key role in technical analysis, drawing on his deep experience to provide insights to the portfolio management team. Mr. Bice joined Lord Abbett in 2011. He has worked in the financial services industry since 2001.
Steven H. Wortmanis a Portfolio Manager of Lord Abbett. Prior to joining Lord Abbett in 2016, he was a Managing Director at Greenhouse Funds from 2014 to 2016.
Post Advisory Group, LLC(“Post”), 2049 Century Park East Suite 3050, Los Angeles, CA 90067, serves as a Sub-Adviser to a portion of the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio. Post is majority-owned by Principal Global Investors Holding Company US LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Financial Services, Inc., itself a subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) and minority-owned by Nippon Life Insurance Company. As of December 31, 2021, Post had $17.73 billion in assets under management.
Schuyler Hewes, David Kim, Jeffery Stroll, Dan Ross, Iris Shin and James Wolfare jointly and primarily responsible for the investment decisions for a portion of the Active Allocated Portion of the 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio.
Schuyler Hewes,Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, joined Post in 2012 from Apollo Investment Management, where he was a principal focusing on high yield bonds and mezzanine securities. Prior to Apollo, Mr. Hewes was a director at UBS, where he worked on a variety of leveraged finance, M&A and restructuring transactions. Previously, he worked as a financial analyst in the Los Angeles office of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.
David Kim,Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Post Board Member, joined Post in 2005 from Credit Suisse First Boston (formerly the Los Angeles office of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette), where he worked as a financial analyst for two years.
Jeffrey Stroll,Chief Investment Officer, Post Board Member, joined Post in 2012 from Marathon Asset Management, where he was a vice president focused on distressed debt and high yield bonds. Prior to Marathon, he worked at Oaktree Capital Management, where he analyzed and recommended investments for the firm’s credit opportunities fund. Mr. Stroll began his career in the restructuring services group at Deloitte & Touche, where he worked on assignments advising debtors and creditors of financially distressed companies in out-ofcourt and Chapter 11 restructurings.
Dan Ross,Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, joined Post in 2013 from Alliantgroup, a privately held portfolio company of Evercore Capital Partners that provides tax consulting services, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. Previously, he was a managing director at Evercore Partners, where he spent 8 years focused primarily on private equity investing. Prior to that, he worked as a private equity associate at TPG Capital and as a financial analyst in the Los Angeles office of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.
Iris Shin,Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, joined Post in 2013 from Glenview Capital Management, where she was a senior analyst focused on fixed income and special situations investing. Prior to Glenview, Iris worked as a private equity associate at Leonard Green & Partners. Previously, she worked as a financial analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston (formerly the Los Angeles office of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette).
James Wolf,Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, joined Post in 2019 from MacKay Shields LLC, where for 12 years he was a managing director in the High Yield Group. Prior to MacKay Shields, he worked at First Albany Capital and prior to that at RBC Capital Markets, Bear Stearns, UBS Securities, and Alex Brown & Sons.
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.(“SSGA FM”), One Iron Street, Boston, MA 02210, serves as Sub Adviser to the 1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio. SSGA FM is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. As of December 31, 2021, SSGA FM had approximately $841.33 billion in assets under management. SSGA FM and other advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Global Advisors (“SSGA”), the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. As of December 31, 2021, SSGA had approximately $4.14 trillion in assets under management.
Michael Brunell, CFA®, Christopher DiStephano, and Frank Miethe, CFA®are jointly and primarily responsible for the investment decisions for the 1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio.
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Michael Brunell, CFA® is a Vice President of SSGA and a senior member of the Fixed Income portfolio management team. In his current role as part of the Fixed Income Beta Solutions Group, he heads the credit sector team and is responsible for developing, managing, and supporting various types of funds against a variety of conventional and custom bond index strategies. Prior to joining the investment team in 2004, Mr. Brunell had been responsible for managing the U.S. Fixed Income Operations Group at SSGA. Additionally, he earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Boston, Inc.
Christopher DiStephano is a Vice President of SSGA and a Portfolio Manager within the Fixed Income portfolio management team. He is responsible for managing several funds and ETFs within the Convertible Bond, Investment Grade Credit, and Smart Beta sectors and strategies. Prior to joining SSGA in 2010, Mr. DiStefano worked as an engineer within the real estate development and transportation industries.
Frank Miethe, CFA® is a Vice President of SSGA and a Portfolio Manager within the Fixed Income portfolio management team. Mr. Miethe joined SSGA in 2010 and has been part of the Portfolio Management team since 2013. He is currently responsible for managing several funds and ETFs within the Investment Grade Credit sector. Prior to his role at State Street Global Advisors, Mr. Miethe worked at State Street Corporation as a Fund Accountant and a Client Operations Associate. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and Boston Security Analysts Society.
Conflicts of Interest
The Adviser currently serves as the investment adviser for the Trust and two other investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, and as the investment adviser for two private investment trusts that are exempt from such registration. The Adviser and its affiliates (including Equitable Financial, Equitable Distributors, LLC, Equitable Holdings, Equitable Investment Management, LLC and AllianceBernstein L.P.) and their respective managers, partners, directors, trustees, officers, and employees (collectively, for purposes of this Conflicts of Interest discussion, “Affiliates”) are insurance and related financial services companies engaged in life insurance, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance activities, as well as asset management, investment banking, securities trading, brokerage, real estate and other financial services activities, providing a broad range of services to a substantial and diverse client base. The broad range of activities, services, and interests of the Adviser and its Affiliates gives rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest, and may introduce certain investment or transactional restrictions, that could disadvantage the Portfolios and their shareholders.
Certain actual and potential conflicts of interest are discussed below and elsewhere in this Prospectus, and a further discussion of conflicts of interest appears in the SAI. Investors should carefully review these discussions. These discussions are not, and are not intended to be, a complete discussion of all of the actual and potential conflicts of interest that may arise. Additional or unanticipated conflicts of interest may arise from time to time in the ordinary course of the Adviser’s and its Affiliates’ various businesses.
The Adviser and the Trust have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, monitor, and mitigate conflicts of interest. These practices, policies and procedures include, among others, information barriers, codes of ethics, pre-clearance and reporting of securities transactions by certain persons, and the use of independent persons to review certain types of transactions. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective, and these practices, policies and procedures also may limit the Portfolios’ investment activities and affect their performance.
Certain Conflicts Related to Fees and Compensation
The Adviser and certain of its Affiliates provide services including investment advisory, administration, shareholder servicing, distribution, and transfer agency services to the Portfolios and earn fees from these relationships with the Portfolios. The Adviser and its Affiliates face conflicts of interest when the Portfolios select affiliated service providers because the Adviser and its Affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used. Although these fees are generally based on asset levels, the fees are not directly contingent on Portfolio performance and the Adviser and its Affiliates would still receive significant compensation from the Portfolios even if shareholders lose money. In addition, the Adviser and certain of its Affiliates manage or advise funds or accounts, including the Portfolios, with different fee rates and/or fee structures. Differences in fee arrangements may create an incentive for the Adviser and/or its Affiliates to favor higher-fee funds or accounts.
Certain Conflicts Related to the Adviser and its Affiliates Acting in Multiple Commercial Capacities
The Adviser and/or one or more Affiliates act or may act in various commercial capacities, including as investment manager, investment adviser, administrator, investor, commodity pool operator, underwriter, distributor, transfer agent, insurance company, investment banker, research provider, market maker, trader, lender, agent or principal, and may have direct and indirect interests in securities, commodities, currencies, derivatives and other instruments in which the Portfolios may directly or indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Portfolios will have business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting decisions with
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respect to, or obtain services from entities with which the Adviser and/or an Affiliate has developed or is trying to develop business relationships or in which the Adviser and/or an Affiliate has significant investments or other interests. For example, the Adviser may have an incentive to hire as a Sub-Adviser or other service provider an entity with which the Adviser or one or more Affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements. In addition, when Affiliates act in various commercial capacities in relation to the Portfolios, the Affiliates may take commercial steps in their own interests, which may have an adverse effect on the Portfolios.
Certain Conflicts Related to the Use of Sub-Advisers
The Adviser is subject to certain conflicts of interest in connection with recommending the appointment and continued service of Sub-Advisers. Since the Adviser pays fees to the Sub-Advisers from the advisory fees that it earns from the Portfolios, any increase or decrease in the sub-advisory fees negotiated with proposed or current Sub-Advisers will result in a corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, in the amount of the advisory fee retained by the Adviser. If the Adviser is affiliated with a Sub-Adviser, the Adviser will benefit not only from the net advisory fee the Adviser retains, but also from the sub-advisory fee paid by the Adviser to the affiliated Sub-Adviser. The Adviser or its Affiliates also may have distribution relationships with certain Sub-Advisers or their affiliates under which the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates distribute or support the distribution of investment products issued or sold by the Adviser or its Affiliates (including those in which the Portfolios serve as investment options), which could financially benefit the Adviser and its Affiliates or provide an incentive to the Adviser in selecting one Sub-Adviser over another or a disincentive for the Adviser to recommend the termination of such Sub-Advisers. In addition, the Adviser’s and/or its Affiliates’ other existing or potential business relationships (e.g., distribution, sub-administration, or custody arrangements), including with Sub-Advisers and/or their affiliates, or other financial or personal relationships or investments or other interests, could influence the Adviser’s selection and retention or termination of Sub-Advisers, as well as sub-advisory or other fee negotiations.
The Adviser may allocate a Portfolio's assets among multiple Sub-Advisers. While the Adviser seeks to allocate a Portfolio's assets among the Portfolio's Sub-Advisers in a manner that it believes is consistent with achieving the Portfolio's investment objective(s), the Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio's assets among Sub-Advisers, including affiliated Sub-Advisers, if any, because the Adviser pays different fees to the Sub-Advisers and due to other factors that could impact the Adviser’s revenues and profits.
The aggregation of assets of multiple Portfolios or other funds or accounts for purposes of calculating breakpoints in sub-advisory fees may create an incentive for the Adviser to select Sub-Advisers where the selection may serve to lower a sub-advisory fee and possibly increase the advisory fee retained by the Adviser or may provide a disincentive for the Adviser to recommend the termination of a Sub-Adviser from a Portfolio if the termination may cause the sub-advisory fee payable by the Adviser to increase on a Portfolio or other fund or account that aggregates its assets with the Portfolio. The aggregation of assets, or the potential to aggregate assets, also may influence the Adviser’s and/or its Affiliates’ sub-advisory or other fee negotiations.
The Adviser is a fiduciary for the shareholders of the Portfolios and must put their interests ahead of its own interests (or the interests of its Affiliates). When recommending the appointment or continued service of a Sub-Adviser, consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser relies primarily on the qualitative and quantitative factors described in detail in this Prospectus.
Furthermore, the range of activities, services, and interests of a Sub-Adviser may give rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Portfolio that it sub-advises and the Portfolio's shareholders. In addition, a Sub-Adviser’s portfolio managers may manage multiple funds and accounts for multiple clients. In addition to one or more Portfolios, these funds and accounts may include, for example, other mutual funds, separate accounts, collective trusts, and offshore funds. Managing multiple funds and accounts may give rise to actual or potential conflicts of interest, including, for example, conflicts among investment strategies, conflicts in the allocation of limited investment opportunities, and conflicts in the aggregation and allocation of securities trades. In addition, a Sub-Adviser’s portfolio managers may manage or advise funds or accounts with different fee rates and/or fee structures, including performance-based fee arrangements. Differences in fee arrangements may create an incentive for a portfolio manager to favor higher-fee funds or accounts. Each Sub-Adviser has adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, monitor, and mitigate conflicts of interest. There is no assurance, however, that a Sub-Adviser’s practices, policies and procedures will be effective, and a Sub-Adviser’s practices, policies and procedures also may limit the investment activities of the Portfolio that it sub-advises and affect the Portfolio's performance. Please see the Portfolios’ Statement of Additional Information for a further discussion of Sub-Adviser conflicts of interest.
Certain Conflicts Related to the Funds of Funds Structure
The Adviser’s selection of Underlying ETFs may have a positive or negative impact on its (or its Affiliates’) revenues and/or profits. The Adviser’s and/or its Affiliates’ other existing or potential business relationships (e.g., distribution, sub-administration, or custody arrangements), including with investment advisers to Underlying ETFs, or other financial or personal relationships, could influence the Adviser’s selection of Underlying ETFs.
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Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interest of that Portfolio and that is consistent with its investment objective, policies, and strategies.
Certain Conflicts Related to the Adviser’s Insurance Company Affiliates
The Portfolios are available through Contracts offered by insurance company Affiliates of the Adviser. The performance of a Portfolio may impact the obligations and financial exposure of the Adviser’s insurance company Affiliates under any death benefit, income benefit and other guarantees provided through Contracts that offer the Portfolio as an investment option, and the ability of an insurance company Affiliate to manage (e.g., through the use of various hedging techniques) the risks associated with these benefits and guarantees. The Adviser’s investment decisions and the design of the Portfolios may be influenced by these factors. For example, the Portfolios or models and strategies may be managed or designed in a manner (e.g., using more conservative or less volatile investment styles, including volatility management strategies) that could reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance company Affiliates that provide the benefits and guarantees and offer the Portfolios as investment options in their products, and also could facilitate such an insurance company’s ability to provide benefits and guarantees under its Contracts, including by making more predictable the costs of the benefits and guarantees and by reducing the regulatory capital needed to provide them. The financial benefits to the Adviser’s insurance company Affiliates may be material.
A significant percentage of a Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and/or its Affiliates, other Portfolios advised by the Adviser (including funds of funds), or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts and qualified plans. Accordingly, a Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders, including in connection with substitution and other transactions by Affiliates of the Adviser. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect a Portfolio’s net asset value, performance, and ability to meet shareholder redemption requests and could cause a Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. In addition, large-scale outflows could result in a Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which, depending on any applicable expense caps, could lead to an increase in the Portfolio’s expense ratio. The Adviser or its Affiliates may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in selecting shares of Portfolios for redemption and in deciding whether and when to redeem such shares.
The Portfolios may be used as variable insurance trusts for unaffiliated insurance companies’ insurance products. These unaffiliated insurance companies have financial arrangements (which may include revenue sharing arrangements) or other business relationships with the Adviser’s insurance company Affiliates. These financial arrangements or other business relationships could create an incentive for the Adviser, in its selection process, to favor Underlying ETFs and Sub-Advisers that are affiliated with these unaffiliated insurance companies.
Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interests of the Portfolio and that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and strategies described in detail in this Prospectus.
Certain Conflicts Related to Sales Incentives and Relationships with Financial Intermediaries
Sales incentives and certain related conflicts arising from the Adviser’s and its Affiliates’ financial and other relationships with financial intermediaries are described in the sections entitled “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” and “Compensation to Financial Intermediaries.”
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5. Shareholder information
Buying and Selling Shares
All shares are purchased and sold at their net asset value without any sales load. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. The Portfolios typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out available cash or proceeds from selling portfolio holdings, which may include cash equivalent portfolio holdings. Redemption methods also may include redeeming in kind under appropriate circumstances, such as in connection with transactions involving the substitution of shares of one Portfolio (the replacement portfolio) for shares of another Portfolio (the replaced portfolio) held by insurance company separate accounts to fund Contracts. The Portfolios reserve the right to suspend or change the terms of purchasing shares.
The Trust may suspend the right of redemption for any period or postpone payment for more than seven days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than a weekend or holiday) or when trading is restricted by the SEC or the SEC declares that an emergency exists. Redemptions also may be suspended and payments may be postponed for more than seven days during other periods permitted by the SEC. A Portfolio may pay the redemption price in whole or part by a distribution in kind of readily marketable securities in lieu of cash or may take up to seven days to pay a redemption request in order to raise capital, when it is detrimental for a Portfolio to make cash payments as determined in the sole discretion of EIM.
The Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, believes that it is in the best interests of its long-term investors to discourage frequent purchases, redemptions, exchanges and transfers (referred to collectively as “frequent trading”) of Portfolio shares. If you intend to trade frequently and/or use market timing investment strategies, you should not purchase these Portfolios.
Frequent trading of Portfolio shares, including market timing and other program trading or short-term trading strategies, may be disruptive to the Portfolios. Frequent trading may adversely affect Portfolio performance and the interests of long-term investors by, among other things, requiring a Portfolio to maintain larger amounts of cash or to liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time or price. For example, when market timing occurs, a Portfolio may have to sell its holdings to have the cash necessary to redeem the market timer’s shares. This can happen when it is not advantageous to sell any securities, so the Portfolio’s performance may be hurt. When large dollar amounts are involved, frequent trading can also make it difficult to use long-term investment strategies because a Portfolio cannot predict how much cash it will have to invest, and the Portfolio’s portfolio management team may have to allocate a significant amount of assets to cash and other short-term investments or sell investments, rather than maintaining investments selected to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objective. In addition, frequent trading of Portfolio shares may impede efficient portfolio management and impose increased transaction costs, such as brokerage costs, by requiring the portfolio manager to effect more frequent purchases and sales of portfolio securities. Similarly, a Portfolio may bear increased administrative costs as a result of the asset level and investment volatility that accompanies patterns of frequent trading.
Portfolios (or Underlying ETFs in which a Portfolio invests) that invest a significant portion of their assets in foreign securities tend to be subject to the risks associated with market timing and short-term trading strategies to a greater extent than funds that do not. Securities trading in overseas markets present time zone arbitrage opportunities when events affecting portfolio securities values occur after the close of the overseas market but prior to the close of the U.S. market. This short-term arbitrage activity can reduce the return received by long-term investors. The Portfolios will seek to minimize these opportunities by using fair value pricing, as described in “How Shares are Priced” below.
In addition, a Portfolio that invests in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid also may be vulnerable to market timing and short-term trading strategies. Traders using such strategies may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the value of the Portfolio’s shares and the latest indications of market values for those securities. For example, high-yield securities may present opportunities for short-term trading strategies because the market for such securities may be less liquid than the market for higher quality securities, which could result in pricing inefficiencies. One of the objectives of the Trust’s fair value pricing procedures, as described in “How Shares are Priced” below, is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the Trust’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
The Trust has adopted certain policies and procedures discussed below to discourage what it considers to be frequent trading. For Contractholders who have invested in shares of a Portfolio through an insurance company separate account, frequent trading includes frequent transfers between the Portfolios available through the policy or contract. The Trust and the Portfolios discourage frequent trading of Portfolio shares by Contractholders and will not make special arrangements to accommodate such trading. As a general matter, the Trust and each Portfolio reserve the right to reject any transfer request that they believe, in their sole discretion, is disruptive (or potentially disruptive) to the management of the Portfolio.
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If EIM, on behalf of the Trust, determines that a Contractholder’s transfer patterns are disruptive to the Trust’s Portfolios, EIM or an affiliate (including the Administrator) may, among other things, restrict the availability of personal telephone requests, facsimile transmissions, automated telephone services, internet services or any electronic transfer services. The Administrator is generally responsible for monitoring, testing and maintaining compliance policies, procedures and other items for the Trust, and thus assists in monitoring the Trust's compliance with applicable requirements pursuant to the policies and procedures described below. EIM or an affiliate may also refuse to act on transfer instructions of an agent acting under a power of attorney who is acting on behalf of more than one owner. In making these determinations, EIM or an affiliate may consider the combined transfer activity of Contracts that it believes are under common ownership, control or direction.
The Trust currently considers transfers into and out of (or vice versa) the same Portfolio within a five-business day period as potentially disruptive trading activity. In order to reduce disruptive trading activity, the Trust monitors the frequency of transfers, including the size of transfers in relation to portfolio assets, in the Portfolios. The Trust aggregates inflows and outflows for each Portfolio on a daily basis. When a potentially disruptive transfer into or out of a Portfolio occurs on a day when the Portfolio’s net inflows and outflows exceed an established monitoring threshold, EIM or an affiliate sends a letter to the Contractholder explaining that there is a policy against disruptive trading activity and that if such activity continues, EIM or an affiliate may take the actions described above to restrict the availability of voice, fax and automated transaction services. If such Contractholder is identified a second time as engaging in potentially disruptive trading activity, EIM or an affiliate currently will restrict the availability of voice, fax and automated transaction services. EIM or an affiliate currently will apply such action for the remaining life of each affected Contract. Because EIM or an affiliate exercises discretion in determining whether or not to take the actions discussed above, some Contractholders may be treated differently than others, resulting in the risk that some Contractholders may be able to engage in frequent transfer activity while others will bear the effect of the frequent transfer activity. Although Contractholders who have engaged in disruptive trading activity currently receive letters notifying them of EIM’s or an affiliate’s intention to restrict access to communication services, such letters may not continue to be provided in the future.
The policies and procedures described above also apply to retirement plan participants.
The policies and procedures described above do not apply to funds of funds managed by EIM. The Trust generally does not consider trading activity by any funds of funds managed by EIM or trading activity associated with approved asset allocation programs to be disruptive trading activity.
The Trust seeks to apply its policies and procedures to all Contractholders, including Contractholders whose accounts are held through any omnibus accounts, uniformly. It should be recognized, however, that such policies and procedures are subject to limitations:
•  There is no assurance that the methods described above will prevent frequent trading or other trading that may be deemed disruptive. The Trust’s procedures do not eliminate the possibility that frequent trading will occur or that Portfolio performance will be affected by such activity.
•  The design of such policies and procedures involves inherently subjective judgments, which EIM and its affiliates, on behalf of the Trust, seek to make in a fair and reasonable manner consistent with the interests of all Contractholders.
•  The limits on the ability to monitor potentially disruptive trading mean that some Contractholders may be treated differently than others, resulting in the risk that some Contractholders may be able to engage in frequent trading while others will bear the effect of such trading.
Consistent with seeking to discourage potentially disruptive trading, EIM, or an affiliate thereof, or the Trust also may, in its sole discretion and without further notice, change what it considers potentially disruptive trading and its monitoring procedures and thresholds, as well as change its procedures to restrict such trading. You should consult the Contract prospectus that accompanies this Prospectus for information on other specific limitations on the transfer privilege.
Notwithstanding our efforts, we may be unable to detect or deter market timing activity by certain persons, which can lead to disruption of management of, and excess costs to, a particular Portfolio.
How Shares are Priced
“Net asset value” is the price of one share of a Portfolio without a sales charge, and is calculated each business day using the following formula:
Net Asset Value =
Total market value of securities
+
Cash and other assets
Liabilities
Number of outstanding shares
The net asset value of Portfolio shares is determined according to this schedule:
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•  A share’s net asset value is normally determined each day the New York Stock Exchange (“Exchange”) is open for trading as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the Exchange, a share’s price would still normally be determined as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
•  The price for purchasing or redeeming a share will be based upon the net asset value next calculated after an order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its designated agent.
•  A Portfolio heavily invested in foreign securities may have net asset value changes on days when shares cannot be purchased or sold because foreign securities sometimes trade on days when a Portfolio’s shares are not priced.
Generally, portfolio securities are valued as follows:
Equity securities (including securities issued by ETFs) —last sale price or official closing price or, if there is no sale or official closing price, latest available bid price provided by a pricing service.
Debt securitiesvalued on the basis of prices provided by an approved pricing service; however, when the prices of the securities cannot be obtained from an approved pricing service, such securities are generally valued at a bid price estimated by a broker.
Convertible bonds and unlisted convertible preferred stocksvalued at prices obtained from a pricing service for such instruments or, if a pricing service price is not available, at bid prices obtained from one or more of the major dealers in such bonds or stocks. Where there is a discrepancy between dealers, values may be adjusted based on recent premium spreads to the underlying common stocks. Convertible bonds may be matrix-priced based upon the conversion value to the underlying common stocks and market premiums.
Securities traded on foreign exchangesmost recent sales or bid price on the foreign exchange or market, unless a significant event or circumstance occurs after the close of that market or exchange that will materially affect its value. In that case, the security will be valued using the fair value procedures by or under the direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees at the close of regular trading on the Exchange. Foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollar equivalent daily at current exchange rates.
Optionsfor exchange-traded options, last sales price or, if not available, the bid price. Options not traded on an exchange or actively traded are valued according to fair value methods.
Futures last settlement price or, if there is no sale, latest available bid price.
Investment company securitiesshares of open-end mutual funds (other than ETFs) held by a Portfolio will be valued at the net asset value of the shares of such funds as described in such funds’ prospectuses.
Repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreementsvalued at original cost (par) plus accrued interest. Other pricing methods may be utilized such as amortized cost depending on the features of the instrument.
Swapscentrally cleared swaps are priced using the value determined by the central counterparty at the end of the day, which price may be provided by an approved pricing service. With respect to over-the-counter swaps and centrally cleared swaps where the central counterparty price is unavailable, a price provided by an approved pricing service will be used.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available, for which valuation cannot be provided or for which events or circumstances occurring after the close of the relevant market or exchange materially affect their value are valued pursuant to the fair value procedures in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. For example, a security whose trading has been halted during the trading day may be fair valued based on the available information at the time of the close of the trading market. Similarly, securities for which there is no ready market (e.g., securities of certain small capitalization issuers, high yield securities and securities of certain issuers located in emerging markets) also may be fair valued. Some methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (earnings multiple, etc.), matrix pricing, discounts from market prices of similar securities, or discounts applied due to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities.
Events or circumstances affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur between the closing of their principal markets and the time the net asset value is determined, such as foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that close before the time the net asset value of Portfolio shares is determined, may be reflected in the Trust’s calculations of net asset values for each applicable Portfolio when the Trust deems that the particular event or circumstance would materially affect such Portfolio’s net asset value. Such events or circumstances may be company specific, such as an earnings report, country or region specific, such as a natural disaster, or global in nature. Such events or circumstances also may include price movements in the U.S. securities markets.
The effect of fair value pricing as described above is that securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, but rather may be priced by another method that the Trust’s Board of Trustees believes will reflect
Shareholder information 205

fair value. As such, fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale. This policy is intended to assure that a Portfolio’s net asset value fairly reflects security values as of the time of pricing. Also, fair valuation of a Portfolio’s securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of the Portfolio’s net asset value by those traders.
For an explanation of the circumstances under which the Underlying ETFs will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing, see the Underlying ETFs’ prospectuses and statements of additional information.
Dividends and Distributions
Each Portfolio generally distributes most or all of its net investment income and net realized gains, if any, annually. Dividends and other distributions by a Portfolio are automatically reinvested at net asset value in shares of the distributing class of that Portfolio.
Tax Consequences
Each Portfolio is treated as a separate corporation, and intends to qualify (in the case of a Portfolio that has not completed a taxable year) or continue to qualify each taxable year to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), for federal income tax purposes. A Portfolio will be so treated if it meets specified federal income tax requirements, including requirements regarding types of investments, diversification limits on investments, types of income, and distributions. To comply with all these requirements may, from time to time, necessitate a Portfolio’s disposition of one or more investments when it might not otherwise do so. A RIC that satisfies the federal tax requirements is not taxed at the entity (Portfolio) level to the extent it passes through its net income and net realized gains to its shareholders by making distributions. Although the Trust intends that each Portfolio will be operated to have no federal tax liability, if any Portfolio does have any federal tax liability, that would hurt its investment performance. Also, to the extent that a Portfolio invests in foreign securities or holds foreign currencies, it could be subject to foreign taxes that would reduce its investment performance.
It is important for each Portfolio to achieve (in the case of a Portfolio that has not completed a taxable year) or maintain its RIC status (and to satisfy certain other requirements), because the shareholders of a Portfolio that are insurance company separate accounts will then be able to use a “look-through” rule in determining whether those accounts meet the investment diversification rules applicable to them. If a Portfolio failed to meet those diversification rules, owners of non-pension plan Contracts indirectly funded through that Portfolio would be taxed immediately on the accumulated investment earnings under their Contracts and would lose any benefit of tax deferral. Therefore, the Trust’s Adviser and Administrator carefully monitor each Portfolio’s compliance with all of the RIC requirements and separate account investment diversification rules.
Contractholders seeking to more fully understand the tax consequences of their investment should consult with their tax advisers or the insurance company that issued their Contract or refer to their Contract prospectus.
206 Shareholder information

6. Distribution arrangements
The Portfolios are distributed by Equitable Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of EIM. The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for the Trust’s Class IA and Class IB shares. Under the Distribution Plan, Class IA and Class IB shares are charged a distribution and/or service (12b-1) fee to compensate the Distributor for promoting, selling and servicing shares of the Portfolios. The distribution and/or service (12b-1) fee may be retained by the Distributor or used to pay financial intermediaries for similar services. The maximum distribution and/or service (12b-1) fee for a Portfolio’s Class IA and Class IB shares is equal to an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to Class IA and Class IB shares. Because these fees are paid out of a Portfolio’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time, these fees for Class IA and Class IB shares will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of charges.
The Distributor also may receive payments from certain Sub-Advisers of the Portfolios or their affiliates to help defray expenses for sales meetings, seminar sponsorships and similar expenses that may relate to the Contracts and/or the Sub-Advisers’ respective Portfolios. These sales meetings or seminar sponsorships may provide the Sub-Advisers with increased access to persons involved in the distribution of the Contracts. The Distributor also may receive other marketing support from the Sub-Advisers in connection with the distribution of the Contracts. These payments may provide an incentive to the Adviser in selecting one Sub-Adviser over another or a disincentive for the Adviser to recommend the termination of such Sub-Advisers.
Compensation to Financial Intermediaries
In addition to the distribution and service fees paid by the Portfolios, the Distributor or the Adviser (or one of their affiliates) may make payments out of its own resources to provide additional compensation to selected affiliated and unaffiliated sponsoring insurance companies (or their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries (collectively, “financial intermediaries”). These payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the Portfolios or insurance products for which a Portfolio serves as an underlying investment. Such payments, which are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing,” may be calculated by reference to the gross or net sales by such person, the average net assets of shares held by the customers of such person, the number of accounts of the Portfolios attributable to such person, on the basis of a flat fee or a negotiated lump sum payment for services provided, or otherwise.
The additional payments to such financial intermediaries are negotiated based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, quality of service, reputation in the industry, ability to attract and retain assets, target markets, customer relationships, and relationship with the Distributor or its affiliates. No one factor is determinative of the type or amount of additional compensation to be provided. The amount of these payments, as determined from time to time by the Distributor or the Adviser (or an affiliate) in its sole discretion, may be different for different financial intermediaries. The compensation arrangements described in this section are not mutually exclusive, and a single financial intermediary may receive multiple types of compensation. These additional payments are made by the Adviser, the Distributor or their respective affiliates and do not increase the amount paid by you or the Portfolios as shown under the heading “Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio” in the Portfolio summaries in this Prospectus.
Payments by the Distributor and/or the Adviser (and their affiliates) to financial intermediaries may include payments for providing recordkeeping services with respect to certain groups of investors in the Portfolios, including Contract owners that allocate contract value indirectly to one or more Portfolios (collectively referred to as “subaccounting” services, and Contract owners and other investors as “investors”). The subaccounting services typically include: (i) maintenance of master accounts with the Portfolios (e.g., recordkeeping for insurance company separate accounts investing in the Portfolios); (ii) tracking, recording and transmitting net purchase and redemption orders for Portfolio shares; (iii) establishing and maintaining investor accounts and records; (iv) recording investor account balances and changes thereto; (v) distributing redemption proceeds and transmitting net purchase payments and arranging for the wiring of funds; (vi) reconciling purchase and redemption activity and dividend and distribution payments between a master account and the Portfolios; (vii) maintaining and preserving records related to the purchase, redemption and other account activity of investors; (viii) providing statements to investors; (ix) furnishing proxy materials, periodic fund reports, prospectuses and other communications to investors as required; (x) assisting with proxy solicitations on behalf of the Portfolios, including soliciting and compiling voting instructions from Contract owners; (xi) responding to inquiries from investors about the Portfolios and (xii) providing information in order to assist the Portfolios in their compliance with state securities laws.
Such payments also may be made to provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries for various marketing support services, including, without limitation, providing periodic and ongoing education and training and support of financial intermediary
Distribution arrangements 207

personnel regarding the Portfolios and the financial planning needs of investors who purchase through financial intermediaries; adding the Portfolios to the list of underlying investment options in an insurance company’s variable products; disseminating to financial intermediary personnel information and product marketing materials regarding the Portfolios; explaining to financial intermediaries’ clients the features and characteristics of the Portfolios; conducting due diligence regarding the Portfolios; granting access (in some cases on a preferential basis over other competitors) to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial intermediary; and providing business planning assistance, marketing support, advertising and other services. The Distributor and its affiliates may make other payments or allow other promotional incentives to financial intermediaries to the extent permitted by SEC and FINRA rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
The Distributor and its affiliates may make the payments described above in order to promote the sale of Portfolio shares and the retention of those investments by clients of insurance companies and other qualified investors. To the extent these financial intermediaries sell more shares of the Portfolios or retain shares of the Portfolios in their customers’ accounts, the Adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates may directly or indirectly benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to the Adviser and the Distributor by the Portfolios with respect to those assets.
The Portfolios’ portfolio transactions are not used as a form of sales-related compensation to financial intermediaries that promote or sell shares of the Portfolios and the promotion or sale of such shares is not considered as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute the Portfolios’ portfolio transactions. The Adviser places, and each Sub-Adviser is required to place, each Portfolio’s portfolio transactions with broker-dealer firms based on the firm’s ability to provide the best net results from the transaction to the Portfolio. To the extent that the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser determines that a financial intermediary can provide a Portfolio with the best net results, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser may place the Portfolio’s portfolio transactions with the financial intermediary even though it sells or has sold shares of the Portfolio.
You can find further information in the SAI about the payments made by the Distributor, the Adviser, or their affiliates and the services provided by your financial intermediary. You can also ask your financial intermediary about any payments it receives from the Distributor, the Adviser, or their affiliates (and any conflicts of interest that such payments may create) and any services your financial intermediary provides, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges. Your financial intermediary may charge you fees or commissions in addition to those disclosed in this Prospectus. Financial intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements to their clients and to members of the public in a manner different from the disclosures in this Prospectus and the SAI.
208 Distribution arrangements

7. Financial highlights
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the financial performance for each Portfolio’s Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares, as applicable. The financial information in the table below is for the past five (5) years (or, if shorter, the period of the Portfolio’s operations). The financial information below for the Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares, as applicable, of each Portfolio has been derived from each Portfolio’s financial statements, which have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s report on each Portfolio’s financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and the financial statements themselves appear in the Trust’s Annual Report.
Certain information reflects financial results for a single Portfolio share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Portfolio (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions). The total return figures shown below do not reflect any separate account or Contract fees and charges. The total return figures would be lower if they did reflect such fees and charges. The information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the Annual Report which are incorporated by reference into the SAI and available upon request.
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IA
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$4.16
$4.45
$3.71
$6.09
$5.76
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.07
0.07
0.09
0.11
0.09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.03
(0.27)
0.81
(0.72)
0.80
Total from investment operations
1.10
(0.20)
0.90
(0.61)
0.89
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.08)
(0.08)
(0.10)
(0.12)
(0.09)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.01)
(0.06)
(1.65)
(0.47)
Return of capital
—#
Total dividends and distributions
(0.08)
(0.09)
(0.16)
(1.77)
(0.56)
Net asset value, end of year
$5.18
$4.16
$4.45
$3.71
$6.09
Total return
26.35%
(4.55)%
24.30%
(11.69)%
15.78%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$32,714
$27,913
$35,150
$33,493
$41,988
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.95%
0.95%
0.95%
0.99%
1.00%
Before waivers(f)
1.12%
1.14%
1.13%
1.13%
1.13%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
1.40%
1.94%
2.17%
1.89%
1.56%
Before waivers(f)
1.23%
1.75%
1.98%
1.75%
1.43%
Portfolio turnover rate^
28%
39%
56%
106%*
41%
Financial highlights 209

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$4.19
$4.48
$3.74
$6.12
$5.79
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.07
0.07
0.09
0.11
0.10
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.04
(0.27)
0.81
(0.72)
0.79
Total from investment operations
1.11
(0.20)
0.90
(0.61)
0.89
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.08)
(0.08)
(0.10)
(0.12)
(0.09)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.01)
(0.06)
(1.65)
(0.47)
Return of capital
—#
Total dividends and distributions
(0.08)
(0.09)
(0.16)
(1.77)
(0.56)
Net asset value, end of year
$5.22
$4.19
$4.48
$3.74
$6.12
Total return
26.40%
(4.52)%
24.10%
(11.62)%
15.70%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$179,232
$151,452
$166,132
$144,780
$176,995
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.95%
0.95%
0.95%
0.99%
1.00%
Before waivers(f)
1.12%
1.14%
1.13%
1.13%
1.13%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
1.41%
1.93%
2.17%
1.89%
1.56%
Before waivers(f)
1.24%
1.74%
1.99%
1.75%
1.43%
Portfolio turnover rate^
28%
39%
56%
106%*
41%
210 Financial highlights

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$4.16
$4.45
$3.71
$6.09
$5.76
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.08
0.08
0.10
0.13
0.11
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.03
(0.27)
0.81
(0.72)
0.80
Total from investment operations
1.11
(0.19)
0.91
(0.59)
0.91
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.09)
(0.09)
(0.11)
(0.14)
(0.11)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.01)
(0.06)
(1.65)
(0.47)
Return of capital
—#
Total dividends and distributions
(0.09)
(0.10)
(0.17)
(1.79)
(0.58)
Net asset value, end of year
$5.18
$4.16
$4.45
$3.71
$6.09
Total return
26.62%
(4.33)%
24.59%
(11.45)%
16.05%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$376,351
$346,259
$337,568
$342,603
$419,957
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.70%
0.70%
0.70%
0.74%
0.75%
Before waivers(f)
0.87%
0.89%
0.88%
0.88%
0.88%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
1.65%
2.17%
2.42%
2.14%
1.81%
Before waivers(f)
1.48%
1.99%
2.24%
2.00%
1.68%
Portfolio turnover rate^
28%
39%
56%
106%*
41%

*
The portfolio turnover rate calculation includes purchases and sales made as a result of the replacement of the sub-adviser. Excluding such transactions, the portfolio turnover rate would have been 31%.
#
Per share amount is less than $0.005.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
Financial highlights 211

1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IA
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$63.55
$59.78
$50.02
$62.82
$58.54
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.34(5)(6)
0.28(4)
0.33(3)
0.35(2)
0.37(1)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
15.47
5.28
11.33
(9.97)
8.84
Total from investment operations
15.81
5.56
11.66
(9.62)
9.21
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.48)
(0.40)
(0.35)
(0.35)
(0.38)
Distributions from net realized gains
(5.29)
(1.39)
(1.55)
(2.83)
(4.55)
Total dividends and distributions
(5.77)
(1.79)
(1.90)
(3.18)
(4.93)
Net asset value, end of year
$73.59
$63.55
$59.78
$50.02
$62.82
Total return
25.14%
9.51%
23.35%
(15.57)%
16.08%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$247,825
$226,426
$234,644
$207,870
$259,242
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(f)
1.05%
1.07%
1.07%
1.07%
1.07%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)
0.47%(dd)(ff)
0.53%(bb)
0.57%(cc)
0.57%(aa)
0.61%(ee)
Portfolio turnover rate^
4%
5%
2%
6%
10%
212 Financial highlights

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$63.68
$59.90
$50.12
$62.94
$58.64
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.35(5)(6)
0.29(4)
0.33(3)
0.35(2)
0.37(1)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
15.50
5.28
11.35
(9.99)
8.86
Total from investment operations
15.85
5.57
11.68
(9.64)
9.23
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.48)
(0.40)
(0.35)
(0.35)
(0.38)
Distributions from net realized gains
(5.29)
(1.39)
(1.55)
(2.83)
(4.55)
Total dividends and distributions
(5.77)
(1.79)
(1.90)
(3.18)
(4.93)
Net asset value, end of year
$73.76
$63.68
$59.90
$50.12
$62.94
Total return
25.15%
9.51%
23.35%
(15.57)%
16.09%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$2,995,792
$2,571,252
$2,459,672
$2,079,297
$2,578,261
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(f)
1.05%
1.07%
1.07%
1.07%
1.07%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)
0.47%(dd)(ff)
0.54%(bb)
0.57%(cc)
0.57%(aa)
0.61%(ee)
Portfolio turnover rate^
4%
5%
2%
6%
10%
Financial highlights 213

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$63.57
$59.77
$50.01
$62.83
$58.53
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.53(5)(6)
0.39(4)
0.47(3)
0.51(2)
0.53(1)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
15.47
5.33
11.33
(9.99)
8.85
Total from investment operations
16.00
5.72
11.80
(9.48)
9.38
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.64)
(0.53)
(0.49)
(0.51)
(0.53)
Distributions from net realized gains
(5.29)
(1.39)
(1.55)
(2.83)
(4.55)
Total dividends and distributions
(5.93)
(1.92)
(2.04)
(3.34)
(5.08)
Net asset value, end of year
$73.64
$63.57
$59.77
$50.01
$62.83
Total return
25.45%
9.78%
23.65%
(15.36)%
16.39%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$500,683
$500,755
$532,290
$529,887
$631,932
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(f)
0.80%
0.82%
0.82%
0.82%
0.82%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)
0.72%(dd)(ff)
0.76%(bb)
0.82%(cc)
0.82%(aa)
0.86%(ee)
Portfolio turnover rate^
4%
5%
2%
6%
10%

(1)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.23, $0.23 and $0.38 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(2)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.24, $0.24 and $0.40 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(3)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.24, $0.24 and $0.39 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(4)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.12, $0.12 and $0.23 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(5)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.18, $0.19, and $0.37 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(6)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.18, $0.19, and $0.37 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(aa)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.18% lower.
(bb)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.31% lower.
(cc)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.15% lower.
(dd)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.22% lower.
(ee)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios would have been 0.24%, 0.23% and 0.24% lower for Class IA, IB and Class K, respectively.
(ff)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.22% lower.
214 Financial highlights

1290 VT Low Volatility Global Equity Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$12.24
$12.79
$10.97
$11.76
$10.21
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.26
0.23
0.36
0.32
0.22
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.61
(0.41)
1.83
(0.72)
1.66
Total from investment operations
1.87
(0.18)
2.19
(0.40)
1.88
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.26)
(0.27)
(0.33)
(0.29)
(0.30)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.02)
(0.05)
(0.04)
(0.10)
(0.03)
Return of capital
(0.05)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.28)
(0.37)
(0.37)
(0.39)
(0.33)
Net asset value, end of year
$13.83
$12.24
$12.79
$10.97
$11.76
Total return
15.38%
(1.33)%
19.98%
(3.58)%
18.45%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$4,533
$3,597
$3,733
$3,268
$2,520
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.68%(j)
0.69%**(k)
0.68%(j)
0.68%(j)
0.76%(m)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.33%
1.56%
1.59%
1.77%
1.65%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)(x)
1.98%
1.98%
2.95%
2.72%
1.98%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)(x)
1.33%
1.11%
2.05%
1.64%
1.09%
Portfolio turnover rate^
3%
15%
9%
2%
34%
Financial highlights 215

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$12.24
$12.79
$10.97
$11.76
$10.21
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.29
0.27
0.41
0.33
0.29
Net realized and unrealized gain(loss)
1.62
(0.42)
1.81
(0.70)
1.62
Total from investment operations
1.91
(0.15)
2.22
(0.37)
1.91
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.29)
(0.28)
(0.36)
(0.32)
(0.33)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.02)
(0.05)
(0.04)
(0.10)
(0.03)
Return of capital
(0.07)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.31)
(0.40)
(0.40)
(0.42)
(0.36)
Net asset value, end of year
$13.84
$12.24
$12.79
$10.97
$11.76
Total return
15.72%
(1.10)%
20.26%
(3.34)%
18.74%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$12,784
$11,699
$9,534
$7,235
$6,904
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.43%(j)
0.44%**(k)
0.43%(j)
0.43%(j)
0.49%(m)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.07%
1.32%
1.35%
1.48%
1.43%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)(x)
2.17%
2.33%
3.31%
2.78%
2.59%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)(x)
1.53%
1.45%
2.40%
1.73%
1.65%
Portfolio turnover rate^
3%
15%
9%
2%
34%

**
Includes Tax expense of 0.01%.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.90% for Class IB and 0.65% for Class K.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.91% for Class IB and 0.66% for Class K.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.92% for Class IB and 0.65% for Class K.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
216 Financial highlights

1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$13.80
$10.49
$8.97
$11.53
$9.91
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
(0.07)
(0.01)
0.01
—#
(0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.51
5.14
2.59
(0.44)
2.51
Total from investment operations
1.44
5.13
2.60
(0.44)
2.50
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
—#
—#
—#
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.97)
(1.82)
(1.08)
(2.11)
(0.88)
Return of capital
(0.01)
Total dividends and distributions
(3.97)
(1.82)
(1.08)
(2.12)
(0.88)
Net asset value, end of year
$11.27
$13.80
$10.49
$8.97
$11.53
Total return
10.96%
50.22%
29.32%
(4.75)%
25.59%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$11,220
$3,348
$1,414
$326
$129
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
Before waivers(f)
1.30%
1.37%
1.36%
1.33%
1.35%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
(0.45)%
(0.06)%
0.05%
(0.01)%
(0.08)%
Before waivers(f)
(0.59)%
(0.28)%
(0.16)%
(0.19)%
(0.28)%
Portfolio turnover rate^
62%
94%
69%
60%
58%
Financial highlights 217

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$13.85
$10.52
$8.99
$11.57
$9.94
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
(0.04)
0.02
0.03
0.03
0.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.51
5.16
2.61
(0.46)
2.52
Total from investment operations
1.47
5.18
2.64
(0.43)
2.54
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
—#
(0.03)
(0.03)
(0.03)
(0.03)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.97)
(1.82)
(1.08)
(2.11)
(0.88)
Return of capital
(0.01)
Total dividends and distributions
(3.97)
(1.85)
(1.11)
(2.15)
(0.91)
Net asset value, end of year
$11.35
$13.85
$10.52
$8.99
$11.57
Total return
11.13%
50.54%
29.67%
(4.68)%
25.90%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$194,975
$196,267
$155,846
$129,922
$145,266
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
Before waivers(f)
1.05%
1.12%
1.10%
1.08%
1.10%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
(0.23)%
0.19%
0.24%
0.23%
0.17%
Before waivers(f)
(0.38)%
(0.03)%
0.04%
0.05%
(0.04)%
Portfolio turnover rate^
62%
94%
69%
60%
58%

#
Per share amount is less than $0.005.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
218 Financial highlights

1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$10.32
$10.62
$8.89
$10.55
$9.84
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.03
0.07(1)
0.04
0.07
0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.87
(0.23)†
2.23
(1.25)
1.19
Total from investment operations
3.90
(0.16)
2.27
(1.18)
1.24
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.15)
(0.13)
(0.06)
(0.04)
(0.02)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.96)
(0.01)
(0.45)
(0.40)
(0.51)
Return of capital
(0.03)
(0.04)
Total dividends and distributions
(2.11)
(0.14)
(0.54)
(0.48)
(0.53)
Net asset value, end of year
$12.11
$10.32
$10.62
$8.89
$10.55
Total return
38.52%
(1.51)%
25.84%
(11.44)%
12.80%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$235,844
$162,278
$7,831
$3,220
$1,957
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
1.15%
Before waivers(f)
1.21%
1.27%
1.25%
1.23%
1.26%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.23%
0.86%(aa)
0.37%
0.66%
0.52%
Before waivers(f)
0.16%
0.74%(aa)
0.27%
0.58%
0.42%
Portfolio turnover rate^
22%
23%
14%
18%
23%
Financial highlights 219

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$10.30
$10.60
$8.88
$10.54
$9.83
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.06
0.11(1)
0.06
0.10
0.08
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.88
(0.25)†
2.22
(1.25)
1.18
Total from investment operations
3.94
(0.14)
2.28
(1.15)
1.26
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income
(0.18)
(0.15)
(0.07)
(0.06)
(0.04)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.96)
(0.01)
(0.45)
(0.40)
(0.51)
Return of capital
(0.04)
(0.05)
Total dividends and distributions
(2.14)
(0.16)
(0.56)
(0.51)
(0.55)
Net asset value, end of year
$12.10
$10.30
$10.60
$8.88
$10.54
Total return
39.02%
(1.31)%
26.06%
(11.20)%
13.08%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$196,357
$192,801
$287,972
$258,476
$324,305
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
Before waivers(f)
0.96%
1.01%
1.00%
0.98%
1.01%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.45%
1.29%(aa)
0.61%
0.88%
0.74%
Before waivers(f)
0.38%
1.19%(aa)
0.51%
0.80%
0.64%
Portfolio turnover rate^
22%
23%
14%
18%
23%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net income and/or gain on investments for that period because of the timing of sales and repurchases of the Portfolio shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments in the Portfolio.
(1)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.03 and $0.07 for Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(aa)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.51% lower.
220 Financial highlights

1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$15.83
$14.42
$11.65
$13.04
$11.16
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.19(aa)
0.13
0.16
0.17
0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.44
1.45
2.97
(0.92)
2.26
Total from investment operations
3.63
1.58
3.13
(0.75)
2.41
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.23)
(0.09)
(0.16)
(0.16)
(0.16)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.08)
(0.08)
(0.20)
(0.48)
(0.37)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.31)
(0.17)
(0.36)
(0.64)
(0.53)
Net asset value, end of year
$18.15
$15.83
$14.42
$11.65
$13.04
Total return
23.08%
10.95%
26.90%
(6.03)%
21.65%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$364,960
$322,433
$21,947
$13,044
$10,478
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.10%**
1.10%
1.15%
1.15%
1.16%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.11%**
1.15%
1.48%
1.61%
1.72%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.07%(bb)
0.90%
1.21%
1.28%
1.23%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.07%(bb)
0.84%
0.88%
0.82%
0.68%
Portfolio turnover rate^
39%
53%
29%
47%
42%
Financial highlights 221

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$15.84
$14.42
$11.65
$13.04
$11.15
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.23(aa)
0.17
0.20
0.20
0.19
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
3.45
1.45
2.96
(0.92)
2.26
Total from investment operations
3.68
1.62
3.16
(0.72)
2.45
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.27)
(0.12)
(0.19)
(0.19)
(0.19)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.08)
(0.08)
(0.20)
(0.48)
(0.37)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.35)
(0.20)
(0.39)
(0.67)
(0.56)
Net asset value, end of year
$18.17
$15.84
$14.42
$11.65
$13.04
Total return
23.39%
11.28%
27.20%
(5.80)%
22.04%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$27,844
$25,765
$10,387
$7,905
$8,280
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.85%**
0.86%
0.90%
0.90%
0.92%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.86%**
0.94%
1.24%
1.35%
1.46%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.32%(bb)
1.22%
1.48%
1.54%
1.50%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.32%(bb)
1.13%
1.15%
1.09%
0.96%
Portfolio turnover rate^
39%
53%
29%
47%
42%

