Touchstone ETF Trust - N-1A Combined Document

N-1A 1 touchstoneetftrust-nx1acom.htm N-1A Touchstone ETF Trust - N-1A Combined Document

Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2022

Securities Act of 1933 File No. [ ]

Investment Company Act of 1940 File No. [ ]

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 x

Pre-Effective Amendment No.

Post-Effective Amendment No.

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 x

Amendment No.

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

TOUCHSTONE ETF TRUST

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code (800) 638-8194

E. Blake Moore, Jr., 303 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies to:

Richard F. Kerr, Esq.

K&L Gates LLP

One Lincoln Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2950

Andrew J. DeLorme, Esq.

K&L Gates LLP

One Lincoln Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2950

Clair E. Pagnano, Esq.

K&L Gates LLP

One Lincoln Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2950

Approximate Date of Proposed Offering: it is proposed that this filing will become effective as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

Registrant hereby amends the Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), shall determine.

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS - SUBJECT TO COMPLETION - DATED APRIL 8, 2022

[ ], 2022

Prospectus

Touchstone ETF Trust

Fund

Ticker Symbol

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange

Touchstone Dividend Select ETF

DVND

NYSE Arca, Inc.

Touchstone Strategic Income Opportunities ETF

SIO

NYSE Arca, Inc.

Touchstone US Large Cap Focused ETF

LCF

Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.

Touchstone Ultra Short Income ETF

TUSI

Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


Table of Contents			Page

TOUCHSTONE DIVIDEND SELECT ETF SUMMARY			3
TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC INCOME OPPORTUNITIES ETF SUMMARY			7
TOUCHSTONE US LARGE CAP FOCUSED ETF SUMMARY			13
TOUCHSTONE ULTRA SHORT INCOME ETF SUMMARY			17
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS			22
THE FUNDS’ MANAGEMENT			35
DISTRIBUTION AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES			39
BUYING AND SELLING SHARES			39
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES			42
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS			45

TOUCHSTONE DIVIDEND SELECT ETF SUMMARY

The Fund’s Investment Goal

The Touchstone Dividend Select ETF (the “Fund”) seeks current income and capital appreciation.

The Fund’s Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.


Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees			0.55%
Distribution and/or Shareholder Service (12b-1) Fees(1)			0.00%



Other Expenses(2)			0.40%


Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses			0.95%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[(0.28)]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[0.67]%

___________________________________________

(1)The Fund has adopted a Distribution (12b-1) Plan pursuant to which the Fund may incur and pay a Distribution (12b-1) Fee of up to a maximum of 0.25%. No such fee is currently incurred and paid by the Fund. The Fund will not incur and pay such a Distribution (12b-1) Fee until such time as approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).

(2)Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(3)Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor" or "Touchstone Advisors") and Touchstone ETF Trust (the "Trust") have entered into a contractual expense limitation agreement whereby Touchstone Advisors will waive a portion of its fees or reimburse certain Fund expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales; interest; taxes; brokerage commissions and other transaction costs; portfolio transaction and investment related expenses; other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; the cost of “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” if any; and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business) in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses to [0.67]% of the Fund's average daily net assets. This contractual expense limitation is effective through [ ], 2023, but can be terminated by a vote of the Board if it deems the termination to be beneficial to the Fund’s shareholders. The terms of the contractual expense limitation agreement provide that Touchstone Advisors is entitled to recoup, subject to approval by the Board, such amounts waived or reimbursed for a period of up to three years from the date on which the Advisor reduced its compensation or assumed expenses for the Fund. The Fund will make repayments to the Advisor only if such repayment does not cause the annual Fund operating expenses (after the repayment is taken into account) to exceed either (1) the expense cap in place when such amounts were waived or reimbursed or (2) the Fund’s current expense limitation.

Example. This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"). The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then, except as indicated, redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same and that all fee waivers or expense limits for the Fund will expire after one year. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:


1 Year						$68
3 Years						$275

Portfolio Turnover. The Fund pays transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in total annual Fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus and, as a result, does not yet have a portfolio turnover rate.

The Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of U.S. large-cap companies that have historically paid dividends. The Fund’s 80% policy is a non-fundamental investment policy that can be changed by the Fund's Board upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders. For the purpose of the Fund's 80% policy, a large capitalization company has a market capitalization within the range represented in the S&P 500 Index (between approximately $5.2 billion and $2.9 trillion as of December 31, 2021) at the time of purchase. These securities may be listed on an exchange or traded over-the-counter.