**
Includes Interest Expense of less than 0.005%.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(aa)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.14 and $0.18 for Class IB and Class K respectively.
(bb)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.29% lower.
222 Financial highlights

1290 VT Socially Responsible Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IA
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$16.41
$14.24
$11.20
$12.14
$11.85
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.10
0.12
0.12
0.12
0.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4.87
2.69
3.26
(0.61)
2.14
Total from investment operations
4.97
2.81
3.38
(0.49)
2.27
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.09)
(0.11)
(0.12)
(0.12)
(0.12)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.24)
(0.53)
(0.22)
(0.33)
(1.86)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.33)
(0.64)
(0.34)
(0.45)
(1.98)
Net asset value, end of year
$21.05
$16.41
$14.24
$11.20
$12.14
Total return
30.33%
19.96%
30.24%
(4.37)%
20.45%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$5,132
$4,444
$3,816
$3,158
$3,626
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.90%
0.93%
0.94%
0.93%
0.94%
Before waivers(f)
0.90%
0.93%
0.94%
0.93%
0.94%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.51%
0.81%
0.91%
0.98%
1.08%
Before waivers(f)
0.51%
0.81%
0.91%
0.98%
1.08%
Portfolio turnover rate^
10%
7%
12%
10%
13%
Financial highlights 223

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$16.07
$13.95
$10.98
$11.91
$11.66
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.10
0.12
0.12
0.12
0.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
4.76
2.64
3.19
(0.60)
2.10
Total from investment operations
4.86
2.76
3.31
(0.48)
2.23
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.09)
(0.11)
(0.12)
(0.12)
(0.12)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.24)
(0.53)
(0.22)
(0.33)
(1.86)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.33)
(0.64)
(0.34)
(0.45)
(1.98)
Net asset value, end of year
$20.60
$16.07
$13.95
$10.98
$11.91
Total return
30.29%
20.01%
30.21%
(4.37)%
20.44%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$274,262
$196,643
$175,337
$137,180
$146,723
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.90%
0.93%
0.94%
0.93%
0.94%
Before waivers(f)
0.90%
0.93%
0.94%
0.93%
0.94%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.51%
0.81%
0.91%
0.98%
1.07%
Before waivers(f)
0.51%
0.81%
0.91%
0.98%
1.07%
Portfolio turnover rate^
10%
7%
12%
10%
13%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
224 Financial highlights

1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$10.31
$10.13
$9.64
$10.03
$9.81
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.18
0.23
0.31
0.27
0.23
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.22)
0.20
0.48
(0.37)
0.16
Total from investment operations
(0.04)
0.43
0.79
(0.10)
0.39
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.20)
(0.22)
(0.30)
(0.29)
(0.16)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.01)
(0.03)
(0.01)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.21)
(0.25)
(0.30)
(0.29)
(0.17)
Net asset value, end of year
$10.06
$10.31
$10.13
$9.64
$10.03
Total return
(0.36)%
4.26%
8.18%
(0.96)%
3.93%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$64,627
$57,987
$47,029
$34,500
$28,366
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.92%(j)
0.94%(k)
0.96%(m)
0.98%(n)
1.04%
Before waivers(f)
0.98%
1.00%
1.00%
1.00%
1.07%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
1.78%
2.25%
3.06%
2.74%
2.23%
Before waivers(f)
1.72%
2.20%
3.03%
2.73%
2.20%
Portfolio turnover rate^
156%
122%
57%
62%
120%
Financial highlights 225

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$10.32
$10.13
$9.65
$10.03
$9.81
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.21
0.26
0.34
0.30
0.25
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.23)
0.21
0.46
(0.36)
0.16
Total from investment operations
(0.02)
0.47
0.80
(0.06)
0.41
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.23)
(0.25)
(0.32)
(0.32)
(0.18)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.01)
(0.03)
(0.01)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.24)
(0.28)
(0.32)
(0.32)
(0.19)
Net asset value, end of year
$10.06
$10.32
$10.13
$9.65
$10.03
Total return
(0.23)%
4.61%
8.33%
(0.61)%
4.19%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$577,963
$548,662
$428,345
$297,879
$271,210
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.67%(j)
0.69%(k)
0.71%(m)
0.73%(n)
0.79%
Before waivers(f)
0.73%
0.75%
0.75%
0.75%
0.82%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
2.04%
2.50%
3.32%
2.98%
2.49%
Before waivers(f)
1.97%
2.44%
3.28%
2.96%
2.45%
Portfolio turnover rate^
156%
122%
57%
62%
120%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 0.94% for Class IB and 0.69% for Class K.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 0.95% for Class IB and 0.70% for Class K.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 0.98% for Class IB and 0.73% for Class K.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.01% for Class IB and 0.76% for Class K.
226 Financial highlights

1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$9.75
$9.60
$8.94
$9.67
$9.53
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.43
0.46
0.48
0.50
0.49
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.05)
0.16
0.67
(0.70)
0.12
Total from investment operations
0.38
0.62
1.15
(0.20)
0.61
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.43)
(0.47)
(0.49)
(0.53)
(0.47)
Net asset value, end of year
$9.70
$9.75
$9.60
$8.94
$9.67
Total return
3.95%
6.48%
12.94%
(2.23)%
6.46%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$57,218
$46,783
$41,122
$28,369
$26,553
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
1.00%
1.00%
1.00%
1.04%
1.05%
Before waivers(f)
1.04%
1.08%
1.07%
1.07%
1.08%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
4.31%
4.79%
4.92%
5.20%
4.95%
Before waivers(f)
4.26%
4.71%
4.85%
5.16%
4.93%
Portfolio turnover rate^
53%
67%
47%
41%
61%
Financial highlights 227

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$9.74
$9.59
$8.93
$9.66
$9.52
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.45
0.48
0.50
0.53
0.52
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.05)
0.16
0.68
(0.71)
0.12
Total from investment operations
0.40
0.64
1.18
(0.18)
0.64
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.45)
(0.49)
(0.52)
(0.55)
(0.50)
Net asset value, end of year
$9.69
$9.74
$9.59
$8.93
$9.66
Total return
4.19%
6.74%
13.23%
(1.99)%
6.73%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$186,707
$171,719
$176,238
$163,753
$177,784
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.75%
0.75%
0.75%
0.79%
0.80%
Before waivers(f)
0.79%
0.83%
0.82%
0.82%
0.83%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
4.56%
5.04%
5.18%
5.44%
5.20%
Before waivers(f)
4.51%
4.96%
5.11%
5.41%
5.18%
Portfolio turnover rate^
53%
67%
47%
41%
61%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
228 Financial highlights

1290 VT DoubleLine Dynamic Allocation Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$12.84
$11.88
$10.60
$11.51
$11.10
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.08
0.12
0.20
0.18
0.06(x)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.20
1.42
1.71
(0.63)
1.00
Total from investment operations
1.28
1.54
1.91
(0.45)
1.06
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.08)
(0.12)
(0.24)
(0.19)
(0.07)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.00)
(0.46)
(0.39)
(0.27)
(0.58)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.08)
(0.58)
(0.63)
(0.46)
(0.65)
Net asset value, end of year
$13.04
$12.84
$11.88
$10.60
$11.51
Total return
10.10%
13.10%
18.14%
(4.10)%
9.53%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$73,621
$64,486
$51,439
$41,616
$44,809
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.16%(j)
1.16%(j)
1.16%(j)
1.19%(k)
1.05%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.26%
1.32%
1.36%
1.28%
1.61%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.60%
1.01%
1.69%
1.57%
0.50%(x)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.51%
0.85%
1.49%
1.49%
(0.06)%(x)
Portfolio turnover rate^
131%
135%
67%
83%
175%(h)
Financial highlights 229

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$12.84
$11.88
$10.60
$11.51
$11.10
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.11
0.15
0.23
0.21
0.14(x)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.21
1.42
1.71
(0.63)
0.95
Total from investment operations
1.32
1.57
1.94
(0.42)
1.09
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.11)
(0.15)
(0.27)
(0.22)
(0.10)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.00)
(0.46)
(0.39)
(0.27)
(0.58)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.11)
(0.61)
(0.66)
(0.49)
(0.68)
Net asset value, end of year
$13.05
$12.84
$11.88
$10.60
$11.51
Total return
10.42%
13.36%
18.41%
(3.86)%
9.79%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$3,397
$1,893
$882
$11,891
$12,637
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.91%(j)
0.91%(j)
0.91%(j)
0.94%(k)
0.81%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.00%
1.08%
1.03%
1.03%
1.49%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.84%
1.25%
2.00%
1.82%
1.19%(x)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.75%
1.09%
1.87%
1.74%
0.52%(x)
Portfolio turnover rate^
131%
135%
67%
83%
175%(h)

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(h)
Change in investment strategy resulted in higher portfolio turnover.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.20% for Class IB and 0.95% for Class K.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.24% for Class IB and 0.99% for Class K.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
230 Financial highlights

1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
February 1, 2019* to
December 31, 2019
Class IB
2021
2020
Net asset value, beginning of period
$11.75
$11.16
$10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.14
0.12
0.25
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.33
0.58
1.14
Total from investment operations
1.47
0.70
1.39
Less distributions:
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.10)
(0.11)
(0.13)
Distributions from net realized gains
#
(0.10)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.10)
(0.11)
(0.23)
Net asset value, end of period
$13.12
$11.75
$11.16
Total return(b)
12.51%
6.33%
13.86%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
$80,300
$44,418
$19,469
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
1.04%(j)
1.03%(j)
1.04%(j)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
1.18%
1.28%
1.84%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
1.12%
1.15%
2.48%(l)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
0.98%
0.90%
1.65%(l)
Portfolio turnover rate^
7%
69%
50%(z)
Financial highlights 231

Class K
January 1, 2021 to
March 22, 2021‡
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
February 1, 2019* to
December 31, 2019
Net asset value, beginning of period
$11.75
$11.17
$10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
(0.01)
0.13
0.23
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
0.29
0.59
1.19
Total from investment operations
0.28
0.72
1.42
Less distributions:
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.14)
(0.15)
Distributions from net realized gains
#
(0.10)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.14)
(0.25)
Net asset value, end of period
$12.03
$11.75
$11.17
Total return(b)
2.38%
6.48%
14.21%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
$
$3,872
$5,594
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
0.80%(j)
0.78%(j)
0.77%(j)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
0.96%
1.04%
1.76%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
(0.21)%
1.17%
2.39%(l)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
(0.37)%
0.91%
1.38%(l)
Portfolio turnover rate^
7%
69%
50%(z)

*
Commencement of Operations.
After the close of business on March 22, 2021 operations for Class K ceased and shares were fully redeemed. The shares are no longer operational, but are still registered.
#
Per share amount is less than $0.005.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(a)
Ratios for periods less than one year are annualized. Certain non-recurring expenses incurred by the Portfolio are not annualized for periods less than one year.
(b)
Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.10% for Class IB and 0.85% for Class K.
(l)
The annualized ratio of net investment income to average net assets may not be indicative of operating results for a full year.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
(z)
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one year is not annualized.
232 Financial highlights

1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$15.62
$11.81
$10.06
$11.03
$10.20
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.04
0.15
0.15
0.25
0.24
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
0.07
4.45
2.24
(0.70)
1.21
Total from investment operations
0.11
4.60
2.39
(0.45)
1.45
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(1.89)
(0.18)
(0.34)
(0.26)
(0.34)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.34)
(0.61)
(0.30)
(0.26)
(0.28)
Total dividends and distributions
(5.23)
(0.79)
(0.64)
(0.52)
(0.62)
Net asset value, end of year
$10.50
$15.62
$11.81
$10.06
$11.03
Total return
1.04%
39.08%
23.93%
(4.22)%
14.28%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$22,507
$19,467
$12,255
$9,403
$7,637
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.96%(j)
1.05%(k)
1.10%(m)
1.19%(n)**
1.18%(o)
Before waivers(f)
1.21%
1.48%
1.59%
1.67%
1.72%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.27%
1.17%
1.35%
2.23%
2.11%
Before waivers(f)
0.02%
0.74%
0.86%
1.75%
1.58%
Portfolio turnover rate^
209%(h)
51%
35%
32%
35%
Financial highlights 233

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$15.59
$11.79
$10.04
$11.01
$10.18
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.08
0.18
0.18
0.27
0.25
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
0.07
4.44
2.24
(0.69)
1.23
Total from investment operations
0.15
4.62
2.42
(0.42)
1.48
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(1.93)
(0.21)
(0.37)
(0.29)
(0.37)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.34)
(0.61)
(0.30)
(0.26)
(0.28)
Total dividends and distributions
(5.27)
(0.82)
(0.67)
(0.55)
(0.65)
Net asset value, end of year
$10.47
$15.59
$11.79
$10.04
$11.01
Total return
1.25%
39.34%
24.27%
(3.98)%
14.58%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$22,146
$22,725
$15,331
$11,526
$11,402
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.71%(j)
0.80%(k)
0.85%(m)
0.94%(n)**
0.93%(o)
Before waivers(f)
0.96%
1.23%
1.34%
1.41%
1.46%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.52%
1.40%
1.61%
2.40%
2.29%
Before waivers(f)
0.26%
0.98%
1.12%
1.93%
1.76%
Portfolio turnover rate^
209%(h)
51%
35%
32%
35%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
**
Includes Tax Expense of 0.01%.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(h)
The portfolio turnover rate calculation includes purchases and sales made as a result of the replacement of the sub-adviser. Excluding such transactions, the portfolio turnover rate would have been 28%.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.01% for Class IB and 0.76% for Class K.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.15% for Class IB and 0.90% for Class K.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.22% for Class IB and 0.97% for Class K.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.31% for Class IB and 1.06% for Class K.
(o)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.30% for Class IB and 1.05% for Class K.
234 Financial highlights

1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IA
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$11.95
$12.13
$11.84
$13.00
$12.95
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.06(5)(6)
(0.01)(4)
0.48(3)
0.17(2)
0.01(1)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.30
(0.15)
0.53
(0.79)
0.77
Total from investment operations
1.36
(0.16)
1.01
(0.62)
0.78
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.09)
(0.02)
(0.51)
(0.19)
—#
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.36)
(0.04)
(0.35)
(0.73)
Return of capital
(0.17)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.45)
(0.02)
(0.72)
(0.54)
(0.73)
Net asset value, end of year
$12.86
$11.95
$12.13
$11.84
$13.00
Total return
11.36%
(1.32)%
8.62%
(4.85)%
6.14%(gg)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$9,997
$9,860
$11,656
$11,854
$13,541
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.25%
1.31%
1.31%
1.31%
1.32%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.31%
1.32%
1.31%
1.31%
1.32%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.46%(cc)(ii)
(0.12)%(bb)
3.89%(hh)
1.33%(aa)
0.07%(ff)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.40%(cc)(ii)
(0.13)%(bb)
3.89%(hh)
1.33%(aa)
0.07%(ff)
Portfolio turnover rate^
190%
213%
184%
175%
138%
Financial highlights 235

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$11.88
$12.06
$11.77
$12.93
$12.88
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.06(5)(6)
(0.01)(4)
0.49(3)
0.17(2)
0.01(1)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.29
(0.15)
0.52
(0.79)
0.77
Total from investment operations
1.35
(0.16)
1.01
(0.62)
0.78
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.09)
(0.02)
(0.51)
(0.19)
—#
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.36)
(0.04)
(0.35)
(0.73)
Return of capital
(0.17)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.45)
(0.02)
(0.72)
(0.54)
(0.73)
Net asset value, end of year
$12.78
$11.88
$12.06
$11.77
$12.93
Total return
11.34%
(1.33)%
8.67%
(4.88)%
6.17%(gg)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$166,650
$162,540
$179,897
$181,045
$205,054
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.25%
1.31%
1.31%
1.31%
1.32%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.31%
1.32%
1.31%
1.31%
1.32%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.49%(cc)(ii)
(0.12)%(bb)
3.96%(hh)
1.35%(aa)
0.07%(ff)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.44%(cc)(ii)
(0.14)%(bb)
3.96%(hh)
1.35%(aa)
0.07%(ff)
Portfolio turnover rate^
190%
213%
184%
175%
138%
236 Financial highlights

Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$12.08
$12.25
$11.95
$13.12
$13.06
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.10(5)(6)
0.01(4)
0.54(3)
0.21(2)
0.04(1)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.31
(0.13)
0.52
(0.81)
0.79
Total from investment operations
1.41
(0.12)
1.06
(0.60)
0.83
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.12)
(0.05)
(0.54)
(0.22)
(0.04)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.36)
(0.04)
(0.35)
(0.73)
Return of capital
(0.18)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.48)
(0.05)
(0.76)
(0.57)
(0.77)
Net asset value, end of year
$13.01
$12.08
$12.25
$11.95
$13.12
Total return
11.65%
(1.00)%
8.89%
(4.64)%
6.42%(gg)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$26,209
$25,116
$20,863
$19,942
$20,653
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.00%
1.05%
1.06%
1.05%
1.07%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.06%
1.07%
1.06%
1.05%
1.07%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.76%(cc)(ii)
0.10%(bb)
4.29%(hh)
1.58%(aa)
0.32%(ff)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.70%(cc)(ii)
0.08%(bb)
4.29%(hh)
1.58%(aa)
0.32%(ff)
Portfolio turnover rate^
190%
213%
184%
175%
138%

#
Per share amount is less than $0.005.
(1)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $(0.01), $(0.01) and $0.03 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(2)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.07, $0.07 and $0.11 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(3)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.04, $0.05 and $0.09 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(4)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $(0.05), $(0.05)and $(0.03)for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(5)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.02, $0.02 and $0.05 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(6)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.04, $0.04 and $0.08 for Class IA, Class IB and Class K, respectively.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(aa)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.77% lower.
(bb)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.32% lower.
(cc)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.34% lower.
(ff)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.12% lower.
(gg)
Includes a litigation payment. Without this payment, the total return would have been 5.57% for Class IA, 5.60% for Class IB and 5.85% for Class K.
(hh)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 3.56% lower.
(ii)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.14% lower.
Financial highlights 237

1290 VT Multi-Alternative Strategies Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
November 13, 2017* to
December 31, 2017
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
Net asset value, beginning of period
$10.45
$10.06
$9.53
$10.05
$10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.35
0.05
0.25
0.19
0.04
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.03)
0.40
0.48
(0.60)
0.05
Total from investment operations
0.32
0.45
0.73
(0.41)
0.09
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.30)
(0.06)
(0.20)
(0.10)
(0.04)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.49)
(0.01)
Return of capital
#
Total dividends and distributions
(0.79)
(0.06)
(0.20)
(0.11)
(0.04)
Net asset value, end of period
$9.98
$10.45
$10.06
$9.53
$10.05
Total return(b)
3.09%
4.54%
7.72%
(4.06)%
0.85%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
$1,799
$1,132
$625
$111
$101
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
1.14%(j)
1.06%(k)
1.04%***(m)
1.04%(k)
1.07%**(n)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
2.08%
2.44%
2.88%
3.53%
4.19%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
3.22%
0.49%
2.50%
1.90%
3.34%(l)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
2.28%
(0.89)%
0.66%
(0.58)%
0.23%(l)
Portfolio turnover rate^
61%
16%
4%
5%
0%(z)
238 Financial highlights

 
Year Ended December 31,
November 13, 2017* to
December 31, 2017
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
Net asset value, beginning of period
$10.46
$10.06
$9.53
$10.05
$10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.32
0.06
0.16
0.20
0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
0.01
0.43
0.60
(0.58)
0.04
Total from investment operations
0.33
0.49
0.76
(0.38)
0.09
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.32)
(0.07)
(0.23)
(0.13)
(0.04)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.49)
(0.01)
Return of capital
(0.02)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.81)
(0.09)
(0.23)
(0.14)
(0.04)
Net asset value, end of period
$9.98
$10.46
$10.06
$9.53
$10.05
Total return(b)
3.22%
4.88%
7.99%
(3.82)%
0.88%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of period (000’s)
$5,558
$5,383
$5,134
$4,755
$4,942
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
0.89%(j)
0.81%(k)
0.80%***(m)
0.79%(k)
0.82%**(n)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)
1.76%
2.11%
2.22%
3.20%
3.94%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
2.98%
0.60%
1.60%
1.99%
3.59%(l)
Before waivers and reimbursements(a)(f)(x)
2.11%
(0.70)%
0.17%
(0.42)%
0.48%(l)
Portfolio turnover rate^
61%
16%
4%
5%
0%(z)

*
Commencement of Operations.
**
Includes tax expense of 0.05%.
***
Includes Tax expense of 0.02%.
#
Per share amount is less than $0.005.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(a)
Ratios for periods less than one year are annualized. Certain non-recurring expenses incurred by the Portfolio are not annualized for periods less than one year.
(b)
Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.50% for Class IB and 1.25% for Class K.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.65% for Class IB and 1.40% for Class K.
(l)
The annualized ratio of net investment income to average net assets may not be indicative of operating results for a full year.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.67% for Class IB and 1.42% for Class K.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.70% for Class IB and 1.45% for Class K.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
(z)
Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one year is not annualized.
Financial highlights 239

1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$6.22
$7.67
$7.25
$8.69
$7.95
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.29(2)
0.21
0.39(1)
0.22
0.19
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.57
(1.41)
0.41
(1.44)
0.76
Total from investment operations
1.86
(1.20)
0.80
(1.22)
0.95
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.27)
(0.25)
(0.38)
(0.22)
(0.21)
Net asset value, end of year
$7.81
$6.22
$7.67
$7.25
$8.69
Total return
30.04%
(15.65)%
11.20%
(14.14)%
12.10%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$14,009
$6,214
$7,075
$5,834
$6,284
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.92%**
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.56%
2.02%
1.57%
1.46%
1.52%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
3.89%(aa)
3.66%
5.04%(g)
2.54%
2.41%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
3.25%(aa)
2.54%
4.37%(g)
1.98%
1.79%
Portfolio turnover rate^
32%
15%
10%
10%
13%
240 Financial highlights

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$6.22
$7.67
$7.25
$8.69
$7.95
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.31(2)
0.24
0.41(1)
0.24
0.21
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.57
(1.43)
0.41
(1.44)
0.76
Total from investment operations
1.88
(1.19)
0.82
(1.20)
0.97
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.29)
(0.26)
(0.40)
(0.24)
(0.23)
Net asset value, end of year
$7.81
$6.22
$7.67
$7.25
$8.69
Total return
30.32%
(15.46)%
11.48%
(13.90)%
12.36%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$8,507
$7,283
$14,353
$12,443
$16,359
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.66%**
0.65%
0.65%
0.65%
0.65%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.31%
1.69%
1.32%
1.20%
1.28%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
4.12%(aa)
4.09%
5.19%(g)
2.79%
2.66%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
3.48%(aa)
3.05%
4.52%(g)
2.24%
2.03%
Portfolio turnover rate^
32%
15%
10%
10%
13%

**
Includes Interest Expense of 0.02%.
(1)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.28, $0.29 for Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(2)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.27 and $0.29 for Class IB and Class K respectively.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(g)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 1.52% lower.
(aa)
Includes income resulting from a special dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.30% lower.
Financial highlights 241

1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$10.40
$11.58
$10.03
$11.03
$10.45
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.22(cc)
0.22(aa)
0.23
0.31
0.27
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.28
(1.26)
1.94
(0.89)
0.80
Total from investment operations
2.50
(1.04)
2.17
(0.58)
1.07
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.41)
(0.14)
(0.53)
(0.34)
(0.38)
Distributions from net realized gains
(2.42)
(0.07)
(0.09)
Return of capital
(2.83)
(0.02)
(0.08)
(0.02)
Total dividends and distributions
(5.66)
(0.14)
(0.62)
(0.42)
(0.49)
Net asset value, end of year
$7.24
$10.40
$11.58
$10.03
$11.03
Total return
25.80%
(8.98)%
21.75%
(5.46)%
10.22%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$19,746
$14,355
$15,893
$12,114
$13,416
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.90%**
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
0.90%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.23%**
1.52%
1.48%
1.40%
1.31%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.96%(dd)
2.31%(bb)
1.96%
2.84%
2.46%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.62%(dd)
1.69%(bb)
1.38%
2.34%
2.05%
Portfolio turnover rate^
25%
29%
27%
15%
30%
242 Financial highlights

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$10.43
$11.62
$10.06
$11.06
$10.47
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)
0.25(cc)
0.26(aa)
0.25
0.34
0.29
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.29
(1.29)
1.95
(0.89)
0.81
Total from investment operations
2.54
(1.03)
2.20
(0.55)
1.10
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.43)
(0.16)
(0.54)
(0.37)
(0.40)
Distributions from net realized gains
(2.42)
(0.07)
(0.09)
Return of capital
(2.83)
(0.03)
(0.08)
(0.02)
Total dividends and distributions
(5.68)
(0.16)
(0.64)
(0.45)
(0.51)
Net asset value, end of year
$7.29
$10.43
$11.62
$10.06
$11.06
Total return
26.17%
(8.82)%
22.08%
(5.21)%
10.56%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$21,582
$18,158
$15,792
$14,269
$15,743
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.65%**
0.65%
0.65%
0.65%
0.65%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.98%**
1.29%
1.22%
1.15%
1.07%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
2.18%(dd)
2.68%(bb)
2.19%
3.09%
2.68%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
1.85%(dd)
2.04%(bb)
1.62%
2.59%
2.26%
Portfolio turnover rate^
25%
29%
27%
15%
30%

**
Includes Interest Expense of less than 0.005%.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(aa)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.20 and $0.24 for Class IB and Class K, respectively.
(bb)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.24% lower.
(cc)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the per share income amounts would be $0.18 and $0.20 for Class IB and Class K respectively.
(dd)
Includes income resulting from a non-recurring non-cash dividend. Without this dividend, the ratios for each class would have been 0.41% lower.
Financial highlights 243

If you would like more information about the Portfolios, the following documents (including a copy of this Prospectus) are available at the Trust's website: www.equitable-funds.com, free of charge.
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports Include more information about the Portfolios’ investments and performance. The reports usually include performance information, a discussion of market conditions and the investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolios’ performance during the most recent fiscal period.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) Provides more detailed information about the Portfolios, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure A description of the Portfolios’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of their portfolio securities holdings is available in the Portfolios’ SAI, which is available on the Portfolios’ website.
To order a free copy of the Portfolios’ SAI and/or Annual and Semi-Annual Report, request other information about a Portfolio, or make shareholder inquiries, contact your financial professional, or the Portfolios at:
EQ Advisors Trust
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104
Telephone: 1-877-222-2144
Your financial professional or EQ Advisors Trust will also be happy to answer your questions or to provide any additional information that you may require.
Reports and other information about the Portfolios are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s Internet site at:
http://www.sec.gov
Investors may also obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov
Each business day, the Portfolios’ net asset values are transmitted electronically to insurance companies that use the Portfolios as underlying investment options for Contracts.
EQ Advisors Trust
(Investment Company Act File No. 811-07953)
© 2022 EQ Advisors Trust


EQ ADVISORS TRUSTSM
Prospectus dated May 1, 2022
This Prospectus describes ten (10) Portfolios offered by EQ Advisors Trust (the “Trust”) and the Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares offered by the Trust on behalf of each Portfolio that you can choose as investment alternatives.* Each Portfolio has its own investment objective and strategies that are designed to meet different investment goals. This Prospectus contains information you should know before investing. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing and keep it for future reference.
Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio†
Other Allocation Portfolios
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio†
Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio†
*
Not all of these Portfolios may be available as an investment in your variable life or annuity product. Please consult your product prospectus to see which Portfolios are available under your contract.
The Trust offers only Class IB and Class K shares of this Portfolio.
The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Table of Contents
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Table of Contents 1

1. About the Portfolios
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.14%1
0.14%
0.14%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.42%1
0.42%
0.42%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
0.91%
0.91%
0.66%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$93
$290
$504
$1,120
Class IB Shares
$93
$290
$504
$1,120
Class K Shares
$67
$211
$368
$822
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios (or “turns over” its portfolio), but it could incur transaction costs if it were to buy and sell other types of securities directly. If the Portfolio were to buy and sell other types of securities directly, a higher portfolio turnover rate could indicate higher transaction costs. Such costs, if incurred, would not be reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, and would affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.
2 EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and sub-advised by one or more investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Adviser”). Under normal market conditions, it is expected that the Portfolio will invest approximately 90% of its assets in fixed income investments and approximately 10% of its assets in equity investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios.
The fixed income asset class may include investment grade securities, mortgage-backed securities and government securities. These securities may include securities with maturities that range from short to longer term. The equity asset class may include securities of small-, mid- and large-capitalization companies and exchange-traded funds. The asset classes may include securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers. Actual allocations among asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, the Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although the Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that employ derivatives (including futures contracts) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and the particular Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio 3

extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Volatility Management Risk The Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
4 EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio

Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus the Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore the Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying PortfoliosThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to meet their objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio, which will vary.
Risks Associated with the Asset Transfer ProgramThe Portfolio is used in connection with certain benefit programs under Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”). The Contracts provide that Equitable Financial can automatically transfer Contract value between the Portfolio and other portfolios managed by the Adviser and the general account of Equitable Financial through a non-discretionary, systematic mathematical process. The purpose of these transfers is to attempt to protect Contract value from declines due to market volatility, and thereby limit Equitable Financial’s exposure to risk on certain guaranteed benefits under the Contracts. This mathematical process may, however, result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the Portfolio and subject the Portfolio to certain risks. For instance, the Portfolio’s investment performance could be adversely affected if the mathematical process requires the Adviser to purchase and sell securities at inopportune times or otherwise limits the Adviser’s ability to fully implement the Portfolio’s investment strategies. In addition, these pre-determined mathematical formulas may result in relatively small asset bases and relatively high operating expense ratios for the Portfolio compared to other similar funds.
Affiliated Portfolio Risk The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide. The Portfolio invests in affiliated Underlying Portfolios; unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios generally are not considered for investment.
Derivatives RiskThe Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio 5

that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be
6 EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio

costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover RiskHigh portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to the Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return.
Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio 7

the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Class IA shares and Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
2.38%
2019 1st Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-1.27%
2013 2nd Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio - Class IB Shares
0.02
2.63
2.02
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
0.63
3.71
3.00
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.69
2.32
1.68
8 EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio

Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
August 2011
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
August 2011
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
August 2011
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with certain benefit programs under Contracts issued by Equitable Financial.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Procedures for purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares are governed by the applicable separate account through which you invest. In certain limited circumstances, Portfolio shares may be redeemed as part of an exchange on a specified delayed basis. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio currently sells its shares only to insurance company separate accounts. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio 9

EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks a high level of current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.15%1
0.15%
0.15%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.45%1
0.45%
0.45%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
0.95%
0.95%
0.70%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$97
$303
$525
$1,166
Class IB Shares
$97
$303
$525
$1,166
Class K Shares
$72
$224
$390
$871
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios (or “turns over” its portfolio), but it could incur transaction costs if it were to buy and sell other types of securities directly. If the Portfolio were to buy and sell other types of securities directly, a higher portfolio turnover rate could indicate higher transaction costs. Such costs, if incurred, would not be reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, and would affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and sub-advised by one or more investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Adviser”). The Portfolio invests approximately 80% of its assets in fixed income investments and approximately 20% of its assets in equity investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios.
10 EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio

The fixed income asset class may include investment grade securities, mortgage-backed securities and government securities. These securities may include securities with maturities that range from short to longer term. The equity asset class may include securities of small-, mid- and large-capitalization companies and exchange-traded funds. The asset classes may include securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers. Actual allocations among asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, the Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although the Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that employ derivatives (including futures contracts) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and the particular Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio 11

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Volatility Management Risk The Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques
12 EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio

may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus the Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore the Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying PortfoliosThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to meet their objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio RiskThe Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide. The Portfolio invests in affiliated Underlying Portfolios; unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios generally are not considered for investment.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio 13

Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising
14 EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio

interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio 15

market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Class IA shares and Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
4.03%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-2.08%
2018 4th Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio - Class IB Shares
2.50
4.26
3.53
EQ/Conservative Strategy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
3.24
4.91
4.16
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.69
2.32
1.68
Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2009
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2011
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2011
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
16 EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio

The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio 17

EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks current income and growth of capital, with greater emphasis on current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.13%1
0.13%
0.13%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.48%1
0.48%
0.48%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
0.96%
0.96%
0.71%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$98
$306
$531
$1,178
Class IB Shares
$98
$306
$531
$1,178
Class K Shares
$73
$227
$395
$883
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios (or “turns over” its portfolio), but it could incur transaction costs if it were to buy and sell other types of securities directly. If the Portfolio were to buy and sell other types of securities directly, a higher portfolio turnover rate could indicate higher transaction costs. Such costs, if incurred, would not be reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, and would affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 22% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and subadvised by one or more investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Adviser”). The Portfolio invests approximately 60% of its assets in fixed income investments and approximately 40% of its assets in equity investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios.
18 EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio

The fixed income asset class may include investment grade securities, below investment grade securities (also known as high yield or “junk” bonds), mortgage-backed securities and government securities. These securities may include securities with maturities that range from short to longer term. The equity asset class may include securities of small-, mid- and large-capitalization companies and exchange-traded funds. The asset classes may include securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers. Actual allocations among asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, the Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although the Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that employ derivatives (including futures contracts) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and the particular Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio 19

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio’s debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio’s debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio’s debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Volatility Management Risk The Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques
20 EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio

may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus the Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore the Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying PortfoliosThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to meet their objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio RiskThe Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide. The Portfolio invests in affiliated Underlying Portfolios; unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios generally are not considered for investment.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio 21

Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising
22 EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio

interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio 23

or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio's performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Class IA shares and Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
6.75%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-6.14%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio - Class IB Shares
7.08
6.87
6.00
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
7.71
7.47
6.68
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.69
2.32
1.68
24 EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio

Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2009
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2011
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2011
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio 25

EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.13%1
0.13%
0.13%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.49%1
0.49%
0.49%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
0.97%
0.97%
0.72%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$99
$309
$536
$1,190
Class IB Shares
$99
$309
$536
$1,190
Class K Shares
$74
$230
$401
$894
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios (or “turns over” its portfolio), but it could incur transaction costs if it were to buy and sell other types of securities directly. If the Portfolio were to buy and sell other types of securities directly, a higher portfolio turnover rate could indicate higher transaction costs. Such costs, if incurred, would not be reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, and would affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and sub-advised by one or more investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Adviser”). The Portfolio invests approximately 50% of its assets in equity investments and approximately 50% of its assets in fixed income investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios.
26 EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio

The fixed income asset class may include investment grade securities, below investment grade securities (also known as high yield or “junk” bonds), mortgage-backed securities and government securities. These securities may include securities with maturities that range from short to longer term. The equity asset class may include securities of small-, mid- and large-capitalization companies and exchange-traded funds. The asset classes may include securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers. Actual allocations among asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, the Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although the Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that employ derivatives (including futures contracts) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and the particular Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio 27

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Volatility Management RiskThe Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques
28 EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio

may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus the Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore the Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying PortfoliosThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to meet their objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio RiskThe Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide. The Portfolio invests in affiliated Underlying Portfolios; unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios generally are not considered for investment.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio 29

Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising
30 EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio

interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio 31

or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
After the close of business on September 1, 2021, operations for Class IA ceased and shares were fully redeemed. Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
8.30%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-8.28%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio - Class IB Shares
9.48
8.20
7.23
EQ/Balanced Strategy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
10.31
8.91
8.05
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.69
2.32
1.68
32 EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio

Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2009
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2011
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2011
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio 33

EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income, with a greater emphasis on current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.09%
0.09%
0.09%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.13%1
0.13%
0.13%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.50%1
0.50%
0.50%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
0.97%
0.97%
0.72%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$99
$309
$536
$1,190
Class IB Shares
$99
$309
$536
$1,190
Class K Shares
$74
$230
$401
$894
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios (or “turns over” its portfolio), but it could incur transaction costs if it were to buy and sell other types of securities directly. If the Portfolio were to buy and sell other types of securities directly, a higher portfolio turnover rate could indicate higher transaction costs. Such costs, if incurred, would not be reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, and would affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and sub-advised by one or more investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Adviser”). The Portfolio invests approximately 60% of its assets in equity investments and approximately 40% of its assets in fixed income investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios.
34 EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio

The equity asset class may include securities of small-, mid- and large-capitalization companies and exchange-traded funds. The fixed income asset class may include investment grade securities, below investment grade securities (also known as high yield or “junk” bonds), mortgage-backed securities and government securities. These securities may include securities with maturities that range from short to longer term. The asset classes may include securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers. Actual allocations among asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, the Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although the Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that employ derivatives (including futures contracts) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and the particular Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio 35

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Volatility Management RiskThe Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques
36 EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio

may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus the Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore the Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying PortfoliosThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to meet their objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio RiskThe Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide. The Portfolio invests in affiliated Underlying Portfolios; unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios generally are not considered for investment.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio 37

Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising
38 EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio

interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio 39

or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Class IA shares and Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
9.91%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-10.42%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio - Class IB Shares
11.91
9.49
8.46
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
12.65
10.13
9.28
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.69
2.32
1.68
40 EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio

Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2009
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2011
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2011
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio 41

EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income, with a greater emphasis on capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.09%
0.09%
0.09%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.13%
0.13%
0.13%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.52%
0.52%
0.52%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
0.99%
0.99%
0.74%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$101
$315
$547
$1,213
Class IB Shares
$101
$315
$547
$1,213
Class K Shares
$76
$237
$411
$918
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios (or “turns over” its portfolio), but it could incur transaction costs if it were to buy and sell other types of securities directly. If the Portfolio were to buy and sell other types of securities directly, a higher portfolio turnover rate could indicate higher transaction costs. Such costs, if incurred, would not be reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, and would affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 19% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and sub-advised by one or more investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Adviser”). The Portfolio invests approximately 70% of its assets in equity investments and approximately 30% of its assets in fixed income investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios.
42 EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio

The equity asset class may include securities of small-, mid- and large-capitalization companies and exchange-traded funds. The fixed income asset class may include investment grade securities, below investment grade securities (also known as high yield or “junk” bonds), mortgage-backed securities and government securities. These securities may include securities with maturities that range from short to longer term. The asset classes may include securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers. Actual allocations among asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, the Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although the Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that employ derivatives (including futures contracts) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and the particular Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio 43

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Volatility Management RiskThe Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques
44 EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio

may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus the Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore the Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying PortfoliosThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to meet their objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio RiskThe Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide. The Portfolio invests in affiliated Underlying Portfolios; unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios generally are not considered for investment.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio 45

Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising
46 EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio

interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio 47

or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio's performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
11.68%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-12.47%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio - Class IA Shares
14.30
10.78
9.69
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio - Class IB Shares
14.28
10.77
9.69
EQ/Growth Strategy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
15.01
11.34
10.51
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.69
2.32
1.68
48 EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio

Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2009
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2011
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2011
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio 49

EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income, with a greater emphasis on capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.09%
0.09%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.13%
0.13%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.53%
0.53%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.00%
0.75%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IB Shares
$102
$318
$552
$1,225
Class K Shares
$77
$240
$417
$930
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios (or “turns over” its portfolio), but it could incur transaction costs if it were to buy and sell other types of securities directly. If the Portfolio were to buy and sell other types of securities directly, a higher portfolio turnover rate could indicate higher transaction costs. Such costs, if incurred, would not be reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, and would affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 16% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and sub-advised by one or more investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Adviser”). The Portfolio invests approximately 80% of its assets in equity investments and approximately 20% of its assets in fixed income investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios.
The equity asset class may include securities of small-, mid- and large-capitalization companies and exchange-traded funds. The fixed income asset class may include investment grade securities, below investment grade securities (also known as high
50 EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio

yield or “junk” bonds), mortgage-backed securities and government securities. These securities may include securities with maturities that range from short to longer term. The asset classes may include securities of foreign issuers in addition to securities of domestic issuers. Actual allocations among asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, the Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although the Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques may reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance companies that provide certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts and offer the Portfolio as an investment option in their products. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that employ derivatives (including futures contracts) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and the particular Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, or both.
Market RiskThe Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio 51

In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Volatility Management RiskThe Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments.
Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, the Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques
52 EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio

may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus the Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore the Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying PortfoliosThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios to meet their objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio RiskThe Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide. The Portfolio invests in affiliated Underlying Portfolios; unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios generally are not considered for investment.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
ETFs Risk The Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary.
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio 53

Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Futures Contract RiskThe primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities RiskDeclines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising
54 EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio

interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio 55

or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one-year, five-year and since inception periods through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
Class K shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
13.18%
2020 4th Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-14.53%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio - Class IB Shares
16.82
12.01
10.41
04/12/2012
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
17.74
12.73
11.30
 
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
15.81
 
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or
taxes)
-1.69
2.32
1.71
 
56 EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio

Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
April 2012
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
April 2012
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
April 2012
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio— Class IA, Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.10%
0.10%
0.10%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.18%
0.18%
0.18%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.70%
0.70%
0.70%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.23%
1.23%
0.98%
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Class IA Shares
$125
$390
$676
$1,489
Class IB Shares
$125
$390
$676
$1,489
Class K Shares
$100
$312
$542
$1,201
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios, but it will incur transaction costs when it buys and sells other types of securities (including exchange-traded securities of Underlying ETFs) directly (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 14% of the average value of its portfolio.
Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds (“Underlying Portfolios”) managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) and exchange-traded securities of other investment companies or investment vehicles (“Underlying ETFs”). The Adviser, under the oversight of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, has established an asset allocation target for the Portfolio. This target is the approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s assets that will be invested in equity investments, fixed income investments or alternative investments (referred to herein as “asset classes”) as represented by the holdings of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio’s current asset allocation target is to invest approximately 55% of its assets in equity investments, 25% of its assets in fixed income investments and 20% of its assets in alternative investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios and
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Underlying ETFs. This asset allocation target may be changed by the Adviser and the Trust’s Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
Alternative investments are different than traditional equity or fixed income investments. Alternative investments have the potential to enhance portfolio diversification and reduce overall portfolio volatility because these investments may not have a strong correlation (relationship) to one another or to traditional market indexes. Alternative investments may include, for example, convertible securities, investments in certain industries or sectors (e.g., infrastructure), Underlying ETFs that invest in commodities and other instruments that derive their value from natural resources, the 1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio, the 1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio and other instruments that derive their value from real estate, and the 1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that employ derivatives for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes, and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes. The Portfolio also may invest in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that invest in inflation-indexed bonds, which are fixed income securities that are structured to provide protection against inflation.
Subject to the asset allocation target set forth above, the Adviser also has established target investment percentages for each asset category in which the Portfolio invests. As used in this Prospectus, the term “asset category” refers to specific types of securities or other instruments within each asset class (e.g., large cap equity securities, micro/small/mid cap equity securities, foreign/emerging markets securities, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), investment grade bonds and high yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”)). Each target investment percentage is an approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s assets that is invested in a particular asset category through investments in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs whose individual holdings fall within such asset category. Under the Portfolio’s current target investment percentages, it generally invests its assets in a combination of Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that results in the Portfolio being invested in the following asset categories in the approximate percentages shown in the table below. The Adviser may change these targets from time to time. Actual allocations can deviate from the amounts shown below by up to 15% for each asset class and asset category. The REITs, other alternative investments, investment grade bond and high yield bond categories may include both U.S. and foreign issuers.
Asset Class
Range of Equity
55%
Large Cap Equity Securities
20%
Micro/Small/Mid Cap Equity Securities
15%
Foreign/Emerging Markets Securities
20%
Range of Fixed Income
25%
Investment Grade Bonds
23%
High Yield Bonds
2%
Range of Alternative Investments
20%
REITs
5%
Other Alternatives
15%
The Adviser selects the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which to invest the Portfolio’s assets. The Adviser may add new Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs or replace or eliminate existing Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs without shareholder approval. The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs have been selected to represent a reasonable spectrum of investment options for the Portfolio. The Adviser has based the asset allocation target and target investment percentages for the Portfolio on the degree to which it believes the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, in combination, are appropriate for the Portfolio’s investment objective. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
The Underlying ETFs are investment companies or other investment vehicles whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, an index-based ETF seeks to track a securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”)) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An index-based ETF generally holds the same stocks, bonds or other instruments as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such instruments). Accordingly, an index-based ETF is designed so that its performance will correspond closely with that of the index it seeks to track. ETFs also may be actively managed.
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The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios  and Underlying ETFs for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or all of the above.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Equity Risk In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration
60 EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio

of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Alternative Investment RiskTo the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that invest in alternative investments, it will be subject to the risks associated with such investments. Alternative investments may involve a different approach to investing than do traditional investments (such as equity or fixed income investments) and the performance of alternative investments is not expected to correlate closely with more traditional investments; however, it is possible that alternative investments will decline in value along with equity or fixed income markets, or both, or that they may not otherwise perform as expected. Alternative investments may have different characteristics and risks than do traditional investments, can be highly volatile, may be less liquid, particularly in periods of stress, and may be more complex and less transparent than traditional investments. Alternative investments also may have more complicated tax considerations than traditional investments. The use of alternative investments may not achieve the desired effect and may result in losses to the Portfolio.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFsThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear the fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ and Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios and the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs are subject to certain general investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an Underlying ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the Underlying ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio Risk The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs because the Adviser and its affiliates earn fees for managing, administering, and providing other services to the Underlying Portfolios, but not the Underlying ETFs. In addition, the Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide.
Commodity ETF Risk Because the value of the shares of an Underlying ETF that is based on a particular commodity depends on the price of that commodity, the value of those shares is subject to fluctuations similar to those affecting the commodity.
Convertible Securities RiskA convertible security is a form of hybrid security; that is, a security with both debt and equity characteristics. The value of a convertible security fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer and also fluctuates in relation to changes in the price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the current market price of the security. If a convertible security held by the Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Convertible securities are subject to equity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. Lower quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Since it derives a portion of its value from
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio 61

the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock.
Derivatives Risk The Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Energy Sector Risk The energy markets have experienced significant volatility in recent periods. The energy sector is cyclical and highly dependent on commodities prices. The market values of companies in the energy sector may fluctuate widely and could be adversely affected by, among other factors, the levels and volatility of global energy prices, commodity price volatility, energy supply and demand, changes in exchange rates and interest rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, capital expenditures on and the success of exploration and production, depletion of resources, development of alternative energy sources and energy conservation efforts, technological developments, cybersecurity incidents, tax treatment, labor relations, and the economic growth and stability of the key energy-consuming countries. Companies in this sector are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings, and a significant portion of their revenues depends on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. Energy companies may also operate in or engage in transactions involving countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse policies. Energy companies also face a significant risk of liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental mishaps, equipment malfunctions or mishandling of materials and a risk of loss from terrorism, political strife, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on the Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio.
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging
62 EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio

market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Inflation-Indexed Bonds Risk Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to inflation. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, inflation-indexed bonds, including Treasury inflation-indexed securities, decline in value when real interest rates rise and rise in value when real interest rates decline. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed bonds may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar durations. Interest payments on inflation-indexed debt securities can be unpredictable and may vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. In periods of deflation, the Portfolio may have no income at all from such investments.
Infrastructure Sector RiskCompanies in the infrastructure sector may be subject to a variety of factors that could adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction programs, high degrees of leverage, costs associated with governmental, environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdowns, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning costs, the level of government spending on infrastructure projects, the effects of natural disasters, and other factors. Infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, import controls, depletion of resources, technological developments, and labor relations. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on the Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Leveraging Risk When the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
Liquidity Risk From time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition,
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a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap, Small-Cap and Micro-Cap Company Risk Mid-cap, small-cap and micro-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap and micro-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Natural Resources Sector Risk The profitability of companies in the natural resources sector can be adversely affected by worldwide energy prices and other world events, limits on and the success of exploration projects, and production spending. Companies in the natural resources sector also could be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, interest rates or inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in the supply of, or the demand for, natural resources, climate change, imposition of import controls, government regulation and intervention, civil conflict, economic conditions, increased competition, technological developments, and labor relations. In addition, companies in the natural resources sector may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources, such as the risks of mining and oil drilling, and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources, such as natural or man-made disasters, fire, drought, liability for environmental damage claims, and increased regulatory and environmental costs. Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities have historically been very volatile due to various economic, financial, social and political factors and may adversely affect the financial condition of companies involved with precious metals. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on the Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Portfolio Management RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Real Estate Investing Risk Real estate-related investments may decline in value as a result of factors affecting the overall real estate industry. Real estate is a cyclical business, highly sensitive to supply and demand, general and local economic developments and characterized by intense competition and periodic overbuilding. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values. Losses may occur from casualty or condemnation, and government actions, such as tax law changes, zoning law changes, regulatory limitations on rents, or environmental regulations, also may have a major impact on real estate. The availability of mortgages and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. Changing interest rates and credit quality requirements also will affect the cash flow of real estate companies and their ability to meet capital needs. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values.
Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) generally invest directly in real estate (equity REITs), in mortgages secured by interests in real estate (mortgage REITs) or in some combination of the two (hybrid REITs). Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. Equity REITs may
64 EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio

be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations.
Operating REITs requires specialized management skills, and a portfolio that invests in REITs indirectly bears REIT management and administration expenses along with the direct expenses of the portfolio. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Domestic REITs also must satisfy specific Internal Revenue Code requirements to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of net investment income and net realized gains distributed to shareholders. Failure to meet these requirements may have adverse consequences on the Portfolio. In addition, even the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. Moreover, shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Special Situations Risk The Portfolio may seek to benefit from “special situations,” such as mergers, consolidations, bankruptcies, liquidations, reorganizations, restructurings, tender or exchange offers or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. In general, securities of companies which are the subject of a tender or exchange offer or a merger, consolidation, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or restructuring proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the transaction. However, it is possible that the value of securities of a company involved in such a transaction will not rise and in fact may fall, in which case the Portfolio would lose money. It is also possible that the transaction may not be completed as anticipated or may take an excessive amount of time to be completed, in which case the Portfolio may not realize any premium on its investment and could lose money if the value of the securities declines during the Portfolio’s holding period. In some circumstances, the securities purchased may be illiquid making it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them at an advantageous price.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing changes in the Portfolio’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Portfolio’s average annual total returns for the past one, five and ten years (or since inception) through December 31, 2021, compared to the returns of a broad-based securities market index. The additional broad-based securities market index and the hypothetical composite index show how the Portfolio’s performance compared with the returns of other asset classes in which the Portfolio may invest. Past performance is not an indication of future performance.
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio 65

The performance results do not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses, which would reduce the performance results.