In selecting securities for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-advisor, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. (the "Sub-Advisor"), seeks to invest in companies that:

•Have historically paid consistent, growing dividends;

•Have sustainable competitive advantages that should result in excess profits to support future dividend payments; and

•Trade at reasonable valuations compared to their intrinsic value.

The Sub-Advisor believes its unique approach results in a portfolio of high quality companies with sustainable competitive advantages that should pay reliable, growing dividends at reasonable valuations. The Sub-Advisor evaluates a company’s competitive advantage by assessing its barrier(s) to entry. The barrier(s) to entry can be created through a cost advantage, economies of scale, high customer loyalty, or a government barrier (e.g., license or subsidy). The Sub-Advisor believes that the strongest barrier to entry is the combination of economies of scale and higher customer loyalty.

The Fund will generally hold 40 to 55 companies, with residual cash and cash equivalents expected to represent less than 10% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund may, at times, hold fewer securities and a higher percentage of cash and cash equivalents when, among other reasons, the Sub-Advisor cannot find a sufficient number of securities that meets its purchase requirements.

The Fund will generally sell a security if the security does not meet portfolio guidelines, if the security stops paying a dividend and future prospects of paying a dividend are limited, or if better opportunities exist based on the fundamentals and valuation of the business.

The Fund’s Principal Risks

The Fund’s share price will fluctuate. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund and the Fund could also return less than other investments. Investments in the Fund are not bank guaranteed, are not deposits, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other federal government agency. As with any ETF, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal. You can find more information about the Fund’s investments and risks under the “Principal Investment Strategies and Risks” section of the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund is subject to the principal risks summarized below.

Equity Securities Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments, as a result of irregular and/or unexpected trading activity among retail investors. The prices of securities issued by these companies may decline in response to such developments, which could result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s shares.

•Large-Cap Risk: Large-cap companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.

Dividend Risk: There is no guarantee that the companies in which the Fund invests will declare dividends in the future or that dividends, if declared, 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 or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.

ETF Risk: As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:

•Authorized Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”), which are responsible for the creation and redemption activity for the Fund. To the extent APs exit the business, become unable or are otherwise unwilling to engage in creation and redemption transactions with the Fund and no other AP steps in to create or redeem, Fund shares may trade at a material discount to net asset value (“NAV”) and possibly face delisting from the Exchange.

•Premium/Discount Risk: As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. There may be times when the trading prices of Fund shares in the secondary market are more than the NAV (a premium) or less than the NAV (a discount). As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop loss orders to sell Fund shares may be executed at prices well below a Fund's NAV.

•Secondary Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of Fund shares. Secondary market trading is subject to bid-ask spreads and trading in Fund shares may be halted by the Exchange because of market conditions or other reasons. If a trading halt occurs, a shareholder may temporarily be unable to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. In addition, although the Fund’s shares are listed on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed.

Management Risk: In managing the Fund’s portfolio, the Advisor engages one or more sub-advisors to make investment decisions for a portion of or the entire portfolio. There is a risk that the Advisor may be unable to identify and retain sub-advisors who achieve superior investment returns relative to other similar sub-advisors.

Value Investing Risk: Value investing presents the risk that the Fund’s security holdings may never reach their full intrinsic value because the market fails to recognize what the portfolio managers consider the true business value or because the portfolio managers have misjudged those values.

The Fund’s Performance

The Fund’s performance information is only shown when it has had a full calendar year of operations. Since the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus, there is no performance information included in this prospectus.

The Fund’s Management

Investment Advisor

Touchstone Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment advisor.

Sub-Advisor

Portfolio Managers

Investment Experience
with the Fund

Primary Title with Sub-Advisor

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Austin R. Kummer, CFA

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Brendan M. White, CFA

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Senior Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager

James E. Wilhelm, Jr.

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager

Buying and Selling Fund Shares

The Fund is an ETF. Individual Fund shares may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker-dealer and may not be purchased or redeemed directly with the Fund. The price of Fund shares is based on market price, and because ETF shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a discount). An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (“bid”) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares (“ask”) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Recent information, including information about the

Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at TouchstoneInvestments.com.

Tax Information

The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains except when shares are held through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Withdrawals from a tax-advantaged account, however, may be taxable.

Financial Intermediary Compensation

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

TOUCHSTONE STRATEGIC INCOME OPPORTUNITIES ETF SUMMARY

The Fund’s Investment Goal

The Touchstone Strategic Income Opportunities ETF (the “Fund”) seeks a high level of current income with a focus on capital preservation.