Calendar Year Annual Total Returns — Class IB
Best quarter (% and time period)
15.71%
2020 2nd Quarter
Worst quarter (% and time period)
-18.16%
2020 1st Quarter

Average Annual Total Returns (%)
 
One
Year
Five
Years
Ten
Years
Since
Inception
Inception
Date
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio - Class IA Shares
10.90
9.70
8.15
 
 
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio - Class IB Shares
10.92
9.71
8.15
 
 
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio - Class K Shares
11.21
9.98
 
8.13
08/29/2012
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
12.03
9.13
8.41
 
 
S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
28.71
18.47
16.55
 
 
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index (reflects no deduction for
fees, expenses, or taxes)
-1.44
2.91
2.38
 
 
Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
September 2005
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
May 2011
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2011
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
May 2016
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
May 2021
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
66 EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio

The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio 67

Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income, with a greater emphasis on current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.15%
0.15%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.88%1
0.88%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.51%1
0.51%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.79%
1.54%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement2
(0.69)%
(0.69)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.10%
0.85%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses (including Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.10% for Class IB shares and 0.85% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
Class IB Shares
$112
$496
Class K Shares
$87
$419
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios, but it will incur transaction costs when it buys and sells other types of securities (including exchange traded securities of Underlying ETFs) directly (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. Because the Portfolio commenced operations on February 15, 2022, its portfolio turnover rate as of the most recent fiscal year end is not available.
68 Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) invests the Portfolio’s assets across various equity and fixed income asset categories using a tactical asset allocation strategy. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in other mutual funds and in exchange traded securities of other investment companies. The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds managed by the Adviser and in investment companies managed by investment managers other than the Adviser (affiliated and unaffiliated “Underlying Portfolios”) and in exchange traded securities of other investment companies (“Underlying ETFs”) comprising various equity and fixed income asset categories.
The Adviser, under the oversight of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, has established an asset allocation target for the Portfolio. This target is the approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s assets that will be invested in equity investments or fixed income investments (referred to herein as “asset classes”) as represented by the primary holdings (as described in the prospectuses) of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio’s current target allocation for long-term investments is approximately 60% of its assets in equity investments and approximately 38% of its assets in fixed income investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs. The Portfolio also holds approximately 2% of its assets in cash and cash-equivalent instruments. The target allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes may be changed by the Adviser and the Trust’s Board of Trustees without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser will adjust the Portfolio’s allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes using a tactical asset allocation strategy, and the Portfolio’s allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 10% of the Portfolio’s assets based on the Adviser’s tactical views and in response to changing market conditions. In addition, the Portfolio’s actual allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets due to a variety of factors, including appreciation or depreciation of one or more asset classes.
Subject to the asset allocation target set forth above, the Portfolio seeks to invest its assets among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to achieve a diversified exposure across multiple asset categories. The asset categories of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio currently expects to invest are as follows:
Equity Asset Categories
U.S. Large Cap Equity
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Equity
International Markets Equity
Emerging Markets Equity
Global Equity
U.S. Equity
U.S. Growth Equity
U.S. Value Equity
Fixed Income Asset Categories
Investment Grade Bond
High Yield (“Junk”) Bond
The percentage of the Portfolio’s assets exposed to an asset category will vary from time to time, and the Portfolio may not invest in all of the asset categories listed. The Adviser may allocate the Portfolio’s assets to additional asset categories in the future. The investment grade bond and high yield bond asset categories may include both U.S. and foreign (including emerging markets) issuers. The Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the high yield bond asset category. The Portfolio is not limited with respect to the maturity, duration or credit quality of the fixed income securities in which it invests. The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may invest in fixed income investments of any maturity, duration or credit quality. The fixed income investments in which the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may invest include primarily government, corporate, and investment grade agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
The Adviser employs a tactical asset allocation strategy in managing the Portfolio’s weightings in the asset classes and asset categories in which the Portfolio may invest. Pursuant to this strategy, the Adviser will make periodic tactical adjustments to the Portfolio’s weightings toward asset classes and asset categories that, in the Adviser’s view, offer the opportunity to enhance the Portfolio’s performance. In determining the weightings for each asset class and asset category, the Adviser will consider, among other things, momentum factors to determine the relative attractiveness of each asset class or asset
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio 69

category, as well as the overall level and trend of volatility in the market. Momentum is the tendency of investments to exhibit persistence in their performance. Volatility is a measure of the magnitude of changes in market or portfolio returns, without regard to the direction of those changes. When momentum deteriorates in a particular asset class or asset category, or the level of volatility in the market increases, the Adviser may reduce the Portfolio’s exposure to a particular asset class or asset category and to equity markets more generally. The Adviser reviews the Portfolio’s asset allocations at least monthly, or more frequently as needed, to consider adjusting the allocations based on the Adviser’s evolving investment views amid changing market conditions. If the Adviser reduces the Portfolio’s exposure to equity investments in certain market environments, the Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values.
In addition, the Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that employ derivatives (primarily options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes, and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser selects the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which to invest the Portfolio’s assets. The Adviser may add new Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs or replace or eliminate existing Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs without notice or shareholder approval. The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs have been selected to represent a reasonable spectrum of investment options for the Portfolio. The Adviser has based the asset allocation target percentages for the Portfolio on the degree to which it believes the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, in combination, are appropriate for the Portfolio’s investment objective. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
The Underlying ETFs are investment companies whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, each Underlying ETF seeks to track a securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Dow Jones, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”)) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An Underlying ETF portfolio generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such securities). Accordingly, each Underlying ETF is designed so that its performance, before fees and expenses, will correspond closely with that of the index it seeks to track.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios  and Underlying ETFs for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or all of the above.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents,
70 Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFsThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear the fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ and Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios and the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs are subject to certain general
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio 71

investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an Underlying ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the Underlying ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio Risk The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs because the Adviser and its affiliates earn fees for managing, administering, and providing other services to the affiliated Underlying Portfolios, but not the unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios or the Underlying ETFs. In addition, the Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various affiliated Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the affiliated Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other affiliated Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide.
Derivatives RiskThe Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging
72 Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Geographic Concentration RiskTo the extent the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies domiciled, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity, in one country or geographic region, it assumes the risk that economic, political, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or region will have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s investment performance and that the Portfolio’s performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, the risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area are generally more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries.
Futures Contract Risk The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Investment Style RiskThe Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that, from time to time, employ a particular style or set of styles — in this case, both “growth” and “value” styles — to select investments. Those styles may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks. Growth investing also is subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Portfolio, regardless of movements in the securities market. Growth stocks also tend to be more volatile than value stocks, so in a declining market their prices may decrease more than value stocks in general. Growth stocks also may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s share price. Value stocks are subject to the risks that, notwithstanding that a stock is selling at a discount to its perceived true worth, the stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced at the time of investment.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Leveraging Risk When the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio 73

Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Momentum RiskMomentum entails investing more in securities that have recently had higher total returns and investing less in securities that have recently had lower total returns. These securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities, and momentum may be an indicator that a security’s price is peaking. Momentum can turn quickly, and utilizing momentum as a factor in the investment analysis process can cause significant variation from other types of investment strategies. The Portfolio may experience significant losses if a security’s momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk Declines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
New Portfolio RiskThe Portfolio is newly or recently established and has limited operating history. The Portfolio may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and there can be no assurance that the Portfolio will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, which could result in the Portfolio being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Until the Portfolio is fully capitalized, it may be unable to pursue its investment objective or execute its principal investment strategies.
74 Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk Bonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
Performance information will be available in the Prospectus after the Portfolio has been in operation for one full calendar year.
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Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
February 2022
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
February 2022
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
February 2022
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
February 2022
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
February 2022
James Chen, CFA®, FRM
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
February 2022
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
76 Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio— Class IB and Class K Shares
Investment Objective:Seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income, with a greater emphasis on capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio
The following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Portfolio. The table below does not reflect any fees and expenses associated with variable life insurance contracts and variable annuity certificates and contracts (“Contracts”), which would increase overall fees and expenses. See the Contract prospectus for a description of those fees and expenses.

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Not applicable.

Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
Management Fee
0.15%
0.15%
Distribution and/or Service Fees (12b-1 fees)
0.25%
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.88%1
0.88%1
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.59%1
0.59%1
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
1.87%
1.62%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement2
(0.72)%
(0.72)%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
1.15%
0.90%
1
Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2
Pursuant to a contract, Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolio through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) (“Expense Limitation Arrangement”) so that the annual operating expenses (including Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) of the Portfolio (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, capitalized expenses, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Portfolio’s business) do not exceed an annual rate of average daily net assets of 1.15% for Class IB shares and 0.90% for Class K shares of the Portfolio. The Expense Limitation Arrangement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time after April 30, 2023. The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other portfolios. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, and that the Expense Limitation Arrangement is not renewed. This Example does not reflect any Contract-related fees and expenses including redemption fees (if any) at the Contract level. If such fees and expenses were reflected, the total expenses would be higher. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
Class IB Shares
$117
$518
Class K Shares
$92
$441
Portfolio Turnover
The Portfolio will not incur transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells shares of the Underlying Portfolios, but it will incur transaction costs when it buys and sells other types of securities (including exchange traded securities of Underlying ETFs) directly (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. Because the Portfolio commenced operations on February 15, 2022, its portfolio turnover rate as of the most recent fiscal year end is not available.
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Investments, Risks, and Performance
Principal Investment Strategy
Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”) invests the Portfolio’s assets across various equity and fixed income asset categories using a tactical asset allocation strategy. Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in other mutual funds and in exchange traded securities of other investment companies. The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in other mutual funds managed by the Adviser and in investment companies managed by investment managers other than the Adviser (affiliated and unaffiliated “Underlying Portfolios”) and in exchange traded securities of other investment companies (“Underlying ETFs”) comprising various equity and fixed income asset categories.
The Adviser, under the oversight of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, has established an asset allocation target for the Portfolio. This target is the approximate percentage of the Portfolio’s assets that will be invested in equity investments or fixed income investments (referred to herein as “asset classes”) as represented by the primary holdings (as described in the prospectuses) of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio’s current target allocation for long-term investments is approximately 80% of its assets in equity investments and approximately 18% of its assets in fixed income investments through investments in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs. The Portfolio also holds approximately 2% of its assets in cash and cash-equivalent instruments. The target allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes may be changed by the Adviser and the Trust’s Board of Trustees without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser will adjust the Portfolio’s allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes using a tactical asset allocation strategy, and the Portfolio’s allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 10% of the Portfolio’s assets based on the Adviser’s tactical views and in response to changing market conditions. In addition, the Portfolio’s actual allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets due to a variety of factors, including appreciation or depreciation of one or more asset classes.
Subject to the asset allocation target set forth above, the Portfolio seeks to invest its assets among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to achieve a diversified exposure across multiple asset categories. The asset categories of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio currently expects to invest are as follows:
Equity Asset Categories
U.S. Large Cap Equity
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Equity
International Markets Equity
Emerging Markets Equity
Global Equity
U.S. Equity
U.S. Growth Equity
U.S. Value Equity
Fixed Income Asset Categories
Investment Grade Bond
High Yield (“Junk”) Bond
The percentage of the Portfolio’s assets exposed to an asset category will vary from time to time, and the Portfolio may not invest in all of the asset categories listed. The Adviser may allocate the Portfolio’s assets to additional asset categories in the future. The investment grade bond and high yield bond asset categories may include both U.S. and foreign (including emerging markets) issuers. The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its total assets in the high yield bond asset category. The Portfolio is not limited with respect to the maturity, duration or credit quality of the fixed income securities in which it invests. The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may invest in fixed income investments of any maturity, duration or credit quality. The fixed income investments in which the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may invest include primarily government, corporate, and investment grade agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
The Adviser employs a tactical asset allocation strategy in managing the Portfolio’s weightings in the asset classes and asset categories in which the Portfolio may invest. Pursuant to this strategy, the Adviser will make periodic tactical adjustments to the Portfolio’s weightings toward asset classes and asset categories that, in the Adviser’s view, offer the opportunity to enhance the Portfolio’s performance. In determining the weightings for each asset class and asset category, the Adviser will consider, among other things, momentum factors to determine the relative attractiveness of each asset class or asset
78 Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

category, as well as the overall level and trend of volatility in the market. Momentum is the tendency of investments to exhibit persistence in their performance. Volatility is a measure of the magnitude of changes in market or portfolio returns, without regard to the direction of those changes. When momentum deteriorates in a particular asset class or asset category, or the level of volatility in the market increases, the Adviser may reduce the Portfolio’s exposure to a particular asset class or asset category and to equity markets more generally. The Adviser reviews the Portfolio’s asset allocations at least monthly, or more frequently as needed, to consider adjusting the allocations based on the Adviser’s evolving investment views amid changing market conditions. If the Adviser reduces the Portfolio’s exposure to equity investments in certain market environments, the Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values.
In addition, the Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that employ derivatives (primarily options, futures contracts, forwards and swaps) for a variety of purposes, including to reduce risk, to seek enhanced returns from certain asset classes, and to leverage exposure to certain asset classes.
The Adviser selects the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which to invest the Portfolio’s assets. The Adviser may add new Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs or replace or eliminate existing Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs without notice or shareholder approval. The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs have been selected to represent a reasonable spectrum of investment options for the Portfolio. The Adviser has based the asset allocation target percentages for the Portfolio on the degree to which it believes the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, in combination, are appropriate for the Portfolio’s investment objective. The Adviser may sell the Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF believed to offer superior investment opportunities.
The Underlying ETFs are investment companies whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market and may be purchased and sold throughout the trading day based on their market price. Generally, each Underlying ETF seeks to track a securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider” (such as Standard & Poor’s, Dow Jones, Russell or Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”)) selects as representative of a market, market segment, industry sector, country or geographic region. An Underlying ETF portfolio generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it seeks to track (or it may hold a representative sample of such securities). Accordingly, each Underlying ETF is designed so that its performance, before fees and expenses, will correspond closely with that of the index it seeks to track.
The Portfolio also may lend its portfolio securities to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply, and you could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the investments of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs; please see the “Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs” section of the Portfolio’s Prospectus, and the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for the Underlying Portfolios  and Underlying ETFs for additional information about these risks.
The following risks can negatively affect the Portfolio’s performance. The most significant risks as of the date of this Prospectus are presented first, followed by additional principal risks in alphabetical order. In this section, the term “Portfolio” may include the Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or all of the above.
Market Risk The Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole.
Geopolitical events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to instability in world economies and markets, may lead to increased market volatility, and may have adverse long-term effects. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents,
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and governments’ reactions to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. The extent and duration of such events and resulting market disruptions cannot be predicted, but could be substantial and could magnify the impact of other risks to the Portfolio. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions.
Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant on information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Asset Allocation Risk The Portfolio’s investment performance depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause the Portfolio to lose value and may not produce the desired results.
Portfolio Management Risk The Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to the Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies. The Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for the Portfolio.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of the Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity or duration of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. Thus, the sensitivity of the Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses to the Portfolio.
Credit RiskThe Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFsThe Portfolio’s shareholders will indirectly bear the fees and expenses paid by the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance. The Underlying Portfolios’ and Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. The Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios and the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs are subject to certain general
80 Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

investment risks, including market risk, asset class risk, issuer-specific risk, investment style risk, portfolio management risk, and regulatory risk. In addition, to the extent the Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities, and/or foreign securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risks associated with investing in such securities. An index-based ETF’s performance may not match that of the index it seeks to track. An actively managed ETF’s performance will reflect its adviser’s ability to make investment decisions that are suited to achieving the ETF’s investment objective. It is also possible that an active trading market for an Underlying ETF may not develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of the Portfolio’s investment in the Underlying ETF could be substantially and adversely affected. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF, which will vary.
Affiliated Portfolio Risk The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs because the Adviser and its affiliates earn fees for managing, administering, and providing other services to the affiliated Underlying Portfolios, but not the unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios or the Underlying ETFs. In addition, the Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among the various affiliated Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the affiliated Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other affiliated Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide.
Derivatives RiskThe Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio’s returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s net asset value. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s exposure to stock market values, interest rates, or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss, and the Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for the Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, or to terminate or offset existing arrangements, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Some derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by the Portfolio, and derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. The Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. In certain cases, the Portfolio may be hindered or delayed in exercising remedies against or closing out derivatives with a counterparty, resulting in additional losses. Derivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Changing regulation may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability, impact the Portfolio’s ability to maintain its investments in derivatives, disrupt markets, or otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Foreign Securities Risk Investments in foreign securities involve risks in addition to those associated with investments in U.S. securities. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities, which could negatively impact the Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war, or other political or economic actions, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments that are denominated in or that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. In the case of hedging positions, there is the risk that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time.
Emerging Markets RiskThe risks associated with investments in emerging market countries often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company. Investments in emerging market countries are more susceptible to loss than investments in more developed foreign countries and may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in more developed foreign countries. Emerging
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market countries may be more likely to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political or economic structures, intervene in financial markets, restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies, which may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, investment returns and the legal rights and remedies available to the Portfolio. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of more developed foreign countries, and emerging market countries often have less uniformity in regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers, and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration and custodial procedures. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging market countries than in countries with more developed markets.
Geographic Concentration RiskTo the extent the Portfolio invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies domiciled, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity, in one country or geographic region, it assumes the risk that economic, political, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or region will have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s investment performance and that the Portfolio’s performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified funds. In addition, the risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area are generally more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries.
Futures Contract Risk The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Portfolio and the price of the futures contract; (b) liquidity risks, including the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses (potentially unlimited) caused by unanticipated market movements; (d) an investment manager’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that a counterparty, clearing member or clearinghouse will default in the performance of its obligations; (f) if the Portfolio has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Portfolio may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so; and (g) transaction costs associated with investments in futures contracts may be significant, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Futures contracts are also subject to the same risks as the underlying investments to which they provide exposure. In addition, futures contracts may subject the Portfolio to leveraging risk.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Investment Style RiskThe Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that, from time to time, employ a particular style or set of styles — in this case, both “growth” and “value” styles — to select investments. Those styles may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods. Growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks. Growth investing also is subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Portfolio, regardless of movements in the securities market. Growth stocks also tend to be more volatile than value stocks, so in a declining market their prices may decrease more than value stocks in general. Growth stocks also may increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s share price. Value stocks are subject to the risks that, notwithstanding that a stock is selling at a discount to its perceived true worth, the stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced at the time of investment.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Leveraging Risk When the Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in the Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to the Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful.
82 Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio

Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which the Portfolio may invest or is invested. In such a market, the value of such an investment and the Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve the Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, the Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Portfolio's value or prevent the Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company RiskMid-cap and small-cap companies carry additional risks because the operating histories of these companies tend to be more limited, their earnings and revenues less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses), and their share prices more volatile than those of larger, more established companies, all of which can negatively affect their value. In general, these risks are greater for small-cap companies than for mid-cap companies.
Momentum RiskMomentum entails investing more in securities that have recently had higher total returns and investing less in securities that have recently had lower total returns. These securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities, and momentum may be an indicator that a security’s price is peaking. Momentum can turn quickly, and utilizing momentum as a factor in the investment analysis process can cause significant variation from other types of investment strategies. The Portfolio may experience significant losses if a security’s momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk Declines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to the Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk.
In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may “lock in” a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio’s having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio’s income.
New Portfolio RiskThe Portfolio is newly or recently established and has limited operating history. The Portfolio may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, and there can be no assurance that the Portfolio will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, which could result in the Portfolio being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Until the Portfolio is fully capitalized, it may be unable to pursue its investment objective or execute its principal investment strategies.
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Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk Bonds rated below BBB by Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. or below Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality) are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and reliance on credit ratings may present additional risks.
Prepayment Risk and Extension RiskPrepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates fall. The Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by the Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. This may occur when interest rates rise. The Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Redemption Risk The Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Portfolio's performance.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Securities Lending RiskThe Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. The Portfolio will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral and may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. Securities lending may introduce leverage into the Portfolio. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Portfolio’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table
Performance information will be available in the Prospectus after the Portfolio has been in operation for one full calendar year.
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Who Manages the PORTFOLIO
Investment Adviser: EIM
Portfolio Managers:The members of the team that are jointly and primarily responsible for selecting the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the Portfolio invests are:
Name
Title
Date Began
Managing
the Portfolio
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment
Officer of EIM
February 2022
Alwi Chan, CFA®
Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief
Investment Officer of EIM
February 2022
Xavier Poutas, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
February 2022
Miao Hu, CFA®
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager
of EIM
February 2022
Kevin McCarthy
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
February 2022
James Chen, CFA®, FRM
Assistant Portfolio Manager of EIM
February 2022
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF PORTFOLIO SHARES
The Portfolio’s shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in connection with Contracts issued by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”) or other affiliated or unaffiliated insurance companies and to The Equitable 401(k) Plan. Shares also may be sold to other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Class K shares of the Portfolio are sold only to certain group annuity plans.
The Portfolio does not have minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. Shares of the Portfolio are redeemable on any business day (which typically is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open) upon receipt of a request. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information on purchasing and redeeming Portfolio shares.
TAX INFORMATION
The Portfolio’s shareholders are (or may include) insurance company separate accounts and other investors eligible under applicable federal income tax regulations. Distributions made by the Portfolio to such an account, and exchanges and redemptions of Portfolio shares made by such an account, ordinarily do not cause the holders of underlying Contracts to recognize income or gain for federal income tax purposes at the time of the distributions, exchanges or redemptions; the holders generally are taxed only on amounts they withdraw from their Contract. See the prospectus for your Contract for further tax information.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Contracts and to other eligible investors. The Portfolio and the Adviser and its affiliates may make payments to sponsoring insurance companies (and their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing an insurance company or other financial intermediary and your financial adviser to recommend the Portfolio over another investment or by influencing an insurance company to include the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Contract may contain additional information about these payments. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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2. The Portfolios at a glance
The Portfolios are designed as a convenient approach to help investors meet retirement and other long-term goals. Investors may choose to invest in one or more of the Portfolios based on their risk tolerance, investment time horizons and personal investment goals.
Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios
There are seven Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios — EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio and EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio. Each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in Underlying Portfolios, which are managed by Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”). The chart below illustrates each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio according to its relative emphasis on seeking income and seeking growth of capital:
Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios
Income
Growth of Capital
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
High
Low
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
High
Low
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
Medium to High
Low to Medium
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
Medium
Medium to High
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
Low
Medium to High
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
Low
High
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio
Low
High
The Adviser, under the oversight of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), has established an asset allocation target for each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio. This target is the approximate percentage of each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio’s assets that is invested in either equity securities or fixed income securities (referred to herein as “asset classes”) as represented by equity securities holdings or fixed income securities holdings of Underlying Portfolios in which the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio invests. These asset allocation targets may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Adviser establishes the asset allocation targets for each asset class and identifies the specific Underlying Portfolios in which to invest using its proprietary investment process, based on fundamental research regarding the investment characteristics of the asset classes and the Underlying Portfolios, as well as its outlook for the economy and financial markets. The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and may add new Underlying Portfolios or replace or eliminate existing Underlying Portfolios. The Adviser may sell a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio’s holdings in an Underlying Portfolio in order to invest in another Underlying Portfolio believed to offer superior investment opportunities. The Adviser does not intend to engage in active and frequent trading on behalf of the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios, although large-scale asset flows into and out of the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio in connection with the asset transfer program may, from time to time, result in the Adviser’s engaging in active and frequent trading on behalf of that Portfolio. The following chart describes the current asset allocation targets among the asset classes for each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio.
 
Asset Class*
Portfolio
% of Fixed Income
% of Equity
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
90%
10%
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
80%
20%
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
60%
40%
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
50%
50%
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
40%
60%
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
30%
70%
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio
20%
80%
*
The target allocations may include securities of both U.S. and foreign issuers.
Actual allocations can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% for each asset class with respect to each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio. Each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio also may deviate temporarily from its asset allocation targets for defensive purposes. In addition, each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio may deviate from its asset allocation targets as a result of appreciation or depreciation of the holdings of the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests. The Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios have adopted certain policies to reduce the likelihood of such an occurrence. First,
86 The Portfolios at a glance

the Adviser will rebalance each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio’s holdings periodically to bring the Portfolio’s asset allocation back into alignment with its asset allocation target. Second, the Adviser will not allocate any new investment dollars to any Underlying Portfolio that primarily holds securities of a particular asset class whose maximum percentage has been exceeded. Third, the Adviser will allocate new investment dollars on a priority basis to Underlying Portfolios that primarily hold securities of a particular asset class whose minimum percentage has not been achieved.
A Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio may invest in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure. When market volatility is increasing above specific thresholds, such Underlying Portfolios may reduce their equity exposure. During such times, a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio’s exposure to equity securities may be significantly less than if it invested in a traditional equity portfolio and the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio may deviate significantly from its asset allocation targets. Although a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio’s investment in Underlying Portfolios that tactically manage equity exposure is intended to reduce the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio’s overall risk, it may result in periods of underperformance, even during periods when the market is rising.
The Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios also may, from time to time, hold cash or cash equivalents (instead of being allocated to an Underlying Portfolio) as deemed appropriate by the Adviser and for temporary defensive purposes to respond to adverse market, economic or political conditions. During such times, the Adviser may reduce the equity allocation of a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio as low as zero, although the equity allocation may remain sizable. Should a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio take this action, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios also may hold U.S. government securities and money market instruments directly for investment or other appropriate purposes.
In order to give you a better understanding of the types of Underlying Portfolios in which the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios currently may invest, the table below lists the Underlying Portfolios, divided by asset class, based on each Underlying Portfolio’s primary securities holdings. Each of the Underlying Portfolios is advised by the Adviser and may be sub-advised by one or more investment sub-advisers, which may include affiliates of the Adviser. The Adviser’s selection of Underlying Portfolios may have a positive or negative impact on its revenues and/or profits. You should be aware that in addition to the fees directly associated with a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio, you will also indirectly bear the fees of the Underlying Portfolios, which include advisory fees paid to the Adviser and administration fees paid to the Administrator, and in certain instances, sub-advisory fees paid by the Adviser to its affiliates. Additional information regarding the Underlying Portfolios is included in the prospectuses for those portfolios dated May 1, 2022, as supplemented from time to time. The Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios will purchase Class K shares of the Underlying Portfolios, which are not subject to distribution or service (Rule 12b-1) fees. The Underlying Portfolios in which the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios may invest may be changed from time to time without notice or shareholder approval.
Fixed Income
EQ/AB Short Duration Government Bond Portfolio
EQ/Core Bond Index Portfolio
EQ/Intermediate Government Bond Portfolio
EQ/Long-Term Bond Portfolio
Equity
ATM International Managed Volatility Portfolio
ATM Large Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio
ATM Mid Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio
ATM Small Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/400 Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/500 Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/2000 Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/International Core Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/International Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/International Value Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/Large Cap Core Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/Large Cap Value Managed Volatility Portfolio
EQ/Common Stock Index Portfolio
EQ/Equity 500 Index Portfolio
EQ/International Equity Index Portfolio
EQ/Large Cap Growth Index Portfolio
EQ/Large Cap Value Index Portfolio
EQ/Mid Cap Index Portfolio
EQ/Small Company Index Portfolio
You should note that the Underlying Portfolios may already be available directly as an investment option in your Contract and that an investor in a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio bears both the expenses of the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio as well as the indirect expenses associated with the Underlying Portfolios. Therefore, an investor may be able to realize lower aggregate expenses by investing directly in the Underlying Portfolios of a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio instead of in the Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio itself. However, not all of the Underlying Portfolios may be available as an investment option in your Contract. In addition, an investor who chooses to invest directly in the Underlying Portfolios would not receive the asset allocation and rebalancing services provided by the Adviser.
The Portfolios at a glance 87

EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio
The Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, has established an asset allocation target for the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio. This target is the approximate percentage of the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio’s assets that will be invested in equity investments, fixed income investments or alternative investments (referred to herein as “asset classes”) as represented by the holdings of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio invests. Each Underlying Portfolio is managed by the Adviser. Subject to this asset allocation target, the Adviser also has established target investment percentages for each asset category in which the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio invests. As used in this Prospectus, the term “asset category” refers to specific types of securities or other instruments within each asset class (i.e., large cap equity securities, micro/small/mid cap equity securities, foreign/emerging markets securities, REITs, investment grade bonds and high yield bonds (also known as “junk bonds”)). Each target investment percentage is an approximate percentage of the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio’s assets that is invested in a particular asset category through investments in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs whose individual holdings fall within such asset category. The asset allocation target and target investment percentages may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Adviser establishes the asset allocation target for the asset classes and the target investment percentages for each asset category and selects the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio may invest using a proprietary investment process, based on fundamental research regarding the investment characteristics of the asset classes, asset categories, Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as its outlook for the economy and financial markets. The Adviser’s selection of Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs may have a positive or negative impact on its revenues and/or profits. You should be aware that in addition to fees directly associated with the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio, you will also indirectly bear the fees of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, which, with respect to the Underlying Portfolios, include advisory fees paid to the Adviser and administration fees paid to the Administrator, and in certain instances, sub-advisory fees paid by the Adviser to its affiliates.
The EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio may deviate from its asset allocation target and target investment percentages as a result of appreciation or depreciation of the equity securities holdings, alternative investment holdings, or fixed income securities holdings of the Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio has adopted certain policies to reduce the likelihood of such an occurrence. First, the Adviser will rebalance the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio’s holdings as deemed necessary to bring its asset allocation back into alignment with its target allocations. Second, the Adviser will not allocate any new investment dollars to any Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF that holds securities of a particular asset class or category whose maximum percentage has been exceeded. Third, the Adviser will allocate new investment dollars on a priority basis to Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that hold securities of a particular asset class or category whose minimum percentage has not been achieved.
The following is a list of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio currently may invest, generally divided by asset category, based on each Underlying Portfolio’s and Underlying ETF’s primary holdings. The list of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio may invest may change from time to time at the discretion of the Adviser without notice or shareholder approval. The EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio will not necessarily invest in every Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF at one time. Additional information regarding the Underlying Portfolios (except the 1290 Diversified Bond Fund and 1290 GAMCO Small/Mid Cap Value Fund) is included in the prospectuses for those portfolios dated May 1, 2022, as supplemented from time to time. Additional information regarding the 1290 Diversified Bond Fund and 1290 GAMCO Small/Mid Cap Value Fund is included in the prospectuses for those portfolios dated March 1, 2022, as supplemented from time to time. The EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio will purchase Class K shares or Class I shares, as applicable, of the Underlying Portfolios, which are not subject to any sales charges or distribution or service (Rule 12b-1) fees. Additional information regarding the Underlying ETFs is included in their current prospectuses.
88 The Portfolios at a glance

Fixed Income
High Yield Bonds
1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio*
SPDR® Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF
Investment Grade Bonds
1290 Diversified Bond Fund*
1290 VT DoubleLine Opportunistic Bond Portfolio*
EQ/AB Short Duration Government Bond Portfolio*
EQ/Core Bond Index Portfolio*
EQ/Core Plus Bond Portfolio*
EQ/Intermediate Government Bond Portfolio*
EQ/Long-Term Bond Portfolio*
EQ/Money Market Portfolio*
EQ/PIMCO Global Real Return Portfolio*
EQ/PIMCO Ultra Short Bond Portfolio*
EQ/Quality Bond PLUS Portfolio*
iShares® Core Total USD Bond Market ETF
iShares® TIPS Bond ETF
iShares® J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF
iShares® iBoxx® $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
Multimanager Core Bond Portfolio*
SPDR® Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF
SPDR® FTSE International Government Inflation-Protected Bond ETF
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
Equity
Foreign/Emerging Markets Securities
EQ/International Equity Index Portfolio*
EQ/MFS International Growth Portfolio*
EQ/Emerging Markets Equity PLUS Portfolio*
iShares® China Large-Cap ETF
iShares® Latin America 40 ETF
iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
iShares® MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF
SPDR® S&P® Emerging Asia Pacific ETF
SPDR® S&P® Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF
Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-U.S. ETF
Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-U.S. Small Cap ETF
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Global Equity Securities
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity ESG Portfolio*
EQ/Invesco Global Portfolio*
Large Cap Equity Securities
1290 VT Equity Income Portfolio*
EQ/ClearBridge Large Cap Growth ESG Portfolio*
EQ/Loomis Sayles Growth Portfolio*
EQ/Value Equity Portfolio*
EQ/Capital Group Research Portfolio*
EQ/Common Stock Index Portfolio*
EQ/Equity 500 Index Portfolio*
EQ/Invesco Comstock Portfolio*
EQ/JPMorgan Value Opportunities Portfolio*
EQ/Large Cap Growth Index Portfolio*
EQ/Large Cap Value Index Portfolio*
EQ/T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Portfolio*
Multimanager Aggressive Equity Portfolio*
SPDR® S&P® 500 ETF
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Micro/Small/Mid Cap Equity Securities
1290 GAMCO Small/Mid Cap Value Fund*
1290 VT GAMCO Small Company Value Portfolio*
1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio*
EQ/AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio*
EQ/Janus Enterprise Portfolio*
EQ/Morgan Stanley Small Cap Growth Portfolio*
EQ/Mid Cap Index Portfolio*
EQ/Small Company Index Portfolio*
The Portfolios at a glance 89

Alternative Investments
Domestic Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
iShares® Cohen & Steers REIT ETF
iShares® Core U.S. REIT ETF
Global/International REITs
1290 VT Real Estate Portfolio*
iShares® International Developed Property ETF
SPDR® Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF
SPDR® Dow Jones International Real Estate ETF
Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF
Other Alternatives
1290 VT Convertible Securities Portfolio*
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers & Acquisitions Portfolio*
1290 VT Natural Resources Portfolio*
EQ/Invesco Global Real Assets Portfolio*
The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund
The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund
The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund
The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund
The Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund
iShares® Gold Trust
iShares® U.S. Utilities ETF
iShares® Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF
iShares® Global Clean Energy ETF
iShares® Global Energy ETF
iShares® Global Infrastructure ETF
iShares® Global Timber & Forestry ETF
iShares® MSCI Global Agriculture Producers ETF
iShares® MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF
iShares® North American Natural Resources ETF
iShares® Silver Trust
iShares® U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
The Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund
Invesco® DB Agriculture Fund
Invesco® DB Base Metals Fund
Invesco® DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund
Invesco® DB Energy Fund
Invesco® DB G10 Currency Harvest Fund
Invesco® DB Gold Fund
Invesco® DB Oil Fund
Invesco® DB Precious Metals Fund
Invesco® DB Silver Fund
SPDR® S&P® Metals & Mining ETF
The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund
The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund
*
Underlying Portfolio managed by EIM.
You should note that the Underlying Portfolios (but not the Underlying ETFs) may already be available directly as an investment option in your Contract and that an investor in the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio bears both the expenses of the EQ/ All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio as well as the indirect expenses associated with the Underlying Portfolios and the Underlying ETFs. Therefore, an investor may be able to realize lower aggregate expenses by investing directly in the Underlying Portfolios of the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio instead of in the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio itself. However, not all of the Underlying Portfolios may be available as an investment option in your Contract and none of the Underlying ETFs are available directly as investment options in your Contract. In addition, an investor who chooses to invest directly in the Underlying Portfolios and/or the Underlying ETFs would not receive the asset allocation and rebalancing services provided by the Adviser.
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
The Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, has established an asset allocation target for each of Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio (each, an “MF/ETF Portfolio” and together, the “MF/ETF Portfolios”). This target is the approximate percentage of each MF/ETF Portfolio’s assets that will be invested in equity investments or fixed income investments (referred to herein as “asset classes”) as represented by the primary holdings (as described in the prospectuses) of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which an MF/ETF Portfolio invests. These asset allocation targets may be changed without notice or shareholder approval.
The Adviser establishes the asset allocation targets for each asset class and identifies the specific Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which to invest using its proprietary investment process, based on fundamental research regarding the investment characteristics of the asset classes and the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as its outlook for the economy and financial markets. The Adviser may change the asset allocation targets and may add new Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs or replace or eliminate existing Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs. The Adviser may sell an MF/ETF Portfolio’s holdings for a variety of
90 The Portfolios at a glance

reasons, including to invest in an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF believed to offer superior investment opportunities. The Adviser does not intend to engage in active and frequent trading on behalf of the MF/ETF Portfolios. The following chart describes the current asset allocation target for long-term investments between the asset classes for each MF/ETF Portfolio:
 
Asset Class*
Portfolio
Percentage of Equity
Percentage of Fixed Income
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
60%
38%
Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
80%
18%
The Adviser will adjust each MF/ETF Portfolio’s allocations to the equity and fixed income asset classes using a tactical asset allocation strategy, and each MF/ETF Portfolio’s allocations can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 10% of the Portfolio’s assets based on the Adviser’s tactical views and in response to changing market conditions. Each MF/ETF Portfolio also may deviate temporarily from its asset allocation target for defensive purposes. In addition, each MF/ETF Portfolio’s actual allocations can deviate from the amounts shown above by up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets due to a variety of factors, including appreciation or depreciation of one or more asset classes. The MF/ETF Portfolios have adopted certain policies to reduce the likelihood of such an occurrence. First, the Adviser will rebalance each MF/ETF Portfolio’s holdings as deemed necessary to bring the Portfolio’s asset allocation back into alignment with its asset allocation target. Second, the Adviser will not allocate any new investment dollars to any Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF that primarily holds securities of a particular asset class whose maximum percentage has been exceeded. Third, the Adviser will allocate new investment dollars on a priority basis to Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that primarily hold securities of a particular asset class whose minimum percentage has not been achieved.
Subject to its asset allocation target set forth above, each MF/ETF Portfolio seeks to invest its assets among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to achieve a diversified exposure across multiple asset categories. The asset categories of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the MF/ETF Portfolios currently expect to invest are as follows:
Equity Asset Categories
U.S. Large Cap Equity
U.S. Small & Mid Cap Equity
International Markets Equity
Emerging Markets Equity
Global Equity
U.S. Equity
U.S. Growth Equity
U.S. Value Equity
Fixed Income Asset Categories
Investment Grade Bond
High Yield (“Junk”) Bond
The percentage of an MF/ETF Portfolio’s assets exposed to an asset category will vary from time to time, and an MF/ETF Portfolio may not invest in all of the asset categories listed. The Adviser may allocate each MF/ETF Portfolio’s assets to additional asset categories in the future. The investment grade bond and high yield bond asset categories may include both U.S. and foreign (including emerging markets) issuers. An MF/ETF Portfolio is not limited with respect to the maturity, duration or credit quality of the fixed income securities in which it invests. The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may invest in fixed income investments of any maturity, duration or credit quality. The fixed income investments in which the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may invest include primarily government, corporate, and investment grade agency mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
The Adviser employs a tactical asset allocation strategy in managing each MF/ETF Portfolio’s weightings in the asset classes and asset categories in which the Portfolio may invest. Pursuant to this strategy, the Adviser will make periodic tactical adjustments to each MF/ETF Portfolio’s weightings toward asset classes and asset categories that, in the Adviser’s view, offer the opportunity to enhance the Portfolio’s performance. In determining the weightings for each asset class and asset category, the Adviser will consider, among other things, momentum factors to determine the relative attractiveness of each asset class or asset category, as well as the overall level and trend of volatility in the market. Momentum is the tendency of investments to exhibit persistence in their performance. Volatility is a measure of the magnitude of changes in market or portfolio returns, without regard to the direction of those changes. When momentum deteriorates in a particular asset class or asset category, or the level of volatility in the market increases, the Adviser may reduce an MF/ETF Portfolio’s exposure to a particular asset class or asset category and to equity markets more generally. The Adviser reviews each MF/ETF Portfolio’s asset allocations at least monthly, or more frequently as needed, to consider adjusting the allocations based on the Adviser’s evolving investment views amid changing market conditions. If the Adviser
The Portfolios at a glance 91

reduces an MF/ETF Portfolio’s exposure to equity investments in certain market environments, the Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values.
Each MF/ETF Portfolio also holds approximately 2% of its assets in cash and cash-equivalent instruments. Each MF/ETF Portfolio also may hold U.S. government securities and money market instruments directly for investment or other appropriate purposes.
In order to give you a better understanding of the types of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the MF/ETF Portfolios currently may invest, the table below lists the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, divided by asset class, based on each Underlying Portfolio’s and Underlying ETF’s primary securities holdings (as described in its prospectus). The Adviser’s selection of Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs may have a positive or negative impact on its revenues and/or profits. You should be aware that in addition to the fees directly associated with an MF/ETF Portfolio, you will also indirectly bear the fees of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, which, in the case of an affiliated Underlying Portfolio, include advisory fees paid to the Adviser and administration fees paid to the Administrator, and in certain instances, may include sub-advisory fees paid by the Adviser to an affiliate. Where permitted, the MF/ETF Portfolios will purchase shares of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that are not subject to distribution or service (Rule 12b-1) fees. The list of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs in which the MF/ETF Portfolios may invest may change from time to time at the discretion of the Adviser without notice or shareholder approval. An MF/ETF Portfolio will not necessarily invest in every Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF at one time. Additional information regarding the 1290 Diversified Bond Fund, 1290 GAMCO Small/Mid Cap Value Fund, 1290 High Yield Bond Fund, and 1290 SmartBeta Equity Fund, each of which is managed by the Adviser, is included in the prospectuses for those funds dated March 1, 2022, as supplemented from time to time. Additional information regarding the unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios and the Underlying ETFs is included in their current prospectuses.
Equity
1290 GAMCO Small/Mid Cap Value Fund*
1290 SmartBeta Equity Fund*
AB Small Cap Growth Fund
iShares® Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF
iShares® Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF
iShares® Core S&P U.S. Value ETF
iShares® MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF
SPDR® Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Fixed Income
1290 Diversified Bond Fund*
1290 High Yield Bond Fund*
iShares® Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
*
Underlying Portfolio managed by EIM.
You should note that an investor in an MF/ETF Portfolio bears both the expenses of the Portfolio as well as the indirect expenses associated with the Underlying Portfolios and the Underlying ETFs. Therefore, an investor may be able to realize lower aggregate expenses by investing directly in the Underlying Portfolios and/or Underlying ETFs of an MF/ETF Portfolio instead of in the MF/ETF Portfolio itself. However, the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs listed above are not available directly as investment options in your Contract. In addition, an investor who chooses to invest directly in the Underlying Portfolios and/or the Underlying ETFs would not receive the asset allocation and rebalancing services provided by the Adviser.
92 The Portfolios at a glance

3. More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs 
Strategies
Changes in Investment Objectives and Investment Strategies
As described in this Prospectus, each Portfolio has its own investment objective, policies and strategies. There is no assurance that a Portfolio will achieve its investment objective. The investment objective of each Portfolio may be changed without shareholder approval. Except as otherwise noted, the investment policies and strategies of a Portfolio are not fundamental policies and may be changed without a shareholder vote. In addition, to the extent a Portfolio is new or is undergoing a transition (such as a reorganization or rebalancing, or experiences large inflows or outflows) or takes a temporary defensive position, it may not be pursuing its investment objective or executing its principal investment strategies.
80% Policy
Each of the Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio has a policy that it will invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in a particular type of investment connoted by its name, as described in the section of the Prospectus entitled “About the Portfolios”. Each such policy is subject to change only upon at least sixty (60) days’ prior notice to shareholders of the affected Portfolio. The 80% investment requirement is applied at the time a Portfolio invests its assets. If, subsequent to an investment by a Portfolio, this requirement is no longer met, the Portfolio’s future investments will be made in a manner consistent with bringing the Portfolio into compliance with this requirement.
Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs
Each Portfolio invests primarily in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs or both, as described in the section of the Prospectus entitled “About the Portfolios.” Accordingly, each Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance.
Generally, a Portfolio’s investments in other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), including in certain circumstances a prohibition against acquiring shares of another investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, the Portfolio and its affiliated persons (i) would hold more than 3% of such other investment company’s total outstanding shares, (ii) would have invested more than 5% of its total assets in such other investment company, or (iii) would have invested more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies. However, there are statutory and regulatory exemptions from these restrictions under the 1940 Act on which a Portfolio may rely to invest in other investment companies (including ETFs) in excess of these limits, subject to certain conditions.
Additional Information about the Investment Strategies
The following provides additional information regarding the principal investment strategies discussed in the “About the Portfolios — Investments, Risks, and Performance — Principal Investment Strategy” section for each Portfolio, and information regarding additional investment strategies that a Portfolio may employ. The Portfolios also may make other types of investments to the extent permitted by applicable law. For further information about investment strategies, please see the Portfolios’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Cash and Short-Term InvestmentsEach Portfolio may hold cash or invest in short-term paper and other short-term investments (instead of being allocated to an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF) as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Short-term paper generally includes any note, draft bill of exchange or banker’s acceptance payable on demand or having a maturity at the time of issuance that does not exceed nine months or any renewal thereof payable on demand or having a maturity that is likewise limited.
Each Portfolio also may invest its uninvested cash in high-quality, short-term debt securities, including repurchase agreements and high-quality money market instruments, and also may invest its uninvested cash in money market funds, including money market funds managed by the Adviser. To the extent a Portfolio invests in a money market fund, it generally is not subject to the limits placed on investments in other investment companies by the 1940 Act.
Generally, these securities offer less potential for gains than other types of securities.
Portfolio TurnoverThe Portfolios do not restrict the frequency of trading to limit expenses. A Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its investment objective. A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs  93

equivalent to a Portfolio buying and selling all of its portfolio securities once during the course of a given fiscal year. High portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to a Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return, and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders (although tax implications for investments in Contracts typically are deferred during the accumulation phase).
Temporary Defensive Investments For temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, each Portfolio may invest, without limit, in cash, money market instruments or high quality, short-term debt securities, including repurchase agreements. To the extent a Portfolio is invested in these instruments, the Portfolio will not be pursuing its principal investment strategies and may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, each Portfolio may deviate from its asset allocation targets and target investment percentages for defensive purposes.
U.S. Government SecuritiesA Portfolio may invest in U.S. government securities, which include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as Treasury bills, notes or bonds) and obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest (but not as to market value) by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities include mortgage- and asset-backed securities issued or guaranteed by government agencies or government-sponsored enterprises. Other U.S. government securities may be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or supported primarily or solely by the creditworthiness of the government-related issuer or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, by pools of assets.
Risks
Risk is the chance that you will lose money on your investment or that it will not earn as much as you expect. In general, the greater the risk, the more money your investment can earn for you and the more you can lose. Like other investment companies, the value of each Portfolio’s shares may be affected by the Portfolio’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and particular risk factors. Each Portfolio follows a distinct set of investment strategies. Consequently, each Portfolio may be subject to different risks. Some of the risks of investing in the Portfolios are discussed below, including the principal risks of the Portfolios as discussed in “About the Portfolios — Investments, Risks, and Performance — Principal Risks.” However, other factors may also affect a Portfolio’s investment results. There is no assurance that a Portfolio will achieve its investment objective or that it will not lose value.
To the extent a Portfolio invests in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that invest primarily in certain types of securities or other instruments (such as equity securities and other equity instruments, fixed income securities and other fixed income instruments, foreign securities, or alternative investments), the performance of the Portfolio will be subject to the risks of investing in such securities or other instruments.
The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs have principal investment strategies that come with inherent risks. Certain Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may emphasize different market sectors. Some of the risks, including principal risks of investing in the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, are discussed below. An Underlying Portfolio and Underlying ETF may be subject to certain additional risks as discussed in its prospectus. More information about the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs is available in their respective prospectuses.
In each of the risk categories below, risks are described in alphabetical order and not in order of perceived importance or potential exposure.
General Risks of the Portfolios and the Underlying Portfolios and the Underlying ETFs
Each Portfolio and each of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may be subject to certain general investment risks, as discussed below. In this section, unless otherwise indicated, the term “Portfolio” may include a Portfolio, an Underlying Portfolio, an Underlying ETF, or all of the above:
Affiliated Portfolio Risk In managing a Portfolio that invests in Underlying Portfolios, the Adviser will have the authority to select and substitute the Underlying Portfolios. The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating a Portfolio’s assets among the various Underlying Portfolios because the revenue it and its affiliates receive from some of the Underlying Portfolios is higher than the revenue received from other Underlying Portfolios for the services the Adviser and its affiliates provide.
A Portfolio investing in Underlying Portfolios may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of an Underlying Portfolio’s shares. Accordingly, an Underlying Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such a Portfolio. These inflows and outflows may be frequent and could negatively affect an Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s net asset value and performance and could cause an Underlying Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. It would be particularly disadvantageous for an Underlying Portfolio if it experiences outflows and needs to sell securities at a time of volatility in the markets, when values could be falling. These inflows and outflows also could negatively affect an Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s ability to meet shareholder redemption
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requests or could limit an Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in its prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. During periods of declining or illiquid markets, the Adviser also may be subject to conflicts of interest in selecting shares of Underlying Portfolios for redemption and in deciding whether and when to redeem such shares. In addition, these inflows and outflows could increase an Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s brokerage or other transaction costs, and large-scale outflows could cause an Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s, actual expenses to increase, or could result in an Underlying Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which, depending on any applicable expense caps, could lead to an increase in the Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s expense ratio. Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s and each Underlying Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interest of that Portfolio and Underlying Portfolio and that is consistent with its investment objective, policies, and strategies.
Asset Allocation RiskThe investment performance of an allocation Portfolio depends upon how its assets are allocated across various asset classes and how its assets are invested within those asset classes. Some asset classes and investments may perform below expectations or the securities markets generally over short and extended periods. The allocation strategies used and the allocation and investment decisions made could cause a Portfolio to lose value, may not produce the desired results, or may cause a Portfolio's results to lag relevant benchmarks or other portfolios with similar investment objectives. For example, weighting equity securities too heavily during a period of stock market decline may result in a failure to preserve capital. Conversely, weighting debt securities too heavily during a period of stock market appreciation may result in lower total return. In addition, the allocation and investment decisions made may not be timely relative to market, economic or other developments. Moreover, if a Portfolio has set limitations on the amount of assets that normally may be allocated to each asset class, the Portfolio will have less flexibility in its investment strategy than portfolios that are not subject to such limitations.
Cash Management RiskUpon entering into certain derivatives contracts, such as futures contracts, and to maintain open positions in certain derivatives contracts, a Portfolio may be required to post collateral for the contract, the amount of which may vary. In addition, a Portfolio may maintain cash and cash equivalent positions as part of the Portfolio’s strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, to manage the Portfolio’s market exposure and for other portfolio management purposes. As such, a Portfolio may maintain cash balances, including foreign currency balances, which may be significant, with counterparties such as the Trust’s custodian or its affiliates. Maintaining larger cash and cash equivalent positions could negatively affect a Portfolio’s performance due to missed investment opportunities and may also subject a Portfolio to additional risks, such as increased credit risk with respect to the custodian bank holding the assets and the risk that a counterparty may be unable or unwilling to honor its obligations, and costs, such as any fees imposed for large cash balances.
Concentration RiskIf an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF concentrates, or invests a higher percentage of its assets, in the securities of a particular issuer or issuers in a particular country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class, that Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF may be adversely affected by the performance of those securities, may be subject to increased price volatility, and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class.
Counterparty Risk A Portfolio may sustain a loss as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of, or other non-compliance or non-performance by, another party to a transaction.
Cybersecurity and Operational RiskA Portfolio and its service providers, and shareholders’ ability to transact with a Portfolio, may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Portfolio assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a Portfolio or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks (e.g., malicious software coding, ransomware, or “hacking”) or unintentional events (e.g., inadvertent release of confidential information, including by a Portfolio or its service providers). Recently, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems (“denial of services”), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on a Portfolio and its shareholders.
The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, the inability to process Portfolio transactions or calculate a Portfolio’s net asset value, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory scrutiny, penalties, fines, reputational damage, additional compliance costs or other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on a Portfolio or its shareholders. The Adviser, through its monitoring and oversight of Portfolio service providers, seeks to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. However, it is not possible for the Adviser
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or Portfolio service providers to identify all of the cybersecurity or other operational risks that may affect a Portfolio or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Technology is continuously changing, and new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing.
Among other situations, disruptions (for example, pandemics or health crises) or other developments that cause prolonged periods of remote work or significant employee absences at a Portfolio’s service providers could impact the ability to conduct the Portfolio’s operations. Most issuers in which a Portfolio invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations and require ready access to the internet to conduct their businesses. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which a Portfolio invests, leading to significant loss of value. A Portfolio may incur substantial costs to prevent or address cybersecurity incidents in the future.
Derivatives RiskA derivative instrument is generally an investment contract the value of which depends upon (or is derived from), in whole or in part, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, index or event (e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates and market indexes). A Portfolio’s investments in derivatives may rise or fall in value more rapidly than other investments and may reduce the Portfolio's returns and increase the volatility of the Portfolio's net asset value. Examples of derivative instruments include, among others, futures contracts, options contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, and swaps. Particular derivative instruments that a Portfolio may use are described under “Investments, Risks, and Performance – Principal Investment Strategy” in this Prospectus. The following provides a more general discussion of important risk factors (e.g., management risk, leveraging risk, liquidity risk, market and interest rate risk, counterparty and credit risk, and other risks) relating to all derivative instruments that a Portfolio may use. A discussion of additional risks associated with particular derivative instruments follows the general discussion, and particular derivative instruments are discussed in more detail under “Additional Investment Strategies and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information.
Management RiskDerivative products are highly specialized instruments. Investing in derivatives involves investment techniques and risk analyses different from, and risks in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying asset, reference rate, index or event, but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions.
Leveraging RiskDerivatives may be leveraged such that a small investment can have a significant impact on a Portfolio's exposure to stock market values, interest rates, currency exchange rates or other investments. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a derivatives contract may cause an immediate and substantial loss or gain, and a Portfolio could lose more than the amount it invested. A Portfolio may experience leveraging risk in connection with investments in derivatives because its investments in derivatives may be small relative to the investment exposure assumed, leaving more assets to be invested in other investments. Such investments may have the effect of leveraging a Portfolio because the Portfolio may experience gains or losses not only on its investments in derivatives, but also on the investments purchased with the remainder of the assets. If the value of a Portfolio's investments in derivatives is increasing, this could be offset by declining values of the Portfolio's other investments. Conversely, it is possible that a rise in the value of a Portfolio's non-derivative investments could be offset by a decline in the value of the Portfolio's investments in derivatives. In either scenario, a Portfolio may experience losses. In a market where the value of a Portfolio's investments in derivatives is declining and the value of its other investments is declining, the Portfolio may experience substantial losses. Some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses.
Liquidity RiskIt may be difficult or impossible for a Portfolio to purchase or sell certain derivatives in sufficient amounts to achieve the desired level of exposure, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. In addition, the possible lack of a liquid secondary market for certain derivatives, and the resulting inability of a Portfolio to sell or otherwise close out a derivatives position, could expose the Portfolio to losses and could make such derivatives more difficult for the Portfolio to value accurately. When a Portfolio uses derivatives, it likely will be required to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate cash or other liquid assets. Assets segregated to cover these transactions may decline in value, may become illiquid, and are not available to meet redemptions. The need to segregate assets also could limit a Portfolio's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Market and Interest Rate RiskSome derivatives are more sensitive to market price fluctuations and to interest rate changes than other investments. The successful use of derivatives will usually depend on the Adviser’s or a Sub-Adviser's ability to accurately forecast movements in the market relating to the underlying asset, reference rate, index or event. If the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser does not predict correctly the direction of asset prices, interest rates and other economic factors, a Portfolio's derivatives positions could lose value. Derivatives may not behave as anticipated by a Portfolio, especially in abnormal market conditions. Derivatives strategies that are successful under certain market conditions may be less successful or unsuccessful under other market conditions. While some derivatives strategies can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Portfolio investments.
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Counterparty and Credit RiskA Portfolio also may be exposed to losses if the counterparty in the transaction is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. Counterparty risk may arise because of market activities and developments, the counterparty’s financial condition (including financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), or other reasons. To the extent a Portfolio has significant exposure to a single counterparty or small group of counterparties, this risk will be particularly pronounced. In addition, derivatives traded over-the-counter that are uncleared do not benefit from the protections provided by exchanges and central counterparties (derivatives clearing organizations and clearing corporations) in the event that a counterparty is unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation. Such uncleared over-the-counter derivatives therefore involve greater counterparty and credit risk and may be more difficult to value than exchange-traded derivatives that are cleared by a central counterparty.
Valuation RiskDerivatives also may be subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to a Portfolio. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly, or at all, with the underlying asset, reference rate or index.
Other RisksDerivatives also may be subject to risks related to potential operational issues, including documentation issues, settlement issues, systems failures, inadequate controls, and human error, as well as legal risks, such as insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract.
When a derivative is used as a hedge against a position that a Portfolio holds, any loss generated by the derivative should generally be offset by gains on the hedged instrument, and vice versa. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it also can reduce or eliminate gains. Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the hedged investment, and there can be no assurance that a Portfolio’s hedging transactions will be effective. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that a Portfolio will engage in derivative transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that might be beneficial or that, if used, such strategies will be successful. Derivatives also may involve fees, commissions, or other costs that may reduce a Portfolio’s gains or exacerbate its losses from the derivatives.
The federal income tax treatment of a derivative may not be as favorable as a direct investment in an underlying asset and may adversely affect the timing, character and amount of income a Portfolio realizes from its investments. In addition, certain derivatives are subject to mark-to-market or straddle provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal income tax treatment of certain derivatives, such as swaps, is unsettled and may be subject to future legislation, regulation or administrative pronouncements issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
Legislative and regulatory developments may limit the availability of certain derivatives, may make the use of derivatives by a Portfolio more costly, and may otherwise adversely impact the performance and value of derivatives. Legislative and regulatory developments also may change the way in which a Portfolio itself is regulated. Such developments may impact a Portfolio’s ability to invest, or remain invested, in certain derivatives, adversely affect a Portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment objective, and subject a Portfolio to additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Complying with new requirements also may increase the cost of a Portfolio’s investments and the cost of implementing a Portfolio’s investment program and related operations, which could adversely affect a Portfolio and its investors. For example, in October 2020 the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”), which imposes new requirements and restrictions on registered funds’ (including the Portfolios’) use of derivatives, and with which the Portfolios generally will be required to comply in August 2022. Unless a Portfolio qualifies as a ‘‘limited derivatives user’’ as defined in Rule 18f-4, Rule 18f-4 would, among other things, require the Portfolio to establish a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, comply with certain value-at-risk based leverage limits, appoint a derivatives risk manager, and provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. If a Portfolio qualifies as a limited derivatives user, Rule 18f-4 would require the Portfolio to have policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. Also, as a Portfolio transitions into reliance on the new requirements, the Portfolio’s approach to asset segregation and coverage requirements described in this Prospectus with respect to derivatives may be impacted.
A discussion of additional risks associated with particular derivative instruments follows:
Forward Contract RiskThere are no limits on daily price fluctuations of forward contracts. Changes in foreign exchange regulations by governmental authorities might limit the trading of forward contracts on currencies. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (i.e., the difference between the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and the price at which it is prepared to sell).
Futures Contract RiskThere is no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts and may halt trading if a contract’s
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price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached or a trading halt is imposed, it may be impossible to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the market for a contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or other market conditions, it could prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable positions, and potentially could require a Portfolio to continue to hold a position until delivery or expiration regardless of changes in its value. As a result, a Portfolio's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired.
Options Contract RiskBy writing put options, a Portfolio takes on the risk of declines in the value of the underlying instrument, including the possibility of a loss up to the entire strike price of each option it sells, but without the corresponding opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the underlying instrument. When a Portfolio writes a put option, it assumes the risk that it must purchase the underlying instrument at a strike price that may be higher than the market price of the instrument. If there is a broad market decline and a Portfolio is not able to close out its written put options, it may result in substantial losses to the Portfolio. By writing a call option, a Portfolio may be obligated to deliver instruments underlying an option at less than the market price. In the case of an uncovered call option, there is a risk of unlimited loss. When an uncovered call is exercised, a Portfolio must purchase the underlying instrument to meet its call obligations and the necessary instrument may be unavailable for purchase. Additionally, volatility in the market for equity securities, which has been dramatically increased recently for certain stocks, can meaningfully increase the risk of loss associated with options. When a Portfolio writes a covered call option, it gives up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying instrument above the strike price. If a covered call option that a Portfolio has written is exercised, the Portfolio will experience a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying instrument, depending on the price at which the Portfolio purchased the instrument and the strike price of the option. A Portfolio will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised options. In the case of a covered call, the premium received may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying instrument during the option period. If an option that a Portfolio has purchased is never exercised or closed out, the Portfolio will lose the amount of the premium it paid and the use of those funds.
Swaps RiskSwap transactions generally do not involve delivery of reference instruments or payment of the notional amount of the contract. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments that a Portfolio is contractually obligated to make or, in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that a Portfolio is contractually entitled to receive. As a seller of a credit default swap, a Portfolio effectively adds economic leverage because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio is subject to investment exposure on the entire notional amount of the contract. See “Leveraging Risk” above. Additionally, holding a position in a credit default swap could result in losses if a Portfolio does not correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the company on which the credit default swap is based. Some swaps are now executed through an organized exchange or regulated facility and cleared through a regulated clearing organization. The absence of an organized exchange or market for certain swap transactions may result in difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. The use of an organized exchange or market for swap transactions is expected to result in swaps being easier to trade or value, but this may not always be the case.
Index Strategy RiskA Portfolio (or a portion thereof) that employs an index strategy generally invests in all of the securities included in (or “replicates”) an index or invests in a representative sampling of such securities, regardless of market trends, to seek to track the performance of an unmanaged index of securities, whereas an actively managed Portfolio (or portion thereof) typically seeks to outperform a benchmark index. A Portfolio generally will not modify its index strategy to respond to changes in the economy, which means that it may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. To the extent that the companies represented in the index are concentrated in particular sectors or industries, a Portfolio will be subject to investment concentration risk. In addition, although the index strategy attempts to closely track the relevant index, a Portfolio may not invest in all of the securities in the index. Also, unlike index performance, a Portfolio’s performance will be reduced by its fees and expenses. Cash flow into and out of a Portfolio, portfolio transaction costs, changes in the securities that comprise the index, and the Portfolio’s valuation procedures also may affect the Portfolio’s performance. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the performance of the index strategy will match or achieve a high degree of correlation to that of the relevant index. Tracking error may cause a Portfolio’s performance to be less than expected. In addition, to the extent a Portfolio’s investments track the relevant index, the Portfolio may underperform other portfolios that invest more broadly.
To the extent that the securities of a limited number of companies represent a significant percentage of the relevant index, a Portfolio may be subject to more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on the Portfolio’s net asset value. A Portfolio may experience greater performance volatility than a portfolio that seeks to track the performance of an index that is more broadly diversified.
To the extent a Portfolio utilizes a representative sampling approach, it may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Portfolio sought to replicate the index. A Portfolio’s use of a representative sampling approach will result in its holding a smaller number
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of securities than are in the index it seeks to track. As a result, an adverse development with respect to an issuer of securities held by the Portfolio could result in a greater decline in net asset value than would be the case if the Portfolio held all of the securities in the index.
Insurance Fund Risk The Portfolios are available through Contracts offered by insurance company affiliates of the Adviser, and the Portfolios may be used to fund all or a portion of certain benefits and guarantees available under the Contracts. To the extent the assets in a Portfolio are insufficient to fund those benefits and guarantees, the Adviser’s insurance company affiliates might otherwise be obligated to fulfill them out of their own resources. The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in connection with providing advice to, or developing strategies and modeling tools used to manage, a Portfolio (e.g., with respect to the allocation of assets among Underlying Portfolios or between passively and actively managed portions of a Portfolio and the development and implementation of the modeling tools used to manage a Portfolio). The performance of a Portfolio may impact the obligations and financial exposure of the Adviser’s insurance company affiliates under any death benefit, income benefit and other guarantees provided through Contracts that offer the Portfolio as an investment option, and the ability of an insurance company affiliate to manage (e.g., through the use of various hedging techniques) the risks associated with these benefits and guarantees. The Adviser’s investment decisions and the design of the Portfolios may be influenced by these factors. For example, the Portfolios or modeling tools and strategies may be managed or designed in a manner (e.g., using more conservative or less volatile investment styles, including volatility management strategies) that could reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance company affiliates that provide the benefits and guarantees and offer the Portfolios as investment options in their products, and also could facilitate such an insurance company’s ability to provide benefits and guarantees under its Contracts, including by making more predictable the costs of the benefits and guarantees and by reducing the regulatory capital needed to provide them. The financial benefits to the Adviser’s insurance company affiliates may be material. The performance of a Portfolio also may adversely impact the value of Contracts that offer the Portfolio as an investment option and could suppress the value of the benefits and guarantees offered under a Contract. Please refer to your Contract prospectus for more information about any benefits and guarantees offered under the Contract. Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interests of the Portfolio and that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and strategies described in detail in this Prospectus.
Investment Style Risk A Portfolio may use a particular style or set of styles — for example, growth or value investing styles — to select investments. Those styles may be out of favor or may not produce the best results over short or longer time periods.
Growth investing generally focuses on companies that, due to their strong earnings and revenue potential, offer above-average prospects for capital growth, with less emphasis on dividend income. Earnings predictability and confidence in earnings forecasts are an important part of the selection process. As a result, the price of growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the prices of other stocks. A Portfolio using this approach generally seeks out companies experiencing some or all of the following: high sales growth, high unit growth, high or improving returns on assets and equity, and a strong balance sheet. Such a Portfolio also prefers companies with a competitive advantage such as unique management, marketing or research and development. Growth investing also is subject to the risk that the stock price of one or more companies will fall or will fail to appreciate as anticipated by the Portfolio, regardless of movements in the securities market. Growth stocks tend to be more volatile than value stocks, so in a declining market their prices may decrease more than value stocks in general. Growth stocks also may increase the volatility of the Portfolio's share price.
Value investing attempts to identify strong companies selling at a discount from their perceived true worth. A Portfolio using this approach generally selects stocks at prices that, in its view, are temporarily low relative to the company’s earnings, assets, cash flow and dividends. Value investing is subject to the risk that a stock’s full value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, or its price may go down. In addition, there is the risk that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually have been appropriately priced or overvalued at the time of investment. Value investing generally emphasizes companies that, considering their assets and earnings history, are attractively priced and may provide dividend income.
Issuer-Specific RiskThe value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the market as a whole. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as poor management performance; reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services; investigations or other controversies related to the issuer; strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives; and the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets. Certain unanticipated events, such as litigation or natural disasters, can have a dramatic adverse effect on the value of an issuer’s securities. A change in the financial condition of a single issuer may affect securities markets as a whole.
Large Transaction RiskA significant percentage of a Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and its affiliates or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts. Accordingly, a Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders, including in connection with substitution and other transactions by affiliates of the Adviser. These inflows and outflows may be frequent and could negatively
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affect a Portfolio’s net asset value and performance, and could cause a Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. It would be particularly disadvantageous for a Portfolio if it experiences outflows and needs to sell securities at a time of volatility in the markets, when values could be falling. These inflows and outflows also could negatively affect a Portfolio’s ability to meet shareholder redemption requests or could limit a Portfolio’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in its prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. During periods of declining or illiquid markets, the Adviser or its affiliates also may be subject to conflicts of interest in selecting shares of Portfolios for redemption and in deciding whether and when to redeem such shares. In addition, these inflows and outflows could increase a Portfolio’s brokerage or other transaction costs, and large-scale outflows could cause a Portfolio’s actual expenses to increase, or could result in a Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which, depending on any applicable expense caps, could lead to an increase in the Portfolio’s expense ratio.
Leveraging RiskWhen a Portfolio leverages its holdings, the value of an investment in that Portfolio will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. Investments that create leverage can result in losses to a Portfolio that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial). For certain investments that create leverage, or have embedded leverage, relatively small market fluctuations can result in large changes in the value of such investments. In addition, the costs that a Portfolio pays to engage in these practices are additional costs borne by the Portfolio and could reduce or eliminate any net investment profits. Unless the profits from engaging in these practices exceed the costs of engaging in these practices, the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of a Portfolio compared with what it would have been had the Portfolio not used leverage. There can be no assurance that a Portfolio's use of any leverage will be successful. When a Portfolio utilizes certain of these practices, it must comply with certain asset segregation requirements, which at times may require the Portfolio to dispose of some of its holdings at an unfavorable time or price. The need to segregate assets also could limit a Portfolio's ability to pursue its objectives or other opportunities as they arise.
Liquidity RiskFrom time to time, there may be little or no active trading market for a particular investment in which a Portfolio may invest or is invested due to a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to deterioration in the financial condition of an issuer or issuers in a particular industry or market segment, periods of economic and market stress, changes in investor perceptions regarding an issuer or industry, periods of market volatility that trigger market circuit breakers that halt trading in securities or close markets entirely, planned market closures, shortened trading hours, extended market holidays, and other reasons. In such a market, the value of such investments and a Portfolio's share price may fall dramatically. Illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell or purchase at an advantageous time or price or in sufficient amounts to achieve a Portfolio's desired level of exposure. To meet redemption requests during periods of illiquidity, a Portfolio may be forced to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices and/or under unfavorable conditions, which may result in a loss or may be costly to the Portfolio. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing illiquid investments than investments with more active markets, and there is a greater risk that the investments may not be sold for the price at which a Portfolio is carrying them. A Portfolio also may not receive its proceeds from the sale of certain investments for an extended period of time. Certain investments that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, particularly in times of overall economic distress or adverse investor perception. In addition, the trading market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect a Portfolio's value or prevent a Portfolio from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market participants attempting to sell the same or a similar investment at the same time as a Portfolio could decrease the liquidity of such an investment, especially during periods of market stress. During periods of market stress, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect a Portfolio's ability to limit losses. In addition, a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to make a market in certain securities may result in decreased liquidity in certain markets.
The SEC has instituted various requirements for open-end funds, including the Portfolios, to establish, and the Portfolios have established, a program to manage liquidity risks. These requirements are intended to reduce liquidity risk, but they may not work as intended. Analyses, judgments and decisions made in connection with administering the liquidity risk management program may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the desired results. In addition, changes in market conditions, which may occur rapidly and unpredictably, may adversely affect the administration of the program. Changes related to the requirements may increase a Portfolio's expenses, may negatively affect a Portfolio's yield and return potential, and may not reduce a Portfolio's liquidity risk.
Additional legislative or regulatory actions to address perceived liquidity or other issues in markets generally, or in particular markets such as the fixed income securities markets, may alter or impair a Portfolio's ability to pursue its investment objectives or utilize certain investment strategies and techniques.
Market RiskA Portfolio 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 Portfolio performance. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. The value of a security may decline due to factors that are specifically related to a particular company, as well as general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real
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or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in interest rates or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the markets, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In some cases, for example, the stock prices of individual companies have been negatively impacted even though there may be little or no apparent degradation in the financial condition or prospects of the issuers. The value of a security may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.
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 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. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole. A Portfolio 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 a Portfolio 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. Market speculation focused on profiting from fluctuations in the value of one or more securities or asset classes over a short period of time may result in large-scale and sudden purchases and sales of those securities or asset classes, which can significantly affect the value of those securities and asset classes as well as the market more broadly in unexpected ways, and cause significant share price volatility and losses for a Portfolio.
Global economies and financial markets are highly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events such as environmental and natural disasters or other catastrophes, public health crises (such as epidemics and pandemics), social unrest, and cybersecurity incidents, and governments’ reactions (or failure to react) to such events, could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. Geopolitical and other events, including terrorism, tensions, war or other open conflicts between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are global economic powers or major producers of oil, may lead to overall instability in world economies and markets generally and have led, and may in the future lead, to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects. As a result, whether or not a Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Portfolio's investments may be negatively affected by developments in other countries and regions. Moreover, systemic market dislocations of the kind that occurred during the global financial crisis that began in 2008, if repeated, would be highly disruptive to economies and markets, adversely affecting individual companies and industries, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of a Portfolio's investments.
Scientific consensus indicates that elevated concentration of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere is contributing to climate change. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.
In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has invested or otherwise made available substantial amounts of money to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it will continue to adjust its operations as appropriate to support short-term money markets. Amid these efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Fed’s provision of liquidity have grown.
Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or the U.S. Federal Reserve and political events within the United States, such as changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government’s debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
In addition, markets and market-participants are increasingly reliant on both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Inaccurate data, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at-large. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in a Portfolio being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately price its investments.
Momentum RiskMomentum entails investing more in securities that have recently had higher total returns and investing less in securities that have recently had lower total returns. These securities may be more volatile than a broad cross-section of securities,
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and momentum may be an indicator that a security’s price is peaking. Momentum can turn quickly, and utilizing momentum as a factor in the investment analysis process can cause significant variation from other types of investment strategies. A Portfolio may experience significant losses if a security’s momentum stops, turns or otherwise behaves differently than predicted.
Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk The Adviser may allocate a Portfolio’s assets among multiple Sub-Advisers, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Portfolio’s assets. To a significant extent, a Portfolio’s performance will depend on the success of the Adviser in allocating the Portfolio’s assets to Sub-Advisers and its selection and oversight of the Sub-Advisers. The Sub-Advisers’ investment strategies may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance. In addition, because each Sub-Adviser manages its allocated portion of a Portfolio independently from another Sub-Adviser, the same security may be held in different portions of the Portfolio, or may be acquired for one portion of the Portfolio at a time when a Sub-Adviser to another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion, resulting in higher expenses without accomplishing any net result in the Portfolio’s holdings. Similarly, under some market conditions, one Sub-Adviser may believe that temporary, defensive investments in short-term instruments or cash are appropriate for its allocated portion of a Portfolio when another Sub-Adviser believes continued exposure to the equity or debt markets is appropriate for its allocated portion of a Portfolio. Because each Sub-Adviser directs the trading for its own portion of a Portfolio, and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other Sub-Adviser, the Portfolio may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single Sub-Adviser were managing the entire Portfolio. In addition, while the Adviser seeks to allocate a Portfolio’s assets among the Portfolio’s Sub-Advisers in a manner that it believes is consistent with achieving the Portfolio’s investment objective(s), the Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Portfolio’s assets among Sub-Advisers, including affiliated Sub-Advisers, because the Adviser pays different fees to the Sub-Advisers and due to other factors that could impact the Adviser’s revenues and profits.
If the Adviser hires, terminates or replaces a Sub-Adviser to a Portfolio or adjusts the asset allocation among Sub-Advisers in a Portfolio, the Portfolio may experience a period of transition during which the securities held in the Portfolio may be repositioned in connection with the change in Sub-Advisers. A Portfolio may not pursue its principal investment strategies during such a transition period and may incur increased brokerage commissions and other transaction costs in connection with the changes.
New Portfolio RiskCertain Portfolios may be relatively new and small with limited operating history. A new Portfolio’s performance may not represent how the Portfolio is expected to or may perform in the long-term and a Portfolio may not be successful in implementing its respective investment strategies. Portfolio performance may be lower or higher during this “ramp-up” period, and may also be more volatile, than would be the case after the Portfolio is fully invested. In addition, investment positions may have a disproportionate impact (negative or positive) on performance in new Portfolios. There can be no assurance that such Portfolios will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, which could result in a Portfolio, including a Portfolio offered by this Prospectus, being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders.
Non-Diversified Portfolio Risk A non-diversified Portfolio may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Portfolio’s performance may be more vulnerable to changes in market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified fund.
Portfolio Management Risk A Portfolio is subject to the risk that strategies used by an investment manager and its securities selections fail to produce the intended results. An investment manager’s judgments or decisions about the quality, relative yield or value of, or market trends affecting, a particular security or issuer, industry, sector, region or market segment, or about the economy or interest rates, may be incorrect or otherwise may not produce the intended results, which may result in losses to a Portfolio. In addition, many processes used in Portfolio management, including security selection, rely, in whole or in part, on the use of various technologies, some of which are created or maintained by an investment manager or its affiliates and some of which are created or maintained by third parties. A Portfolio may suffer losses if there are imperfections, errors or limitations in the quantitative, analytic or other tools, resources, information and data used, or the analyses employed or relied on, by an investment manager, or if such tools, resources, information or data are used incorrectly, fail to produce the desired results, or otherwise do not work as intended. Imperfections, errors or limitations may go undetected for long periods of time or may never be detected, which could adversely affect decision making for a Portfolio, as well as a Portfolio's operations or performance, and may result in, among other things, the execution of unanticipated trades, the failure to execute anticipated trades, the failure to properly gather and organize available data and/or the failure to take certain hedging or risk-reducing actions. There can be no assurance that the use of these technologies will result in effective investment decisions for a Portfolio.
Portfolio Turnover RiskHigh portfolio turnover (generally, turnover in excess of 100% in any given fiscal year) may result in increased transaction costs to a Portfolio, which may result in higher fund expenses and lower total return. A Portfolio that adopts new investment objectives or policies or portfolio management strategies and/or undergoes a reorganization with another Portfolio may experience substantially increased portfolio turnover due to the differences between the Portfolio's previous and current investment objectives and policies and portfolio management strategies.
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Recent Market Conditions RiskThe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions, international, national and local border closings, extended quarantines and stay-at-home orders, event cancellations, service cancellations, reductions and other changes, labor shortages, and significant challenges in healthcare service preparation and delivery, as well as general concern, uncertainty and social unrest. Global financial markets have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant volatility and severe losses, and the pandemic has resulted in an economic slowdown that has negatively affected national and global economies, as well as national and global securities and commodities markets, which may continue for an extended period of time and have unforeseen impacts. Any deterioration in economic fundamentals may increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular companies, negatively impact market values, increase market volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce liquidity. The pandemic has accelerated trends toward working remotely and shopping online, which may negatively affect the value of office and commercial real estate and the value of investments in other companies and industries that historically have relied on higher concentrations of people working in traditional office and commercial environments. The travel, hospitality, and public transit industries, among others, may suffer long-term negative effects from the pandemic and resulting changes to public behavior. In addition, companies and industries may lose the services of key personnel on a temporary or long-term basis due to illness or other reasons. Although COVID-19 vaccines have been released, countries have struggled to control the spread of the virus and re-open their economies. The prevalence of new COVID-19 variants or other unforeseen circumstances may result in the continued spread of the virus.
Public health crises caused by outbreaks of infectious diseases or other public health issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, and economic tensions and risks, disrupt market conditions and operations and economies around the world, and negatively affect market performance and the value of investments in individual companies in significant and unforeseen ways. The impact of infectious diseases may be greater in countries that do not move effectively to control them or that have limited access to vaccines, which may occur because of a lack of health care or economic resources or for political or other reasons.
Governments, including the U.S. federal government, and central banks have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets during the COVID-19 pandemic and may continue to do so, but the ultimate impact of these efforts is uncertain, and they may not be successful. Governments’ efforts to limit potential negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may be altered, delayed, or eliminated at inopportune times for political, policy or other reasons. Central banks may increase interest rates or begin phasing out, or “tapering,” accommodative monetary policy facilities. The timing, coordination, magnitude and effect of such policy changes on various markets are uncertain, and such changes in monetary policy may adversely affect the value of a Portfolio’s investments.
In the future, the U.S. federal government or other governments may take actions that could affect the overall economy as well as the securities in which the Portfolios invest, the markets in which they trade, or the issuers of such securities, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, have in the past responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs, and dramatically lower interest rates. Certain of those policy changes were implemented or considered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in government or central bank policies could negatively affect the value and liquidity of a Portfolio’s investments and cause it to lose money, and there can be no assurance that the initiatives undertaken by governments and central banks will be successful.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and other outbreaks of infectious diseases or other public health issues that may arise in the future, could also impair the information technology and other operational systems upon which the Adviser relies, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of a Portfolio’s service providers to perform essential tasks. Such impacts could impair a Portfolio’s ability to maintain operational standards (such as with respect to satisfying redemption requests), disrupt the operations of a Portfolio’s service providers, and negatively impact a Portfolio’s performance. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in a Portfolio being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately value its investments.
Global economies and financial markets are highly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in, or foreign exchange rates with, a different country or region. The rise in protectionist trade policies, and changes to some major international trade agreements and the potential for changes to others, could affect the economies of many countries in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, including the current contentious domestic political environment and changes in the U.S. presidential administration and Congress, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The United States has developed increasingly strained relations with a number of foreign countries. If relations with certain countries deteriorate, it could adversely affect U.S. issuers
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as well as non-U.S. issuers that rely on the United States for trade. Financial markets in the United States and China have been sensitive to the outlook for resolving ongoing U.S.-China trade disputes, a trend that may continue in the future.
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. The United States and other countries have imposed broad-ranging economic sanctions on Russia and certain Russian individuals, banking entities and corporations as a response to its invasion of Ukraine. The United States and other countries have also imposed economic sanctions on Belarus and may impose sanctions on other countries that provide military or economic support to Russia. These sanctions, as well as any other economic consequences related to the invasion, such as additional sanctions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences or cyberattacks on governments, companies or individuals, may further decrease the value and liquidity of certain Russian securities and securities of issuers in other countries that are subject to economic sanctions related to the invasion. To the extent that a Portfolio has exposure to Russian investments or investments in countries affected by the invasion, the Portfolio’s ability to price, buy, sell, receive or deliver such investments may be impaired. In addition, any exposure that a Portfolio may have to counterparties in Russia or in countries affected by the invasion could negatively impact the Portfolio’s investments. The extent and duration of military actions and the repercussions of such actions (including any retaliatory actions or countermeasures that may be taken by those subject to sanctions) are impossible to predict. These events have resulted in, and could continue to result in, significant market disruptions, including in certain industries or sectors such as the oil and natural gas markets, and may further strain global supply chains and negatively affect inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly impact a Portfolio’s performance and the value of an investment in a Portfolio beyond any direct exposure the Portfolio may have to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) officially withdrew from the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the UK’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU went into effect on January 1, 2021. The full impact of Brexit and the nature of the future relationship between the UK and the EU remains uncertain. The effects of Brexit on the UK and EU economies and the broader global economy could be significant, resulting in negative impacts, such as business and trade disruptions, increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth of markets in the UK, EU and globally, which could negatively impact the value of a Portfolio’s investments. There is some uncertainty as to whether dislocations in the UK’s economy are mainly the result of the COVID-19 pandemic (as the government claims) or the result of the country’s having left the EU.
High public debt in the United States and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty, and there has been a significant increase in the amount of debt due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic relief and public health measures. Economic, political and other developments may result in a further increase in the amount of public debt, including in the United States. The long-term consequences of high public debt are not known, but high levels of public debt may negatively affect economic conditions and the value of markets, sectors and companies in which a Portfolio invests.
Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the United States and abroad, and central banks reduced rates further in an effort to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. However, due to concerns regarding rising inflation in many sectors of the U.S. and global economy, it is expected that the U.S. and many foreign governments and monetary authorities will raise interest rates and implement other policy initiatives that are intended to contain the impacts of rising inflation. Rising interest rates may present a particularly greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives, or their alteration or cessation. Inflation risk is the uncertainty over the future real value (after inflation) of an investment. A Portfolio’s investments may not keep pace with inflation, and the value of an investment in a Portfolio may be eroded over time by inflation.
Extremely low or negative interest rates may persist or become more prevalent. In that event, to the extent a Portfolio has a bank deposit or holds a debt instrument with a negative interest rate to maturity, the Portfolio would generate a negative return on that investment. Similarly, negative rates on investments by a fund that is a money market fund would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the fund to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share without financial support from the fund’s sponsor or other persons. There is no assurance that such support would be provided, which could lead to losses on investments in the fund, including on investments by a Portfolio that uses the fund as an investment option for the Portfolio’s uninvested cash. While negative yields may reduce the demand, liquidity and valuation of fixed income investments, investors may be willing to continue to purchase such investments for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, price insensitivity, arbitrage opportunities across fixed income markets or rules-based investment strategies. If negative interest rates persist or become more prevalent, investors may over time seek to reallocate assets to other income-producing assets or equity investments that pay a dividend, which may cause the price of such instruments to rise while triggering a corresponding decrease in yield and the value of debt instruments over time.
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Funds and their advisers, as well as many of the companies in which they invest, are subject to regulation by the federal government. There is a potential for materially increased regulation in the future, as well as higher taxes or taxes restructured to incentivize different activities. These changes, should they occur, may impose added costs on a Portfolio and its service providers, and affect the businesses of various portfolio companies, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.
In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values. A rise in sea levels, an increase in powerful storms and/or an increase in flooding could cause coastal properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Economists warn that, unlike previous declines in the real estate market, properties in affected coastal zones may never recover their value. Large wildfires have devastated, and in the future may devastate, entire communities and may be very costly to any business found to be responsible for the fire or conducting operations in affected areas. The current U.S. administration may focus regulatory and public works projects around climate change concerns. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change. Losses related to climate change could adversely affect corporate borrowers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax revenues and tourist dollars generated by such properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities. Since property and security values are driven largely by buyers’ perceptions, it is difficult to know the time period over which these effects might unfold.
All of these risks may have a material adverse effect on the performance and financial condition of the companies and other issuers in which the Portfolios invest, and on the overall performance of a Portfolio.
Redemption Risk A Portfolio may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Portfolio to sell assets at inopportune times, which could have a negative impact on the Portfolio’s overall liquidity, or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Redemption risk also is greater to the extent that one or more investors control a large percentage of investments in a Portfolio, have short investment horizons, or have unpredictable cash flow needs. Heavy redemptions could hurt a Portfolio’s performance and increase transaction costs.
Market developments and other factors, including a general rise in interest rates, have the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities. The market-making capacity of dealers has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks at broker-dealers and increased regulatory capital requirements. In addition, significant securities market disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to dislocation in the market for a variety of fixed income securities (including, without limitation, commercial paper, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, asset-backed debt securities and municipal obligations), which has decreased liquidity and sharply reduced returns in certain cases. Increased redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed income securities, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.
Regulatory Risk Each Portfolio is subject to extensive laws and regulations that govern its operations. Each Portfolio is subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is also subject to regulations imposed by other governmental regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations. Similarly, the businesses and other issuers of the securities and other instruments in which a Portfolio invests are also subject to considerable regulation. These laws and regulations are subject to change. Extensive regulation or a change in existing laws or regulations may have unpredictable and unintended effects and may materially impact a Portfolio, a security, business, sector or market. For example, extensive regulation or a change in existing laws or regulations made by the government or a regulatory body may limit or preclude a Portfolio's ability to achieve its investment objective, impact a Portfolio's investment policies or strategies, adversely affect a Portfolio's efficiency in implementing its investment strategies, reduce the attractiveness or increase the cost of an investment, and/or adversely affect a Portfolio's performance. A Portfolio also may incur additional costs to comply with any new requirements as well as to monitor for compliance with any new requirements going forward. A Portfolio also may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws or regulations.
Repurchase Agreements Risk Repurchase agreements carry certain risks, including risks that are not associated with direct investments in securities. If a seller under a repurchase agreement were to default on the agreement and be unable to repurchase the security subject to the repurchase agreement, a Portfolio would look to the collateral underlying the seller’s repurchase agreement, including the securities or other obligations subject to the repurchase agreement, for satisfaction of the seller’s obligation to the Portfolio. A Portfolio’s right to liquidate the securities or other obligations subject to the repurchase agreement in the event of a default by the seller could involve certain costs and delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase are less than the repurchase price (e.g., due to transactions costs or a decline in the value of the collateral), the Portfolio could suffer a loss. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited and a loss may be incurred.
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Risk Management The Adviser and Sub-Advisers undertake certain analyses with the intention of identifying particular types of risks and reducing a Portfolio's exposure to them. However, risk is an essential part of investing, and the degree of return an investor might expect is often tied to the degree of risk the investor is willing to accept. By its very nature, risk involves exposure to the possibility of adverse events. Accordingly, no risk management program can eliminate a Portfolio's exposure to such events; at best, it can only reduce the possibility that the Portfolio will be affected by adverse events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Portfolio's investment program. While the prospectus describes material risk factors associated with a Portfolio's investment program, there is no assurance that as a particular situation unfolds in the markets, the Adviser or Sub-Advisers will identify all of the risks that might affect the Portfolio, rate their probability or potential magnitude correctly, or be able to take appropriate measures to reduce the Portfolio's exposure to them. Measures taken with the intention of decreasing exposure to identified risks might have the unintended effect of increasing exposure to other risks.
Risks Related to Investments in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFsA Portfolio that invests in Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs (i.e., operates under a “fund of funds” arrangement) will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by those Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, in addition to the Portfolio’s direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in the Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. The Portfolio’s performance depends upon a favorable allocation by the Adviser among the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to generate favorable performance.  The Underlying Portfolios’ and Underlying ETFs’ investment programs may not be complementary, which could adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance. In addition, the Portfolio’s net asset value is subject to fluctuations in the net asset values of the Underlying Portfolios and the market values of the Underlying ETFs in which it invests. The Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to meet their investment objectives. In addition, because each Underlying Portfolio and Underlying ETF is managed independently, the same security may be held by different Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, or may be acquired for one portfolio at a time when another portfolio deems it appropriate to dispose of the security, resulting in higher indirect expenses without accomplishing any net investment result. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with the Portfolio correlate to those of a particular Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio’s assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF, which will vary. A Portfolio does not control the investments of the Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs, which may have different investment objectives and may engage in investment strategies that the Portfolio would not engage in directly. The Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may change their investment objectives or policies without the approval of a Portfolio. If that were to occur, the Portfolio might be forced to sell its investment in an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF at a time and price that is unfavorable to the Portfolio.
In addition, many ETFs invest in securities included in, or representative of, underlying indexes regardless of investment merit or market trends and, therefore, these ETFs do not change their investment strategies to respond to changes in the economy, which means that such an Underlying ETF may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. Imperfect correlation between an Underlying ETF’s securities and those in the index it seeks to track, rounding of prices, changes to the indices and regulatory policies may cause an Underlying ETF’s performance not to match the performance of its index. An Underlying ETF’s use of a representative sampling approach will result in it holding a smaller number of securities than are in the index it seeks to track. As a result, an adverse development respecting an issuer of securities held by the Underlying ETF could result in a greater decline in net asset value than would be the case if the Underlying ETF held all of the securities in the index. To the extent the assets in the Underlying ETF are smaller, these risks will be greater. No ETF fully replicates its index, and an Underlying ETF may hold securities not included in its index. Therefore, there is a risk that the investment strategy of the Underlying ETF manager may not produce the intended results.
Moreover, there is the risk that an Underlying ETF may value certain securities at a price higher than the price at which it can sell them. Secondary market trading in shares of Underlying ETFs may be halted by a national securities exchange because of market conditions or for other reasons. In addition, trading in these shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements necessary to maintain the listing of the shares will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In addition, although ETFs are listed for trading on national securities exchanges, certain foreign exchanges and in over-the-counter markets, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of a Portfolio’s investment in the Underlying ETFs could be substantially and adversely affected. In addition, because Underlying ETFs are traded on these exchanges and in these markets, the purchase and sale of their shares involve transaction fees and commissions. The market price of an Underlying ETF may be different from the net asset value of such ETF (i.e., an Underlying ETF may trade at a discount or premium to its net asset value). The performance of a Portfolio that invests in such an ETF could be adversely impacted.
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In addition, new regulations relating to “fund of funds” arrangements may impact a Portfolio’s or an Underlying Portfolio’s or Underlying ETF’s ability to achieve its investment objective, impact a Portfolio’s or an Underlying Portfolio’s or Underlying ETF’s investment policies or strategies, adversely affect a Portfolio’s or an Underlying Portfolio’s or Underlying ETF’s efficiency in implementing its investment strategies, increase operating costs, and/or adversely affect a Portfolio’s or an Underlying Portfolio’s or Underlying ETF’s performance.
Sector RiskTo the extent a Portfolio invests more heavily in one sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect that sector, industry, or sub-sector. An individual sector, industry, or sub-sector of the market may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react in the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. A Portfolio’s performance could also be affected if the sector, industry, or sub-sector does not perform as expected. Alternatively, the lack of exposure to one or more sectors or industries may adversely affect performance.
Securities Lending RiskA Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and other financial institutions to seek income. Generally, any such loan of portfolio securities will be continuously secured by collateral at least equal to the value of the security loaned. Such collateral will be in the form of cash, marketable securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, or a standby letter of credit issued by qualified banks. A Portfolio could lose money on its investment of cash collateral. To the extent that portfolio securities acquired with such collateral have decreased in value, it may result in a Portfolio realizing a loss at a time when it would not otherwise do so. As such, securities lending may introduce leverage into a Portfolio. The risks of lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of secured credit, also consist of possible delay in receiving additional collateral (to cover an increase in the market value of the loaned securities or a decrease in the value of any securities collateral) or in the recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities. Securities loans are subject to termination by a Portfolio (lender) or a borrower at any time. If a Portfolio terminates a securities loan, it will forego any income on the loan after the termination. Loans will be made only to firms deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and approved by the Board and will not be made unless, in the judgment of the Adviser, the consideration to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.
Short Position RiskA Portfolio may engage in short sales and may enter into derivative contracts that have a similar economic effect (e.g., taking a short position in a futures contract). A Portfolio will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the asset sold short increases between the date of the short position sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks that could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. Short sales involve greater reliance on an investment adviser’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument, potentially higher transaction costs, and imperfect correlation between the actual and desired level of exposure. Short sales, at least theoretically, present a risk of unlimited loss on an individual security basis, particularly in cases where a Portfolio is unable, for whatever reason, to close out its short position, because the Portfolio may be required to buy the security sold short at a time when the security has appreciated in value, and there is potentially no limit to the amount of such appreciation. Volatility in the market for equity securities, which has been dramatically increased recently for certain stocks, can meaningfully increase the risk of loss associated with short sales. In addition, by investing the proceeds received from selling securities short, a Portfolio could be deemed to be employing a form of leverage, which creates special risks. A Portfolio’s long positions could decline in value at the same time that the value of the short positions increase, thereby increasing the Portfolio's overall potential for loss more than it would be without the use of leverage. Market or other factors may prevent a Portfolio from closing out a short position at the most desirable time or at a favorable price. In addition, a lender of securities may request, or market conditions may dictate, that securities sold short be returned to the lender on short notice. If this happens, the Portfolio may have to buy the securities sold short at an unfavorable price, which will potentially reduce or eliminate any gain or cause a loss to the Portfolio. When a Portfolio is selling a security short, it must maintain a segregated account of cash or high-grade securities equal to the margin requirement. As a result, a Portfolio may maintain high levels of cash or other liquid assets (such as U.S. Treasury bills, money market accounts, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) or may utilize borrowings or the collateral obtained from securities lending for this cash. The need to maintain cash or other liquid assets in segregated accounts could limit a Portfolio's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Sub-Adviser Selection RiskA Portfolio is subject to the risk that the Adviser’s process for selecting or replacing a Sub-Adviser and its decision to select or replace a Sub-Adviser does not produce the intended results.
In addition, the Adviser is subject to certain conflicts of interest in connection with recommending the appointment and continued service of Sub-Advisers. The Adviser is affiliated with certain Sub-Advisers and, therefore, the Adviser will benefit not only from the net management fee the Adviser retains, but also from the advisory fees paid by the Adviser to an Affiliated Sub-Adviser. Since the Adviser pays fees to the Sub-Advisers from the management fees that it earns from the Portfolios, any increase or decrease in the advisory fees negotiated with proposed or current Sub-Advisers will result in a corresponding decrease or increase, respectively, in the amount of the management fee retained by the Adviser. The Adviser or its affiliates also have distribution relationships with certain Sub-Advisers or their affiliates under which the Sub-Advisers or their affiliates distribute or support the distribution of investment
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products issued or sold by the Adviser or its affiliates (including those in which the Portfolios serve as investment options), which could financially benefit the Adviser and its affiliates or provide an incentive to the Adviser in selecting one Sub-Adviser over another. In addition, the Adviser’s and/ or its affiliates’ other existing or potential business relationships, including with Sub-Advisers and/or their affiliates, or other financial or personal relationships, could influence the Adviser’s selection and retention or termination of Sub-Advisers. When recommending the appointment or continued service of a Sub-Adviser, consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser relies primarily on the qualitative and quantitative factors described in detail in the Prospectus.
Tax RiskA Portfolio is subject to the risk that the tax treatment of swap agreements and other derivative instruments, such as commodity-linked derivative instruments, including commodity index-linked notes and commodity options, futures, and options on futures, may be affected by future regulatory or legislative changes that could affect whether income from such investments is “qualifying income” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of a Portfolio's taxable income or gains and distributions.
Valuation RiskThe price at which a Portfolio sells any particular investment may differ from the Portfolio's valuation of the investment. Such differences could be significant, particularly for illiquid securities and securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value some investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require a Portfolio to value these investments using more subjective methods, known as fair value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment’s most recent closing price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset values. An investment’s valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. Investors who purchase or redeem Portfolio shares on days when the Portfolio is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Portfolio had not held fair-valued securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain futures and fixed income securities, and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded but before a Portfolio determines its net asset value. A Portfolio’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Volatility Management RiskA Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios selected by the Adviser that may employ various volatility management techniques or make strategic adjustments to their asset mix (such as by using futures and options to manage equity exposure). Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, a Portfolio, or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high or when an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its equity exposure but market changes do not impact equity returns adversely to the extent predicted by the Adviser. Volatility is a statistical measure of the magnitude of changes in a portfolio’s returns. A higher volatility level generally indicates higher risk and often results in more frequent and sometimes significant changes in a portfolio’s returns.
The result of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the result of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. In addition, market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute the volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all.
The Adviser to the Underlying Portfolios uses proprietary modeling tools to implement the volatility management strategy. If the proprietary modeling tools prove to be flawed or for other reasons do not produce the desired results, any decisions based on the modeling tools may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, a Portfolio, to additional risks and losses. The use of modeling tools has inherent risks, and the success of using a modeling tool depends, among other things, on the accuracy and completeness of the tool’s development, implementation and maintenance; on the tool’s assumptions and methodologies; and on the accuracy and reliability of the inputs and output of the tool. The Adviser from time to time may make changes to its proprietary modeling tools that do not require shareholder notice.
Moreover, volatility management strategies may expose an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, a Portfolio, to costs, such as increased portfolio transaction costs, which could cause or increase losses or reduce gains. In addition, it is not possible to manage volatility fully or perfectly. Futures contracts and other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy are not necessarily held by an Underlying Portfolio to hedge the value of the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments and, as a result, these futures contracts and other instruments may decline in value at the same time as the Underlying Portfolio’s other investments. When equity exposure is reduced, a lack of correlation between the changes in the value of the futures contracts or other instruments used in connection with the volatility management strategy and the value of an Underlying Portfolio’s other equity investments (if any) being hedged could result in losses.
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Any one or more of these factors may prevent an Underlying Portfolio from achieving the intended volatility management or could cause an Underlying Portfolio, and in turn, a Portfolio, to underperform or experience losses (some of which may be sudden or substantial) or volatility for any particular period that may be higher or lower. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques may not protect against market declines and may limit an Underlying Portfolio’s, and thus a Portfolio’s, participation in market gains, even during periods when the market is rising. Volatility management techniques, when implemented effectively to reduce the overall risk of investing in an Underlying Portfolio, may result in underperformance by an Underlying Portfolio. For example, if an Underlying Portfolio has reduced its overall exposure to equities to avoid losses in certain market environments, the Underlying Portfolio may forgo some of the returns that can be associated with periods of rising equity values. An Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore a Portfolio’s performance, may be lower than the performance of similar funds where volatility management techniques are not used. In addition, the Adviser and its insurance company affiliates manage or advise other funds and accounts that engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities and instruments (such as futures contracts) as an Underlying Portfolio. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which an Underlying Portfolio invests, directly or indirectly, and could have an adverse impact on an Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore a Portfolio’s performance. Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Underlying Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interests of the Underlying Portfolio and that is consistent with the Underlying Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and strategies.
Volatility RiskThe Underlying ETFs selected by the Adviser may be unsuccessful in maintaining portfolios of investments that minimize volatility, and there is a risk that a Portfolio may experience more than minimum volatility. Securities held by the Underlying ETFs may be subject to price volatility and the prices may not be any less volatile than the market as a whole and could be more volatile. In addition, the use of volatility management techniques may limit an Underlying ETF’s and, in turn, a Portfolio's participation in market gains, particularly during periods when market values are increasing, but market volatility is high.
Risks of Equity Investments
Each Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that emphasize investments in equity securities or other equity instruments. Therefore, as an investor in a Portfolio, the return on your investment will be based, to some extent, on the risks and rewards of equity securities or other equity instruments.
As a general matter, the EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio, EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio, Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio will be subject to the risks of investing in equity securities to a greater extent than the EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio and EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio.
The risks of investing in equity securities or other equity instruments include:
Convertible Securities Risk A convertible security is a form of hybrid security; that is, a security with both debt and equity characteristics. The value of a convertible security fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer and also fluctuates in relation to changes in the price of the underlying common stock. A convertible security tends to perform more like a stock when the underlying stock price is high relative to the conversion price (because more of the security’s value resides in the option to convert) and more like a debt security when the underlying stock price is low relative to the conversion price (because the option to convert is less valuable). Because its value can be influenced by many different factors, a convertible security generally is not as sensitive to interest rate changes as a similar non-convertible debt security, and generally has less potential for gain or loss than the underlying stock. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument, which may be less than the current market price of the security. If a convertible security held by a Portfolio is called for redemption, the Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Investments by a Portfolio in convertible debt securities may not be subject to any ratings restrictions, but a Portfolio's investment manager will consider ratings, and any changes to ratings, in its determination of whether the Portfolio should invest in and/or continue to hold the securities. Convertible securities are subject to equity risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk and are often lower-quality securities. Lower quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer-specific risks that apply to the underlying common stock. To the extent a Portfolio invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-cap companies, it also will be subject to the risks of investing in these companies. The securities of small- and mid-cap companies are often more volatile and less liquid than the securities of larger companies. Convertible securities are normally “junior” securities, which means an issuer usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If an issuer stops making interest or principal payments, these securities may become worthless and a Portfolio could lose its entire investment. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities may be paid before the company’s common stock holders
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but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company. To the extent a Portfolio invests in securities that may be considered “enhanced” convertible securities, some or all of these risks may be more pronounced.
Dividend Risk Dividends received on common stocks are not fixed but are paid at the discretion of an issuer’s board of directors. There is no guarantee that the companies in which a Portfolio invests will pay dividends in the future or that dividends, if paid, will remain at current levels or increase over time. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise, the prices of such securities may fall. A sharp rise in interest rates, or other market downturn, could result in a decision to decrease or eliminate a dividend.
Equity RiskIn general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company’s financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. Stock markets tend to run in cycles, with periods when stock prices generally go up and periods when stock prices generally go down. However, stock markets also can move up and down rapidly and unpredictably. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed-income securities. A Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) Risk A Portfolio's shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses paid by the ETFs in which it invests, in addition to the Portfolio's direct fees and expenses. The cost of investing in a Portfolio, therefore, may be higher than the cost of investing in a mutual fund that invests directly in individual stocks and bonds. In addition, a Portfolio's net asset value will be subject to fluctuations in the market values of the ETFs in which it invests. A Portfolio is also subject to the risks associated with the securities or other investments in which the ETFs invest, and the ability of the Portfolio to meet its investment objective will directly depend on the ability of the ETFs to meet their investment objectives. The extent to which the investment performance and risks associated with a Portfolio correlate to those of a particular ETF will depend upon the extent to which the Portfolio's assets are allocated from time to time for investment in the ETF, which will vary. A Portfolio does not control the investments of the ETFs, which may have different investment objectives and may engage in investment strategies that the Portfolio would not engage in directly. The ETFs may change their investment objectives or policies without the approval of a Portfolio. If that were to occur, the Portfolio might be forced to sell its investment in an ETF at a time and price that is unfavorable to the Portfolio.
In addition, many ETFs invest in securities included in, or representative of, underlying indexes regardless of investment merit or market trends and, therefore, these ETFs do not change their investment strategies to respond to changes in the economy, which means that such an ETF may be particularly susceptible to a general decline in the market segment relating to the relevant index. Imperfect correlation between an ETF’s securities and those in the index it seeks to track, rounding of prices, changes to the indices and regulatory policies may cause an ETF’s performance not to match the performance of its index. An ETF’s use of a representative sampling approach will result in it holding a smaller number of securities than are in the index it seeks to track. As a result, an adverse development respecting an issuer of securities held by the ETF could result in a greater decline in net asset value than would be the case if the ETF held all of the securities in the index. To the extent the assets in the ETF are smaller, these risks will be greater. No ETF fully replicates its index, and an ETF may hold securities not included in its index. Therefore, there is a risk that the investment strategy of the ETF manager may not produce the intended results.
Moreover, there is the risk that an ETF may value certain securities at a price higher than the price at which it can sell them. Secondary market trading in shares of ETFs may be halted by a national securities exchange because of market conditions or for other reasons. In addition, trading in these shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements necessary to maintain the listing of the shares will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In addition, although ETFs are listed for trading on national securities exchanges, certain foreign exchanges and in over-the-counter markets, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained, in which case the liquidity and value of a Portfolio's investment in the ETFs could be substantially and adversely affected. In addition, because ETFs are traded on these exchanges and in these markets, the purchase and sale of their shares involve transaction fees and commissions. The market price of an ETF may be different from the net asset value of such ETF (i.e., an ETF may trade at a discount or premium to its net asset value). The performance of a Portfolio that invests in such an ETF could be adversely impacted.
Financial Services Sector Risk To the extent a Portfolio invests in the financial services sector, the value of the Portfolio's shares may be particularly vulnerable to factors affecting that sector, such as the availability and cost of capital funds, changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, extensive government regulation and price competition. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Focused Portfolio Risk A Portfolio that employs a strategy of investing in the securities of a limited number of companies may incur more risk because changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either positive or negative, on
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the Portfolio’s net asset value. A Portfolio using such a focused investment strategy may experience greater performance volatility than a Portfolio that is more broadly invested.
Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) Risk Securities issued in IPOs are subject to many of the same risks as investing in companies with smaller market capitalizations. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. Prior to an IPO, there is no public market for an issuer’s securities, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be sustained following the IPO. In addition, the prices of securities sold in IPOs may be highly volatile. Therefore, a Portfolio may hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. At times, a Portfolio may not be able to invest in securities issued in IPOs, or invest to the extent desired, if, for example, only a small portion of the securities being offered in an IPO are made available to the Portfolio. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. Similarly, as the number of portfolios to which IPO securities are allocated increases, the number of securities allocated to any one portfolio may decrease. To the extent a Portfolio with a small asset base invests in IPOs, a significant portion of its returns may be attributable to its investments in IPOs, which have a magnified impact on Portfolios with small asset bases. The impact of IPOs on such a Portfolio's performance will likely decrease as the Portfolio's asset size increases, which could reduce the Portfolio's returns. There is no guarantee that as such a Portfolio's assets grow it will continue to experience substantially similar performance by investing in profitable IPOs.
Large-Cap Company RiskLarger more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, which may lead to a decline in their market price. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. Investing more heavily in one market capitalization category (large, medium or small) carries the risk that due to market conditions that category may be out of favor with investors.
Mid-Cap, Small-Cap and Micro-Cap Company RiskA Portfolio's investments in mid-, small- and micro-cap companies may involve greater risks than investments in larger, more established issuers because they generally are more vulnerable than larger companies to adverse business or economic developments, which can negatively affect their value. Such companies generally have narrower product lines, more limited financial and management resources and more limited markets for their securities as compared with larger companies. Their securities may be less well-known and trade less frequently and in limited volume compared with the securities of larger, more established companies. As a result, the value of such securities may be more volatile than the value of securities of larger companies, and the Portfolio may experience difficulty in purchasing or selling such securities at the desired time and price or in the desired amount. Mid-, small- and micro-cap companies also are typically subject to greater changes in earnings and business prospects than larger companies. Consequently, the prices of mid-, small- and micro-cap company securities tend to rise and fall in value more frequently than the prices of securities of larger companies. Although investing in mid-, small- and micro-cap companies offers potential for above-average returns, the companies may not succeed and the value of their securities could decline significantly. In general, these risks are greater for small- and micro-cap companies than for mid-cap companies. Investing more heavily in one market capitalization category (large, medium or small) carries the risk that due to market conditions that category may be out of favor with investors.
Preferred Stock Risk Preferred stock is subject to many of the risks associated with debt securities, including interest rate risk. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer. Shareholders may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. In certain situations an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer’s financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities. Preferred stock also may be less liquid than common stock. To the extent that a Portfolio invests a substantial portion of its assets in convertible preferred stocks, declining common stock values may also cause the value of the Portfolio's investments to decline.
Real Estate Investing RiskReal estate-related investments may decline in value as a result of factors affecting the overall real estate industry. Real estate is a cyclical business, highly sensitive to supply and demand, general and local economic developments and characterized by intense competition and periodic overbuilding. Real estate income and values also may be greatly affected by demographic trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values. Losses may occur from casualty or condemnation, and government actions, such as tax law changes, zoning law changes, regulatory limitations on rents, or environmental regulations, also may have a major impact on real estate. The availability of mortgages and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. Changing interest rates and credit quality requirements also will affect the cash flow of real estate companies and their ability to meet capital needs. In addition, global climate change may have an adverse effect on property and security values.
Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) generally invest directly in real estate (equity REITs), in mortgages secured by interests in real estate (mortgage REITs) or in some combination of the two (hybrid REITs). Investing in REITs exposes investors to the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way in which REITs are organized and operated. Equity REITs may
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be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations. The risk of defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages involving borrowers with blemished credit histories. The liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Operating REITs requires specialized management skills, and a Portfolio that invests in REITs indirectly bears REIT management and administration expenses along with the direct expenses of the Portfolio. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. Domestic REITs also must satisfy specific Internal Revenue Code requirements in order to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of net investment income and net realized gains distributed to shareholders. Failure to meet these requirements may have adverse consequences on an investing Portfolio. Similar treatment may also apply to REIT-like entities under the laws of the countries in which they were formed. In addition, even the larger REITs in the industry tend to be small- to medium-sized companies in relation to the equity markets as a whole. Moreover, shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers.
Special Situations Risk A Portfolio may seek to benefit from “special situations,” such as acquisitions, mergers, consolidations, bankruptcies, liquidations, reorganizations, restructurings, tender or exchange offers or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. In general, securities of companies which are the subject of a tender or exchange offer or an acquisition, merger, consolidation, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or restructuring proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the transaction. However, it is possible that the value of securities of a company involved in such a transaction will not rise and in fact may fall, in which case a Portfolio would lose money. It is also possible that a Sub-Adviser’s assessment that a particular company is likely to be acquired or acquired during a specific time frame may be incorrect, in which case a Portfolio may not realize any premium on its investment and could lose money if the value of the securities declines during the Portfolio's holding period. A Portfolio's return also could be adversely impacted to the extent that a Sub-Adviser’s strategies fail to identify companies for investment by the Portfolio that become the subject of a merger or similar transaction that results in an increase in the value of the securities of those companies. Moreover, publicly announced mergers and similar types of transactions may be renegotiated or terminated, in which case a Portfolio may lose money. In addition, if a transaction takes a longer time to close than a Sub-Adviser originally anticipated, a Portfolio may realize a lower-than-expected rate of return. In some circumstances, the securities purchased may be illiquid making it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them at an advantageous price.
Unseasoned Companies Risk Unseasoned companies are companies that have been in operation for less than three years, including operations of any predecessors. These securities may have limited liquidity and their prices may be very volatile.
Risks of Fixed Income Investments
Each Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that invest primarily in debt securities. Therefore, as an investor in a Portfolio, the return on your investment will be based, to some extent, on the risks and rewards of fixed income securities or bonds or other debt instruments. Examples of bonds include, but are not limited to, corporate debt securities (including notes), mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, securities issued by the U.S. government and obligations issued by both government agency and private issuers. Bond issuers may be foreign corporations or governments as described in each Underlying Portfolio’s or Underlying ETF’s investment strategies. In addition to bonds, debt securities also include money market instruments.
As a general matter, the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio and EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio will be subject to the risks of investing in fixed income securities to a greater extent than the EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio, EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio, Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio.
The risks of investing in fixed income securities or other fixed income instruments include:
Banking Industry Sector Risk To the extent a Portfolio invests in the banking industry, it is exposed to the risks generally associated with such industry, including interest rate risk, credit risk and the risk that regulatory developments relating to the banking industry may affect its investment. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Collateralized Loan Obligations Risk Collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) involve many of the risks associated with debt securities including, but not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. The risks of an investment in a CLO also depend largely on the quality and type of the collateral and the class or “tranche” of the CLO in which a Portfolio invests. Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CLOs may be characterized by a Portfolio as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market, or other relevant measures of liquidity, may exist for CLOs allowing
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a CLO potentially to be deemed liquid under a Portfolio's liquidity policies. CLOs carry risks including, but not limited to: (a) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (b) the risk that the quality of the collateral securities may decline in value or default, particularly during periods of economic downturn; (c) the possibility that a Portfolio may invest in CLOs that are subordinate to other classes; and (d) the risk that the complex structure of CLOs may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. CLOs also can be difficult to value and may be highly leveraged (which could make them highly volatile), and the use of CLOs may result in losses to a Portfolio.
Credit RiskA Portfolio is subject to the risk that the issuer or the guarantor (or other obligor, such as a party providing insurance or other credit enhancement) of a fixed income security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract, repurchase agreement, loan of portfolio securities or other transaction, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived (whether by market participants, ratings agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or otherwise honor its obligations, which may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. Securities are subject to varying degrees of credit risk, which are often reflected in their credit ratings. Higher credit ratings correspond to lower perceived credit risk, and lower credit ratings correspond to higher perceived credit risk. However, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes to credit ratings in response to subsequent events and a credit rating may become stale in that it fails to reflect changes in an issuer’s financial condition. Credit ratings also may be influenced by conflicts of interest. Credit ratings represent a rating agency’s opinion regarding the quality of a security and are not a guaranty of quality. Credit ratings do not protect against a decline in the value of a security. The downgrade of a security’s credit rating may decrease its value. Lower credit quality also may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and may negatively affect a security’s liquidity. The credit quality of a security can deteriorate suddenly and rapidly. When a fixed income security is not rated, an investment manager may have to assess the risk of the security itself. In addition, legislation and regulations to reform rating agencies could adversely impact a Portfolio's investments or investment process.
Distressed Companies RiskA Portfolio may invest in distressed debt securities, including loans, bonds and notes, many of which are not publicly traded and may involve a substantial degree of risk. Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower-rated or close to default. Distressed debt securities include securities of companies that are in financial distress and that may be in or about to enter bankruptcy. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for these securities. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average price volatility. It may be difficult to obtain financial information regarding the financial condition of a borrower or issuer, and its financial condition may change rapidly. It may be more difficult to value such securities and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than expected. A Portfolio may lose a substantial portion or all of its investment in such securities or it may be required to accept cash, securities or other property with a value less than the Portfolio's original investment. Defaulted debt securities involve risks such as the possibility of complete loss of the investment where the issuer does not restructure to enable it to resume principal and interest payments. If the issuer of a security held by a Portfolio defaults, the Portfolio may experience a significant or complete loss on the security. Securities tend to lose much of their value before the issuer defaults. The Portfolio may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.
Inflation-Indexed Bonds Risk Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to inflation. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates represent nominal (stated) interest rates reduced by the expected impact of inflation. In general, inflation-indexed bonds, including Treasury inflation-indexed securities, decline in value when real interest rates rise and rise in value when real interest rates decline. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed bonds may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar durations. Interest payments on inflation-indexed debt securities can be unpredictable and may vary as the principal and/or interest is adjusted for inflation. In periods of deflation, a Portfolio may have no income at all from such investments. The principal value of an investment in a Portfolio is not protected or otherwise guaranteed by the value of the Portfolio's investments in inflation-indexed debt securities.
Interest Rate Risk Changes in interest rates may affect the yield, liquidity and value of investments in income producing or debt securities. Changes in interest rates also may affect the value of other securities. When interest rates rise, the value of a Portfolio's debt securities generally declines. Conversely, when interest rates decline, the value of a Portfolio's debt securities generally rises. Typically, the longer the maturity (i.e., the term of a debt security) or duration (i.e., a measure of the sensitivity of a debt security to changes in market interest rates, based on the entire cash flow associated with the security) of a debt security, the greater the effect a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. For example, if a debt security has a duration of five years and interest rates increase by 1%, the debt security’s price typically would be expected to decline by approximately 5%. Thus, the sensitivity of a Portfolio's debt securities to interest rate risk will increase with any increase in the duration of those securities. Greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates may increase the volatility of a debt security’s value and may lead to losses. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and are influenced by a number of factors, including government policy, monetary policy, inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, perceptions of risk, and supply and demand of bonds. Changes in government monetary policy, including changes in federal tax policy or changes in a central bank’s implementation of specific policy
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goals, may have a substantial and immediate impact on interest rates. However, there can be no guarantee that any particular government or central bank policy will be continued, discontinued or changed, or that any such policy will have the desired effect on interest rates. Short-term and long-term interest rates, and interest rates in different countries, do not necessarily move in the same direction or by the same amount.
Interest rates in the United States and many parts of the world continue to be near historically low levels. The historically low interest rate environment was created in part by the world’s major central banks keeping their overnight policy interest rates at, near or below zero percent and implementing monetary policy facilities, such as asset purchase programs, to anchor longer-term interest rates below historical levels in response to economic challenges and uncertainty, including that brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain countries have experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income instruments. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk by, among other things, reducing or eliminating interest income and causing declines in the value of investments in income producing or debt securities. A significant or rapid rise in interest rates also could result in losses, which could be substantial, to a Portfolio. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Portfolio performance to the extent a Portfolio is exposed to such interest rates.
Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact on various markets of a significant rate increase or other significant policy changes. However, due to concerns regarding rising inflation in many sectors of the U.S. and global economy, it is expected that the U.S. and many foreign governments and monetary authorities will raise interest rates and implement other policy initiatives that are intended to contain the impacts of rising inflation. Rising interest rates may present a particularly greater risk than has historically been the case due to the current period of relatively low rates and the effect of government fiscal and monetary policy initiatives and potential market reaction to those initiatives, or their alteration or cessation.
Inverse Floaters RiskInverse floaters are securities with a floating or variable rate of interest (i.e., the rate of interest varies with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as the prime rate, or at specified intervals). Inverse floaters have interest rates that tend to move in the opposite direction as the specified market rates or indices and may exhibit substantially greater price volatility than fixed rate obligations having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturity. Any increase in the reference rate of an inverse floater (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a drop in the coupon rate, while any drop in the reference rate of an inverse floater causes an increase in the coupon rate. Inverse floaters generally will underperform the market for fixed rate securities in a rising interest rate environment. Inverse floater collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) exhibit greater price volatility than the majority of mortgage-related securities. In addition, some inverse floater CMOs exhibit extreme sensitivity to changes in prepayments. As a result, the yield to maturity of an inverse floater CMO is sensitive not only to changes in interest rates but also to changes in prepayment rates on the related underlying mortgage assets. Inverse floaters typically involve leverage, which can magnify a Portfolio's losses; accordingly, the holder of an inverse floater could lose more than its principal investment.
Investment Grade Securities Risk Debt securities generally are rated by national bond ratings agencies. A Portfolio considers securities to be investment grade if they are rated BBB or higher by S&P or Fitch, or Baa or higher by Moody’s, or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality. Securities rated in the lower investment grade rating categories (e.g., BBB or Baa) are considered investment grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than higher rated obligations because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may possess certain speculative characteristics.
LIBOR RiskTrillions of dollars’ worth of financial products and contracts around the world, including some of the Portfolios' investments, utilize the London Interbank Offered Rate (or “LIBOR”) as the reference or benchmark rate for variable interest rate calculations. LIBOR is produced daily by averaging the rates reported by a number of banks. LIBOR may be a significant factor in determining a Portfolio's payment obligations under a derivative investment, the cost of financing to a Portfolio, or an investment’s value or return to a Portfolio, and may be used in other ways that affect a Portfolio's investment performance. The publication of various LIBOR settings either has been, or is in the process of being, discontinued. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) has been selected by a committee established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to replace LIBOR as a reference or benchmark rate in the United States. Other countries have undertaken similar initiatives to identify replacement reference or benchmark rates in their respective markets. However, there are obstacles to converting certain existing investments and transactions to a new reference or benchmark rate, as well as risks associated with using a new reference or benchmark rate with respect to new investments and transactions. The transition process, or a failure to transition properly, might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on the LIBOR to determine interest rates, a reduction in the values of some LIBOR-based investments, and reduced effectiveness of certain hedging strategies, which may adversely affect a Portfolio's performance or net asset value. While some LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR becomes unreliable or is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, not all may have such provisions and there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to LIBOR ceasing to be published.
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In addition, the SOFR or other alternative reference or benchmark rate may be an ineffective substitute with respect to an existing or new investment or transaction, resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions for a Portfolio, which could negatively affect the Portfolio's performance and/or net asset value.
SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and has been published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since April 2018. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York also has been publishing historical indicative Secured Overnight Financing Rates from 2014. Historical changes or trends in SOFR may not be reliable as indicators of future changes in SOFR. The composition and characteristics of SOFR are not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR because (1) SOFR is a secured rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate, and (2) SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market volatility, or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. In addition, there can be no assurance that “Term SOFR,” which would be available for different maturities, develops and can be implemented under current documentation as a successor to LIBOR or currently-available SOFR methodologies.
Additionally, daily changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily changes in other benchmark or market rates, such as LIBOR. The return on and value of an investment in notes or other investments linked to SOFR may fluctuate more than the value of investments that are linked to less volatile rates. In addition, the volatility of SOFR has reflected the underlying volatility of the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has at times conducted operations in the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market in order to help maintain the federal funds rate within a target range. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will continue to conduct such operations in the future, and the duration and extent of such operations is inherently uncertain. The effect of any such operations, or of the cessation of such operations to the extent they are commenced, is uncertain and could result in losses to a Portfolio.
SOFR is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on data that it receives from various sources. There can be no guarantee, particularly given its relatively recent introduction, that SOFR will not be discontinued or fundamentally altered in a manner that is materially adverse to the interests of investors in a Portfolio. If the manner in which SOFR is calculated is changed, that change may result in a reduction in the amount of interest payable on a Portfolio's investments and the trading prices of those investments. In addition, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may withdraw, modify or amend published SOFR data in its sole discretion and without notice. The interest rate for any interest period typically will not be adjusted for any modifications or amendments to SOFR data that may be published after the interest rate for that interest period has been determined.
Since SOFR is a relatively new reference rate, a Portfolio's investments in debt securities and other instruments linked to SOFR may not have an established trading market, and an established trading market may never develop or may not be very liquid. Market terms for instruments linked to SOFR, such as the spread over the base rate reflected in interest rate provisions or the manner of compounding the base rate, may evolve over time, and trading prices for such instruments may be lower than those of later-issued SOFR-based debt instruments as a result. Similarly, if SOFR does not prove to be widely used, the trading price of investments linked to SOFR may be lower than those of investments linked to reference rates that are more widely used. A Portfolio may not be able to sell the investments at all or may not be able to sell them at prices that will provide a yield comparable to similar investments that have a developed secondary market, and may consequently suffer from increased pricing volatility and market risk.
Loan Risk Loan interests are subject to liquidity risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, the risk of subordination to other creditors, restrictions on resale, and the lack of a regular trading market and publicly available information. Loan interests may be difficult to value and may have extended trade settlement periods (bank loans may have trade settlement periods that extend beyond seven days). As a result, the proceeds from the sale of a loan may not be available to make additional investments or to meet redemption obligations until potentially a substantial period after the sale of the loan. The extended trade settlement periods could force a Portfolio to liquidate other securities to meet redemptions and may present a risk that the Portfolio may incur losses in order to timely honor redemptions.
A Portfolio’s investments in loans are subject to the risk that the Portfolio will not receive payment of interest, principal and other amounts due in connection with these investments and will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. Fully secured loans offer a Portfolio more protection than unsecured loans in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, although there is no assurance that the liquidation of a secured loan’s collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation or that the collateral could be readily liquidated. In addition, a Portfolio's access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. In the event of a default, a Portfolio may not recover its principal, may experience a substantial delay in recovering its investment and may not receive interest during the delay. Unsecured loans are subject to a greater risk of default than secured loans, especially during periods of deteriorating economic conditions. Unsecured loans also have a greater risk of nonpayment in the event of a default than secured loans since there is no recourse for the lender to collateral. Loans in which a Portfolio may invest may be made to finance highly leveraged corporate transactions. The highly leveraged capital structure of the borrowers in such transactions may make
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such loans especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. In addition, loan interests may be unrated, and a Portfolio's Sub-Adviser may be required to rely exclusively on its own analysis of the borrower in determining whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, a loan. Loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as a Portfolio, therefore may not have the benefit of the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Loan agreements, which set forth the terms of a loan and the obligations of the borrower and lender, contain certain covenants that mandate or prohibit certain borrower actions, including financial covenants (or “maintenance covenants”) that dictate certain minimum and maximum financial performance levels. Certain types of loans contain fewer maintenance covenants than traditional loans (or no maintenance covenants at all) and may not include terms that permit the lender to monitor the financial performance of the borrower and declare an event of default if certain criteria are breached. This may hinder a Portfolio's ability to reprice credit risk associated with the borrower and reduce a Portfolio's ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. As a result, a Portfolio's exposure to losses on these types of loans may be increased, especially during a downturn in the credit cycle.
A Portfolio may acquire a loan interest by obtaining an assignment of all or a portion of the interests in a particular loan that are held by an original lender or a prior assignee. As an assignee, a Portfolio normally will succeed to all rights and obligations of its assignor with respect to the portion of the loan that is being assigned. However, the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of a loan assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the original lenders or the assignor. A Portfolio may also purchase a participation in a loan interest that is held by another party. When a Portfolio's loan interest is a participation, the Portfolio may have less control over the exercise of remedies than the party selling the participation interest, and the Portfolio normally would not have any direct rights against the borrower. It is possible that a Portfolio could be held liable, or may be called upon to fulfill other obligations, with respect to loans in which it receives an assignment in whole or in part, or in which it owns a participation. The potential for such liability is greater for an assignee than for a participant.
Money Market RiskAlthough a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund’s investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund’s yield and can cause the price of a money market security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation. A low- or negative-interest rate environment may prevent a money market fund from providing a positive yield, and could negatively impact a money market fund’s ability to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share. In the event that any money market fund that seeks to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value fails to maintain a stable net asset value (or if there is a perceived threat that a money market fund is likely to fail to maintain a stable net asset value), money market funds in general could face increased redemption pressures, which could jeopardize the stability of their net asset values. Certain money market funds have in the past failed to maintain stable $1.00 net asset values, and there can be no assurance that such failures and resulting redemption pressures will not occur in the future.
Certain money market funds are institutional money market funds, which means that the net asset value of the fund’s shares will “float”. A money market fund with a floating net asset value does not maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share; rather, its net asset value will fluctuate with changes in the values of the securities in which the fund invests. Shares sold utilizing a floating net asset value may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. An institutional money market fund may impose a fee upon the redemption of fund shares or may temporarily suspend the ability to redeem shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors.
Money market funds are subject to specific rules that affect the manner in which these funds are structured and operated. These rules are subject to change. A change in these rules may impact a money market fund’s expenses, operations, returns and liquidity.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk Investments in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to credit risk, liquidity risk, the risk of default, interest rate risk, and prepayment and extension risk, sometimes to a greater extent than various other types of fixed income investments. Declines in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may decrease the value of such securities, which could result in losses to a Portfolio, and may reduce the liquidity of such securities and make such securities more difficult to purchase or sell at an advantageous time and price. In addition, borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities. The risk of defaults by borrowers generally is greater during times of rising interest rates and/or unemployment rates. The impairment (or loss) of the value of collateral or other assets underlying mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities will result in a reduction in the value of the securities. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of default, or may be lost, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully cover payments due on such collateral. Asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk. In addition, even when there is no default or threat of default, instability in the markets for mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may reduce (at times, significantly) the liquidity of such securities. As a result, the value of such securities may decrease and a Portfolio may incur greater losses on the sale of such securities than under more stable market conditions. Furthermore, instability and illiquidity
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in the market for lower-rated mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may affect the overall market for such securities, thereby impacting the liquidity and value of higher-rated securities.
If a Portfolio purchases mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities that are “subordinated” to other interests in the same pool, the Portfolio, as a holder of those securities, may receive payments only after the pool’s obligations to other investors have been satisfied. For example, an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may limit substantially the pool’s ability to make payments of principal or interest to the Portfolio as a holder of such subordinated securities, reducing the values of those securities or in some cases rendering them worthless. In addition, certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to “subprime” borrowers or borrowers with blemished credit histories. The underwriting standards for subprime loans may be lower and more flexible than the standards generally used by lenders for borrowers with non-blemished credit histories with regard to the borrowers’ credit standing and repayment ability. Borrowers who qualify generally have impaired credit histories, which may include a record of major derogatory credit items such as outstanding judgments or prior bankruptcies. In addition, they may not have the documentation required to qualify for a standard loan. As a result, the loans in the pool are likely to experience rates of delinquency, foreclosure, and bankruptcy that are higher, and that may be substantially higher, than those experienced by loans underwritten in a more traditional manner. In addition, changes in the values of the assets underlying the loans (if any), as well as changes in interest rates, may have a greater effect on the delinquency, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and loss experience of the loans in the pool than on loans originated in a more traditional manner. The risk of defaults by borrowers is generally higher in the case of asset or mortgage pools that include subprime assets or mortgages, and the liquidity and value of subprime mortgages and non-investment grade mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac could change dramatically over time.
Payment of interest and repayment of principal, the schedule for which varies based on the terms of the loan, may be largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit or liquidity enhancements. There can be no assurance that insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. Furthermore, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities typically provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to decrease because borrowers are less likely to prepay debt (such as mortgage debt or automobile loans). Slower than expected payments can extend the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and this may lock in a below market interest rate and increase the security’s duration and interest rate sensitivity, which may increase the volatility of the security’s value and may lead to losses. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase because borrowers are more likely to pay off debt and refinance at the lower interest rates then available. Unscheduled prepayments shorten the average lives of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and may result in the Portfolio's having to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates. Unscheduled prepayments also would limit the potential for capital appreciation on these securities and may make them less effective than other fixed income securities as a means of “locking in” long-term interest rates, thereby reducing the Portfolio's income. Prepayment rates are difficult to predict, and the potential impact of prepayments on the value of a mortgage-related or other asset-backed security depends on the terms of the instrument and can result in significant volatility.
Privately issued mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may be subject to heightened liquidity risk. During periods of market stress or high redemptions, a Portfolio may be forced to sell these securities at significantly reduced prices, resulting in losses. Liquid privately issued mortgaged-related and other asset-backed securities can become illiquid during periods of market stress. Privately issued mortgage-related securities are not subject to the same underwriting standards for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-related securities that have U.S. government or government-sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) guarantees. As a result, the mortgage loans underlying privately issued mortgage-related securities may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk, liquidity risk, or other underwriting characteristics than U.S. government or GSE mortgage-related securities.
Mortgage-backed securities issued in the form of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities. In periods of supply and demand imbalances in the market for CMOs or in periods of sharp interest rate movements, the prices of CMOs may fluctuate to a greater extent than would be expected from interest rate movements alone. CMOs and other mortgage-backed securities may be structured similarly to collateralized debt obligations and may be subject to similar risks.
Non-Investment Grade Securities RiskBonds rated below BBB by S&P or Fitch, or below Baa by Moody’s or, if unrated, determined by the investment manager to be of comparable quality, are speculative in nature, involve greater risk of default by the issuing entity and may be subject to greater market fluctuations than higher rated fixed income securities. Non-investment grade bonds, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by those companies with questionable credit strength. The creditworthiness of issuers of non-investment grade debt securities may be more complex to analyze than that of issuers of investment grade debt securities, and the reliance on credit ratings may
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present additional risks. The retail secondary market for these “junk bonds” may be less liquid than that of higher rated securities and adverse conditions could make it difficult at times to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating a Portfolio's net asset value. A Portfolio investing in “junk bonds” may also be subject to greater credit risk because it may invest in debt securities issued in connection with corporate restructuring by highly leveraged issuers or in debt securities not current in the payment of interest or principal or in default. If the issuer of a security is in default with respect to interest or principal payments, a Portfolio may lose its entire investment. The credit rating of a below investment grade security does not necessarily address its market value risk and may not reflect its actual credit risk. Ratings and market value may change from time to time, positively or negatively, to reflect new developments regarding the issuer. Because of the risks involved in investing in below investment grade securities, an investment in a Portfolio that invests substantially in such securities should be considered speculative.
Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk Prepayment risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by a Portfolio may pay off principal more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Falling interest rates generally result in quicker payoffs as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. Extension risk is the risk that the issuer of a security held by a Portfolio may pay off principal more slowly than originally anticipated. Rising interest rates generally result in slower payoffs, which effectively increase the duration of certain debt securities and heighten interest rate risk. Additionally, a Portfolio may be prevented from reinvesting the proceeds it would have received at a given time in an investment offering a higher yield.
Sovereign Debt Securities RiskSovereign debt securities are subject to the risk that a governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt for a variety of reasons including, for example, cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy, or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies. If a governmental entity defaults, it may ask for more time in which to pay or for further loans. In addition, there are generally no bankruptcy proceedings similar to those in the U.S. by which defaulted sovereign debt obligations may be collected and there may be few or no effective legal remedies for collecting on such debt. Sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging market issuers. Certain emerging market or developing countries are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulties in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis, which has led to defaults and the restructuring of certain indebtedness.
U.S. Government Securities RiskAlthough a Portfolio may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Portfolio itself and do not guarantee the market prices of the securities. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or other agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government may decline in value as a result of, among other things, changes in interest rates, political events in the United States, international developments, including strained relations with foreign countries, and changes in the credit rating of, or investor perceptions regarding the creditworthiness of, the U.S. government. Furthermore, not all securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury involve greater credit risk than investments in other types of U.S. government securities. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. Increases or decreases in the demand for U.S. government securities may occur at any time and may result in increased volatility in the values of those securities.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk The market prices of securities with variable and floating interest rates are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than are the market prices of securities with fixed interest rates. Variable and floating rate securities may decline in value if market interest rates or interest rates paid by such securities do not move as expected. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally rise in value if market interest rates decline. Certain types of floating rate securities, such as interests in bank loans, may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.
Certain variable and floating rate securities have an interest rate floor feature, which prevents the interest rate payable by the security from dropping below a specified level as compared to a reference interest rate (the “reference rate”). Such a floor protects a Portfolio from losses resulting from a decrease in the reference rate below the specified level. However, if the reference rate is below the floor, there will be a lag between a rise in the reference rate and a rise in the interest rate payable by the security, and a Portfolio may not benefit from increasing interest rates for a significant period of time. Rates on certain variable rate securities typically reset only periodically. As a result, changes in prevailing interest rates, particularly sudden and significant changes, can cause some fluctuations in a Portfolio's value to the extent that it invests in variable rate securities.
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When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments RiskWhen-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security a Portfolio buys will decline in value prior to its delivery. This risk is in addition to the risk that a Portfolio’s other assets will decline in value. Therefore, these transactions may result in a form of leverage and increase a Portfolio’s overall investment exposure. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, a Portfolio may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price.
Zero Coupon and Pay-in-Kind Securities Risk A zero coupon or pay-in-kind security pays no interest in cash to its holder during its life. Accordingly, zero coupon securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and, together with pay-in-kind securities, will be subject to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distribution of interest in cash. There is a risk that zero coupon securities may not keep pace with inflation.
Risks of Foreign Securities Investments
Each Portfolio may invest a varying portion of its assets in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that invest primarily in foreign securities or other foreign instruments. Therefore, as an investor in a Portfolio, the return on your investment will be based, to some extent, on the risks and rewards of foreign securities or other foreign instruments.
The risks of investing in foreign securities and other foreign instruments may include:
Foreign Securities RiskInvestments in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, involve risks not associated with, or more prevalent than those that may be associated with, investments in U.S. securities. The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position. Over a given period of time, foreign securities may underperform U.S. securities — sometimes for years. A Portfolio could also underperform if it invests in countries or regions whose economic performance falls short. Foreign markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less government supervision and regulation than U.S. markets, and it may take more time to clear and settle trades involving foreign securities. Security values also may be negatively affected by changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Differences between U.S. and foreign legal, political and economic systems, regulatory regimes and market practices, as well as trade barriers and other protectionist trade policies (including those of the U.S.), governmental instability, war or other political or economic actions or factors, also may adversely impact security values. Foreign securities are also subject to the risks associated with the potential imposition of economic or other sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals, businesses or industries. The costs of buying and selling foreign securities, including taxes, brokerage and custody costs, generally are higher than the costs of buying and selling domestic securities. World markets, or those in a particular region, may all react in similar fashion to important economic, political or other developments. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable and make such investments riskier and more volatile. In addition, securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations or holdings can involve risks relating to conditions in foreign countries. Regardless of where a company is organized or its stock is traded, its performance may be significantly affected by events in regions from which it derives its profits or in which it conducts significant operations.
Currency RiskInvestments in foreign currencies and in securities that trade in, or receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to foreign currencies are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Any such decline may erode or reverse any potential gains from an investment in securities denominated in foreign currency or may widen existing loss. To the extent a Portfolio invests or hedges based on the perceived relationship between two currencies, there is a risk that the correlation between those currencies may not behave as anticipated. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can be affected unpredictably by a number of factors, including changes in interest rates; intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities; investor perception of a country’s economy; or the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate in response to factors external to a country’s economy, which makes the forecasting of currency market movements extremely difficult. Currency risk may be particularly high to the extent that a Portfolio invests in foreign securities or currencies that are economically tied to emerging market countries.
Depositary Receipts RiskInvestments in depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts, European Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Receipts) are generally subject to the same risks of investing directly in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted. Unsponsored depositary receipts are issued by one or more depositaries in response to market demand, but without a formal agreement with the company that issues the underlying securities. Unsponsored depositary receipts may not provide as much information about the underlying issuer and may not carry the same voting privileges as sponsored depositary receipts. A Portfolio may therefore receive less timely information or have less
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control than if it invested directly in the foreign issuer. There also may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities.
Emerging Markets RiskEmerging market countries generally are located in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and Africa. There are greater risks and uncertainties involved in investing in emerging market countries and/or their securities markets, and investments in these countries and/or markets are more susceptible to loss than investments in developed countries and/or markets. Investments in these countries and/or markets may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, technical and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in developed countries. For instance, these countries may be more likely than developed countries to experience rapid and significant adverse developments in their political, economic or social structures or intervene in or manipulate financial markets. Some emerging market countries restrict foreign investments, impose high withholding or other taxes on foreign investments, impose restrictive exchange control regulations, or may nationalize or expropriate the assets of private companies. Therefore, a Portfolio may be limited in its ability to make direct or additional investments in an emerging market country or could lose the entire value of its investment in the affected market. Such restrictions also may have negative impacts on transaction costs, market price, and investment returns. The U.S. government also may impose restrictions on the ability of U.S. investors to hold and/or acquire securities of certain companies in emerging market countries, which may adversely impact a Portfolio.
In addition, companies in emerging market countries may be newly organized, smaller and less seasoned, and the securities markets of emerging market countries generally are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than those of developed countries. Shareholder claims and legal remedies that are common in the United States may be difficult or impossible to pursue in many emerging market countries. In addition, due to jurisdictional limitations, matters of comity and various other factors, U.S. authorities may be limited in their ability to bring enforcement actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons in certain emerging market countries. Emerging market countries often have less uniformity in (or may lack) regulatory, accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may impact the availability and quality of information about issuers; less reliable clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions; and less reliable registration and custodial procedures, which could result in ownership registration being completely lost. There are generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, transfer taxes, and higher custodial costs. A Portfolio may not know the identity of trading counterparties, which may increase the possibility of the Portfolio not receiving payment or delivery of securities in a transaction. Emerging market countries also may be subject to high inflation and rapid currency devaluations, and currency-hedging techniques may be unavailable in certain emerging market countries. In addition, some emerging market countries may be heavily dependent on international trade, which can materially affect their securities markets. Investments in frontier markets may be subject to greater levels of these risks than investments in more developed and traditional emerging markets.
European Economic RiskThe European Union’s (the “EU”) Economic and Monetary Union requires member countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, and other factors, each of which may significantly impact every European country and their economic partners. The economies of EU member countries and their trading partners may be adversely affected by changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of the EU), changes in EU or governmental regulations on trade and other areas, geopolitical tensions or conflicts, and the threat of default or an actual default by an EU member country on its sovereign debt, which could negatively impact a Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money. In recent years, the European financial markets have been negatively impacted by concerns relating to rising government debt levels and national unemployment; possible default on or restructuring of sovereign debt in several European countries; and economic downturns. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. A European country’s default or debt restructuring would adversely affect the holders of the country’s debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to the country’s creditworthiness and could negatively impact global markets more generally. Recent events in Europe may adversely affect the euro’s exchange rate and value and may continue to impact the economies of every European country and their economic partners.
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets.
In addition, uncertainties regarding the viability of the EU have impacted and may continue to impact markets in the United States and around the world. Withdrawals from the EU (or the possibility of such withdrawals or the dissolution of the EU) could cause additional and significant market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
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On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) officially withdrew from the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Following a transition period, the UK’s post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU went into effect on January 1, 2021. The full impact of Brexit and the nature of the future relationship between the UK and the EU remains uncertain. Brexit may create additional and substantial economic stresses for the UK, including a contraction of the UK economy, price volatility in UK stocks, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of the British pound, wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty, and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may negatively impact a Portfolio's investments and cause it to lose money.
Geographic Concentration RiskA Portfolio that invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies domiciled, or exercising the predominant part of their economic activity, in one country or geographic region assumes the risk that economic, political, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or region will have a significant impact on the Portfolio's investment performance and that the Portfolio's performance will be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified portfolios. From time to time, a small number of companies and industries may represent a large portion of the market in a particular country or region, and these companies and industries can be sensitive to adverse economic, political, social, currency, or regulatory developments. In addition, certain areas are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, droughts or tsunamis and are economically sensitive to environmental events. The risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area also are generally more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries.
International Fair Value Pricing RiskA Portfolio that invests in foreign securities is subject to the risk that its share price may be exposed to arbitrage attempts by investors seeking to capitalize on differences in the values of foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that may close before the time the Portfolio’s net asset value is determined. If such arbitrage attempts are successful, the Portfolio’s net asset value might be diluted. A Portfolio’s use of fair value pricing in certain circumstances may help deter such arbitrage activities. The effect of such fair value pricing is that foreign securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary foreign securities market in which they are traded, but rather may be priced using more subjective methods, known as fair value pricing. As such, it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale of a foreign security. It is also possible that the use of fair value pricing will limit a Portfolio’s ability to implement its investment strategy (e.g., reduce the volatility of the Portfolio’s share price) or achieve its investment objective.
Regulatory RiskLess information may be available about foreign companies. In general, foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements as are U.S. companies. Many foreign governments do not supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities to the same extent as does the United States and may not have laws to protect investors that are comparable to U.S. securities laws. In addition, some countries may have legal systems that may make it difficult for a Portfolio to vote proxies, exercise shareholder rights, and pursue legal remedies with respect to its foreign investments.
Settlement RiskSettlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement and clearance procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically associated with the settlement of U.S. investments. At times, settlements in certain foreign countries have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions. These problems may make it difficult for a Portfolio to carry out transactions. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a purchase of securities, it may miss attractive investment opportunities and certain of its assets may be uninvested with no return earned thereon for some period. If a Portfolio cannot settle or is delayed in settling a sale of securities, it may lose money if the value of the security then declines or, if it has contracted to sell the security to another party, the Portfolio could be liable for any losses incurred.
Trade Suspensions RiskSecurities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange, or by governmental authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and in instruments that reference the securities, such as derivative instruments, may be halted. In the event that a Portfolio holds material positions in such suspended securities or instruments, the Portfolio's ability to liquidate its positions may be compromised and the Portfolio could incur significant losses. Trade suspensions, or other restrictions on trading, and market closures could lead to affected securities being valued at zero.
Risks of Alternative Investments
The EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio may invest in certain Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that invest in alternative investments. Therefore, as an investor in the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio, the return on your investment will be based, to the extent of the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio’s investment, on the risks and rewards of alternative investments. Alternative
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investments may use a different approach to investing than do traditional investments (such as equity or fixed income investments) and, as a result, may have different characteristics and risks than do traditional investments. Alternative investments may be less liquid, particularly in periods of stress, more complex and less transparent, and may have more complicated tax considerations than traditional investments. The use of alternative investments may not achieve the desired effect. The following is a more detailed description of the primary risks of investing in alternative investments. In addition to the risks specific to alternative investments, the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that invest in alternative investments may be subject to the risks associated with equity, fixed income and foreign investments, certain of which are discussed earlier in this Prospectus.
Certain risks discussed below also may apply to Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that do not invest in alternative investments.
Commodity ETF Risk Because the value of the shares of an Underlying ETF that is based on a particular commodity depends on the price of that commodity, the value of those shares is subject to fluctuations similar to those affecting the commodity.
Commodity RiskExposure to the commodities markets, or a particular sector of the commodities markets, may subject a Portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities, and changes in those markets may cause the Portfolio's holdings to lose value. The commodities markets may fluctuate widely based on a variety of factors including changes in overall market movements, domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies, trade policies and tariffs, war, acts of terrorism, changes in exchange rates, domestic or foreign interest rates or inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, and trading activities in commodities. The frequency, duration and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. The prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors such as drought, floods and weather, pandemics, livestock disease, and embargoes, tariffs and regulatory developments. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions. Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers. As a result, political, economic and supply-related events in such countries could have a disproportionate impact on the prices of such commodities. Securities of companies that are dependent on a single commodity, or are concentrated in a single commodity sector, may exhibit even higher volatility attributable to commodity prices. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of a Portfolio to sell or realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of commodities investments.
Because the value of a commodity-linked derivative instrument typically is based upon the price movements of a physical commodity, the value of a commodity-linked derivative instrument may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity price volatility, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity. The value of these instruments will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index of investment. Some commodity-linked investments are issued by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issuers in the financial services sector may adversely affect a Portfolio's performance. Although investments in commodities may move in different directions than traditional equity securities and debt instruments, when the value of those traditional investments is declining due to adverse economic conditions, there is no guarantee that commodities will perform in that manner, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to those of traditional equity securities and debt instruments.
Energy Sector RiskThe energy markets have experienced significant volatility in recent periods. The energy sector is cyclical and highly dependent on commodities prices. The market values of companies in the energy sector may fluctuate widely and could be adversely affected by, among other factors, the levels and volatility of global energy prices, commodity price volatility, energy supply and demand, changes in exchange rates and interest rates, imposition of import controls, increased competition, capital expenditures on and the success of exploration and production, depletion of resources, development of alternative energy sources and energy conservation efforts, technological developments, cybersecurity incidents, tax treatment, labor relations, and the economic growth and stability of the key energy-consuming countries. Companies in this sector are subject to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings, and a significant portion of their revenues depends on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities. As a result, governmental budget constraints may have a material adverse effect on the stock prices of companies in this industry. Energy companies may also operate in or engage in transactions involving countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation, nationalization or other adverse policies. Energy companies also face a significant risk of liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property, pollution or other environmental mishaps, equipment malfunctions or mishandling of materials and a risk of loss from terrorism, political strife, natural disasters or other catastrophes. Any such event could result in a material adverse impact to a Portfolio’s holdings and the performance of a Portfolio. In addition, there is growing political pressure to reduce the use of fossil fuels, which could begin to impact the securities of companies in the fossil fuel industry and the prices of related commodities. The value of a Portfolio’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
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Increases in Hedging Activity RiskAn increase in hedging activity by producers of a commodity could cause a decline in world prices of that commodity, negatively impacting the price of a fund investing in that commodity.
Infrastructure Sector RiskCompanies in the infrastructure sector may be subject to a variety of factors that could adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction programs, high degrees of leverage, costs associated with governmental, environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdowns, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning costs, the level of government spending on infrastructure projects, the effects of natural disasters, and other factors. Infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, import controls, depletion of resources, technological developments, and labor relations. There is also the risk that corruption may negatively affect publicly funded infrastructure projects, especially in emerging markets, resulting in delays and cost overruns.
Infrastructure issuers can be significantly affected by government spending policies because companies involved in this industry rely to a significant extent on U.S. and other government demand for their products. In addition, infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by government regulation or world events (e.g., expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of capital, military coups, social or labor unrest, or violence) in the regions in which the companies operate. Infrastructure companies may have significant capital investments in, or engage in transactions involving, emerging market countries, which may heighten these risks. In addition, the failure of an infrastructure company to carry adequate insurance or to operate its assets appropriately could lead to significant losses. Infrastructure companies may be adversely affected by environmental clean-up costs and catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires and terrorist acts. Infrastructure-related securities may be issued by companies that are highly leveraged, less creditworthy or financially distressed. These investments are considered to be speculative and are subject to greater risk of loss, greater sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes, valuation difficulties, and potential illiquidity. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Natural Resources Sector RiskThe profitability of companies in the natural resources sector can be adversely affected by worldwide energy prices and other world events, limits on and the success of exploration projects, and production spending. Companies in the natural resources sector also could be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, changes in exchange rates, interest rates or inflation rates and/or investor expectations concerning such rates, changes in the supply of, or the demand for, natural resources, climate change, imposition of import controls, government regulation and intervention, civil conflict, economic conditions, increased competition, technological developments, and labor relations. In addition, companies in the natural resources sector may be subject to the risks generally associated with extraction of natural resources, such as the risks of mining and oil drilling, and the risks of the hazards associated with natural resources, such as natural or man-made disasters, fire, drought, liability for environmental damage claims, and increased regulatory and environmental costs. Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities have historically been very volatile due to various economic, financial, social and political factors and may adversely affect the financial condition of companies involved with precious metals. The value of a Portfolio's shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Oil and Gas Sector RiskThe profitability of companies in the oil and gas sector is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration costs, and production spending. Companies in the oil and gas sector may be at risk for environmental damage claims and other types of litigation, as well as negative publicity and perception. Companies in the oil and gas sector may be adversely affected by natural disasters or other catastrophes, changes in exchange rates, interest rates, changes in prices for competitive energy services, economic conditions, tax treatment, government regulation and intervention, and unfavorable events in the regions where companies operate (e.g., expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of capital, military coups, social unrest, violence or labor unrest). As a result, the value of these companies may fluctuate widely. Companies in the oil and gas sector may have significant capital investments in, or engage in transactions involving, emerging market countries, which may heighten these risks. The value of a Portfolio’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Precious Metals RiskPrecious metals, such as gold and silver, generate no interest or dividends, and the return from investments in such precious metals will be derived solely from the gains and losses realized upon sale. Prices of precious metals may fluctuate, sharply or gradually, and over short or long periods of time. The prices of precious metals may be significantly affected by factors such as changes in inflation or expectations regarding inflation in various countries, the availability of supplies and demand, changes in industrial and commercial demand, developments in the precious metals mining industries, precious metals sales by governments, central banks or international institutions, investment speculation, hedging activity by producers, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and monetary and other economic policies of various governments. In addition, because the majority of the world’s supply of gold and silver is concentrated in a few countries, such investments may be particularly susceptible to political, economic and environmental conditions and events in those countries.
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Sales of Gold by the Official Sector RiskA significant portion of the aggregate world gold holdings is owned by governments, central banks and related institutions. If one or more of these institutions decides to sell in amounts large enough to cause a decline in world gold prices, the price of an Underlying ETF that invests in gold will be adversely affected.
Utilities Sector Risk The utilities sector in general is subject to significant governmental regulation and review, which may result in limitations or delays with regard to changes in the rates that companies in this sector charge their customers. Other risk factors that may affect utility companies include the risk of increases in fuel and other operating costs; the high cost of borrowing to finance capital construction during inflationary periods; restrictions on operations and increased costs and delays associated with compliance with environmental and safety regulations; the potential impact of natural or man-made disasters; difficulties in obtaining natural gas or other key inputs; risks related to the construction and operation of power plants; the effects of energy conservation and the effects of regulatory changes. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on a Portfolio’s securities and the performance of the Portfolio. The value of a Portfolio’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
Other Investment Risks
The following is a description of certain other investment risks.
Dollar Roll and Sale-Buyback Transactions RiskDollar roll and sale-buyback transactions may increase a Portfolio's volatility and may be viewed as a form of leverage. There is also a risk that the counterparty will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to a Portfolio.
ESG Considerations RiskConsideration of environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors in the investment process may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to a Portfolio, and therefore carries the risk that, under certain market conditions, the Portfolio may underperform funds that do not consider ESG factors or use a different methodology to identify and/or integrate ESG factors. The integration of ESG considerations may affect a Portfolio’s exposure to certain sectors or types of investments and may impact a Portfolio’s relative investment performance depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Furthermore, ESG criteria are not uniformly defined, and a Portfolio's ESG criteria may differ from those used by other funds. A company’s ESG performance or the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of a company’s ESG performance may change over time, which could cause a Portfolio temporarily to hold securities that do not comply with the Portfolio’s responsible investment principles. In evaluating a company, the Sub-Adviser is dependent upon information or data that may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Sub-Adviser to incorrectly assess a company’s ESG performance. Socially responsible norms differ by region, and an issuer’s ESG practices or the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of an issuer’s ESG practices may change over time. Successful application of a Portfolio’s ESG considerations will depend on the Sub-Adviser’s skill in properly identifying and analyzing material ESG issues, and there can be no assurance that the considerations or techniques employed will be successful. There is also a risk that a Portfolio could have indirect exposure (through, including but not limited to, derivatives and investments in other investment companies) to issuers that do not meet the relevant ESG criteria used by the Portfolio. Further, investors may differ in their views of what constitutes positive or negative ESG characteristics of a security. ESG investing is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no guarantee that the factors utilized by the Sub-Adviser or any judgment exercised by the Sub-Adviser will reflect the opinions of any particular investor, and the factors utilized by the Sub-Adviser may differ from (or may be considered to be more or less stringent than) the factors that any particular investor considers relevant in evaluating an issuer’s ESG practices.
Industrials Sector RiskThe value of securities issued by companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by supply and demand changes related to their specific products or services and industrials sector products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Global events and changes in government regulations, economic conditions and exchange rates may adversely affect the performance of companies in the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by liability for environmental damage and product liability claims. The industrials sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced by unpredictable factors. Companies in the industrials sector, particularly aerospace and defense companies, may also be adversely affected by government spending policies because companies in this sector tend to rely to a significant extent on government demand for their products and services. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on a Portfolio’s securities and the performance of a Portfolio.
Information Technology Sector RiskInvestment risks associated with investing in the information technology sector include, in addition to other risks, the intense competition to which information technology companies may be subject; the dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for qualified personnel among information technology companies; effects on profitability from being heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights and the loss or impairment of those rights; rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction; general economic
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conditions; and government regulation. Any of these factors could result in a material adverse impact on a Portfolio’s securities and the performance of a Portfolio.
Privately Placed and Other Restricted Securities RiskRestricted securities, which include privately placed securities, are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale. Before they are registered, such securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss or be costly to a Portfolio. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent restricted securities held by a Portfolio qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Portfolio likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of a Portfolio’s illiquidity. The Adviser or Sub-Adviser may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Where registration of a security is required, a Portfolio may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the time the Portfolio desires to sell (and therefore decides to seek registration of) the security, and the time the Portfolio may be permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, a Portfolio might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it desired to sell. The risk that securities may not be sold for the price at which a Portfolio is carrying them is greater with respect to restricted securities than it is with respect to registered securities. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing a Portfolio’s net asset value.
Quantitative Investing Risk A portfolio of securities selected using quantitative analysis may underperform the market as a whole or a portfolio of securities selected using a different investment approach, such as fundamental analysis. The factors used in quantitative analysis and the emphasis placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value. In addition, factors that affect a security’s value can change over time and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. The performance of a quantitative model depends upon the quality of its design and effective execution under actual market conditions. Even a well-designed quantitative model cannot be expected to perform well in all market conditions or across all time intervals. Data for some companies, particularly for non-U.S. companies, may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies. There may also be errors in the computer code for the quantitative model or in the model itself, or issues relating to the computer systems used to screen securities. A Portfolio's securities selection can be adversely affected if it relies on erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems. As a result, a Portfolio may have a lower return than if the Portfolio were managed using a fundamental analysis or an index-based strategy that did not incorporate quantitative analysis. There can be no assurance that a quantitative model used in managing a Portfolio will perform as anticipated or enable the Portfolio to achieve its investment objective.
Technology Sector RiskThe value of the shares of a Portfolio that invests primarily in technology companies is particularly vulnerable to factors affecting the technology sector, such as dependency on consumer and business acceptance as new technology evolves, large and rapid price movements resulting from competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services and short product cycles. Many technology companies are small and at an earlier stage of development and, therefore, may be subject to risks such as those arising out of limited product lines, markets and financial and managerial resources. The value of a Portfolio’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than the value of shares of portfolios investing more broadly.
More Information about Risks Associated with the Asset Transfer Program
The Contracts provide that Equitable Financial can automatically transfer Contract value to the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio from other portfolios managed by the Adviser through a non-discretionary, systematic mathematical process. The purpose of these transfers is to attempt to protect Contract value from declines due to market volatility, and thereby limit Equitable Financial’s exposure to risk on certain guaranteed benefits under the Contracts. The timing and amount of any transfer of Contract value under Equitable Financial’s process will depend on several factors including market movements.
These asset reallocations may result in large-scale asset flows into and out of the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio’s net asset value and performance and could cause the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. It would be particularly disadvantageous for the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio if it experiences outflows and needs to sell securities at a time when interest rates are rising and the prices of fixed-income securities are declining. These inflows and outflows also could negatively affect the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio’s ability to meet shareholder redemption requests or could limit the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in its prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. In addition, these inflows and outflows could increase the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio’s brokerage or other transaction costs, and large-scale
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outflows could cause the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio’s actual expenses to increase, or could result in the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio’s expense ratio.
As a result of large-scale asset flows into and out of the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio, the Underlying Portfolios also may experience large-scale inflows and outflows. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect an Underlying Portfolio’s net asset value and performance and could cause an Underlying Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. It would be particularly disadvantageous for an Underlying Portfolio if it experiences outflows and needs to sell securities at a time of volatility in the markets, when values could be falling. These inflows and outflows also could negatively affect an Underlying Portfolio’s ability to meet shareholder redemption requests or could limit an Underlying Portfolio’s ability to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in its prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. During periods of declining or illiquid markets, the Adviser also may be subject to conflicts of interest in selecting shares of Underlying Portfolios for redemption and in deciding whether and when to redeem such shares. In addition, these inflows and outflows could increase an Underlying Portfolio’s brokerage or other transaction costs, and large-scale outflows could cause an Underlying Portfolio’s actual expenses to increase, or could result in an Underlying Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which, depending on any applicable expense caps, could lead to an increase in the Underlying Portfolio’s expense ratio. Because the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio bears its proportionate share of the transaction costs of an Underlying Portfolio, increased Underlying Portfolio expenses may indirectly negatively affect the performance of the EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio.
Benchmarks
The performance of each Portfolio that has annual returns for at least one calendar year, as shown in the section “About the Portfolios”, is compared to that of a broad-based securities market index and/or a blended index. Each Portfolio’s annualized rates of return are net of: (i) its investment management fees; and (ii) its other expenses. These rates are not the same as the actual return you would receive under your Contract.
A Portfolio’s investment performance will change over time with the value of its underlying investments, and recent performance may differ significantly from performance for the time periods shown in this Prospectus.
Broad-based securities market indexes are unmanaged and are not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed investment company portfolios. Broad-based securities market indexes are also not subject to contract and insurance-related expenses and charges. Investments cannot be made directly in a broad-based securities market index. Comparisons with these benchmarks, therefore, are of limited use. They are included because they are widely known and may help you to understand the universe of securities from which each Portfolio is likely to select its holdings.
There is no guarantee that the Portfolios will outperform these or any benchmarks.
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index at a weighting of 17%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 13%, the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 13%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 41%, the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 13% and the ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index at a weighting of 3%.
EQ/Balanced Strategy Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index at a weighting of 42%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 8%, the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 8%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 26%, the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 8% and the ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index at a weighting of 8%.
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index at a weighting of 50%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 7%, the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 7%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 19%, the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 7% and the ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index at a weighting of 10%.
EQ/Conservative Strategy Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index at a weighting of 66%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 3%, the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 3%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 11%, the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 3% and the ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index at a weighting of 14%.
EQ/Growth Strategy Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index at a weighting of 25%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 12%,
126 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs 