The Fund’s Fees and Expenses


Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees			0.55%
Distribution and/or Shareholder Service (12b-1) Fees(1)			0.00%



Other Expenses(2)			0.42%


Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses			0.97%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[(0.32)]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[0.65]%

___________________________________________

(2)Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(3)Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor" or "Touchstone Advisors") and Touchstone ETF Trust (the "Trust") have entered into a contractual expense limitation agreement whereby Touchstone Advisors will waive a portion of its fees or reimburse certain Fund expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales; interest; taxes; brokerage commissions and other transaction costs; portfolio transaction and investment related expenses; other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; the cost of “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” if any; and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business) in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses to [0.65]% of the Fund's average daily net assets. This contractual expense limitation is effective through [ ], 2023, but can be terminated by a vote of the Board if it deems the termination to be beneficial to the Fund’s shareholders. The terms of the contractual expense limitation agreement provide that Touchstone Advisors is entitled to recoup, subject to approval by the Board, such amounts waived or reimbursed for a period of up to three years from the date on which the Advisor reduced its compensation or assumed expenses for the Fund. The Fund will make repayments to the Advisor only if such repayment does not cause the annual Fund operating expenses (after the repayment is taken into account) to exceed either (1) the expense cap in place when such amounts were waived or reimbursed or (2) the Fund’s current expense limitation.


1 Year						$66
3 Years						$277

The Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in income producing fixed-income securities. This is a non-fundamental investment policy that the Fund's Board can change upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders. Income producing securities generally include corporate debt securities, mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, government securities (both U.S. government securities and foreign sovereign debt), and preferred stocks. The Fund may engage in frequent and active trading as part of its principal investment strategies.

The Fund’s sub-advisor, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Fort Washington”), seeks to employ a high conviction, yield-oriented investment approach with a relatively focused number of issuers, coupled with sector diversification and diligent risk management resulting in attractive risk-adjusted returns via high levels of income.

In building the Fund’s portfolio, Fort Washington invests at least 50% of the Fund's portfolio in investment-grade rated debt securities. The Fund may also invest up to 50% of the Fund's portfolio in non-investment-grade debt securities. Non-investment-grade debt securities are often referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative. The Fund's investment policies are based on credit ratings at the time of purchase. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in emerging markets debt securities denominated in either the U.S. dollar or a foreign currency. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its assets in public equities.

Additionally, in order to implement its investment strategy, the Fund may invest in mortgage dollar-roll transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, and other derivatives, including forwards, futures contracts, interest rate and credit default swap agreements, and options. These investments may be used to gain or hedge market exposure, to adjust the Fund’s duration, to manage interest rate risk, and for any other purposes consistent with the Fund’s investment strategies and limitations. The Fund may also invest in other ETFs.

The Fund will generally sell a security if the price/yield no longer adequately compensates for the risk profile or if there is a change to allocation between sectors based on relative value.

The Fund’s Principal Risks

The Fund’s share price will fluctuate. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund and the Fund could return less than other investments. Investments in the Fund are not bank guaranteed, are not deposits, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other federal government agency. As with any ETF, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal. You can find more information about the Fund’s investments and risks under the “Principal Investment Strategies and Risks” section of the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund is subject to the principal risks summarized below.

Fixed-Income Risk: The market value of the Fund’s fixed-income securities responds to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund’s fixed-income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall. Normally, the longer the maturity or duration of the fixed-income securities the Fund owns, the more sensitive the value of the Fund’s shares will be to changes in interest rates.

•Asset-Backed Securities Risk: Asset-backed securities are fixed-income securities backed by other assets such as credit card, automobile or consumer loan receivables, retail installment loans, or participations in pools of leases. The values of these securities are sensitive to changes in the credit quality of the underlying collateral, the credit strength of any credit enhancement feature, changes in interest rates, and, at times, the financial condition of the issuer.

•Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk: Mortgage-backed securities are fixed-income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed-income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities may fluctuate in price based on deterioration in the value of the collateral underlying the pool of mortgage loans, which may result in the collateral being worth less than the remaining principal amount owed on the mortgages in the pool.

•Interest Rate Risk: In general, when interest rates rise, the prices of debt securities fall, and when interest rates fall, the prices of debt securities rise. The price volatility of a debt security also depends on its maturity. Longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the longer the average maturity or duration of these securities, the greater their price risk. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates that incorporates a security’s yield, coupon, final maturity, and call features, among other characteristics. The longer a fixed-income security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Maturity, on the other hand, is the date on which a fixed-income security becomes due for payment of principal. Recent and potential future changes in government policy may affect interest rates.

•Investment-Grade Debt Securities Risk: Investment-grade debt securities may be downgraded by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") to below-investment-grade status, which would increase the risk of holding these securities. Investment-grade debt securities rated in the lowest rating category by a NRSRO involve a higher degree of risk than fixed-income securities with higher credit ratings.