the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 12%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 34%, the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 12% and the ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index at a weighting of 5%.
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index at a weighting of 33%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 10%, the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 10%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 30%, the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 10% and the ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index at a weighting of 7%.
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index at a weighting of 90%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 1.5%, the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 1.5%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 5.5%, and the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 1.5%.
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Index†is a hypothetical combination of unmanaged indexes. The composite index combines the total return of the Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index at a weighting of 25%, the MSCI EAFE® Index at a weighting of 20%, the S&P MidCap 400® Index at a weighting of 10%, the S&P 500® Index at a weighting of 17%, the Russell 2000® Index at a weighting of 8%, the ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index at a weighting of 15%, and the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index at a weighting of 5%.
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Indexis an unmanaged index of securities consisting of all U.S. Treasury and agency securities with remaining maturities of from one to ten years.
Bloomberg U.S. Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Indexis an unmanaged, market value weighted index which includes Treasuries, government-related issues (i.e., agency, sovereign, supranational, and local authority debt), and investment grade corporate bonds with maturities of one to ten years.
ICE BofA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Indexmeasures the returns of negotiable debt obligations issued by the U.S. government and backed by its full faith and credit, having a maturity of three months.
FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Indexmeasures the performance of all tax-qualified REITs with more than 50 percent of total assets in qualifying real estate assets other than mortgages secured by real property that also meet minimum size and liquidity criteria. A REIT is a company that owns, and in most cases, operates income-producing real estate.
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) EAFE® Index(Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The index consists of the following 21 developed market country indexes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Russell 2000® Indexis an unmanaged index which measures the performance of approximately 2000 of the smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index. It is market-capitalization weighted.
Russell 3000® Indexmeasures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. It is market-capitalization weighted.
Standard & Poor’s 500® Composite Stock Index(“S&P 500® Index”) is a weighted index of common stocks of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy, capturing 75% coverage of U.S. equities. The index is capitalization weighted, thereby giving greater weight to companies with the largest market capitalizations.
Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400® Index(“S&P MidCap 400® Index”) is a weighted index of 400 domestic stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. The index captures approximately 7% of the U.S. equities market. The index returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends.
“Blended” performance numbers assume a static mix of the indexes. The Adviser believes that these indexes reflect more closely the market sectors in which the Portfolio invests.
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Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs
The following is additional information regarding the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, including investment objectives, principal investment strategies and principal investment risks identified by the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs. If you would like more information about the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, their Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information are available by contacting your financial professional or, with respect to the affiliated Underlying Portfolios, by accessing the documents online or contacting the affiliated Underlying Portfolios at:
EQ Advisors Trust
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
Telephone: 1-877-222-2144
www.equitable-funds.com
1290 Funds
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104
Telephone: 1-888-310-0416
www.1290funds.com
The Adviser may add new Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs or replace existing Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs without notice or shareholder approval. The Adviser’s selection of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may have a positive or negative impact on its revenues and/or profits. The information below is derived from disclosures contained in each Underlying Portfolio’s and Underlying ETF’s Prospectus. With respect to the unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, the Adviser makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Strategic Allocation Series Portfolios
Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Fixed Income
EQ/AB Short Duration
Government Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a
balance of current
income and capital
appreciation, consistent
with a prudent level of
risk.
The Portfolio invests at least 80%
of its net assets, plus borrowings
for investment purposes, in debt
securities issued by the U.S.
Government and its agencies and
instrumentalities and financial
instruments that derive their value
from such securities. The Portfolio
may also invest up to 10% of its
total assets in foreign fixed-income
securities in developed or
emerging market countries. The
Portfolio seeks to maintain an
effective duration of up to two
years under normal market
conditions.
• Market Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
EQ/Core Bond Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Bloomberg U.S.
Intermediate
Government/ Credit
Under normal market conditions
the Portfolio invests at least 80% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
that are included in the
Intermediate Government/Credit
Index, which covers the U.S. dollar
denominated, investment grade,
• Market Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Liquidity Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
Bond Index
(“Intermediate
Government/ Credit
Index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the Intermediate
Government/ Credit
Index.
fixed-rate, taxable bond market,
including U.S. Treasury and
government-related, corporate,
credit and agency fixed-rate debt
securities. The Portfolio also may
invest up to 10% of its assets in
exchange- traded funds that invest
in securities included in the
Intermediate Government/Credit
Index.
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Intermediate
Government Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Bloomberg U.S.
Intermediate
Government Bond
Index (“Intermediate
Government Bond
Index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the Intermediate
Government Bond
Index.
The Portfolio normally invests at
least 80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in debt securities that
are included in the Intermediate
Government Bond Index, or other
financial instruments that derive
their value from those securities.
The Intermediate Government
Bond Index is an unmanaged
index that measures the
performance of securities
consisting of all U.S. Treasury and
agency securities with remaining
maturities of from one to ten years
and issue amounts of at least $250
million outstanding, which may
include zero-coupon securities.
The Portfolio also may invest up to
10% of its assets in ETFs that invest
in securities included in the
Intermediate Government Bond
Index.
• Market Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
EQ/Long-Term Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Bloomberg U.S. Long
Government/Credit
Bond Index, including
reinvestment of
dividends.
Under normal market conditions,
the Portfolio invests at least 80% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in debt
securities and financial instruments
that derive their value from such
securities. The Portfolio uses a
strategy that is commonly referred
to as an index strategy.
• Market Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• New Portfolio Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
Equity
ATM International
Managed Volatility
Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in foreign
equity securities (or other financial
instruments that derive their value
from the securities of such
companies). The Portfolio is
divided into two portions; one
portion utilizes a passive
investment index style focused on
equity securities of foreign
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
companies and the other portion
utilizes an actively managed
futures and options strategy to
tactically manage equity exposure
in the Portfolio based on the level
of volatility in the market. The
Portfolio may also invest in ETFs.
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
ATM Large Cap Managed
Volatility Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio intends to invest at least
80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in securities of large-
capitalization companies (or other
financial instruments that derive
their value from the securities of
such companies). The Portfolio is
divided into two portions; one
portion utilizes a passive
investment index style focused on
equity securities of large-
capitalization companies and the
other portion utilizes an actively
managed futures and options
strategy to tactically manage
equity exposure in the Portfolio
based on the level of volatility in
the market. The Portfolio may also
invest in ETFs.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
ATM Mid Cap Managed
Volatility Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of mid-capitalization companies
(or other financial instruments that
derive their value from the
securities of such companies). The
Portfolio is divided into two
portions; one portion utilizes a
passive investment index style
focused on equity securities of
mid-capitalization companies and
the other portion utilizes an
actively managed futures and
options strategy to tactically
manage equity exposure in the
Portfolio based on the level of
volatility in the market. The
Portfolio may also invest in ETFs.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
ATM Small Cap Managed
Volatility Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of small-capitalization companies
(or other financial instruments that
derive their value from the
securities of such companies). The
Portfolio is divided into two
portions; one portion utilizes a
passive investment index style
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
focused on equity securities of
small- capitalization companies
and the other portion utilizes an
actively managed futures and
options strategy to tactically
manage equity exposure in the
Portfolio based on the level of
volatility in the market. The
Portfolio may also invest in ETFs.
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
EQ/400 Managed
Volatility Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
The Portfolio is divided into two
portions; one portion utilizes a
passive investment index style
focused on equity securities of
mid- capitalization companies and
the other portion utilizes an
actively managed futures and
options strategy to tactically
manage equity exposure in the
Portfolio based on the level of
volatility in the market. The
Portfolio may also invest in ETFs.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
EQ/500 Managed
Volatility Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
The Portfolio is divided into two
portions; one portion utilizes a
passive investment index style
focused on equity securities of
large- capitalization companies
and the other portion utilizes an
actively managed futures and
options strategy to tactically
manage equity exposure in the
Portfolio based on the level of
volatility in the market. The
Portfolio may also invest in ETFs.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
EQ/2000 Managed
Volatility Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
The Portfolio is divided into two
portions; one portion utilizes a
passive investment index style
focused on equity securities of
small- capitalization companies
and the other portion utilizes an
actively managed futures and
options strategy to tactically
manage equity exposure in the
Portfolio based on the level of
volatility in the market. The
Portfolio may also invest in ETFs.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
EQ/International Core
Managed Volatility
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital with an
The Portfolio invests primarily in
foreign equity securities (or other
financial instruments that derive
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
emphasis on risk-
adjusted returns and
managing volatility in
the Portfolio.
their value from the securities of
such companies). The Portfolio’s
assets normally are allocated
among three or more investment
managers, each of which manages
its portion of the Portfolio using a
different but complementary
investment strategy; one portion is
actively managed, one portion
seeks to track the performance
(before fees and expenses) of a
particular index and one portion
invests in exchange-traded funds.
The Portfolio may invest up to 25%
of its assets in derivatives, which
will consist primarily of foreign
currency transactions, exchange-
traded futures and options
contracts on securities indices, but
the Portfolio also may utilize other
types of derivatives.
• Volatility Management Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Short Position Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/International
Managed Volatility
Portfolio
The Portfolio seeks to
achieve long- term
growth of capital with
an emphasis on
risk-adjusted returns
and managing volatility
in the Portfolio.
The Portfolio is divided into two
portions; one portion utilizes a
passive investment index style
focused on equity securities of
foreign companies and the other
portion utilizes an actively
managed futures and options
strategy to tactically manage
equity exposure in the Portfolio
based on the level of volatility in
the market. The Portfolio may also
invest in ETFs.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
EQ/International Value
Managed Volatility
Portfolio
Seeks to provide
current income and
long-term growth of
income, accompanied
by growth of capital
with an emphasis on
risk-adjusted returns
and managing volatility
in the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities. The Portfolio’s assets
normally are allocated among two
investment managers, each of
which manages its portion of the
Portfolio using a different but
complementary investment
strategy; one portion is actively
managed (“Active Allocated
Portion”) and one portion seeks to
track the performance of a
particular index. The Active
Allocated Portion seeks to invest in
securities of foreign companies,
including companies in emerging
market countries that have a
market capitalization in excess of
$5 billion at the time of purchase.
The Portfolio may invest in
derivatives, which will consist
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Short Position Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
primarily of exchange-traded
futures and options contracts on
securities indices, but the Portfolio
also may utilize other types of
derivatives.
 
EQ/Large Cap Core
Managed Volatility
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital with an
emphasis on
risk-adjusted returns
and managing volatility
in the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio intends to invest at least
80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in securities of large-cap
companies (or other financial
instruments that derive their value
from the securities of such
companies). The Portfolio’s assets
normally are allocated among
three or more investment
managers, each of which manages
its portion of the Portfolio using a
different but complementary
investment strategy; one portion is
actively managed, one portion
seeks to track the performance
(before fees and expenses) of a
particular index and one portion
invests in exchange-traded funds.
The Portfolio may invest up to 25%
of its assets in derivatives, which
will consist primarily of exchange-
traded futures and options
contracts on securities indices, but
the Portfolio also may utilize other
types of derivatives.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
EQ/Large Cap Value
Managed Volatility
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital with an
emphasis on
risk-adjusted returns
and managing volatility
in the Portfolio.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of large-cap companies (or other
financial instruments that derive
their value from the securities of
such companies). The Portfolio’s
assets normally are allocated
among two or more investment
managers, each of which manages
its portion of the Portfolio using a
different but complementary
investment strategy; one portion is
actively managed, one portion
seeks to track the performance
(before fees and expenses) of a
particular index and one portion
invests in exchange-traded funds.
The Portfolio may invest up to 25%
of its assets in derivatives, which
will consist primarily of exchange-
traded futures and options
contracts on securities indices, but
the Portfolio also may utilize other
types of derivatives.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Volatility Management Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
EQ/Common Stock Index
Seeks to achieve a total
The Portfolio generally invests at
• Market Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Portfolio
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Russell 3000® Index
(“Russell 3000”),
including reinvestment
of dividends, at a risk
level consistent with
that of the Russell 3000.
least 80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in common stocks of
companies represented in the
Russell 3000. The Portfolio’s
investments are selected by a
stratified sampling construction
process in which the Sub-Adviser
selects a subset of the 3,000
companies in the Russell 3000
based on the Sub-Adviser’s
analysis of key risk factors and
other characteristics.
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Equity 500 Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Standard & Poor’s 500®
Composite Stock Index
(“S&P 500 Index”),
including reinvestment
of dividends, at a risk
level consistent with
that of the S&P 500
Index.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities in the S&P 500 Index.
The Portfolio will seek to hold all
500 securities in the S&P 500 Index
in the exact weight each represents
in that index.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/International Equity
Index Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return (before
expenses) that
approximates the total
return performance of a
composite index
comprised of 40% DJ
EuroSTOXX 50 Index,
25% FTSE 100 Index,
25% TOPIX Index, and
10% S&P/ASX 200
Index (“composite
index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the composite index.
Under normal circumstances the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities of companies
represented in the composite
index. The Portfolio’s investments
will be selected by a stratified
sampling construction process in
which the Sub-Adviser selects a
subset of the companies
represented in each index based
on the Sub-Adviser’s analysis of
key risk factors and other
characteristics.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Geographic Concentration Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Large Cap Growth
Index Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Russell 1000® Growth
Index (“Russell 1000
Growth”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with the
Russell 1000 Growth.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities in the Russell 1000
Growth. The Portfolio seeks to hold
all securities in the Russell 1000
Growth in the exact weight each
security represents in that index.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Large Cap Value Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
The Portfolio normally invests at
least 80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in equity securities in the
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
performance of the
Russell 1000® Value
Index (“Russell 1000
Value”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the Russell 1000 Value.
Russell 1000 Value. The Portfolio
seeks to hold all securities in the
Russell 1000 Value in the exact
weight each represents in the
Index, although in certain instances
a sampling approach may be
utilized.
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Mid Cap Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Standard & Poor’s
MidCap 400® Index
(“S&P MidCap 400
Index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the S&P MidCap 400
Index.
The Sub-Adviser normally invests
at least 80% of the Portfolio’s net
assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities in the S&P MidCap 400
Index. The Portfolio seeks to hold
all securities in the S&P MidCap
400 Index in the exact weight each
represents in the S&P MidCap 400
Index, although in certain instances
a sampling approach may be
utilized.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Small Company Index
Portfolio
Seeks to replicate as
closely as possible
(before expenses) the
total return of the
Russell 2000® Index
(“Russell 2000”).
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities of small-cap companies
included in the Russell 2000. The
Sub-Adviser seeks to match the
returns (before expenses) of the
Russell 2000. The Portfolio invests
in a statistically selected sample of
the securities found in the Russell
2000 using a process known as
“optimization”. The securities held
by the Portfolio are weighted to
make the Portfolio’s total
investment characteristics similar to
those of the Russell 2000 as a
whole.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio
Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Fixed Income — High Yield Bonds
1290 VT High Yield Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to maximize
current income.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in a broad
range of high-yield, below
investment-grade bonds. The
Portfolio may invest up to 25% of
its net assets in debt securities of
issuers located outside the United
States, including emerging markets
issuers and U.S.
dollar-denominated securities of
non-U.S. issuers. The Portfolio’s
assets normally are allocated
• Market Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Credit Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Sector Risk
• Loan Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
among two portions, each of
which is managed using a different
but complementary investment
strategy; one portion is actively
managed (“Active Allocated
Portion”) and the other portion
invests in ETFs that are passively
managed and that meet the
investment objective of the
Portfolio (“ETF Allocated Portion”).
Under normal circumstances, the
Active Allocated Portion consists of
approximately 90% of the
Portfolio’s net assets and the ETF
Allocated Portion consists of
approximately 10% of the
Portfolio’s net assets. These
percentages can deviate from the
amounts shown above by up to
15% of the Portfolio’s assets.
• Leveraging Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
SPDR® Bloomberg High
Yield Bond ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the price
and yield performance
of an index that tracks
the U.S. high yield
corporate bond market.
The Fund employs a sampling
strategy designed to track the
performance of the Bloomberg
High Yield Very Liquid Index
(“Index”) by investing substantially
all, but at least 80% of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index and in securities that the
Fund’s adviser determines have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
economic characteristics of the
securities that comprise the Index.
• Below Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Debt Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Income Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Restricted Securities Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Communication Services Sector Risk
• Consumer Cyclical Sector Risk
Fixed Income — Investment Grade Bonds
1290 Diversified Bond
Fund
Seeks to maximize total
return consisting of
income and capital
appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Fund invests at least 80% of its net
assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in a
diversified portfolio of U.S. and
foreign bonds or other debt
securities of varying maturities and
other instruments that provide
investment exposure to such debt
securities, including forwards or
derivatives such as options, futures
contracts or swap agreements. The
Fund invests primarily in a
diversified mix of U.S.
dollar-denominated investment
grade fixed income securities,
particularly U.S. government,
corporate and mortgage-backed
securities, of any maturity. Under
normal circumstances, it is
expected that the average
portfolio duration of the Fund will
• Market Risk
• Credit Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Investment Grade Securities
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Hedging Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Collateralized Loan Obligations Risk
• Dollar Roll and Sale- Buyback
Transactions Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Inflation-Indexed Bonds Risk
• Loan Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
be within 5 years of the duration of
the benchmark. As of
December 31, 2021, the average
duration of the benchmark, the
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond
Index, was 6.67 years.
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Pre-Payment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Sector Risk
• Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Risk
• When-Issued and Delayed Delivery
Securities and Forward Commitment
Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
1290 VT DoubleLine
Opportunistic Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to maximize
current income and
total return.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus any borrowings for
investment purposes, in fixed
income securities. Fixed income
securities include, but are not
limited to, securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S.
government or its agencies,
instrumentalities or sponsored
corporations; mortgage-backed
securities; asset-backed securities;
foreign and domestic corporate
bonds; floating or variable rate
obligations (including inverse
floater collateralized mortgage
obligations); bank loans; fixed
income securities issued by
corporations and governments in
foreign countries including
emerging markets issuers and U.S.
issuers; securities issued by
municipalities; collateralized loan
obligations and other securities
bearing fixed interest rates of any
maturity. The Portfolio may invest
up to 40% of its assets in below
investment grade securities
(commonly known as “junk
bonds”).
• Market Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Collateralized Debt Obligations Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Distressed Companies Risk
• Inverse Floaters Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Loan Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Risks of Investing in Other
Investment Companies
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Risk
EQ/AB Short Duration
Government Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a
balance of current
income and capital
appreciation, consistent
with a prudent level of
risk.
The Portfolio invests at least 80%
of its net assets, plus borrowings
for investment purposes, in debt
securities issued by the U.S.
Government and its agencies and
instrumentalities and financial
instruments that derive their value
from such securities. The Portfolio
may also invest up to 10% of its
total assets in foreign fixed-income
securities in developed or
emerging market countries. The
Portfolio seeks to maintain an
effective duration of up to two
years under normal market
conditions.
• Market Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
 
• Short Position Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
EQ/Core Bond Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Bloomberg U.S.
Intermediate
Government/Credit
Index (“Intermediate
Government/ Credit
Bond Index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the Intermediate
Government/Credit
Index.
Under normal market conditions,
the Portfolio invests at least 80% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
that are included in the
Intermediate Government/Credit
Index, which covers the U.S. dollar
denominated, investment grade,
fixed-rate, taxable bond market,
including U.S. Treasury and
government-related, corporate,
credit and agency fixed-rate debt
securities. The Portfolio also may
invest up to 10% of its assets in
exchange-traded funds that invest
in securities included in the
Intermediate Government/Credit
Index.
• Market Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Core Plus Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve high
total return through a
combination of current
income and capital
appreciation.
The Portfolio invests at least 80%
of its net assets, plus borrowings
for investment purposes, in a
diversified portfolio of U.S. and
foreign bonds or other debt
securities of varying maturities and
other instruments that provide
investment exposure to such debt
securities, including forwards or
derivatives such as options, futures
contracts or swap agreements. The
Portfolio invests primarily in a
diversified mix of U.S.
dollar-denominated investment
grade fixed income securities,
particularly U.S. government
securities, corporate securities, and
mortgage- and asset-backed
securities.
• Market Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Collateralized Loan Obligations Risk
• Convertible Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Dollar Roll and Sale- Buyback
Transactions Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Hedging Risk
• Inflation-Indexed Bonds Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Loan Risk
• Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Sector Risk
• Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Risk
• When-Issued and Delayed Delivery
Securities and Forward
Commitments Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
EQ/Intermediate
Government Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Bloomberg U.S.
Intermediate
Government Bond
Index (“Intermediate
Government Bond
Index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the Intermediate
Government Bond
Index.
The Portfolio normally invests at
least 80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in debt securities that
are included in the Intermediate
Government Bond Index, or other
financial instruments that derive
their value from those securities.
The Intermediate Government
Bond Index is an unmanaged
index that measures the
performance of securities
consisting of all U.S. Treasury and
agency securities with remaining
maturities of from one to ten years
and issue amounts of at least $250
million outstanding, which may
include zero-coupon securities.
The Portfolio also may invest up to
10% of its assets in ETFs that invest
in securities included in the
Intermediate Government Bond
Index.
• Market Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
EQ/Long-Term Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Bloomberg U.S. Long
Government/Credit
Bond Index, including
reinvestment of
dividends.
Under normal market conditions,
the Portfolio invests at least 80% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in debt
securities and financial instruments
that derive their value from such
securities. The Portfolio uses a
strategy that is commonly referred
to as an index strategy.
• Market Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• New Portfolio Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Money Market
Portfolio
Seeks to obtain a high
level of current income,
preserve its assets and
maintain liquidity.
The Portfolio invests 99.5% or
more of its total assets in: debt
securities issued or guaranteed as
to principal or interest by the U.S.
government, or by U.S.
government agencies or
instrumentalities; repurchase
agreements that are collateralized
fully by cash items or U.S. Treasury
and U.S. government securities;
and cash. The Portfolio maintains a
dollar weighted average portfolio
maturity of 60 days or less, a
dollar-weighted average life to
maturity of 120 days or less, and
uses the amortized cost method of
valuation to seek to maintain a
stable $1.00 net asset value per
share price.
• Money Market Risk
• Net Asset Value Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Market Risk
• Repurchase Agreement Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Risk Associated with Portfolio
Holding Cash
EQ/PIMCO Global Real
Return Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
maximum real return,
consistent with
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
• Market Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
preservation of capital
and prudent investment
management.
investment purposes, in inflation-
indexed bonds of varying
maturities issued by the U.S. (e.g.,
Treasury Inflation Protected
Securities (“TIPS”)) and non-U.S.
governments, their agencies or
instrumentalities, and corporations,
which may be represented by
forwards or derivatives such as
options, futures contracts or swap
agreements. The Portfolio normally
invests a significant portion of its
net assets in instruments that are
economically tied to foreign
(non-U.S.) countries.
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Non-Diversified Portfolio Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Sovereign Debt Securities Risk
• Inflation-Indexed Bonds Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Short Position Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Dollar Roll and Sale- Buyback
Transactions
• Equity Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• When-Issued and Delayed Delivery
Securities and Forward
Commitments Risk
EQ/PIMCO Ultra Short
Bond Portfolio
Seeks to generate a
return in excess of
traditional money
market products while
maintaining an
emphasis on
preservation of capital
and liquidity.
The Portfolio invests at least 80%
of its net assets in a diversified
portfolio of fixed income
instruments of varying maturities,
which may be represented by
forwards or derivatives such as
options, futures contracts or swap
agreements. The Portfolio may
invest in investment grade U.S.
dollar denominated securities of
U.S. issuers that are rated Baa or
higher by Moody’s, or equivalently
rated by S&P or Fitch, or, if
unrated, determined by the
Sub-Adviser to be of comparable
quality. The average portfolio
duration of this Portfolio will vary
based on the Sub- Adviser’s
forecast for interest rates and will
normally not exceed one year, as
calculated by the Sub-Adviser.
• Market Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Collateralized Debt Obligations Risk
• Dollar Roll and Sale- Buyback
Transactions Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Loan Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
EQ/Quality Bond PLUS
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve high
current income
consistent with
moderate risk to capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings or
investment purposes, in debt
securities. The Portfolio’s assets
normally are allocated among two
portions, each of which is
• Market Risk
• Credit Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
managed using a different but
complementary investment
strategy; one portion is actively
managed and one portion seeks
to track the performance of a
particular index.
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• When-Issued and Delayed Delivery
Securities and Forward
Commitments Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
iShares® Core Total USD
Bond Market ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
dollar-denominated
bonds that are rated
either investment-grade
or high yield.
The Fund employs an indexing
approach to track the performance
of the Bloomberg U.S. Universal
Index (the “Index”), by generally
investing at least 80% of its assets
in the component securities of the
Index and may invest up to 10% of
its assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the Fund’s adviser or its affiliates,
as well as in securities not included
in the Index, but which the Fund’s
adviser believes will help the Fund
track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Call Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Credit Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Extension Risk
• High Portfolio Turnover Risk
• High Yield Securities Risk
• Illiquid Investments Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Prepayment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• U.S. Agency Mortgage- Backed
Securities Risk
• U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® TIPS Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
inflation-protected U.S.
Treasury bonds.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the
Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Inflation
Protected Securities (TIPS) Index
(Series-L (“Index”)), which
measures the performance of the
inflation-protected public
obligations of the U.S. Treasury,
commonly known as “TIPS”. TIPS
are securities issued by the U.S.
Treasury that are designed to
provide inflation protection to
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs   141

Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
investors. The Fund generally
invests at least 90% of its assets in
the bonds of the Index and at least
95% of its assets in U.S.
Government bonds. The Fund may
invest up to 10% of its assets in
U.S. government bonds not
included in the Index, but which
the Fund’s adviser believes will help
the Fund track the Index. The Fund
also may invest up to 5% of its
assets in repurchase agreements
collateralized by U.S. government
obligations and in cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the Fund’s adviser or its affiliates.
The adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the Fund.
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk
iShares® J.P. Morgan USD
Emerging Markets Bond
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
dollar-denominated,
emerging market
bonds.
The Fund generally invests at least
90% of its assets in the component
securities of the J.P. Morgan EMBI®
Global Core Index (“Index”). The
Fund’s investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund may invest up to 10% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s investment
adviser believes will help the Fund
track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Call Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Credit Risk
• Custody Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Geographic Risk
• High Yield Securities Risk
• Illiquid Investments Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Agency Debt Risk
• Non-U.S. Issuers Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privatization Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Emerging
Markets
• Security Risk
• Sovereign and Quasi- Sovereign
Obligations Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® iBoxx $
Investment Grade
Corporate Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
dollar-denominated,
investment-grade
corporate bonds.
The Fund employs an indexing
approach designed to track the
performance of the Markit iBoxx®
USD Liquid Investment Grade
Index (the “Index”), by generally
investing at least 90% of its assets
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Call Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Credit Risk
142 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs 

Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
in component securities of the
Index and at least 95% of its assets
in investment-grade corporate
bonds. The Fund may invest up to
20% of its assets in certain futures,
options and swap contracts, cash
and cash equivalents as well as
bonds not included in the Index,
but which the Fund’s adviser
believes will help the Fund track
the Index. The Fund’s adviser uses
a representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
Multimanager Core Bond
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a
balance of high current
income and capital
appreciation, consistent
with a prudent level of
risk.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio intends to invest at least
80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in investment grade
bonds. For purposes of this
investment policy, a debt security is
considered a “bond.” The Portfolio
invests primarily in U.S.
government and corporate debt
securities. The Portfolio’s assets
generally are allocated by the
Adviser among four or more
sub-advisers, each of which will
manage its portion of the Portfolio
using different yet complementary
investment strategies; one portion
of the Portfolio seeks to track the
performance (before fees and
expenses and including
reinvestment of coupon payments)
of a particular index and the other
portions of the Portfolio are
actively managed. The Portfolio
may invest up to 20% of its net
assets in non- investment grade
securities (commonly known as
“junk bonds”). The Portfolio also
may invest in derivatives, which will
consist primarily of forward
contracts, exchange-traded futures
and options contracts on individual
securities or securities indices, but
the Portfolio also may utilize other
types of derivatives.
• Market Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Credit Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Collateralized Debt Obligations Risk
• Dollar Roll and Sale Buyback
Transactions Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Risk
• When-Issued and Delayed Delivery
Securities and Forward
Commitments Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in- Kind
Securities Risk
SPDR® Bloomberg
International Treasury
Bond ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the price
and yield performance
of an index that tracks
Under normal market conditions,
the Fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
of its total assets in the securities
comprising the Bloomberg Global
Treasury Ex-US Capped Index
(“Index”) and in securities that the
• Counterparty Risk
• Currency Risk
• Debt Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Geographic Focus Risk — Europe
and Japan
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
the fixed-rate local
currency sovereign debt
of investment grade
countries outside the
United States.
Fund’s investment adviser
determines have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the economic
characteristics of the securities that
comprise the Index. The Fund
employs a sampling strategy,
which means that it is not required
to purchase all of the securities
represented in the Index.
• Income Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
SPDR® FTSE International
Government Inflation-
Protected Bond ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the price
and yield performance
of an index that tracks
the inflation protected
sector of the global
bond market outside
the United States.
Under normal market conditions,
the Fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
of its total assets in the securities
comprising the FTSE International
Inflation-Linked Securities Select
Index (the “Index”) and in securities
that the Fund’s investment adviser
determines have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the economic
characteristics of the securities that
comprise the Index. The Fund
employs a sampling strategy in
seeking to track the performance
of the Index.
• Counterparty Risk
• Currency Risk
• Debt Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Geographic Focus Risk —
(Europe/United Kingdom)
• Income Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Inflation-Indexed Securities Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
Vanguard Total Bond
Market ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
broad, market-weighted
bond index.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float
Adjusted Index (“Index”). This Index
represents a wide spectrum of
public, investment-grade, taxable,
fixed income securities in the
United States — including
government, corporate, and
international dollar-denominated
bonds, as well as
mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities — all with
maturities of more than 1 year. The
Fund invests by sampling the
Index, meaning that it holds a
broadly diversified collection of
securities that, in the aggregate,
approximates the full Index in
terms of key risk factors and other
characteristics. All of the Fund’s
investments will be selected
through the sampling process, and
at least 80% of the Fund’s assets
will be invested in bonds held in
the Index.
• Call Risk
• Credit Risk
• Extension Risk
• Income Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Prepayment Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Equity - Foreign/Emerging Markets Securities
EQ/International Equity
Seeks to achieve a total
Under normal circumstances the
• Market Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Index Portfolio
return (before
expenses) that
approximates the total
return performance of a
composite index
comprised of 40% DJ
EuroSTOXX 50 Index,
25% FTSE 100 Index,
25% TOPIX Index; and
10% S&P/ASX 200
Index (“composite
index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the composite index.
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities of companies
represented in the composite
index. The Portfolio’s investments
will be selected by a stratified
sampling construction process in
which the Sub-Adviser selects a
subset of the companies
represented in each index based
on the Sub-Adviser’s analysis of
key risk factors and other
characteristics.
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Geographic Concentration Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/MFS International
Growth Portfolio
Seeks to achieve capital
appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio intends to invest at least
80% of its net assets in the equity
securities of foreign companies,
including emerging markets equity
securities. The Portfolio may invest
a large percentage of its assets in
issuers in a single country, a small
number of countries, or a
particular geographic region. The
Sub- Adviser focuses on investing
the Portfolio’s assets in the stocks
of companies it believes to have
above average earnings growth
potential compared to other
companies (i.e. growth
companies).
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Emerging Markets
Equity PLUS Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio intends to invest at least
80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in equity securities of
companies located in emerging
market countries or other
investments that are tied
economically to emerging market
countries. The Portfolio’s assets
normally are allocated among two
investment managers, each of
which manages its portion of the
Portfolio using a different but
complementary investment
strategy; one portion is actively
managed (“Active Allocated
Portion”), and one portion seeks to
track the performance of a
particular index (“Index Allocated
Portion”). Under normal
circumstances, the Active Allocated
Portion consists of approximately
25-35% of the Portfolio’s net assets
and the Index Allocated Portion
consists of approximately 65-75%
of the Portfolio’s net assets.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Emerging Markets Risks
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
iShares® China Large-Cap
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large-capitalization
Chinese equities that
trade on the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the FTSE
China 50 Index (“Index”), which is
designed to measure the
performance of the largest
companies in the Chinese equity
market that trade on the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange and are
available to international investors.
The Fund generally invests at least
80% of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing such securities. The
Fund’s investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund may invest the remainder of
its assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s investment
adviser believes will help the Fund
track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Custody Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Nationalization Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privatization Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Emerging
Markets
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® Latin America 40
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of 40
of the largest Latin
American equities.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P Latin
America 40™ (“Index”), which is
comprised of selected equities
trading on the exchanges of five
Latin American countries. The
Fund generally invests at least 80%
of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing such securities. The
Fund’s investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Custody Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Materials Sector Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privatization Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Brazil
• Risk of Investing in Emerging
Markets
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
 
• Risk of Investing in Latin America
• Risk of Investing in Mexico
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® MSCI Emerging
Markets ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large- and
mid-capitalization
emerging market
equities.
The Fund generally invests at least
80% of its assets in the securities of
the MSCI Emerging Markets Index
(“Index”) and in depositary receipts
representing such securities. The
Index is designed to measure
equity market performance in the
global emerging markets. The
Fund’s investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund may invest the remainder of
its assets in other securities,
including securities not in the
Index, but which the Fund’s
investment adviser believes will
help the Fund track the Index, and
in other investments, including
futures contracts, options on
futures contracts, other types of
options and swaps related to the
Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Concentration
Risk
• Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk
• Currency Risk
• Custody Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privatization Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Emerging
Markets
• Risk of Investing in India
• Risk of Investing in Russia
• Risk of Investing in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Broker Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tax Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® MSCI EAFE
Small-Cap ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
small-capitalization
developed market
equities, excluding the
U.S. and Canada.
The Fund generally will invest at
least 80% of its assets in the
component securities of the MSCI
EAFE Small Cap Index (“Index”) and
in investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index. The Fund’s
investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund may invest up to 10% of its
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participation
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Japan
• Securities Lending Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
SPDR® S&P® Emerging
Asia Pacific ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of
an index based upon
the emerging markets
of the Asia Pacific
region.
Under normal market conditions,
the Fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
of its total assets in the securities
comprising the S&P Emerging Asia
Pacific BMI Index (“Index”) and in
depositary receipts (including
American Depositary Receipts or
Global Depositary Receipts) based
on securities comprising the Index.
The Fund employs a sampling
strategy in seeking to track the
performance of the Index.
• Currency Risk
• Depositary Receipts Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Financial Sector Risk
• Geographic Focus Risk — China,
India, Pacific Region, Taiwan
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Unconstrained Sector Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk
• Risks of Investing in China A Shares
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
SPDR® S&P® Emerging
Markets Small Cap ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of
an index that tracks the
small capitalization
segment of global
emerging market
countries.
Under normal market conditions,
the Fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
of its total assets in the securities
comprising the S&P Emerging
Markets Under USD2 Billion Index
(“Index”) and in depositary receipts
(including American Depositary
Receipts or Global Depositary
Receipts) based on securities
comprising the Index. The Fund
employs a sampling strategy in
seeking to track the performance
of the Index.
• Currency Risk
• Depositary Receipts Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Geographic Focus Risk (China,
Taiwan)
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Small-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Unconstrained Sector Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Risks of Investing in China A Shares
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Vanguard FTSE All-World
ex-US ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
stocks of companies
located in developed
and emerging markets
outside of the United
States.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
All-World ex US Index, a
float-adjusted,
market-capitalization-weighted
index designed to measure equity
market performance of
international markets, excluding
the United States.
• Stock Market Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Currency Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard FTSE All-World
ex-US Small-Cap ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
stocks of international
small- cap companies.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
Global Small Cap ex US Index, a
float-adjusted, market-
capitalization-weighted index
designed to measure equity
market performance of
international small-capitalization
stocks.
• Stock Market Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Currency Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard FTSE Developed
Markets ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
stocks issued by
companies located in
Canada and the major
markets of Europe and
the Pacific Region.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
Developed All Cap ex US Index
(“Index”), a market-
capitalization-weighted index that
is made up of approximately 3,865
common stocks of large-, mid-,
and small-cap companies located
in Canada and the major markets
of Europe and the Pacific region.
The Fund attempts to replicate the
Index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in the
stocks that make up the Index,
holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Stock Market Risk
• Country/regional Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Currency Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard FTSE Emerging
Markets ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
stocks issued by
companies located in
emerging market
countries.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
Emerging Markets All Cap China A
Inclusion Index (“Index”), a
market-capitalization-weighted
index that is made up of
approximately 4,125 common
stocks of large-, mid-, and
small-cap companies located in
• Stock Market Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Currency Risk
• China A-Shares Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
emerging markets around the
world. The Fund invests by
sampling the Index, meaning that
it holds a broadly diversified
collection of securities that, in the
aggregate, approximates the Index
in terms of key characteristics.
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard Total World
Stock ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
stocks of companies
located in developed
and emerging markets
around the world.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
Global All Cap Index (“Index”), a
float-adjusted,
market-capitalization-weighted
index designed to measure the
market performance of large-,
mid-, and small-capitalization
stocks of companies located
around the world. The Fund
attempts to sample the Index by
investing all, or substantially all, of
its assets in common stocks in the
Index and by holding a
representative sample of securities
that resembles the full Index in
terms of key risk factors and other
characteristics.
• Stock Market Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Currency Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Equity - Global Equity Securities
1290 VT SmartBeta Equity
ESG Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term capital
appreciation.
Under normal market conditions,
the Portfolio invests at least 80% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities. The Portfolio invests
primarily in equity securities of U.S.
companies and foreign companies
in developed markets. The
Portfolio may invest in large, mid
and small capitalization companies
and will be broadly diversified
across companies and industries.
The Sub-Adviser’s SmartBeta™
Equity strategy seeks to achieve,
over a full market cycle,
above-market returns with less
volatility compared to the equity
markets as a whole.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Quantitative Investing Risk
• Investment Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• ESG Considerations Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Invesco Global
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve capital
appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests primarily in equity
securities of U.S. and foreign
companies. The Portfolio can
invest without limit in foreign
securities, including depositary
receipts, and can invest in any
country, including countries with
developing or emerging markets.
The Sub-Adviser primarily looks for
quality companies, regardless of
domicile, that have sustainable
growth.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Focused Portfolio Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Equity - Large Cap Equity Securities
1290 VT Equity Income
Portfolio
Seeks a combination of
growth and income to
achieve an
above-average and
consistent total return.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities. The Portfolio intends to
invest primarily in dividend- paying
common stocks of U.S. large
capitalization companies. The
Portfolio invests primarily in
common stocks, but it may also
invest in other equity securities
that the Sub-Adviser believes
provide opportunities for capital
growth and income.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Dividend Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/ClearBridge Large Cap
Growth ESG Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term capital
growth.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, if any, in
equity securities or other
instruments with similar economic
characteristics of U.S. companies
with large market capitalizations.
Large capitalization companies are
those companies with market
capitalizations similar to
companies in the Russell 1000®
Index (the “Index”).
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• ESG Considerations Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Loomis Sayles Growth
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve capital
appreciation.
Under normal conditions, the
Portfolio will invest primarily in
equity securities of large
capitalization companies, but the
Portfolio may invest in companies
of any size. The Portfolio normally
invests across a wide range of
sectors and industries. The
Portfolio may invest up to 25% of
its total assets in foreign securities
listed on a domestic or foreign
securities exchange including
American Depositary Receipts or
European Depositary Receipts.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Focused Portfolio Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Value Equity Portfolio
Seeks to achieve capital
appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities. The Portfolio invests
primarily in equity securities that
the Sub-Adviser believes are high
quality businesses that are
undervalued by the market relative
to what the Sub-Adviser believes
to be their fair value and have a
minimum market capitalization of
$2 billion.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Capital Group
Research Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital.
The Portfolio invests primarily in
equity securities of United States
issuers and securities whose
principal markets are in the United
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Sector Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
States, including American
Depositary Receipts and other
United States registered foreign
securities. The Portfolio invests
primarily in common stocks of
companies with a market
capitalization greater than $1
billion at the time of purchase.
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Common Stock Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Russell 3000® Index
(“Russell 3000”),
including reinvestment
of dividends, at a risk
level consistent with
that of the Russell 3000.
The Portfolio generally invests at
least 80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in common stocks of
companies represented in the
Russell 3000. The Portfolio’s
investments are selected by a
stratified sampling construction
process in which the Sub-Adviser
selects a subset of the 3,000
companies in the Russell 3000
based on the Sub-Adviser’s
analysis of key risk factors and
other characteristics.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Equity 500 Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Standard & Poor’s 500®
Composite Stock Index
(“S&P 500 Index”),
including reinvestment
of dividends, at a risk
level consistent with
that of the S&P 500
Index.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities in the S&P 500 Index.
The Portfolio will seek to hold all
500 securities in the S&P 500 Index
in the exact weight each represents
in that Index.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Invesco Comstock
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve capital
growth and income
Under normal market conditions,
the Portfolio invests at least 80% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in common
stocks. The Portfolio may invest in
issuers of any capitalization range,
however, a substantial number of
issuers are large capitalization
issuers. The Sub-Adviser
emphasizes a value style of
investing, seeking well established,
undervalued companies believed
by the Sub- Adviser to possess the
potential for capital growth and
income.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-cap Company
Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/JPMorgan Value
Opportunities Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term capital
appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets in equity securities of
mid- and large-capitalization
companies. For this Portfolio,
issuers with market capitalization
between $2 billion and $5 billion
are considered mid-capitalization
while those above $5 billion are
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
considered large-capitalization.
The Sub-Adviser employs a
value-oriented investment
approach that seeks to identify
attractive companies through
fundamental research and
discounted cash flow analysis.
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
EQ/Large Cap Growth
Index Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Russell 1000® Growth
Index, including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with the
Russell 1000 Growth
Index.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities in the Russell 1000®
Growth Index. The Portfolio seeks
to hold all securities in the Russell
1000® Growth Index in the exact
weight each security represents in
that Index.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Large Cap Value Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Russell 1000® Value
Index, including
reinvestment of
dividends at a risk level
consistent with the
Russell 1000 Value
Index.
The Portfolio normally invests at
least 80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in equity securities in the
Russell 1000® Value Index. The
Portfolio seeks to hold all securities
in the Russell 1000® Value Index in
the exact weight each represents in
the Index, although in certain
instances a sampling approach
may be utilized.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/T. Rowe Price Growth
Stock Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term capital
appreciation and
secondarily, income.
The Portfolio normally invests at
least 80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in common stocks of a
diversified group of growth
companies. The Portfolio will invest
primarily in equity securities of
large-cap companies. For this
Portfolio, large-cap companies are
defined as those companies with
market capitalizations larger than
the median market cap of
companies in the Russell 1000®
Growth Index at the time of
purchase. The Portfolio may invest
up to 30% of its total assets in
securities of foreign issuers,
including those in emerging
markets.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Sector Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Special Situations Risk
Multimanager Aggressive
Equity Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio intends to invest at least
80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in equity securities. The
Portfolio invests primarily in
securities of large capitalization
growth companies with market
capitalization within the range of
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Sector Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
the Russell 3000® Growth Index at
the time of investment. The
Portfolio’s assets generally are
allocated by the Adviser among
three or more sub-advisers, each
of which will manage its portion of
the Portfolio using different yet
complementary investment
strategies; one portion of the
Portfolio seeks to track the
performance (before fees and
expenses) of a particular index and
the other portions of the Portfolio
are actively managed.
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Multiple Sub-Adviser Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
SPDR® S&P® 500 ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of the S&P
500® Index.
The Trust seeks to achieve its
investment objective by holding a
portfolio of the common stocks
that are included in the S&P 500®
Index (“Index”) with the weight of
each stock in the portfolio
substantially corresponding to the
weight of such stock in the Index.
• Passive Strategy/Index Risk
• Index Tracking Risk
• Equity Investing and Market Risk
Vanguard High Dividend
Yield ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
common stocks of
companies that are
characterized by high
dividend yield.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
High Dividend Yield Index
(“Index”), which consists of
common stocks of companies that
pay dividends that generally are
higher than average. The Fund
attempts to replicate the target
index by investing all, or
substantially all, of its assets in the
stocks that make up the Index,
holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Stock Market Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard Total Stock
Market ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of the
overall stock market.
The Fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the CRSP
US Total Market Index (“Index”),
which represents approximately
100% of the investable U.S. stock
market and includes large-, mid-,
small-, and micro-cap stocks
regularly traded on the New York
Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. The
Fund invests by sampling the
Index, meaning that it holds a
broadly diversified collection of
securities that, in the aggregate,
approximates the full Index in
terms of key characteristics.
• Stock Market Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Equity - Micro/Small/Mid Cap Equity Securities
1290 GAMCO Small/Mid
Cap Value Fund
Seeks to maximize
capital appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Fund invests at least 80% of its net
assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
of small- and mid-capitalization
companies. For the Fund, small-
capitalization companies generally
are companies with a market
capitalization less than $3 billion at
the time of investment, and
mid-capitalization companies
generally are companies with a
market capitalization between $3
billion and $12 billion at the time
of investment. The Fund also may
invest up to 20% of its net assets in
foreign securities.
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
1290 VT GAMCO Small
Company Value Portfolio
Seeks to maximize
capital appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio intends to invest at least
80% of its net assets, plus
borrowings for investment
purposes, in stocks of small
capitalization companies. For this
Portfolio small capitalization
companies are companies with
market capitalizations of $2.0
billion or less at the time of
investment. The Portfolio also may
invest in foreign securities. The
Sub-Adviser utilizes a value-
oriented investment style.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap Company Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Securities Lending
1290 VT Micro Cap
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of micro-cap companies (or other
financial instruments that derive
their value from the securities of
such companies). For purposes of
this Portfolio, micro-cap
companies are those companies
with market capitalizations that are
either under $1 billion or are within
the range of companies in the
Russell Microcap® Index at the
time of purchase. The Portfolio’s
assets normally are allocated
among two or more investment
managers, each of which manages
its portion of the Portfolio using a
different but complementary
investment strategy; one portion is
actively managed and one portion
seeks to track the performance
(before fees and expenses) of a
particular index.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap and Micro-Cap Company
Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/AB Small Cap Growth
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of small-capitalization companies
with market capitalizations within
the range of the Russell 2500TM
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company
Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
Index at the time of purchase. The
Portfolio’s assets normally are
allocated between two portions,
each of which is managed using a
different but complementary
investment strategy. One portion is
actively managed by a
Sub-Adviser (“Active Allocated
Portion”) and the other portion
seeks to track the performance of
a particular index or indices. The
Active Allocated Portion invests
primarily in U.S. common stocks
and other equity type securities
issued by small-capitalization
companies that the Sub-Adviser
believes to have favorable growth
prospects.
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Special Situations Risk
EQ/Janus Enterprise
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve capital
growth.
Under normal market conditions,
the Portfolio invests at least 50% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of medium-sized companies (or
derivative instruments with similar
economic characteristics). The
Portfolio primarily invests in equity
securities, including common
stocks, preferred stocks, and rights
and warrants to purchase common
stock. For this Portfolio,
medium-sized companies are
defined as companies with
capitalizations at the time of
investment within the range of
companies included in the Russell
MidCap® Growth Index.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Sector Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Morgan Stanley Small
Cap Growth Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of companies with small market
capitalization (or other financial
instruments that derive their value
from the securities of such
companies). For purposes of this
Portfolio, small market
capitalization companies are those
companies that, at the time of
purchase, have market
capitalizations within the range of
companies in the Russell 2000®
Index at the time of investment.
The Portfolio’s assets normally are
allocated among two or more
investment managers, each of
which manages its portion of the
Portfolio using a different but
complementary investment
strategy; one portion is actively
managed and one portion seeks
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap Company Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Convertible Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
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Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
to track the performance (before
fees and expenses) of a particular
index.
 