•U.S. Government Securities Risk: Certain U.S. government securities are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury while others are supported only by the credit of the issuer or instrumentality. While the U.S. government is able to provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so. Such securities are generally neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.

•Prepayment Risk: The risk that a debt security may be paid off and proceeds reinvested earlier than anticipated. Prepayment impacts both the interest rate sensitivity of the underlying asset, such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security and its cash flow projections. Therefore, prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average duration of the Fund’s asset- or mortgage-backed securities which in turn would make it difficult to assess the interest rate risk of the Fund.

ETF Risk: As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:

Economic and Market Events Risk: Events in the U.S. and global financial markets, including actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, may at times, and for varying periods of time, result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause the Fund to experience illiquidity, shareholder redemptions, or other potentially adverse effects. Reduced liquidity in credit and fixed-income markets could negatively affect issuers worldwide. Financial institutions could suffer losses as interest rates rise or economic conditions deteriorate. In addition, the Funds' service providers are susceptible to operational and information or cyber security risks that could result in losses to a Fund and its shareholders. Cyber security breaches are either intentional or unintentional events that allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a Fund or Fund service provider to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. A cyber security breach could result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or costs associated with system repairs, any of which could have a substantial impact on a Fund. Such incidents could affect issuers in which a Fund invests, thereby causing the Fund’s investments to lose value.

Equity Securities Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments, or as a result of irregular and/or unexpected trading activity among retail investors. The prices of securities issued by these companies may decline in response to such developments, which could result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s shares.

•Preferred Stock Risk: In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline.

•Emerging Markets Risk: Emerging markets may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in market or economic conditions than more developed countries. In addition, the financial stability of issuers (including governments) in emerging market countries may be more precarious than that of issuers in developed market countries.

•Leverage Risk: Leverage occurs when the Fund uses borrowings, derivatives (such as futures or options), or similar instruments or techniques to gain exposure to investments in an amount that exceeds the Fund's initial investment. The use of leverage magnifies changes in the Fund's net asset value and thus may result in increased portfolio volatility and increased risk of loss. Leverage can create an interest expense that may lower the Fund’s overall returns. There can be no guarantee that a leveraging strategy will be successful.

•Futures Contracts Risk: The risks associated with the Fund’s futures positions include liquidity and counterparty risks associated with derivative instruments.

•Swap Agreements Risk: Swap agreements (“swaps”) are individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Swaps may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the investments of the Fund and its share price. The performance of swaps may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. A swap can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund’s gains or losses.

Other Investment Companies Risk: The Fund’s investments in other ETFs will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of the securities comprising the portfolios of such ETFs, and the value of the Fund's investment will fluctuate in response to the performance of such portfolios. In addition, if the Fund acquires shares of ETFs, shareholders of the Fund will bear their proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the Fund and, indirectly, the fees and expenses of the ETFs.

Portfolio Turnover Risk: Frequent and active trading may result in greater expenses to the Fund, which may lower the Fund's performance and may result in the realization of substantial capital gains, including net short-term capital gains. As a result, high portfolio turnover may reduce the Fund's returns.

Repurchase Agreement Risk: Under all repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the Fund’s custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral. However, if the counterparty defaults, the Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of sale, including accrued interest, are less than the resale price provided in the agreement including interest. In addition, even though the Bankruptcy Code provides protection for most repurchase agreements, if the seller should be involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, the Fund may incur delay and costs in selling the underlying security or may suffer a loss of principal and interest if the Fund is treated as an unsecured creditor and is required to return the underlying security to the seller’s estate. Repurchase agreements are considered loans by the Fund.

The Fund’s Performance

The Fund’s Management

Investment Advisor

Touchstone Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment advisor.

Sub-Advisor

Portfolio Managers

Investment Experience
with the Fund

Primary Title with Sub-Advisor

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Daniel J. Carter, CFA

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager

Austin R. Kummer, CFA

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager

Brendan M. White, CFA

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Senior Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager

Buying and Selling Fund Shares

Tax Information

Financial Intermediary Compensation

TOUCHSTONE US LARGE CAP FOCUSED ETF SUMMARY

The Fund’s Investment Goal

The Touchstone US Large Cap Focused ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investors with capital appreciation.