EQ/Mid Cap Index
Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Standard & Poor’s
MidCap 400® Index
(“S&P MidCap 400
Index”), including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the S&P MidCap 400
Index.
The Sub-Adviser normally invests
at least 80% of the Portfolio’s net
assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities in the S&P MidCap 400
Index. The Portfolio seeks to hold
all securities in the S&P MidCap
400 Index in the exact weight each
represents in the S&P MidCap 400
Index, although in certain instances
a sampling approach may be
utilized.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Small Company Index
Portfolio
Seeks to replicate as
closely as possible
(before expenses) the
total return of the
Russell 2000® Index
(“Russell 2000”).
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities of small-cap companies
included in the Russell 2000. The
Sub-Adviser seeks to match the
returns (before expenses) of the
Russell 2000. The Portfolio invests
in a statistically selected sample of
the securities found in the Russell
2000, using a process known as
“optimization.” The securities held
by the Portfolio are weighted to
make the Portfolio’s total
investment characteristics similar to
those of the Russell 2000 as a
whole.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Small-Cap Company Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
Alternative Investments — Domestic Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
iShares® Cohen & Steers
REIT ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
real estate investment
trusts (“REITs”).
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the Cohen &
Steers Realty Majors Index
(“Index”), which consists of REITs.
The Fund generally invests at least
80% of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing such securities. The
Fund’s investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Real Estate Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
iShares® Core U.S. REIT
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
real estate equities.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the FTSE
Nareit Equity REITS Index (the
“Underlying Index”), which
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
measures the performance of U.S.
listed equity real estate investment
trusts (“REITs”), excluding
infrastructure REITs, mortgage
REITs, and timber REITs. The Fund’s
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the Fund. The Fund
generally will invest at least 80% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Underlying Index
and may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Underlying
Index, but which the Fund’s adviser
believes will help the Fund track
the Underlying Index.
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Dividend-Paying Stock Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Real Estate Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
Alternative Investments — Global/International REITs
1290 VT Real Estate
Portfolio
Seeks to provide
long-term capital
appreciation and
current income.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities of companies in the real
estate industry, including REITs,
and derivative instruments that
provide exposure to the real estate
industry. The Portfolio also may
invest in preferred stocks as well as
convertible securities of issuers in
real estate-related industries, which
have the potential to generate
capital appreciation and/or
income. The Portfolio retains the
ability to invest in real estate
companies of any market
capitalization. The Portfolio seeks
to track the performance (before
fees and expenses) of the FTSE
EPRA/ NAREIT Developed Index
with minimal tracking error.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Sector Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
iShares® International
Developed Property ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of real
estate equities in
developed non- U.S.
markets.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P
Developed ex-U.S. Property
IndexTM (“Index”), which is a free
float-adjusted, market
capitalization-weighted index that
defines and measures the
investable universe of publicly-
traded property companies
domiciled in developed countries
outside of the United States. The
Fund generally invests at least 80%
of its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
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Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
securities of the Index (i.e.,
depositary receipts representing
such securities). The Fund’s
investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund.
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Real Estate Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Japan
• Securities Lending Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Structural Risk
SPDR® Dow Jones Global
Real Estate ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of
an index based upon
the global real estate
market.
In seeking to track the
performance of the Dow Jones
Global Select Real Estate Securities
IndexSM (“Index”), the Fund
employs a sampling strategy,
which means the Fund is not
required to purchase all of the
securities represented in the Index.
Under normal market conditions,
the Fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
of its total assets in the securities
comprising the Index and in
depositary receipts (including
American Depositary Receipts or
Global Depositary Receipts) based
on securities comprising the Index.
The Index is a measure of the
types of global real estate
securities that represent the
ownership and operation of
commercial or residential real
estate.
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Depositary Receipts Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Geographic Focus Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Real Estate Sector Risk
• REIT Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
SPDR® Dow Jones
International Real Estate
ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of
an index based upon
the international real
estate market.
In seeking to track the
performance of the Dow Jones
Global ex-U.S. Select Real Estate
Securities IndexSM (“Index”), the
Fund employs a sampling strategy,
which means that the Fund is not
required to purchase all of the
securities represented in the Index.
Under normal market conditions,
the Fund generally invests
substantially all, but at least 80%,
of its total assets in the securities
comprising the Index and in
depositary receipts (including
American Depositary Receipts or
Global Depositary Receipts) based
on securities comprising the Index.
The Index is a float- adjusted
market capitalization index
designed to measure the
performance of publicly traded
real estate securities in countries
excluding the United States.
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Depositary Receipts Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Geographic Focus Risk — Europe
and Japan
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Real Estate Sector Risk
• REIT Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
Vanguard Global ex-U.S.
Seeks to track the
The Fund employs an indexing
• Industry Concentration Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Real Estate ETF
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
international real estate
stocks.
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
Global ex-U.S. Property Index (the
“Index”), a float-adjusted,
market-capitalization-weighted
index that measures the equity
market performance of
international real estate stocks in
both developed and emerging
markets. The Index is composed of
stocks of publicly traded equity real
estate investment trusts (known as
REITs) and certain real estate
management and development
companies (REMDs). The Fund
attempts to replicate the Index by
investing all, or substantially all, of
its assets in the stocks that make
up the Index, holding each stock in
approximately the same
proportion as its weighting in the
Index.
• Investment Style Risk
• Stock Market Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Currency Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Alternative Investments — Other Alternatives
1290 VT Convertible
Securities Portfolio
Seeks to achieve a total
return before expenses
that approximates the
total return
performance of the
Bloomberg U.S.
Convertible Liquid Bond
Index, including
reinvestment of
dividends, at a risk level
consistent with that of
the Bloomberg U.S.
Convertible Liquid Bond
Index.
Under normal market conditions,
the Portfolio invests at least 80% of
its net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in a
diversified portfolio of convertible
securities. In seeking to achieve the
Portfolio’s investment objective, the
Sub-Adviser generally will employ
a sampling strategy to build a
portfolio whose broad
characteristics match those of the
Bloomberg U.S. Convertible Liquid
Bond Index. The Index is designed
to represent the market of U.S.
convertible securities, such as
convertible bonds and convertible
preferred stock.
• Market Risk
• Convertible Securities Risk
• Credit Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Sector Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Distressed Companies Risk
• Equity Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
1290 VT GAMCO Mergers
& Acquisitions Portfolio
Seeks to achieve capital
appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests primarily in
arbitrage opportunities by
investing in equity securities of
companies that are involved in
publicly announced mergers,
takeovers, tender offers, leveraged
buyouts, spin-offs, liquidations and
other corporate reorganizations
and in equity securities of
companies that the Sub-Adviser
believes are likely acquisition
targets within 12-18 months. The
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Special Situations Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Focused Portfolio Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Credit Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Money Market Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
Portfolio may hold a significant
portion of its assets in cash or cash
equivalents in anticipation of
arbitrage opportunities.
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
1290 VT Natural
Resources Portfolio
Seeks to achieve
long-term growth of
capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities of domestic and foreign
companies within the natural
resources sector or in other
securities or instruments the value
of which is related to the market
value of some natural resources
asset. The Portfolio normally
invests in companies that are
involved directly or indirectly in the
exploration, development,
production or distribution of
natural resources. The Portfolio
seeks to track the performance
(before fees and expenses) of the
MSCI World Commodity Producers
Index with minimal tracking error.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Natural Resources Sector Risk
• Index Strategy Risk
• Non-Diversified Portfolio Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• ETFs Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Sector Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
EQ/Invesco Global Real
Assets Portfolio
Seeks to achieve total
return through growth
of capital and current
income.
Under normal circumstances, the
Portfolio invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus any borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of real assets and activities related
to real assets, and in derivatives
and other instruments that have
economic characteristics similar to
such securities. Real assets are
defined broadly by the Portfolio
and may include assets that have
physical properties, such as
infrastructure, real estate, and
natural resources, as well as
infrastructure-related, real
estate-related, and natural
resources-related investments.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Real Estate Investing Risk
• Infrastructure-Related Issuers Risk
• Natural Resources Sector Risk
• Sector Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Convertible Securities Risk
• Credit Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Master Limited Partnership Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
• Securities Lending Risk
• Short Position Risk
The Consumer
Discretionary Select
Sector SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Consumer Discretionary
Select Sector Index
(“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means that the
Fund typically invests in
substantially all of the securities
represented in the Index in
approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
• Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
securities of companies from the
following industries: retail
(specialty, multiline, internet and
direct marketing); hotels,
restaurants and leisure; textiles,
apparel and luxury goods;
household durables; automobiles;
auto components; distributors;
leisure products; and diversified
consumer services.
 
The Consumer Staples
Select Sector SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Consumer Staples
Select Sector Index
(“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the fund
employs a replication strategy,
which means the Fund typically
invests in substantially all of the
securities represented in the Index
in approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
securities of companies from the
following industries: food and
staples retailing; household
products; food products;
beverages; tobacco; and personal
products.
• Consumer Staples Sector Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
The Energy Select Sector
SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Energy Select Sector
Index (“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means the Fund
typically invests in substantially all
of the securities represented in the
Index in approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
securities of companies from the
following industries: oil, gas and
consumable fuels; and energy
equipment and services.
• Energy Sector Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
The Financial Select
Sector SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Financial Select Sector
Index (“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means the Fund
typically invests in substantially all
of the securities represented in the
Index in approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
• Equity Investing Risk
• Financial Sector Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
securities of companies from the
following industries: diversified
financial services; insurance; banks;
capital markets; mortgage real
estate investment trusts (“REITs”);
consumer finance; and thrifts and
mortgage finance.
 
The Health Care Select
Sector SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Health Care Select
Sector Index (“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means the Fund
typically invests in substantially all
of the securities represented in the
Index in approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
securities of companies from the
following industries:
pharmaceuticals; health care
equipment and supplies; health
care providers and services;
biotechnology; life sciences tools
and services; and health care
technology.
• Equity Investing Risk
• Health Care Sector Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
The Industrial Select
Sector SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Industrial Select Sector
Index (“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means the Fund
typically invests in substantially all
of the securities represented in the
Index in approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
securities of companies from the
following industries: aerospace and
defense; industrial conglomerates;
marine; transportation
infrastructure; machinery; road and
rail; air freight and logistics;
commercial services and supplies;
professional services; electrical
equipment; construction and
engineering; trading companies
and distributors; airlines; and
building products.
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Industrial Sector Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
iShares® Gold Trust
Seeks to reflect
generally the
performance of gold
less the trust’s expenses
and liabilities.
The trust is not actively managed.
It does not engage in any activities
designed to obtain a profit from,
or to ameliorate losses caused by,
changes in the price of gold. The
trust receives gold deposited with
• Commodity Price Volatility Risk
• Exchange Traded Funds Risk
• General Investment Risks
• Liquidity Risk
• Increases in Hedging Activity Risk
• Non Investment Grade Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
it in exchange for the creation of
baskets of shares, sells gold as
necessary to cover the trust
expenses and other liabilities and
delivers gold in exchange for
baskets of shares surrendered to it
for redemption.
• Not a registered investment
company
• Sales by the Official Sector Risk
• Regulatory Risk
iShares® U.S. Utilities ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
equities in the utilities
sector.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the Dow
Jones U.S. Utilities Index (“Index”),
which measures the performance
of the utilities sector of the U.S.
equity market. The Fund generally
invests at least 80% of its assets in
securities of the Index and in
depositary receipts representing
securities of the Index. The Fund’s
investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund will concentrate its
investments (i.e., hold 25% or
more of its total assets) in a
particular industry or group of
industries to approximately the
same extent that the Index is
concentrated.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error risk
• Utilities Sector Risk
iShares® Emerging
Markets Infrastructure ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of 30
of the largest emerging
market equities in the
infrastructure industry.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P
Emerging Markets Infrastructure
Index™ (Index”), which is designed
to track the performance of 30 of
the largest publicly listed
companies in the infrastructure
industry in emerging markets. All
of the securities included in the
Index are issued by utility, energy
and transportation infrastructure
companies. The Fund’s investment
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the Fund. The Fund
generally will invest at least 80% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Custody Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Infrastructure Industry Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privatization Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Emerging
Markets
• Risk of Investing in Russia
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
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Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
 
• Small Fund Risk
• Structural Risk
• Thematic Investing Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Utilities Sector Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® Global Clean
Energy ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
global equities in the
clean energy sector.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P
Global Clean Energy Index™
(“Index”), which is designed to
track the performance of
approximately 28 clean energy-
related companies. The Fund’s
investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund generally will invest at least
80% of its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Clean Energy Sub-Industry Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Thematic Investing Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Utilities Sector Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® Global Energy
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
global equities in the
energy sector.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P
Global 1200 Energy Sector Index™
(“Index”), which measures the
performance of companies that
S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC deems
to be part of the energy sector of
the economy and which it believes
are important to global markets.
The Fund’s investment adviser uses
a representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund generally invests at least 80%
of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing securities of the
Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity
Risk
• Dividend Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
 
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® Global
Infrastructure ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
developed market
equities in the
infrastructure industry.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P
Global Infrastructure Index™
(“Index”), which is designed to
track the performance of the
stocks of large infrastructure
companies in developed or
emerging markets that must be
domiciled in developed markets,
or whose stocks are listed on
developed market exchanges
around the world. The Fund’s
investment adviser uses a
representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund generally will invest at least
80% of its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Infrastructure Industry Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Thematic Investing Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Utilities Sector Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
iShares® Global Timber &
Forestry ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
global equities in or
related to the timber
and forestry industry.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P
Global Timber & Forestry Index™
(“Index”), which is comprised of
approximately 25 of the largest
publicly-traded companies
engaged in the ownership,
management or upstream supply
chain of forests and timberlands.
The Fund’s investment adviser uses
a representative sampling indexing
strategy to manage the Fund. The
Fund generally will invest at least
80% of its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index.
• Market Trading Risk
• Materials Sector Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Natural Resources Industry Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Real Estate Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Timber and Forestry Industry Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® MSCI Global
Agriculture Producers ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
global equities of
companies primarily
engaged in the business
of agriculture.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the MSCI
ACWI Select Agriculture Producers
Investable Market Index (“Index”),
which has been developed by
MSCI Inc. to measure the
combined performance of equity
securities of companies primarily
engaged in the business of
agriculture in both developed and
emerging markets. The Fund
generally will invest at least 80% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index. The Fund’s
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the Fund. The Fund may
invest up to 10% of its assets in
certain futures, options and swap
contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, as well as in securities
not included in the Index, but
which the Fund’s adviser believes
will help the Fund track the Index.
• Agricultural Production Industry Risk
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Consumer Staples Sector Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Industrials Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Materials Sector Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Agriculture and
Livestock
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Small Fund Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Saudi Arabia
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
 
• Saudi Arabia Broker Risk
iShares® MSCI Global
Gold Miners ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
global equities of
companies primarily
engaged in the business
of gold mining.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the MSCI
ACWI Select Gold Miners
Investable Market Index (“Index”),
which targets a minimum of 30
companies in developed and
emerging markets that are
involved in the business of gold
mining. The Fund’s investment
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the Fund. The Fund
generally will invest at least 80% of
its assets in the component
securities of the Index and in
investments that have economic
characteristics that are substantially
identical to the component
securities of the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Commodity Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Gold Mining Sub-Industry Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Materials Sector Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
• Risk of Investing in Canada
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
iShares® North American
Natural Resources ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
North American
equities in the natural
resources sector.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the S&P
North American Natural Resources
Sector Index (Index”), which
measures the performance of
U.S.-traded stocks of natural
resource-related companies in the
United States and Canada. The
Index includes companies in the
following categories: producers of
oil, gas and consumable fuels;
providers of energy equipment
and services; metals and mining
companies; manufacturers of
paper and forest products; and
producers of construction
materials, containers and
packaging. The Fund’s investment
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the Fund. The Fund
generally invests at least 80% of its
assets in securities of the Index and
in depositary receipts representing
securities of the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Materials Sector Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Natural Resources Industry Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• North American Economic Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in Canada
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
iShares® Silver Trust
Seeks to reflect
generally the
performance of the
price of silver before
payment of the Trust’s
expenses and liabilities.
The Trust is not actively managed.
The Trust receives silver deposited
with it in exchange for the creation
of baskets of shares, sells silver as
necessary to cover the Trust
expenses and other liabilities and
delivers silver in exchange for
baskets of shares surrendered to it
for redemption.
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Commodity Price Volatility Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
• Passive Investment Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Regulatory Risk
iShares® U.S. Oil & Gas
Exploration & Production
ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
equities in the oil and
gas exploration and
production sector.
The Fund seeks to track the
investment results of the Dow
Jones U.S. Select Oil Exploration &
Production Index (“Index”), which
measures the performance of the
oil exploration and production
sector of the U.S. equity market.
The Fund generally invests at least
80% of its assets in securities of the
Index and in depositary receipts
representing securities in that
index. The Fund’s investment
adviser uses a representative
sampling indexing strategy to
manage the Fund.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Energy Exploration and Production
Industry Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Oil and Gas Industry Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the United States
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
The Materials Select
Sector SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Materials Select Sector
Index (“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means that the
Fund typically invests in
substantially all of the securities
represented in the Index in
approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
securities of companies form the
following industries: chemicals;
metals and mining; paper and
forest products; containers and
packaging; and construction
materials.
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Materials Sector Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
Invesco® DB Agriculture
Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Diversified
Agriculture Index Excess
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Diversified Agriculture Index Excess
ReturnTM, which is intended to
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
ReturnTM over time,
plus the excess, if any,
of the sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income,
over the expenses of
the Fund.
reflect the change in value of the
agricultural sector.
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Base Metals
Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Industrial Metals
Index Excess ReturnTM
over time, plus the
excess, if any, of the
sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Optimum Yield Industrial Metals
Index Excess ReturnTM, which is
intended to reflect the base metals
sector.
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Commodity
Index Tracking Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Diversified
Commodity Index
Excess ReturnTM, over
time, plus the excess, if
any, of the sum of the
Fund’s Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income,
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Optimum Yield Diversified
Commodity Index Excess ReturnTM,
which is a rules-based index
composed of futures contracts on
14 of the most heavily traded and
important physical commodities in
the world.
• Risks Related to Investing in Oil
Markets
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Energy Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Energy Index
Excess ReturnTM over
time, plus the excess, if
any, of the sum of the
Fund’s Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income,
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Optimum Yield Energy Index
Excess ReturnTM, which is intended
to reflect the changes in market
value of the energy sector.
• Risks Related to Investing in Oil
Markets
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB G10
Currency Harvest Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the Deutsche Bank G10
Currency Future
Harvest IndexTM
Excess Return (“Index”),
over time, plus the
excess, if any, of the
sum of the Fund’s
The fund invests in futures
contracts in an attempt to track its
Index. The Index is designed to
reflect the return from investing on
a 2:1 leveraged basis in long
currency futures positions for
certain currencies associated with
relatively high yielding interest
rates and in short currency futures
positions for certain currencies
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income,
over the expenses of
the Fund.
associated with relatively low
yielding interest rates.
 
Invesco® DB Gold Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Gold Index Excess
ReturnTM over time,
plus the excess, if any,
of the sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on gold, which is
the single commodity that
comprises the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Gold Index Excess ReturnTM,
which is intended to reflect the
changes in market value of gold.
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Oil Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Crude Oil Index
Excess Return™ over
time, plus the excess, if
any, of the sum of the
Fund’s Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Optimum Yield Crude Oil Index
Excess Return™, which is intended
to reflect the changes in the
market value of crude oil.
• Recent Risks Related to Investing in
Oil Markets
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Precious
Metals Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Precious Metals
Index Excess Return™
over time, plus the
excess, if any, of the
sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on gold and
silver, the commodities comprising
the DBIQ Optimum Yield Precious
Metals Index Excess Return™,
which is intended to reflect the
changes in market value of the
precious metals sector.
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
Invesco® DB Silver Fund
Seeks to track changes,
whether positive or
negative, in the level of
the DBIQ Optimum
Yield Silver Index Excess
Return™ over time, plus
the excess, if any, of the
sum of the Fund’s
Treasury Income,
Money Market Income
and T-Bill ETF Income
over the expenses of
the Fund.
The fund trades exchange-traded
futures contracts on the
commodities comprising the DBIQ
Optimum Yield Silver Index Excess
Return™, which is intended to
reflect the changes in the market
value of silver.
• Market Risks
• Futures Risks
• Index Risks
• Regulatory Risks
• Tax Risks
• Other Risks
• Not a Registered Investment
Company
SPDR® S&P® Metals &
Seeks to provide
In seeking to track the
• Concentration Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Mining ETF
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of
an index derived from
the metals and mining
segment of a U.S. total
market composite
index.
performance of the S&P Metals &
Mining Select Industry Index
(“Index”), the fund employs a
sampling strategy, which means
that the fund is not required to
purchase all of the securities
represented in the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 80%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index.
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Market Risk
• Materials Sector Risk
• Metals and Mining Companies Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Liquidity Risk
The Technology Select
Sector SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Technology Select
Sector Index (“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means the Fund
typically invests in substantially all
of the securities represented in the
Index in approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
securities of companies from the
following industries: technology
hardware, storage, and
peripherals; software;
communications equipment;
semiconductors and
semiconductor equipment; IT
services; and electronic equipment,
instruments and components.
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
The Utilities Select Sector
SPDR Fund
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before expenses,
correspond generally to
the price and yield
performance of publicly
traded equity securities
of companies in the
Utilities Select Sector
Index (“Index”).
In seeking to track the
performance of the Index, the
Fund employs a replication
strategy, which means the Fund
typically invests in substantially all
of the securities represented in the
Index in approximately the same
proportions as the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
Fund generally invests substantially
all, but at least 95%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index. The Index includes
securities of companies from the
following industries: electric
utilities; water utilities;
multi-utilities; independent power
and renewable electricity
producers; and gas utilities.
• Equity Investing Risk
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Large-Capitalization Securities Risk
• Market Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Utilities Sector Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Equity
1290 GAMCO Small/Mid
Seeks to maximize
Under normal circumstances, the
• Market Risk
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Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
Cap Value Fund
capital appreciation.
fund invests at least 80% of its net
assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in securities
of small- and mid-capitalization
companies. For the fund,
small-capitalization companies
generally are companies with a
market capitalization less than
$3 billion at the time of investment,
and mid-capitalization companies
generally are companies with a
market capitalization between
$3 billion and $12 billion at the
time of investment. The fund also
may invest up to 20% of its net
assets in foreign securities.
• Equity Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Investment Style Risk
• Sector Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Preferred Stock Risk
1290 SmartBeta Equity
Fund
Seeks to achieve
long-term capital
appreciation.
Under normal market conditions,
the fund invests at least 80% of its
net assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in equity
securities. The fund invests
primarily in equity securities of U.S.
companies and foreign companies
in developed markets. The fund
may invest in large-, mid- and
small capitalization companies and
will be broadly diversified across
companies and industries. The
Sub-Adviser’s SmartBeta™ Equity
strategy seeks to achieve, over a
full market cycle, above-market
returns with less volatility
compared to the equity markets as
a whole.
• Market Risk
• Equity Risk
• Large-Cap Company Risk
• Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Company
Risk
• Quantitative Investing Risk
• Investment Strategy Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• ESG Considerations Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Sector Risk
AB/Small Cap Growth
Portfolio
Seeks long-term growth
of capital.
Under normal circumstances, the
fund invests at least 80% of its net
assets in equity securities of smaller
companies. For these purposes,
“smaller companies” are those that,
at the time of investment, fall
within the lowest 20% of the total
U.S. equity market capitalization
(excluding, for purposes of this
calculation, companies with market
capitalizations of less than $10
million). The fund may invest in
any company and industry and in
any type of equity security with
potential for capital appreciation.
The fund may invest in foreign
securities. The fund may enter into
derivatives transactions, such as
options, futures contracts,
forwards, and swaps.
• Market Risk
• Sector Risk
• Capitalization Risk
• Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk
• Management Risk
iShares® Core S&P Total
U.S. Stock Market ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of a
broad-based index
composed of U.S.
equities.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
Total Market Index™ (“Index”). The
fund invests in a representative
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
sample of securities that
collectively has an investment
profile similar to that of the Index.
The fund generally will invest at
least 80% of its assets in the
component securities of the Index
and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index
and may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the fund’s adviser, as well as in
securities not included in the Index,
but which the fund’s adviser
believes will help the fund’s
performance track the Index.
• Equity Securities Risk
• Index- Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the U.S.
• Securities Lending Risk
• Small-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
iShares® Core S&P U.S.
Growth ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large- and
mid-capitalization U.S.
equities that exhibit
growth characteristics.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
900 Growth Index (“Index”). The
fund invests in a representative
sample of securities that
collectively has an investment
profile similar to that of the Index.
The fund generally will invest at
least 80% of its assets in the
component securities of the Index
and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index
and may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the fund’s adviser, as well as in
securities not included in the Index,
but which the fund’s adviser
believes will help the fund’s
performance track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Growth Securities Risk
• Index- Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the U.S.
• Securities Lending Risk
• Technology Sector Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
iShares® Core S&P U.S.
Value ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
large- and
mid-capitalization U.S.
equities that exhibit
value characteristics.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the S&P
900 Value Index (“Index”). The fund
invests in a representative sample
of securities that collectively has an
investment profile similar to that of
the Index. The fund generally will
invest at least 80% of its assets in
the component securities of the
Index and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index
and may invest up to 20% of its
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Index- Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
174 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs 

Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the fund’s adviser, as well as in
securities not included in the Index,
but which the fund’s adviser
believes will help the fund’s
performance track the Index.
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Risk of Investing in the U.S.
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Value Securities Risk
iShares® MSCI Global Min
Vol Factor ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of
developed and
emerging market
equities that, in the
aggregate, have lower
volatility characteristics
relative to the broader
developed and
emerging equity
markets.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the MSCI
ACWI Minimum Volatility (USD)
Index (“Index”). The fund invests in
a representative sample of
securities that collectively has an
investment profile similar to that of
the Index. The fund generally will
invest at least 80% of its assets in
the component securities of the
Index and in investments that have
economic characteristics that are
substantially identical to the
component securities of the Index
and may invest up to 20% of its
assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the fund’s adviser, as well as in
securities not included in the Index,
but which the fund’s adviser
believes will help the fund’s
performance track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Calculation Methodology Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Consumer Staples Sector Risk
• Currency Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Equity Securities Risk
• Financials Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• Index- Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Information Technology Sector Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Large-Capitalization Companies Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• National Closed Market Trading Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk (Asian
Economic Risk)
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Reliance on Trading Partners Risk
(Asian Economic Risk, North
American Economic Risk, and U.S.
Economic Risk)
• Risk of Investing in China
• Risk of Investing in Developed
Countries
• Risk of Investing in Russia
• Risk of Investing in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia Broker Risk
• Risk of Investing in the U.S.
• Securities Lending Risk
• Security Risk
• Structural Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Valuation Risk
• Volatility Risk
SPDR® Portfolio
Developed World ex-US
ETF
Seeks to provide
investment results that,
before fees and
expenses, correspond
generally to the total
return performance of
an index based upon
the developed world
(ex-US) equity markets.
In seeking to track the
performance of the S&P
Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index (the
“Index”), the fund employs a
sampling strategy, which means
that the fund is not required to
purchase all of the securities
represented in the Index. Under
normal market conditions, the
fund generally invests substantially
• Market Risk
• Equity Investing Risk
• Non-U.S. Securities Risk
• Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share
Premiums and Discounts Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• Currency Risk
• Depositary Receipts Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Financial Sector Risk
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
all, but at least 80%, of its total
assets in the securities comprising
the Index and in depositary
receipts based on securities
comprising the Index. In addition,
the fund may invest in equity
securities that are not included in
the Index, cash and cash
equivalents or money market
instruments, such as repurchase
agreements and money market
funds.
• Geographic Focus Risk (Europe,
Japan)
• Indexing Strategy/Index Tracking
Risk
• Industrial Sector Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Non-Diversification Risk
• Unconstrained Sector Risk
Vanguard FTSE Emerging
Markets ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
benchmark index that
measures the
investment return of
stocks issued by
companies located in
emerging market
countries.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the FTSE
Emerging Markets All Cap China A
Inclusion Index (“Index”), a
market-capitalization-weighted
index that is made up of
approximately 4,125 common
stocks of large-, mid-, and
small-cap companies located in
emerging markets around the
world. The fund invests by
sampling the Index, meaning that
it holds a broadly diversified
collection of securities that, in the
aggregate, approximates the Index
in terms of key characteristics.
• Stock Market Risk
• Emerging Markets Risk
• Country/Regional Risk
• Currency Risk
• China A-Shares Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Fixed Income
1290 Diversified Bond
Fund
Seeks to maximize total
return consisting of
income and capital
appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the
fund invests at least 80% of its net
assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in a
diversified portfolio of U.S. and
foreign bonds or other debt
securities of varying maturities and
other instruments that provide
investment exposure to such debt
securities, including forwards or
derivatives such as options, futures
contracts or swap agreements.
Under normal circumstances, the
fund invests primarily in a
diversified mix of U.S.
dollar-denominated investment
grade fixed income securities,
particularly U.S. government,
corporate and mortgage-backed
securities, of any maturity. Under
normal circumstances, it is
expected that the average
portfolio duration of the fund will
be within 5 years of the duration of
the benchmark. As of
December 31, 2020, the average
duration of the benchmark, the
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond
• Market Risk
• Credit Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Derivatives Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• U.S. Government Securities Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Hedging Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Cash Management Risk
• Collateralized Loan Obligations Risk
• Dollar Roll and Sale-Buyback
Transactions Risk
• Futures Contract Risk
• Inflation-Indexed Bonds Risk
• Loan Risk
• Mortgage-Related and Other
Asset-Backed Securities Risk
• Portfolio Turnover Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Sector Risk
176 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs 

Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
 
Index, was 6.26 years.
• Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Risk
• When-Issued and Delayed Delivery
Securities and Forward Commitment
Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in-Kind
Securities Risk
1290 High Yield Bond
Fund
Seeks to maximize
current income.
Under normal circumstances, the
fund invests at least 80% of its net
assets, plus borrowings for
investment purposes, in a broad
range of high-yield, below
investment-grade bonds. It is
expected that the fund will invest
primarily in high-yield corporate
bonds as well as floating rate
loans, and participations in and
assignments of loans. The fund
may invest up to 25% of its net
assets in debt securities of issuers
located outside the United States,
including emerging markets issuers
and U.S. dollar-denominated
securities of non-U.S. issuers.
• Market Risk
• Non-Investment Grade Securities
Risk
• Credit Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Sector Risk
• Loan Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Portfolio Management Risk
• Foreign Securities Risk
• Investment Grade Securities Risk
• Large Transaction Risk
• Leveraging Risk
• Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk
• Privately Placed and Other
Restricted Securities Risk
• Redemption Risk
• Zero Coupon and Pay-in-Kind
Securities Risk
iShares® Broad USD High
Yield Corporate Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
investment results of an
index composed of U.S.
dollar-denominated,
high yield corporate
bonds.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the ICE
BofA US High Yield Constrained
Index (“Index”). The fund invests in
a representative sample of
securities that collectively has an
investment profile similar to that of
the Index. The fund generally will
invest at least 90% of its assets in
the component securities of the
Index and may invest up to 10% of
its assets in certain futures, options
and swap contracts, cash and cash
equivalents, including shares of
money market funds advised by
the fund’s adviser, as well as in
securities not included in the Index,
but which the fund’s adviser
believes will help the fund’s
performance track the Index.
• Asset Class Risk
• Authorized Participant
Concentration Risk
• Call Risk
• Concentration Risk
• Credit Risk
• Cybersecurity Risk
• Energy Sector Risk
• Geographic Risk
• High Yield Securities Risk
• Illiquid Investments Risk
• Income Risk
• Index-Related Risk
• Infectious Illness Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Issuer Risk
• Management Risk
• Market Risk
• Market Trading Risk
• Operational Risk
• Passive Investment Risk
• Privately Issued Securities Risk
• Risk of Investing in the U.S.
• Securities Lending Risk
• Tracking Error Risk
• Value Securities Risk
Vanguard
Intermediate-Term
Corporate Bond ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
market-weighted
corporate bond index
with an
intermediate-term
dollar-weighted average
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the
Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year
Corporate Bond Index (the
“Index”). This Index includes U.S.
dollar-denominated,
• Credit Risk
• Interest Rate Risk
• Income Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
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Portfolio
Investment Objective
Principal Investment Strategy
Principal Investment Risks
 
maturity.
investment-grade, fixed-rate,
taxable securities issued by
industrial, utility, and financial
companies, with maturities
between 5 and 10 years. The fund
invests by sampling the Index,
meaning that it holds a range of
securities that, in the aggregate,
approximates the full Index in
terms of key risk factors and other
characteristics. All of the fund’s
investments will be selected
through the sampling process, and
under normal circumstances, at
least 80% of the fund’s assets will
be invested in bonds included in
the Index.
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
Vanguard Total Bond
Market ETF
Seeks to track the
performance of a
broad, market-weighted
bond index.
The fund employs an indexing
investment approach designed to
track the performance of the
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float
Adjusted Index (“Index”). This Index
represents a wide spectrum of
public, investment-grade, taxable,
fixed income securities in the
United States — including
government, corporate, and
international dollar-denominated
bonds, as well as
mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities — all with
maturities of more than 1 year. The
fund invests by sampling the Index,
meaning that it holds a broadly
diversified collection of securities
that, in the aggregate,
approximates the full Index in
terms of key risk factors and other
characteristics. All of the fund’s
investments will be selected
through the sampling process, and
at least 80% of the fund’s assets
will be invested in bonds held in
the Index.
• Interest Rate Risk
• Income Risk
• Prepayment Risk
• Extension Risk
• Call Risk
• Credit Risk
• Index Sampling Risk
• Liquidity Risk
• Risk that the market price of the
Fund’s ETF shares and the net asset
value of those shares will differ
significantly
• Risk that an active trading market for
the Fund’s ETF shares may not be
maintained
• Risk that trading in the Fund’s ETF
shares may be halted
178 More information on strategies, risks, benchmarks, and underlying portfolios and ETFs 

4. Management of the Trust
The Trust
The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end management investment company. The Trust’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall management of the Trust and the Portfolios. The Trust issues shares of beneficial interest that are currently divided among one hundred and four (104) Portfolios, forty-eight (48) of which are authorized to issue Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares, fifty-two (52) of which are authorized to issue Class IB and Class K shares, and four (4) of which are authorized to issue Class K shares. This Prospectus describes the Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares of seven (7) Portfolios, and the Class IB and Class K shares of three (3) Portfolios. Each Portfolio has its own investment objective, investment strategies and risks, which have been previously described in this Prospectus.
The Trust’s Board of Trustees oversees generally the operations of the Portfolios. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Adviser, Administrator, Sub-Advisers, custodian, and accountants, who provide services to the Portfolios. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This Prospectus provides information concerning the Portfolios that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Portfolio shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the Statement of Additional Information is intended, or should be read, to be or create an agreement or contract between the Trust or a Portfolio and any shareholder, or to create any right in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.
The Adviser
Equitable Investment Management Group, LLC (“EIM” or “Adviser”), 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104, manages each Portfolio. EIM is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. EIM also is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended; however, EIM currently claims an exclusion (under CFTC Rule 4.5) from registration as a CPO with respect to the Portfolios offered by this Prospectus. Being subject to dual regulation by the SEC and the CFTC may increase compliance costs and may affect Portfolio returns. EIM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (“Equitable Financial”). Equitable Financial is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“Equitable Holdings”), which is a publicly-owned company. EIM serves as the investment adviser to mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles and, as of December 31, 2021, had approximately $135.2 billion in assets under management. The Trust is part of a family of mutual funds advised by EIM which also includes EQ Premier VIP Trust and the 1290 Funds.
The Adviser has a variety of responsibilities for the general management and administration of the Trust and the day-to-day management of each Portfolio. In addition to its managerial responsibilities, the Adviser is responsible for determining the asset allocation range for each Portfolio and ensuring that the allocations are consistent with the guidelines that have been approved by the Board.
Within the asset allocation range for each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio, the Adviser will periodically establish specific percentage targets for each asset class and identify the specific Underlying Portfolios to be held by a Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio, including the portion of each Portfolio’s assets to invest in the volatility management strategy. Percentage targets are established and Underlying Portfolios are identified using the Adviser’s proprietary investment process, based on fundamental research regarding the investment characteristics of the asset classes and Underlying Portfolios, as well as the Adviser’s outlook for the economy and financial markets. The Adviser also will rebalance each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio’s holdings through its selection of Underlying Portfolios as deemed necessary to bring the asset allocation of the Portfolio back into alignment with its asset allocation range.
Within the asset allocation range for the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio, the Adviser will periodically establish specific percentage targets for each asset category and identify each Underlying Portfolio and Underlying ETF to be held by the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio, using the Adviser’s proprietary investment process, based on fundamental research regarding the investment characteristics of the asset classes, asset categories, and Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as the Adviser’s outlook for the economy and financial markets. The Adviser also will rebalance the EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio’s holdings through its selection of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs as deemed necessary to bring the asset allocation of the Portfolio back into alignment with its asset allocation range and target investment percentages.
Management of the Trust 179

Within the asset allocation range for each MF/ETF Portfolio, the Adviser will periodically establish specific percentage targets for each asset class and identify the specific Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs to be held by an MF/ETF Portfolio. Percentage targets are established and Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs are identified using the Adviser’s proprietary investment process, based on fundamental research regarding the investment characteristics of the asset classes and Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, as well as the Adviser’s outlook for the economy and financial markets. The Adviser also will rebalance each MF/ETF Portfolio’s holdings through its selection of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs as deemed necessary to bring the asset allocation of the Portfolio back into alignment with its asset allocation range.
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, Alwi Chan, CFA®, Xavier Poutas, CFA®, Miao Hu, CFA® and Kevin McCarthyare responsible for the day-to-day management of each Portfolio.
Kenneth T. Kozlowski, CFP®, ChFC, CLU has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser since June 2012, as Executive Vice President of Equitable Investment Management, LLC since July 2021, and as Signatory Officer of Equitable Financial since November 2021. He served as Senior Vice President of the Adviser from May 2011 to June 2012, as a Vice President of Equitable Financial from February 2001 to August 2011, and as Managing Director of Equitable Financial from September 2011 to November 2021.
Alwi Chan, CFA® has served as Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser since June 2012. He served as Vice President of the Adviser from May 2011 to June 2012. He has been an employee of Equitable Financial since 1999.
Xavier Poutas, CFA® has served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since May 2011 and as a Vice President of the Adviser since June 2016. He joined the Adviser in October 2004 as a Fund Administrator and was involved in the implementation of the asset allocation strategy for the funds of funds managed by the Adviser. He has been an employee of Equitable Financial since August 2002.
Miao Hu, CFA® has served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since May 2016 and as a Vice President of the Adviser since June 2016. She has served as a Director of Portfolio Analytics of the Adviser since December 2014. She has been an employee of Equitable Financial since November 2013.
Kevin McCarthy has served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since December 2018. He is a manager of the asset allocation strategy for the funds of funds managed by the Adviser. He has been an employee of Equitable Financial since August 2015. Prior to joining Equitable Financial, he was a Senior Quantitative Analyst at Aviva Investors from October 2013 to August 2015.
James Chen, CFA®, FRM®is also responsible for the day-to-day management of the Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio.
James Chen CFA®, FRM®has served as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Adviser since August 2021. He has been an employee of Equitable Financial since January 2015. Prior to joining Equitable Financial, he was an Operations Analyst at WL Ross & Co. LLC from August 2011 to December 2014.
Information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of securities of the Portfolios is available in the Trust’s SAI.
The Adviser provides day-to-day management of the Portfolios. The Adviser has the ability to hire investment sub-advisers (“Sub-Advisers”) to provide research, stock selection, and trading services for the Portfolios, although the Portfolios do not currently have Sub-Advisers. The Adviser may also hire Sub-Advisers to provide research, stock selection, and trading services for an affiliated Underlying Portfolio. The Adviser is responsible for overseeing such Sub-Advisers and for recommending their hiring, termination and replacement to the affiliated Underlying Portfolio’s Board of Trustees. The Adviser has been granted relief by the SEC to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers to the Portfolios and the affiliated Underlying Portfolios and to amend sub-advisory agreements without obtaining shareholder approval, subject to the approval of the Trust’s Board or the affiliated Underlying Portfolio’s Board of Trustees, as applicable. In addition, the Adviser has the ability to allocate a Portfolio’s or an affiliated Underlying Portfolio’s assets to additional Sub-Advisers, subject to approval of the Trust’s Board or the affiliated Underlying Portfolio’s Board of Trustees, as applicable. The Adviser also has discretion to allocate a Portfolio’s or an affiliated Underlying Portfolio’s assets among its current Sub-Advisers. If a new Sub-Adviser is retained for a Portfolio or an affiliated Underlying Portfolio, the shareholders of the Portfolio or affiliated Underlying Portfolio would receive notice of such action. However, the Adviser may not enter into a sub-advisory agreement on behalf of a Portfolio or an affiliated Underlying Portfolio with an “affiliated person” of the Adviser (as that term is defined in the
180 Management of the Trust

Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”)) (“Affiliated Sub-Adviser”), such as AllianceBernstein L.P., unless the sub-advisory agreement with the Affiliated Sub-Adviser, including compensation, is also approved by the affected Portfolio’s or affiliated Underlying Portfolio’s shareholders. The relief does not extend to any increase in the advisory fee paid by a Portfolio or an affiliated Underlying Portfolio to the Adviser; any such increase would be subject to the approval of the affected Portfolio's or affiliated Underlying Portfolio's shareholders.
Advisory Fees
Each Portfolio pays a fee to the Adviser for advisory services. The table below shows the annual rate of the advisory fees (as a percentage of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets) that the Adviser received in 2021 for providing advisory services to each Portfolio included in the table and the rate of advisory fees waived by the Adviser in 2021 in accordance with the provisions of the Expense Limitation Agreement (including voluntary waivers, if any), as defined below, between the Adviser and the Trust with respect to certain Portfolios.
Advisory Fees Paid by the Portfolios in 2021
 
Annual
Rate
Received
Rate of Fees
Waived and
Expenses
Reimbursed
Portfolios
All Classes
Class IA
Class IB
Class K
EO/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
0.10%
N/A
0.00%
N/A
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
0.10%
N/A
0.00%
N/A
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.10%
N/A
0.00%
N/A
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
0.10%
N/A
0.00%
N/A
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.09%
N/A
0.00%
N/A
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.09%
0.00%
0.00%
N/A
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.09%
N/A
0.00%
N/A
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio
0.10%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
 
Effective October 1, 2021, the contractual rate of the advisory fee (as a percentage of a Portfolio’s average daily net assets) payable by each Strategic Allocation Series Portfolio changed to the contractual fee rate shown in the following table.
Portfolios
First
$2 billion
Next
$2 billion
Next
$2 billion
Next
$3 billion
Next
$3 billion
Thereafter
EO/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
0.100%
0.0925%
0.090%
0.0875%
0.085%
0.0825%
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
0.100%
0.0925%
0.090%
0.0875%
0.085%
0.0825%
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.100%
0.0925%
0.090%
0.0875%
0.085%
0.0825%
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
0.100%
0.0925%
0.090%
0.0875%
0.085%
0.0825%
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.100%
0.0925%
0.090%
0.0875%
0.085%
0.0825%
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.100%
0.0925%
0.090%
0.0875%
0.085%
0.0825%
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio
0.100%
0.0925%
0.090%
0.0875%
0.085%
0.0825%
 
The following table shows the contractual rate of the advisory fee (as a percentage of a Portfolio’s average daily net assets) payable by each of the MF/ETF Portfolios, which have not operated for a full fiscal year.
Portfolios
First
$2 billion
Next
$2 billion
Next
$2 billion
Next
$3 billion
Thereafter
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
0.1500%
0.1425%
0.1400%
0.1375%
0.1350%
Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
0.1500%
0.1425%
0.1400%
0.1375%
0.1350%
 
A discussion of the basis of the decision by the Board to approve the investment advisory agreement with respect to the Portfolios is available in the Trust’s Semi-Annual or Annual Reports to shareholders for the periods ended June 30 and December 31, respectively.
Management of the Trust 181