The Fund’s Fees and Expenses


Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees			0.70%
Distribution and/or Shareholder Service (12b-1) Fees(1)			0.00%



Other Expenses(2)			0.40%


Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses			1.10%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[(0.41)]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[0.69]%

___________________________________________

(2)Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(3)Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor" or "Touchstone Advisors") and Touchstone ETF Trust (the "Trust") have entered into a contractual expense limitation agreement whereby Touchstone Advisors will waive a portion of its fees or reimburse certain Fund expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales; interest; taxes; brokerage commissions and other transaction costs; portfolio transaction and investment related expenses; other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; the cost of “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” if any; and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business) in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses to [0.69]% of the Fund's average daily net assets. This contractual expense limitation is effective through [ ], 2023, but can be terminated by a vote of the Board if it deems the termination to be beneficial to the Fund’s shareholders. The terms of the contractual expense limitation agreement provide that Touchstone Advisors is entitled to recoup, subject to approval by the Board, such amounts waived or reimbursed for a period of up to three years from the date on which the Advisor reduced its compensation or assumed expenses for the Fund. The Fund will make repayments to the Advisor only if such repayment does not cause the annual Fund operating expenses (after the repayment is taken into account) to exceed either (1) the expense cap in place when such amounts were waived or reimbursed or (2) the Fund’s current expense limitation.


1 Year						$70
3 Years						$309

The Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in U.S.-listed large capitalization equity securities. The Fund invests primarily in issuers having a market capitalization, at the time of purchase, above $5 billion. The Fund’s 80% policy is a non-fundamental investment policy that can be changed by the Fund's Board upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders. Equity securities include common stock and preferred stock. These securities may be listed on an exchange or traded over-the-counter.

In selecting securities for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-advisor, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Fort Washington”), seeks to invest in companies that:

•Are trading below its estimate of the companies’ intrinsic value; and

•Have a sustainable competitive advantage or a high barrier to entry in place. A company's barrier(s) to entry can be created through a cost advantage, economies of scale, high customer loyalty, or a government barrier (e.g., license or subsidy). Fort Washington believes that the strongest barrier to entry is the combination of economies of scale and higher customer loyalty.

The Fund will generally hold 25 to 45 companies, with residual cash and cash equivalents expected to represent less than 10% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund may, at times, hold fewer securities and a higher percentage of cash and cash equivalents when, among other reasons, Fort Washington cannot find a sufficient number of securities that meet its purchase requirements. Although the Fund may invest in any economic sector, at times it may emphasize one or more particular sectors.

The Fund will generally sell a security if it reaches Fort Washington’s estimate of fair value, if a more attractive investment opportunity is available, or if a structural change has taken place and Fort Washington cannot reliably estimate the impact of the change on the business fundamentals.

The Fund is non-diversified and, therefore may, from time to time, have significant exposure to a limited number of issuers.

The Fund’s Principal Risks

Equity Securities Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments, or as a result of irregular and/or unexpected trading activity among retail investors. The prices of securities issued by these companies may decline in response to such developments, which could result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s shares.

•Mid-Cap Risk: Stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Mid-sized companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, and may be dependent upon a particular niche of the market.

Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest a greater percentage of its assets than a diversified ETF in the securities of a limited number of issuers. The use of a non-diversified investment strategy may increase the volatility of the Fund’s investment performance, as the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory event.

ETF Risk: As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:

The Fund’s Performance

The Fund’s Management

Investment Advisor

Touchstone Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment advisor.

Sub-Advisor

Portfolio Manager

Investment Experience
with the Fund

Primary Title with Sub-Advisor

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

James E. Wilhelm, Jr.

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Managing Director & Senior Portfolio Manager

Buying and Selling Fund Shares

Tax Information

Financial Intermediary Compensation

TOUCHSTONE ULTRA SHORT INCOME ETF SUMMARY

The Fund’s Investment Goal

The Touchstone Ultra Short Income ETF (the “Fund”) seeks maximum total return consistent with the preservation of capital.

The Fund’s Fees and Expenses


Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees			0.25%
Distribution and/or Shareholder Service (12b-1) Fees(1)			0.00%



Other Expenses(2)			0.36%


Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses			0.61%
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[(0.22)]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)			[0.39]%

___________________________________________

(2)Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(3)Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor" or "Touchstone Advisors") and Touchstone ETF Trust (the "Trust") have entered into a contractual expense limitation agreement whereby Touchstone Advisors will waive a portion of its fees or reimburse certain Fund expenses (excluding dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales; interest; taxes; brokerage commissions and other transaction costs; portfolio transaction and investment related expenses; other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; the cost of “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” if any; and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business) in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses to [0.39]% of the Fund's average daily net assets. This contractual expense limitation is effective through [ ], 2023, but can be terminated by a vote of the Board if it deems the termination to be beneficial to the Fund’s shareholders. The terms of the contractual expense limitation agreement provide that Touchstone Advisors is entitled to recoup, subject to approval by the Board, such amounts waived or reimbursed for a period of up to three years from the date on which the Advisor reduced its compensation or assumed expenses for the Fund. The Fund will make repayments to the Advisor only if such repayment does not cause the annual Fund operating expenses (after the repayment is taken into account) to exceed either (1) the expense cap in place when such amounts were waived or reimbursed or (2) the Fund’s current expense limitation.


1 Year	$	40
3 Years	$	173

The Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in fixed-income securities. This is a non-fundamental investment policy that can be changed by the Fund's Board upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders. The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of securities of different maturities, including U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, securities of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, corporate bonds (including those of foreign issuers), mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, municipal bonds, collateralized loan obligations and cash equivalent securities including repurchase agreements, commercial paper and variable rate demand notes.

The Fund invests primarily in investment-grade debt securities. Investment-grade debt securities are those having a rating of BBB-/Baa3 or higher from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, if a rating is not available, deemed to be of comparable quality by the sub-advisor, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. ("Fort Washington"). The Fund's investment policies are based on credit ratings at the time of purchase. The Fund can also invest up to 15% of its net assets in non-investment-grade debt securities. Non-investment-grade debt securities are often referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative.

In selecting investments for the Fund, Fort Washington chooses fixed-income securities that it believes are attractively priced relative to the market or to similar instruments. In addition, Fort Washington considers the “effective duration” of the Fund’s entire portfolio. Effective duration is a measure of a security’s price volatility or the risk associated with changes in interest rates. While the Fund may invest in securities with any maturity or duration, Fort Washington seeks to maintain an effective duration for the Fund of one year or less under normal market conditions.

The Fund may engage in frequent and active trading of securities as a part of its principal investment strategy.

The Fund’s Principal Risks

The Fund’s share price will fluctuate. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund and the Fund could also return less than other investments. Investments in the Fund are not bank guaranteed, are not deposits, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") or any other federal government agency. As with any ETF, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goal. You can find more information about the Fund’s investments and risks under the “Principal Investment Strategies and Risks” section of the Fund’s prospectus. The Fund is subject to the principal risks summarized below.

ETF Risk: As an ETF, the Fund is subject to the following risks:

time, result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause the Fund to experience illiquidity, shareholder redemptions, or other potentially adverse effects. Reduced liquidity in credit and fixed-income markets could negatively affect issuers worldwide. Financial institutions could suffer losses as interest rates rise or economic conditions deteriorate. In addition, the Funds' service providers are susceptible to operational and information or cyber security risks that could result in losses to a Fund and its shareholders. Cyber security breaches are either intentional or unintentional events that allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a Fund or Fund service provider to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. A cyber security breach could result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or costs associated with system repairs, any of which could have a substantial impact on a Fund. Such incidents could affect issuers in which a Fund invests, thereby causing the Fund’s investments to lose value.

Collateralized Loan Obligations Risk: Typically, collateralized loan obligations are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, the Fund may in certain circumstances characterize its investments in collateralized loan obligations as illiquid. Collateralized loan obligations are subject to the typical risks associated with debt instruments (i.e., interest rate risk and credit risk). Additional risks of collateralized loan obligations include the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will be insufficient to make interest or other payments, the potential for a decline in the quality of the collateral, and the possibility that the Fund may invest in a subordinate tranche of a collateralized loan obligation.

The Fund’s Performance

The Fund’s Management

Investment Advisor

Touchstone Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment advisor.

Sub-Advisor

Portfolio
Managers

Investment Experience

with the Fund

Primary Title with
Sub-Advisor

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Scott D. Weston

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager

Brent A. Miller, CFA

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Assistant Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager

Laura L. Mayfield

Since inception in [ ] 2022

Senior Portfolio Manager

Buying and Selling Fund Shares

Tax Information

Financial Intermediary Compensation

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

How Do The Funds Implement Their Investment Goal?

The investment goal(s) and principal investment strategies of Touchstone Dividend Select ETF ("Dividend Select ETF"), Touchstone Strategic Income Opportunities ETF ("Strategic Income Opportunities ETF"), Touchstone US Large Cap Focused ETF ("US Large Cap Focused ETF") and Touchstone Ultra Short Income ETF ("Ultra Short Income ETF") (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) are described in the "Principal Investment Strategies" sections in each Fund's summary above.