The Administrator
Equitable Investment Management, LLC (“Administrator”), 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104, serves as the Administrator of the Trust. The administrative services provided to the Trust by the Administrator include, among others, coordination of the Trust’s audit, financial statements and tax returns; expense management and budgeting; legal administrative services and compliance monitoring; portfolio accounting services, including daily net asset value accounting; operational risk management; and assistance with the administration of the Trust’s proxy voting policies and procedures and anti-money laundering program.
Administration Fees
For these administrative services, each Portfolio pays the Administrator its proportionate share of an asset-based administration fee of 0.140% of the first $60 billion of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Aggregated Portfolios (as defined in the paragraph immediately below); 0.110% of the next $20 billion; 0.0875% of the next $20 billion; 0.0775% of the next $20 billion; 0.0750% of the next $20 billion; and 0.0725% thereafter. The asset-based administration fee is calculated and billed monthly, and each Portfolio is subject to a minimum annual fee of $32,500.
For purposes of calculating the asset-based administration fee, the assets of the Portfolios are aggregated together and with the assets of (i) the following portfolios of the Trust, which are also managed by EIM and which are offered in other prospectuses: EQ/Global Equity Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/International Core Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/International Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Core Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Growth Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Large Cap Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Mid Cap Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/AB Small Cap Growth Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Small Cap Value Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Morgan Stanley Small Cap Growth Portfolio, EQ/ClearBridge Select Equity Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/Emerging Markets Equity PLUS Portfolio, EQ/Quality Bond PLUS Portfolio, Multimanager Aggressive Equity Portfolio, Multimanager Core Bond Portfolio, Multimanager Technology Portfolio, 1290 VT Small Cap Value Portfolio, 1290 VT Micro Cap Portfolio, 1290 VT High Yield Bond Portfolio, 1290 VT Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/AB Dynamic Aggressive Growth Portfolio, EQ/AB Dynamic Growth Portfolio, EQ/AB Dynamic Moderate Growth Portfolio, EQ/Goldman Sachs Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Invesco Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/JPMorgan Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/American Century Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/AXA Investment Managers Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/First Trust Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Goldman Sachs Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Invesco Moderate Growth Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Franklin Growth Allocation Portfolio, ATM International Managed Volatility Portfolio, ATM Large Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio, ATM Mid Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio, ATM Small Cap Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/2000 Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/400 Managed Volatility Portfolio, EQ/500 Managed Volatility Portfolio, and EQ/International Managed Volatility Portfolio, and (ii) the following portfolios of EQ Premier VIP Trust, which are also managed by EIM and which are offered in other prospectuses: EQ/Core Plus Bond Portfolio, EQ/Aggressive Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Conservative Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Conservative-Plus Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Moderate Allocation Portfolio, EQ/Moderate-Plus Allocation Portfolio, Target 2015 Allocation Portfolio, Target 2025 Allocation Portfolio, Target 2035 Allocation Portfolio, Target 2045 Allocation Portfolio, and Target 2055 Allocation Portfolio (collectively, the “Aggregated Portfolios”).
As noted in the prospectuses for the affiliated Underlying Portfolios, EIM and, in certain cases, its affiliates serve as investment manager, investment sub-adviser and/or administrator for the affiliated Underlying Portfolios and earn fees for providing services in these capacities, which are in addition to the fees directly associated with each Portfolio. In this connection, the Adviser’s selection of affiliated Underlying Portfolios may have a positive or negative impact on its revenues and/or profits.
Expense Limitation Agreement
In the interest of limiting through April 30, 2023 (unless the Board of Trustees consents to an earlier revision or termination of this arrangement) the expenses of the Portfolios listed in the following table, the Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement with the Trust with respect to the Portfolios (“Expense Limitation Agreement”). Pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to make payments or waive its and its affiliates’ management, administrative and other fees to limit the expenses of the Portfolios so that the annual operating expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) of each Portfolio (other than interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
182 Management of the Trust

and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Portfolio’s business) as a percentage of average daily net assets do not exceed the following respective expense ratios:
 
Total Annual Operating Expenses
Limited to
(% of average daily net assets)
Portfolios
Class IA
Shares
Class IB
Shares
Class K
Shares
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
0.95%
0.95%
0.70%
EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
0.95%
0.95%
0.70%
EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
1.00%
1.00%
0.75%
EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
1.05%
1.05%
0.80%
EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
1.10%
1.10%
0.85%
EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
1.10%
1.10%
0.85%
EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio
N/A
1.15%
0.90%
EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio
1.25%
1.25%
1.00%
Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
N/A
1.10%
0.85%
Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio
N/A
1.15%
0.90%
 
The Adviser may be reimbursed the amount of any such payments or waivers made after June 30, 2020, in the future provided that the payments or waivers are reimbursed within three years of the payments or waivers being recorded and the Portfolio’s expense ratio, after the reimbursement is taken into account, does not exceed the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the waiver or the Portfolio’s expense cap at the time of the reimbursement, whichever is lower. If the actual expense ratio is less than the expense cap and the Adviser has recouped any eligible previous payments or waivers made, the Portfolio will be charged such lower expenses. The Adviser’s selection of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may positively or negatively impact its obligations under the Expense Limitation Agreement and its ability to recoup previous payments or waivers made under the Expense Limitation Agreement.
Payments or waivers will increase returns and yield, and reimbursement of payments or waivers will decrease returns and yield.
Conflicts of Interest
The Adviser currently serves as the investment adviser for the Trust and two other investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, and as the investment adviser for two private investment trusts that are exempt from such registration. The Adviser and its affiliates (including Equitable Financial, Equitable Distributors, LLC, Equitable Holdings, Equitable Investment Management, LLC and AllianceBernstein L.P.) and their respective managers, partners, directors, trustees, officers, and employees (collectively, for purposes of this Conflicts of Interest discussion, “Affiliates”) are insurance and related financial services companies engaged in life insurance, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance activities, as well as asset management, investment banking, securities trading, brokerage, real estate and other financial services activities, providing a broad range of services to a substantial and diverse client base. The broad range of activities, services, and interests of the Adviser and its Affiliates gives rise to actual, potential and/or perceived conflicts of interest, and may introduce certain investment or transactional restrictions, that could disadvantage the Portfolios and their shareholders.
Certain actual and potential conflicts of interest are discussed below and elsewhere in this Prospectus, and a further discussion of conflicts of interest appears in the SAI. Investors should carefully review these discussions. These discussions are not, and are not intended to be, a complete discussion of all of the actual and potential conflicts of interest that may arise. Additional or unanticipated conflicts of interest may arise from time to time in the ordinary course of the Adviser’s and its Affiliates’ various businesses.
The Adviser and the Trust have adopted practices, policies and procedures that are intended to identify, monitor, and mitigate conflicts of interest. These practices, policies and procedures include, among others, information barriers, codes of ethics, pre-clearance and reporting of securities transactions by certain persons, and the use of independent persons to review certain types of transactions. There is no assurance, however, that these practices, policies and procedures will be effective, and these practices, policies and procedures also may limit the Portfolios’ investment activities and affect their performance.
Management of the Trust 183

Certain Conflicts Related to Fees and Compensation
The Adviser and certain of its Affiliates provide services including advisory, administration, shareholder servicing, distribution and transfer agency services to the Portfolios and earn fees from these relationships with the Portfolios. The Adviser and its Affiliates face conflicts of interest when the Portfolios select affiliated service providers because the Adviser and its Affiliates receive greater compensation when they are used. Although these fees are generally based on asset levels, the fees are not directly contingent on Portfolio performance and the Adviser and its Affiliates would still receive significant compensation from the Portfolios even if shareholders lose money. In addition, the Adviser and certain of its Affiliates manage or advise funds or accounts, including the Portfolios, with different fee rates and/or fee structures. Differences in fee arrangements may create an incentive for the Adviser and/or its Affiliates to favor higher-fee funds or accounts.
Certain Conflicts Related to the Adviser and its Affiliates Acting in Multiple Commercial Capacities
The Adviser and/or one or more Affiliates act or may act in various commercial capacities, including as investment manager, investment adviser, administrator, investor, commodity pool operator, underwriter, distributor, transfer agent, insurance company, investment banker, research provider, market maker, trader, lender, agent or principal, and may have direct and indirect interests in securities, commodities, currencies, derivatives and other instruments in which the Portfolios may directly or indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Portfolios will have business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or obtain services from entities with which the Adviser and/or an Affiliate has developed or is trying to develop business relationships or in which the Adviser and/or an Affiliate has significant investments or other interests. For example, the Adviser may have an incentive to hire as a Sub-Adviser or other service provider an entity with which the Adviser or one or more Affiliates have, or would like to have, significant or other business dealings or arrangements. In addition, when Affiliates act in various commercial capacities in relation to the Portfolios, the Affiliates may take commercial steps in their own interests, which may have an adverse effect on the Portfolios.
Certain Conflicts Related to the Funds of Funds Structure
In managing a Portfolio that invests in Underlying Portfolios and/or Underlying ETFs (that is, a “fund of funds”), the Adviser will have the authority to select and substitute the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs. The Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating a Portfolio’s assets among Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs because it and its Affiliates earn fees for managing, administering, and providing other services to the affiliated Underlying Portfolios, but not the unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs. In addition, the Adviser is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating a Portfolio’s assets among the various affiliated Underlying Portfolios because its profitability with respect to and/or the fees payable to it by some of the affiliated Underlying Portfolios are higher than its profitability with respect to and/or the fees payable by other affiliated Underlying Portfolios and because the Adviser is responsible for managing, and an Affiliate is responsible for administering, and with respect to certain affiliated Underlying Portfolios, an Affiliate is responsible for sub-advising, the affiliated Underlying Portfolios.
Because the Adviser’s selection of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs may have a positive or negative impact on its (or its Affiliates’) revenues and/or profits, the Adviser has an incentive to select affiliated Underlying Portfolios for inclusion in a fund of funds, even though there may be unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios and/or Underlying ETFs that may be more appropriate for inclusion in the fund of funds or that have superior historical returns. In addition, the Adviser’s and/or its Affiliates’ other existing or potential business relationships (e.g., distribution, sub-administration, or custody arrangements), including with affiliated or unaffiliated Sub-Advisers to Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs, or other financial or personal relationships, could influence the Adviser’s selection of Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs.
A Portfolio investing in Underlying Portfolios may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of an Underlying Portfolio’s shares. Accordingly, an Underlying Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such a Portfolio. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect an Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s net asset value, performance, and ability to meet shareholder redemption requests and could cause an Underlying Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. In addition, large-scale outflows could result in an Underlying Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which, depending on any applicable expense caps, could lead to an increase in the Underlying Portfolio’s and, in turn, a Portfolio’s expense ratio. The Adviser may be subject to conflicts of interest in selecting shares of Underlying Portfolios for redemption and in deciding whether and when to redeem such shares. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to continue to invest a Portfolio’s assets in an underperforming Underlying Portfolio to protect the Underlying Portfolio from large-scale outflows, even when the portfolio managers believe that such an investment is not in the best interests of the Portfolio.
184 Management of the Trust

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s and each affiliated Underlying Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interest of that Portfolio and affiliated Underlying Portfolio and that is consistent with its investment objective, policies, and strategies.
Certain Conflicts Related to the Adviser’s Insurance Company Affiliates
The Portfolios are available through Contracts offered by insurance company Affiliates of the Adviser. The performance of a Portfolio may impact the obligations and financial exposure of the Adviser’s insurance company Affiliates under any death benefit, income benefit and other guarantees provided through Contracts that offer the Portfolio as an investment option, and the ability of an insurance company Affiliate to manage (e.g., through the use of various hedging techniques) the risks associated with these benefits and guarantees. The Adviser’s investment decisions and the design of the Portfolios may be influenced by these factors. For example, the Portfolios or models and strategies may be managed or designed in a manner (e.g., using more conservative or less volatile investment styles, including volatility management strategies) that could reduce potential losses and/or mitigate financial risks to insurance company Affiliates that provide the benefits and guarantees and offer the Portfolios as investment options in their products, and also could facilitate such an insurance company’s ability to provide benefits and guarantees under its Contracts, including by making more predictable the costs of the benefits and guarantees and by reducing the regulatory capital needed to provide them. The financial benefits to the Adviser’s insurance company Affiliates may be material.
A Portfolio may invest from time to time in Underlying Portfolios managed by the Adviser that employ various volatility management techniques, including the use of futures and options to manage equity exposure. Although these actions are intended to reduce the overall risk of investing in a Portfolio, they may not work as intended and may result in losses by a Portfolio or periods of underperformance, particularly during periods when market values are increasing but market volatility is high. The success of any volatility management strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the relevant market index and the metrics used by the Adviser to measure market volatility. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the success of any volatility management strategy also will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute volatility management techniques in an efficient manner. Market conditions change, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and the Adviser may be unable to execute a volatility management strategy in a timely manner or at all. In addition, the Adviser and its insurance company Affiliates manage or advise other funds and accounts that engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities and instruments (such as futures contracts) as an Underlying Portfolio. Such transactions could affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which an Underlying Portfolio invests, directly or indirectly, and could have an adverse impact on an Underlying Portfolio’s performance, and therefore a Portfolio’s performance.
A significant percentage of a Portfolio’s shares may be owned or controlled by the Adviser and/or its Affiliates or other large shareholders, including primarily insurance company separate accounts and qualified plans. Accordingly, a Portfolio is subject to the potential for large-scale inflows and outflows as a result of purchases and redemptions of its shares by such shareholders, including in connection with substitution and other transactions by Affiliates of the Adviser. These inflows and outflows could negatively affect a Portfolio’s net asset value, performance, and ability to meet shareholder redemption requests and could cause a Portfolio to purchase or sell securities at a time when it would not normally do so. In addition, large-scale outflows could result in a Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, which, depending on any applicable expense caps, could lead to an increase in the Portfolio’s expense ratio. The Adviser or its Affiliates may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in selecting shares of Portfolios for redemption and in deciding whether and when to redeem such shares.
The Portfolios may be used as variable insurance trusts for unaffiliated insurance companies’ insurance products. These unaffiliated insurance companies have financial arrangements (which may include revenue sharing arrangements) or other business relationships with the Adviser’s insurance company Affiliates. These financial arrangements or other business relationships could create an incentive for the Adviser, in its selection process, to favor Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs that are affiliated with these unaffiliated insurance companies.
Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Adviser seeks to implement each Portfolio’s investment program in a manner that is in the best interests of the Portfolio and that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and strategies described in detail in this Prospectus.
Management of the Trust 185

Certain Conflicts Related to Sales Incentives and Relationships with Financial Intermediaries
Sales incentives and certain related conflicts arising from the Adviser’s and its Affiliates’ financial and other relationships with financial intermediaries are described in the sections entitled “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” and “Compensation to Financial Intermediaries.”
186 Management of the Trust

5. Shareholder information
Buying and Selling Shares
All shares are purchased and sold at their net asset value without any sales load. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. The Portfolios typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out available cash or proceeds from selling portfolio holdings, which may include cash equivalent portfolio holdings. Redemption methods also may include redeeming in kind under appropriate circumstances, such as in connection with transactions involving the substitution of shares of one Portfolio (the replacement portfolio) for shares of another Portfolio (the replaced portfolio) held by insurance company separate accounts to fund Contracts. The Portfolios reserve the right to suspend or change the terms of purchasing shares.
The Trust may suspend the right of redemption for any period or postpone payment for more than seven days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than a weekend or holiday) or when trading is restricted by the SEC or the SEC declares that an emergency exists. Redemptions also may be suspended and payments may be postponed for more than seven days during other periods permitted by the SEC. A Portfolio may take up to seven days to pay a redemption request in order to raise capital, when it is detrimental for a Portfolio to make cash payments as determined in the sole discretion of EIM.
The Trust, on behalf of each Portfolio, believes that it is in the best interests of its long-term investors to discourage frequent purchases, redemptions, exchanges and transfers (referred to collectively as “frequent trading”) of Portfolio shares. If you intend to trade frequently and/or use market timing investment strategies, you should not purchase these Portfolios.
Frequent trading of Portfolio shares, including market timing and other program trading or short-term trading strategies, may be disruptive to the Portfolios. Frequent trading may adversely affect Portfolio performance and the interests of long-term investors by, among other things, requiring a Portfolio to maintain larger amounts of cash or to liquidate portfolio holdings at a disadvantageous time or price. For example, when market timing occurs, a Portfolio may have to sell its holdings to have the cash necessary to redeem the market timer’s shares. This can happen when it is not advantageous to sell any securities, so the Portfolio’s performance may be hurt. When large dollar amounts are involved, frequent trading can also make it difficult to use long-term investment strategies because a Portfolio cannot predict how much cash it will have to invest, and the Portfolio’s portfolio management team may have to allocate a significant amount of assets to cash and other short-term investments or sell investments, rather than maintaining investments selected to achieve the Portfolio’s investment objective. In addition, frequent trading of Portfolio shares may impede efficient portfolio management and impose increased transaction costs, such as brokerage costs, by requiring the portfolio manager to effect more frequent purchases and sales of portfolio securities. Similarly, a Portfolio may bear increased administrative costs as a result of the asset level and investment volatility that accompanies patterns of frequent trading.
To the extent that a Portfolio (or an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF in which a Portfolio invests) invests a significant portion of its assets in foreign securities, it will tend to be subject to the risks associated with market timing and short-term trading strategies to a greater extent than funds that do not. Securities trading in overseas markets present time zone arbitrage opportunities when events affecting portfolio securities values occur after the close of the overseas market but prior to the close of the U.S. market. This short-term arbitrage activity can reduce the return received by long-term investors. The Portfolios will seek to minimize these opportunities by using fair value pricing, as described in “How Shares are Priced” below.
In addition, to the extent that a Portfolio (or an Underlying Portfolio or Underlying ETF in which a Portfolio invests) invests in securities that are, or may be, restricted, unlisted, traded infrequently, thinly traded, or relatively illiquid, it also may be vulnerable to market timing and short-term trading strategies. Traders using such strategies may seek to take advantage of a possible differential between the last available market prices for one or more of those relatively illiquid securities that are used to calculate the value of the Portfolio’s shares and the latest indications of market values for those securities. For example, high-yield securities may present opportunities for short-term trading strategies because the market for such securities may be less liquid than the market for higher quality securities, which could result in pricing inefficiencies. One of the objectives of the Trust’s fair value pricing procedures, as described in “How Shares are Priced” below, is to minimize the possibilities of this type of arbitrage; however, there can be no assurance that the Trust’s valuation procedures will be successful in eliminating it.
The Trust has adopted certain policies and procedures discussed below to discourage what it considers to be frequent trading. For Contractholders who have invested in shares of a Portfolio through an insurance company separate account, frequent trading includes frequent transfers between the Portfolios available through the policy or contract. The Trust and the Portfolios discourage frequent trading of Portfolio shares by Contractholders and will not make special arrangements to accommodate such trading. As a general matter, the Trust and each Portfolio reserve the right to reject any transfer request that they believe, in their sole discretion, is disruptive (or potentially disruptive) to the management of the Portfolio.
Shareholder information 187

If EIM, on behalf of the Trust, determines that a Contractholder’s transfer patterns are disruptive to the Trust’s Portfolios, EIM or an affiliate (including the Administrator) may, among other things, restrict the availability of personal telephone requests, facsimile transmissions, automated telephone services, internet services or any electronic transfer services. The Administrator is generally responsible for monitoring, testing and maintaining compliance policies, procedures and other items for the Trust, and thus assists in monitoring the Trust's compliance with applicable requirements pursuant to the policies and procedures described below. EIM or an affiliate may also refuse to act on transfer instructions of an agent acting under a power of attorney who is acting on behalf of more than one owner. In making these determinations, EIM or an affiliate may consider the combined transfer activity of Contracts that it believes are under common ownership, control or direction.
The Trust currently considers transfers into and out of (or vice versa) the same Portfolio within a five-business day period as potentially disruptive trading activity. In order to reduce disruptive trading activity, the Trust monitors the frequency of transfers, including the size of transfers in relation to portfolio assets, in the Portfolios. The Trust aggregates inflows and outflows for each Portfolio on a daily basis. When a potentially disruptive transfer into or out of a Portfolio occurs on a day when the Portfolio’s net inflows and outflows exceed an established monitoring threshold, EIM or an affiliate sends a letter to the Contractholder explaining that there is a policy against disruptive trading activity and that if such activity continues, EIM or an affiliate may take the actions described above to restrict the availability of voice, fax and automated transaction services. If such Contractholder is identified a second time as engaging in potentially disruptive trading activity, EIM or an affiliate currently will restrict the availability of voice, fax and automated transaction services. EIM or an affiliate currently will apply such action for the remaining life of each affected Contract. Because EIM or an affiliate exercises discretion in determining whether or not to take the actions discussed above, some Contractholders may be treated differently than others, resulting in the risk that some Contractholders may be able to engage in frequent transfer activity while others will bear the effect of the frequent transfer activity. Although Contractholders who have engaged in disruptive trading activity currently receive letters notifying them of EIM’s or an affiliate’s intention to restrict access to communication services, such letters may not continue to be provided in the future.
The policies and procedures described above also apply to retirement plan participants.
The policies and procedures described above do not apply to funds of funds managed by EIM. The Trust generally does not consider trading activity by any funds of funds managed by EIM or trading activity associated with approved asset allocation programs to be disruptive trading activity.
The Trust seeks to apply its policies and procedures to all Contractholders, including Contractholders whose accounts are held through any omnibus accounts, uniformly. It should be recognized, however, that such policies and procedures are subject to limitations:
•  There is no assurance that the methods described above will prevent frequent trading or other trading that may be deemed disruptive. The Trust’s procedures do not eliminate the possibility that frequent trading will occur or that Portfolio performance will be affected by such activity.
•  The design of such policies and procedures involves inherently subjective judgments, which EIM and its affiliates, on behalf of the Trust, seek to make in a fair and reasonable manner consistent with the interests of all Contractholders.
•  The limits on the ability to monitor potentially disruptive trading mean that some Contractholders may be treated differently than others, resulting in the risk that some Contractholders may be able to engage in frequent trading while others will bear the effect of such trading.
Consistent with seeking to discourage potentially disruptive trading, EIM, or an affiliate thereof, or the Trust also may, in its sole discretion and without further notice, change what it considers potentially disruptive trading and its monitoring procedures and thresholds, as well as change its procedures to restrict such trading. You should consult the Contract prospectus that accompanies this Prospectus for information on other specific limitations on the transfer privilege.
Notwithstanding our efforts, we may be unable to detect or deter market timing activity by certain persons, which can lead to disruption of management of, and excess costs to, a particular Portfolio.
How Shares are Priced
“Net asset value” is the price of one share of a Portfolio without a sales charge, and is calculated each business day using the following formula:
Net Asset Value =
Total market value of securities
+
Cash and other assets
Liabilities
Number of outstanding shares
The net asset value of Portfolio shares is determined according to this schedule:
188 Shareholder information

•  A share’s net asset value is normally determined each day the New York Stock Exchange (“Exchange”) is open for trading as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In the event of an emergency or other disruption in trading on the Exchange, a share’s price would still normally be determined as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
•  The price for purchasing or redeeming a share will be based upon the net asset value next calculated after an order is received and accepted by a Portfolio or its designated agent.
•  A Portfolio may have net asset value changes on days when shares cannot be purchased or sold because it invests in Underlying Portfolios or Underlying ETFs that may invest heavily in foreign securities which sometimes trade on days when a Portfolio’s shares are not priced.
Generally, portfolio securities are valued as follows:
Equity securities (including securities issued by ETFs) —last sale price or official closing price or, if there is no sale or official closing price, latest available bid price provided by a pricing service.
Debt securitiesvalued on the basis of prices provided by an approved pricing service; however, when the prices of the securities cannot be obtained from an approved pricing service, such securities are generally valued at a bid price estimated by a broker.
Convertible bonds and unlisted convertible preferred stocksvalued at prices obtained from a pricing service for such instruments or, if a pricing service price is not available, at bid prices obtained from one or more of the major dealers in such bonds or stocks. Where there is a discrepancy between dealers, values may be adjusted based on recent premium spreads to the underlying common stocks. Convertible bonds may be matrix-priced based upon the conversion value to the underlying common stocks and market premiums.
Securities traded on foreign exchangesmost recent sales or bid price on the foreign exchange or market, unless a significant event or circumstance occurs after the close of that market or exchange that will materially affect its value. In that case, the security will be valued using the fair value procedures by or under the direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees at the close of regular trading on the Exchange. Foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollar equivalent daily at current exchange rates.
Optionsfor exchange-traded options, last sales price or, if not available, the bid price. Options not traded on an exchange or actively traded are valued according to fair value methods.
Futures last settlement price or, if there is no sale, latest available bid price.
Investment company securitiesshares of open-end mutual funds (other than ETFs) held by a Portfolio will be valued at the net asset value of the shares of such funds as described in such funds’ prospectuses.
Repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreementsvalued at original cost (par) plus accrued interest. Other pricing methods may be utilized such as amortized cost depending on the features of the instrument.
Swapscentrally cleared swaps are priced using the value determined by the central counterparty at the end of the day, which price may be provided by an approved pricing service. With respect to over-the-counter swaps and centrally cleared swaps where the central counterparty price is unavailable, a price provided by an approved pricing service will be used.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available, for which valuation cannot be provided or for which events or circumstances occurring after the close of the relevant market or exchange materially affect their value are valued pursuant to the fair value procedures in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. For example, a security whose trading has been halted during the trading day may be fair valued based on the available information at the time of the close of the trading market. Similarly, securities for which there is no ready market (e.g., securities of certain small capitalization issuers, high yield securities and securities of certain issuers located in emerging markets) also may be fair valued. Some methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (earnings multiple, etc.), matrix pricing, discounts from market prices of similar securities, or discounts applied due to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities.
Events or circumstances affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur between the closing of their principal markets and the time the net asset value is determined, such as foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that close before the time the net asset value of Portfolio shares is determined, may be reflected in the Trust’s calculations of net asset values for each applicable Portfolio when the Trust deems that the particular event or circumstance would materially affect such Portfolio’s net asset value. Such events or circumstances may be company specific, such as an earnings report, country or region specific, such as a natural disaster, or global in nature. Such events or circumstances also may include price movements in the U.S. securities markets.
Shareholder information 189

The effect of fair value pricing as described above is that securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, but rather may be priced by another method that the Trust’s Board of Trustees believes will reflect fair value. As such, fair value pricing is based on subjective judgments and it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale. This policy is intended to assure that a Portfolio’s net asset value fairly reflects security values as of the time of pricing. Also, fair valuation of a Portfolio’s securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of the Portfolio’s net asset value by those traders.
For an explanation of the circumstances under which the unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing, see the unaffiliated Underlying Portfolios’ and Underlying ETFs’ prospectuses and statements of additional information.
Dividends and Distributions
Each Portfolio generally distributes most or all of its net investment income and net realized gains, if any, annually. Dividends and other distributions by a Portfolio are automatically reinvested at net asset value in shares of the distributing class of that Portfolio.
Tax Consequences
Each Portfolio is treated as a separate corporation, and intends to qualify (in the case of a Portfolio that has not completed a taxable year) or continue to qualify each taxable year to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), for federal income tax purposes. A Portfolio will be so treated if it meets specified federal income tax requirements, including requirements regarding types of investments, diversification limits on investments, types of income, and distributions. To comply with all these requirements may, from time to time, necessitate a Portfolio’s disposition of one or more investments when it might not otherwise do so. A RIC that satisfies the federal tax requirements is not taxed at the entity (Portfolio) level to the extent it passes through its net income and net realized gains to its shareholders by making distributions. Although the Trust intends that each Portfolio will be operated to have no federal tax liability, if any Portfolio does have any federal tax liability, that would hurt its investment performance. Also, to the extent that a Portfolio invests in foreign securities or holds foreign currencies, it could be subject to foreign taxes that would reduce its investment performance.
It is important for each Portfolio to achieve (in the case of a Portfolio that has not completed a taxable year) or maintain its RIC status (and to satisfy certain other requirements), because the shareholders of a Portfolio that are insurance company separate accounts will then be able to use a “look-through” rule in determining whether those accounts meet the investment diversification rules applicable to them. If a Portfolio failed to meet those diversification rules, owners of non-pension plan Contracts indirectly funded through that Portfolio would be taxed immediately on the accumulated investment earnings under their Contracts and would lose any benefit of tax deferral. Therefore, the Trust’s Adviser and Administrator carefully monitor each Portfolio’s compliance with all of the RIC requirements and separate account investment diversification rules.
Contractholders seeking to more fully understand the tax consequences of their investment should consult with their tax advisers or the insurance company that issued their Contract or refer to their Contract prospectus.
190 Shareholder information

6. Distribution arrangements
The Portfolios are distributed by Equitable Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of EIM. The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).
The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for the Trust’s Class IA and Class IB shares. Under the Distribution Plan, Class IA and Class IB shares are charged a distribution and/or service (12b-1) fee to compensate the Distributor for promoting, selling and servicing shares of the Portfolios. The distribution and/or service (12b-1) fee may be retained by the Distributor or used to pay financial intermediaries for similar services. The maximum distribution and/or service (12b-1) fee for a Portfolio’s Class IA and Class IB shares is equal to an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio attributable to Class IA and Class IB shares. Because these fees are paid out of a Portfolio’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time, these fees for Class IA and Class IB shares will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of charges.
The Distributor also may receive payments from certain investment advisers or Sub-Advisers of the Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs or their affiliates to help defray expenses for sales meetings, seminar sponsorships and similar expenses that may relate to the Contracts and/or the investment advisers’ or Sub-Advisers’ respective Underlying Portfolios and Underlying ETFs. These sales meetings or seminar sponsorships may provide the investment advisers or Sub-Advisers with increased access to persons involved in the distribution of the Contracts. The Distributor also may receive other marketing support from the investment advisers or Sub-Advisers in connection with the distribution of the Contracts. These payments may provide an incentive to the Adviser in selecting one Sub-Adviser over another or a disincentive for the Adviser to recommend the termination of such Sub-Advisers.
Compensation to Financial Intermediaries
In addition to the distribution and service fees paid by the Portfolios, the Distributor or the Adviser (or one of their affiliates) may make payments out of its own resources to provide additional compensation to selected affiliated and unaffiliated sponsoring insurance companies (or their affiliates) or other financial intermediaries (collectively, “financial intermediaries”). These payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its representatives to recommend or offer shares of the Portfolios or insurance products for which a Portfolio serves as an underlying investment. Such payments, which are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing,” may be calculated by reference to the gross or net sales by such person, the average net assets of shares held by the customers of such person, the number of accounts of the Portfolios attributable to such person, on the basis of a flat fee or a negotiated lump sum payment for services provided, or otherwise.
The additional payments to such financial intermediaries are negotiated based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, quality of service, reputation in the industry, ability to attract and retain assets, target markets, customer relationships, and relationship with the Distributor or its affiliates. No one factor is determinative of the type or amount of additional compensation to be provided. The amount of these payments, as determined from time to time by the Distributor or the Adviser (or an affiliate) in its sole discretion, may be different for different financial intermediaries. The compensation arrangements described in this section are not mutually exclusive, and a single financial intermediary may receive multiple types of compensation. These additional payments are made by the Adviser, the Distributor or their respective affiliates and do not increase the amount paid by you or the Portfolios as shown under the heading “Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio” in the Portfolio summaries in this Prospectus.
Payments by the Distributor and/or the Adviser (and their affiliates) to financial intermediaries may include payments for providing recordkeeping services with respect to certain groups of investors in the Portfolios, including Contract owners that allocate contract value indirectly to one or more Portfolios (collectively referred to as “subaccounting” services, and Contract owners and other investors as “investors”). The subaccounting services typically include: (i) maintenance of master accounts with the Portfolios (e.g., recordkeeping for insurance company separate accounts investing in the Portfolios); (ii) tracking, recording and transmitting net purchase and redemption orders for Portfolio shares; (iii) establishing and maintaining investor accounts and records; (iv) recording investor account balances and changes thereto; (v) distributing redemption proceeds and transmitting net purchase payments and arranging for the wiring of funds; (vi) reconciling purchase and redemption activity and dividend and distribution payments between a master account and the Portfolios; (vii) maintaining and preserving records related to the purchase, redemption and other account activity of investors; (viii) providing statements to investors; (ix) furnishing proxy materials, periodic fund reports, prospectuses and other communications to investors as required; (x) assisting with proxy solicitations on behalf of the Portfolios, including soliciting and compiling voting instructions from Contract owners; (xi) responding to inquiries from investors about the Portfolios and (xii) providing information in order to assist the Portfolios in their compliance with state securities laws.
Distribution arrangements 191

Such payments also may be made to provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries for various marketing support services, including, without limitation, providing periodic and ongoing education and training and support of financial intermediary personnel regarding the Portfolios and the financial planning needs of investors who purchase through financial intermediaries; adding the Portfolios to the list of underlying investment options in an insurance company’s variable products; disseminating to financial intermediary personnel information and product marketing materials regarding the Portfolios; explaining to financial intermediaries’ clients the features and characteristics of the Portfolios; conducting due diligence regarding the Portfolios; granting access (in some cases on a preferential basis over other competitors) to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the financial intermediary; and providing business planning assistance, marketing support, advertising and other services. The Distributor and its affiliates may make other payments or allow other promotional incentives to financial intermediaries to the extent permitted by SEC and FINRA rules and by other applicable laws and regulations.
The Distributor and its affiliates may make the payments described above in order to promote the sale of Portfolio shares and the retention of those investments by clients of insurance companies and other qualified investors. To the extent these financial intermediaries sell more shares of the Portfolios or retain shares of the Portfolios in their customers’ accounts, the Adviser, the Distributor and their affiliates may directly or indirectly benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to the Adviser and the Distributor by the Portfolios with respect to those assets.
The Portfolios’ portfolio transactions are not used as a form of sales-related compensation to financial intermediaries that promote or sell shares of the Portfolios and the promotion or sale of such shares is not considered as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute the Portfolios’ portfolio transactions. The Adviser places each Portfolio’s portfolio transactions with broker-dealer firms based on the firm’s ability to provide the best net results from the transaction to the Portfolio. To the extent that the Adviser determines that a financial intermediary can provide a Portfolio with the best net results, the Adviser may place the Portfolio’s portfolio transactions with the financial intermediary even though it sells or has sold shares of the Portfolio.
You can find further information in the SAI about the payments made by the Distributor, the Adviser, or their affiliates and the services provided by your financial intermediary. You can also ask your financial intermediary about any payments it receives from the Distributor, the Adviser, or their affiliates (and any conflicts of interest that such payments may create) and any services your financial intermediary provides, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges. Your financial intermediary may charge you fees or commissions in addition to those disclosed in this Prospectus. Financial intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements to their clients and to members of the public in a manner different from the disclosures in this Prospectus and the SAI.
192 Distribution arrangements

7. Financial highlights
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the financial performance for each Portfolio’s Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares, as applicable. The financial information in the table below is for the past five (5) years (or, if shorter, the period of the Portfolio’s operations). The financial information below for the Class IA, Class IB and Class K shares, as applicable, of each Portfolio has been derived from each Portfolio’s financial statements, which have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s report on each Portfolio’s financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and the financial statements themselves appear in the Trust’s Annual Report.
Certain information reflects financial results for a single Portfolio share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that a shareholder would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Portfolio (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions). The total return figures shown below do not reflect any separate account or Contract fees and charges. The total return figures would be lower if they did reflect such fees and charges. The information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the Annual Report which are incorporated by reference into the SAI and available upon request.
Because Equitable Moderate Growth MF/ETF Portfolio and Equitable Growth MF/ETF Portfolio commenced operations on February 15, 2022, financial highlights from the Trust’s most recent fiscal period are not available for these Portfolios.
EQ/Ultra Conservative Strategy Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$10.06
$9.96
$9.67
$9.83
$9.77
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.05
0.05
0.09
0.26
0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(0.05)
0.51
0.49
(0.29)
0.15
Total from investment operations
#
0.56
0.58
(0.03)
0.20
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.07)
(0.10)
(0.12)
(0.11)
(0.07)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.31)
(0.36)
(0.17)
(0.02)
(0.07)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.38)
(0.46)
(0.29)
(0.13)
(0.14)
Net asset value, end of year
$9.68
$10.06
$9.96
$9.67
$9.83
Total return
0.02%
5.68%
6.03%
(0.36)%
1.97%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$932,729
$1,015,869
$469,971
$1,084,793
$136,471
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.49%(j)
0.51%(k)
0.51%(k)
0.52%(k)
0.49%(k)
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)
0.49%
0.51%
0.53%
0.53%
0.57%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers and reimbursements(f)(x)
0.49%
0.48%
0.90%
2.65%
0.48%
Before waivers and reimbursements(f)(x)
0.49%
0.48%
0.88%
2.64%
0.40%
Portfolio turnover rate^
26%
175%
107%
28%
66%

#
Per share amount is less than $0.005.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.91% for Class IB.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.95% for Class IB.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
Financial highlights 193

EQ/Conservative Strategy Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$12.95
$12.36
$11.58
$12.17
$11.92
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.07
0.13
0.18
0.13
0.10
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
0.25
0.77
0.86
(0.30)
0.41
Total from investment operations
0.32
0.90
1.04
(0.17)
0.51
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.14)
(0.19)
(0.19)
(0.15)
(0.13)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.41)
(0.12)
(0.07)
(0.27)
(0.13)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.55)
(0.31)
(0.26)
(0.42)
(0.26)
Net asset value, end of year
$12.72
$12.95
$12.36
$11.58
$12.17
Total return
2.50%
7.26%
8.97%
(1.41)%
4.31%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$837,813
$908,213
$761,618
$671,127
$814,155
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.50%(j)
0.49%(j)
0.48%(j)
0.48%(j)
0.46%(j)
Before waivers(f)
0.50%
0.50%
0.50%
0.51%
0.52%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)(x)
0.56%
1.00%
1.48%
1.10%
0.82%
Before waivers(f)(x)
0.56%
0.99%
1.46%
1.06%
0.77%
Portfolio turnover rate^
27%
23%
17%
10%
9%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 0.95% for Class IB.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
194 Financial highlights

EQ/Conservative Growth Strategy Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$15.67
$14.83
$13.45
$14.40
$13.63
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.09
0.13
0.20
0.15
0.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.01
1.33
1.60
(0.62)
0.95
Total from investment operations
1.10
1.46
1.80
(0.47)
1.08
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.25)
(0.25)
(0.22)
(0.18)
(0.17)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.80)
(0.37)
(0.20)
(0.30)
(0.14)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.05)
(0.62)
(0.42)
(0.48)
(0.31)
Net asset value, end of year
$15.72
$15.67
$14.83
$13.45
$14.40
Total return
7.08%
9.93%
13.40%
(3.29)%
7.97%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$1,595,539
$1,602,539
$1,558,521
$1,375,253
$1,602,383
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.48%(j)
0.50%(k)
0.51%(m)
0.50%(m)
0.49%(m)
Before waivers(f)
0.48%
0.50%
0.51%
0.50%
0.51%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)(x)
0.57%
0.87%
1.38%
1.06%
0.89%
Before waivers(f)(x)
0.57%
0.87%
1.38%
1.06%
0.87%
Portfolio turnover rate^
22%
28%
15%
10%
8%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.95% for Class IB.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.99% for Class IB.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.00% for Class IB.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
Financial highlights 195

EQ/Balanced Strategy Portfolio
 
January 1, 2021 to
September 1, 2021
Year Ended December 31,
Class IA
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$17.04
$16.04
$14.33
$15.48
$14.41
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
(0.05)
0.14
0.21
0.07
0.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.52
1.64
2.03
(0.70)
1.29
Total from investment operations
1.47
1.78
2.24
(0.63)
1.42
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.29)
(0.24)
(0.19)
(0.20)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.49)
(0.29)
(0.33)
(0.15)
Total dividends and distributions
(0.78)
(0.53)
(0.52)
(0.35)
Net asset value, end of year
$18.51
$17.04
$16.04
$14.33
$15.48
Total return(b)
8.63%
11.22%
15.65%
(4.16)%
9.86%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$
$82
$79
$73
$193
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(a)(f)
0.46%(n)
0.49%(j)
0.49%(j)
0.50%(k)
0.52%(m)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(a)(f)(x)
(0.46)%
0.84%
1.34%
0.44%
0.85%
Portfolio turnover rate^
24%
27%
14%
10%
8%
196 Financial highlights

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$17.07
$16.07
$14.35
$15.50
$14.43
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.12
0.14
0.21
0.16
0.13
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
1.48
1.64
2.04
(0.79)
1.29
Total from investment operations
1.60
1.78
2.25
(0.63)
1.42
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.32)
(0.29)
(0.24)
(0.19)
(0.20)
Distributions from net realized gains
(0.70)
(0.49)
(0.29)
(0.33)
(0.15)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.02)
(0.78)
(0.53)
(0.52)
(0.35)
Net asset value, end of year
$17.65
$17.07
$16.07
$14.35
$15.50
Total return
9.48%
11.20%
15.70%
(4.15)%
9.84%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$4,414,758
$3,676,850
$3,614,859
$3,218,857
$3,656,023
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(f)
0.48%(n)**
0.49%(j)
0.49%(j)
0.50%(k)
0.52%(m)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)(x)
0.65%
0.86%
1.36%
1.06%
0.88%
Portfolio turnover rate^
24%
27%
14%
10%
8%

**
Includes Interest Expense of less than 0.005%.
After the close of business on September 1, 2021 operations for Class IA ceased and shares were fully redeemed. The shares are no longer operational, but are still registered.
The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net income and/or gain on investments for that period because of the timing of sales and repurchases of the Portfolio shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments in the Portfolio.
^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(a)
Ratios for periods less than one year are annualized.
(b)
Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.00% for Class IA and 1.00% for Class IB.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.01% for Class IA and 1.01% for Class IB.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.04% for Class IA and 1.04% for Class IB.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.95% for Class IA and 0.97% for Class IB.
Financial highlights 197

EQ/Moderate Growth Strategy Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$18.86
$17.76
$15.63
$17.11
$15.69
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.11
0.15
0.23
0.18
0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.10
2.02
2.57
(1.05)
1.70
Total from investment operations
2.21
2.17
2.80
(0.87)
1.85
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.40)
(0.35)
(0.26)
(0.21)
(0.23)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.32)
(0.72)
(0.41)
(0.40)
(0.20)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.72)
(1.07)
(0.67)
(0.61)
(0.43)
Net asset value, end of year
$19.35
$18.86
$17.76
$15.63
$17.11
Total return
11.91%
12.38%
18.00%
(5.17)%
11.82%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$7,448,672
$7,412,644
$7,333,348
$6,621,253
$7,534,635
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(f)
0.47%(j)
0.48%(k)
0.48%(k)
0.49%(m)
0.50%(n)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)(x)
0.56%
0.83%
1.32%
1.02%
0.90%
Portfolio turnover rate^
20%
24%
12%
9%
8%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.97% for Class IB.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.00% for Class IB.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.01% for Class IB.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.03% for Class IB.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
198 Financial highlights

EQ/Growth Strategy Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IA
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$20.82
$19.31
$16.60
$18.23
$16.40
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.13
0.16
0.25
0.18
0.16
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.81
2.44
3.10
(1.27)
2.10
Total from investment operations
2.94
2.60
3.35
(1.09)
2.26
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.51)
(0.40)
(0.29)
(0.22)
(0.27)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.28)
(0.69)
(0.35)
(0.32)
(0.16)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.79)
(1.09)
(0.64)
(0.54)
(0.43)
Net asset value, end of year
$21.97
$20.82
$19.31
$16.60
$18.23
Total return
14.30%
13.66%
20.23%
(6.08)%
13.75%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$1,804
$1,580
$1,419
$1,294
$1,528
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(f)
0.47%(j)
0.49%(k)
0.48%(m)
0.49%(n)
0.50%(o)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)(x)
0.58%
0.85%
1.33%
0.95%
0.92%
Portfolio turnover rate^
19%
24%
11%
10%
5%
Financial highlights 199

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$20.84
$19.33
$16.62
$18.25
$16.42
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.13
0.16
0.25
0.19
0.17
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.81
2.44
3.10
(1.28)
2.09
Total from investment operations
2.94
2.60
3.35
(1.09)
2.26
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.51)
(0.40)
(0.29)
(0.22)
(0.27)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.28)
(0.69)
(0.35)
(0.32)
(0.16)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.79)
(1.09)
(0.64)
(0.54)
(0.43)
Net asset value, end of year
$21.99
$20.84
$19.33
$16.62
$18.25
Total return
14.28%
13.64%
20.21%
(6.07)%
13.74%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$6,010,718
$5,754,524
$5,574,271
$4,727,029
$5,201,255
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:(f)
0.47%(j)
0.49%(k)
0.48%(m)
0.49%(n)
0.50%(o)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)(x)
0.56%
0.82%
1.33%
1.01%
0.95%
Portfolio turnover rate^
19%
24%
11%
10%
5%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 0.99% for Class IA and 0.99% for Class IB.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.02% for Class IA and 1.02% for Class IB.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.01% for Class IA and 1.01% for Class IB.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.03% for Class IA and 1.03% for Class IB.
(o)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.04% for Class IA and 1.04% for Class IB.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests
200 Financial highlights

EQ/Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$17.63
$16.04
$13.49
$14.93
$13.22
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.11
0.15
0.20
0.15
0.14
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.81
2.15
2.83
(1.17)
1.92
Total from investment operations
2.92
2.30
3.03
(1.02)
2.06
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.48)
(0.36)
(0.24)
(0.18)
(0.23)
Distributions from net realized gains
(1.03)
(0.35)
(0.24)
(0.24)
(0.12)
Total dividends and distributions
(1.51)
(0.71)
(0.48)
(0.42)
(0.35)
Net asset value, end of year
$19.04
$17.63
$16.04
$13.49
$14.93
Total return
16.82%
14.52%
22.51%
(6.97)%
15.63%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$6,110,815
$5,583,681
$4,321,787
$3,434,710
$3,578,052
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: (f)
0.47%(j)
0.49%(k)
0.49%(m)
0.49%(n)
0.50%(o)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:(f)(x)
0.58%
0.92%
1.34%
1.01%
1.01%
Portfolio turnover rate^
16%
21%
8%
6%
3%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.00% for Class IB.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.03% for Class IB.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.04% for Class IB.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.05% for Class IB.
(o)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers and reimbursements would be 1.06% for Class IB.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
Financial highlights 201

EQ/All Asset Growth Allocation Portfolio
 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IA
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$22.31
$20.86
$18.50
$21.16
$18.90
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.26
0.19
0.33
0.26
0.21
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.08
2.32
3.18
(1.82)
2.79
Total from investment operations
2.34
2.51
3.51
(1.56)
3.00
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.85)
(0.32)
(0.35)
(0.38)
(0.31)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.19)
(0.74)
(0.80)
(0.72)
(0.43)
Total dividends and distributions
(4.04)
(1.06)
(1.15)
(1.10)
(0.74)
Net asset value, end of year
$20.61
$22.31
$20.86
$18.50
$21.16
Total return
10.90%
12.28%
19.14%
(7.60)%
15.91%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$38,941
$37,418
$28,759
$27,529
$31,514
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.53%(j)
0.55%(k)
0.55%(m)
0.56%(n)
0.59%(o)
Before waivers(f)
0.53%
0.55%
0.55%
0.56%
0.63%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)(x)
1.10%
0.92%
1.62%
1.23%
1.01%
Before waivers(f)(x)
1.10%
0.91%
1.62%
1.23%
0.98%
Portfolio turnover rate^
14%
79%(aa)
11%
12%
15%
202 Financial highlights

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class IB
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$22.38
$20.92
$18.55
$21.21
$18.95
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.26
0.20
0.34
0.26
0.18
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.09
2.32
3.18
(1.82)
2.82
Total from investment operations
2.35
2.52
3.52
(1.56)
3.00
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.85)
(0.32)
(0.35)
(0.38)
(0.31)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.19)
(0.74)
(0.80)
(0.72)
(0.43)
Total dividends and distributions
(4.04)
(1.06)
(1.15)
(1.10)
(0.74)
Net asset value, end of year
$20.69
$22.38
$20.92
$18.55
$21.21
Total return
10.92%
12.29%
19.14%
(7.58)%
15.87%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$454,964
$432,637
$307,078
$273,992
$313,159
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.53%(j)
0.54%(k)
0.55%(m)
0.56%(n)
0.59%(o)
Before waivers(f)
0.53%
0.55%
0.55%
0.56%
0.62%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)(x)
1.12%
0.96%
1.65%
1.24%
0.90%
Before waivers(f)(x)
1.12%
0.95%
1.65%
1.24%
0.86%
Portfolio turnover rate^
14%
79%(aa)
11%
12%
15%
Financial highlights 203

 
Year Ended December 31,
Class K
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net asset value, beginning of year
$22.26
$20.81
$18.46
$21.12
$18.86
Income (loss) from investment operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income (loss)(e)(x)
0.32
0.15
0.39
0.30
0.24
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
2.07
2.41
3.16
(1.81)
2.81
Total from investment operations
2.39
2.56
3.55
(1.51)
3.05
Less distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from net investment income
(0.90)
(0.37)
(0.40)
(0.43)
(0.36)
Distributions from net realized gains
(3.19)
(0.74)
(0.80)
(0.72)
(0.43)
Total dividends and distributions
(4.09)
(1.11)
(1.20)
(1.15)
(0.79)
Net asset value, end of year
$20.56
$22.26
$20.81
$18.46
$21.12
Total return
11.21%
12.55%
19.41%
(7.36)%
16.22%
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
$2,530
$2,201
$2,993
$2,058
$2,591
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)
0.28%(j)
0.30%(k)
0.30%(m)
0.31%(n)
0.34%(o)
Before waivers(f)
0.28%
0.30%
0.30%
0.31%
0.37%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:
 
 
 
 
 
After waivers(f)(x)
1.37%
0.74%
1.90%
1.42%
1.20%
Before waivers(f)(x)
1.37%
0.74%
1.90%
1.42%
1.17%
Portfolio turnover rate^
14%
79%(aa)
11%
12%
15%

^
Portfolio turnover rate excludes derivatives, if any.
(e)
Net investment income (loss) per share is based on average shares outstanding.
(f)
Expenses do not include the expenses of the underlying funds (“indirect expenses”), if applicable.
(j)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.21% for Class IA, 1.21% for Class IB and 0.96% for Class K.
(k)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.25% for Class IA, 1.25% for Class IB and 1.00% for Class K.
(m)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.26% for Class IA, 1.26% for Class IB and 1.01% for Class K.
(n)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.28% for Class IA, 1.28% for Class IB and 1.03% for Class K.
(o)
Including direct and indirect expenses, the net expense ratio after waivers would be 1.31% for Class IA, 1.31% for Class IB and 1.06% for Class K.
(aa)
The portfolio turnover rate calculation includes purchases and sales made as a result of implementing a tax planning strategy. Excluding such transactions, the portfolio turnover rate would have been 19%.
(x)
Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing of dividend declarations by the underlying funds in which the Portfolio invests.
204 Financial highlights

If you would like more information about the Portfolios, the following documents (including a copy of this Prospectus) are available at the Trust's website: www.equitable-funds.com, free of charge.
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports Include more information about the Portfolios’ investments and performance. The reports usually include performance information, a discussion of market conditions and the investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolios’ performance during the most recent fiscal period.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) Provides more detailed information about the Portfolios, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure A description of the Portfolios’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of their portfolio securities holdings is available in the Portfolios’ SAI, which is available on the Portfolios’ website.
To order a free copy of the Portfolios’ SAI and/or Annual and Semi-Annual Report, request other information about a Portfolio, or make shareholder inquiries, contact your financial professional, or the Portfolios at:
EQ Advisors Trust
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104
Telephone: 1-877-222-2144
Your financial professional or EQ Advisors Trust will also be happy to answer your questions or to provide any additional information that you may require.
Reports and other information about the Portfolios are available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s Internet site at:
http://www.sec.gov
Investors may also obtain copies of this information, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov
Each business day, the Portfolios’ net asset values are transmitted electronically to insurance companies that use the Portfolios as underlying investment options for Contracts.
EQ Advisors Trust
(Investment Company Act File No. 811-07953)
© 2022 EQ Advisors Trust