The Funds are actively managed exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Shares of the Dividend Select ETF (ticker: DVND) and the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF (ticker: SIO) are listed for trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. and shares of US Large Cap Focused ETF (ticker: LCF) and the Ultra Short Income ETF (ticker: TUSI) are listed for trading on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. NYSE Arca, Inc. and Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. are referred to individually as an "Exchange" and together as the "Exchanges". The market price for a share of each Fund may be different from a Fund's most recent net asset value (“NAV”). ETFs are funds that trade like other publicly traded securities. Unlike shares of a mutual fund, which can be bought and redeemed from the issuing fund by all shareholders at a price based on NAV, shares of the Funds may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Funds at NAV solely by Authorized Participants. Also, unlike shares of a mutual fund, shares of the Funds are listed on an Exchange and trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day.

Dividend Select ETF. In selecting securities for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-advisor, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Fort Washington”), seeks to invest in companies that:

•Have historically paid consistent, growing dividends;

•Have sustainable competitive advantages that should result in excess profits to support future dividend payments; and

•Trade at reasonable valuations compared to their intrinsic value

The Sub-Advisor believes its unique approach results in a portfolio of high quality companies with sustainable competitive advantages that should pay reliable, growing dividends at reasonable valuations. Fort Washington evaluates a company’s competitive advantage by assessing its barrier(s) to entry. The barrier(s) to entry can be created through a cost advantage, economies of scale, high customer loyalty, or a government barrier (e.g., license or subsidy). Fort Washington believes that the strongest barrier to entry is the combination of economies of scale and higher customer loyalty.

The Fund will generally hold 40 to 55 companies, with residual cash and cash equivalents expected to represent less than 10% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund may, at times, hold fewer securities and a higher percentage of cash and cash equivalents when, among other reasons, Fort Washington cannot find a sufficient number of securities that meets its purchase requirements.

The Fund’s portfolio is typically repositioned by Fort Washington monthly.

Strategic Income Opportunities ETF. The Fund’s sub-advisor, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Fort Washington”), seeks to employ a high conviction, yield-oriented investment approach coupled with sector diversification and diligent risk management that is intended to result in attractive risk-adjusted returns via high levels of income. The Fund seeks to incorporate the best investment ideas available to Fort Washington, utilizing Fort Washington’s core competencies of bottom-up credit and structure analysis. The portfolio management team believes risk monitoring, performance measurement, and active management are key components to achieving attractive risk-adjusted returns.

US Large Cap Focused ETF. In selecting securities for the Fund, the Fund’s sub-advisor, Fort Washington, seeks to invest in companies that:

•Are trading below its estimate of the companies’ intrinsic value; and

The Fund will generally hold 25 to 45 companies, with residual cash and cash equivalents expected to represent less than 10% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund may, at times, hold fewer securities and a higher percentage of cash and cash equivalents when, among other reasons, Fort Washington cannot find a sufficient number of securities that meets its purchase requirements. Although the Fund may invest in any economic sector, at times it may emphasize one or more particular sectors.

The Fund is restricted from investing in securities of foreign issuers, including through the use of ordinary shares or depositary receipts such as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”).

Ultra Short Income ETF. In selecting investments for the Fund, Fort Washington chooses fixed-income securities that it believes are attractively priced relative to the market or to similar instruments. In addition, Fort Washington considers the “effective duration” of the Fund’s entire portfolio. Effective duration is a measure of a security’s price volatility or the risk associated with changes in interest rates. While the Fund may invest in securities with any maturity or duration, Fort Washington seeks to maintain an effective duration for the Fund of one year or less under normal market conditions.

Can a Fund Depart From its Principal Investment Strategies?

In addition to the investments and strategies described in this prospectus, each Fund may invest in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices. These permitted investments and strategies are described in detail in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

Each Fund’s investment goal is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified at least 60 days before any change takes effect.

The investments and strategies described throughout this prospectus are those that the Funds use under normal circumstances. During unusual economic or market conditions, or for temporary defensive purposes, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash, repurchase agreements, and short-term obligations (i.e., fixed and variable rate securities and high quality debt securities of corporate and government issuers) that would not ordinarily be consistent with each Fund's investment strategy. This defensive investing may increase a Fund’s taxable income, and when a Fund is invested defensively, it may not achieve its investment goal. A Fund will do so only if the Fund’s sub-advisor believes that the risk of loss in using the Fund’s normal strategies and investments outweighs the opportunity for gains. Of course, there can be no guarantee that any Fund will achieve its investment goal.

80% Investment Policy. Each Fund has adopted a policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the value of its “assets” in certain types of investments suggested by its name (the “80% Policy”). For purposes of this 80% Policy, the term “assets” means net assets plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes. Each Fund must comply with its 80% Policy at the time the Fund invests its assets. Accordingly, when a Fund no longer meets the 80% requirement as a result of circumstances beyond its control, such as changes in the value of portfolio holdings, it would not have to sell its holdings but would have to make any new investments in such a way as to comply with the 80% Policy. This policy may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified at least 60 days' before any change in a Fund's 80% Policy takes effect.

Other Investment Companies. A Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") the rules thereunder and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff interpretations thereof, or applicable exemptive relief granted by the SEC.

Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Funds may lend their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions under guidelines adopted by the Board, including a requirement that a Fund must receive collateral equal to no less than 100% of the market value of the securities loaned. The risk in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consists of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend securities, the Advisor will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. More information on securities lending is available in the SAI.

What are the Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds?

The risks that may apply to your investment in a Fund are listed below in a table of principal risks followed by a description of each risk. Unless otherwise noted, in this section, references to a single Fund apply equally to all of the Funds. Further information about investment strategies and risks is available in the Funds’ SAI:

Dividend Select ETF

Strategic Income Opportunities ETF

US Large Cap Focused ETF

Ultra Short Income ETF

Asset-Backed Securities Risk

Authorized Participants Concentration Risk

Collateralized Loan Obligations Risk

Counterparty Risk

Credit Risk

Derivatives Risk

Dividend Risk

Economic and Market Events Risk

Emerging Markets Risk

Equity Securities Risk

Fixed-Income Risk

ETF Risk

Foreign Securities Risk

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contract Risk

Futures Contracts Risk

Interest Rate Risk

Investment-Grade Debt Securities Risk

Large-Cap Risk

Leverage Risk

Management Risk

Mid-Cap Risk

Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk

Mortgage Dollar Roll Risk

Municipal Securities Risk

Non-Diversification Risk

Non-Investment-Grade Debt Securities Risk

Options Risk

Other Investment Companies Risk

Portfolio Turnover Risk

Preferred Stock Risk

Premium/Discount Risk

Prepayment Risk

Repurchase Agreement Risk

Secondary Market Trading Risk

Sector Focus Risk

Sovereign Debt Risk

Swap Agreement Risk

U.S. Government Securities Risk

Value Investing Risk

Collateralized Loan Obligations Risk: A collateralized loan obligation is a type of asset-backed security that is an obligation of a trust typically collateralized by pools of loans, which may include domestic and foreign senior secured and unsecured loans

and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade, or equivalent unrated loans. The cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, which vary in risk and yield. The riskier portion is the residual, or “equity,” tranche, which bears some or all of the risk of default by the loans in the trust. The risks of an investment in a CLO largely depend on the type of underlying collateral securities and the tranche in which an underlying fund invests. Typically, CLOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, an underlying fund may in certain circumstances characterize its investments in CLOs as illiquid. In assessing liquidity, an underlying fund will consider various factors including whether the CLO may be purchased and sold in Rule 144A transactions and whether an active dealer market exists. CLOs are subject to the typical risks associated with debt instruments (i.e., interest rate risk and credit risk). Additional risks of CLOs include the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will be insufficient to make interest or other payments, the potential for a decline in the quality of the collateral, and the possibility that an underlying fund may invest in a subordinate tranche of a CLO. In addition, due to the complex nature of a CLO, an investment in a CLO may not perform as expected. An investment in a CLO also is subject to the risk that the issuer and the investors may interpret the terms of the instrument differently, giving rise to disputes.

Counterparty Risk: The issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, a counterparty (the other party to a transaction or an agreement ) to a transaction with the Fund, or a borrower of the Fund's securities may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations.

Derivatives Risk: The use of derivatives may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. Risks associated with derivatives may include correlation risk, which is the risk that the derivative does not correlate well with the security, index, or currency to which it relates. Other risks include liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell or close out the derivative due to an illiquid market, counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty to a derivative instrument may be unwilling or unable to make required payments or otherwise meet its obligations, and leverage risk, which is the risk that a derivative could expose the Fund to magnified losses resulting from leverage. The use of derivatives for hedging purposes may result in losses that partially or completely offset gains in portfolio positions. Using derivatives can increase the volatility of the Fund’s share price. For some derivatives, it is possible for the Fund to lose more than the amount invested in the derivative instrument. Derivatives may, for federal income tax purposes, affect the character of gain and loss realized by the Fund, accelerate recognition of income to the Fund, affect the holding periods for certain of the Fund’s assets and defer recognition of certain of the Fund’s losses. The Fund’s ability to invest in derivatives may be restricted by certain provisions of the federal income tax laws relating to the Fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company (“RIC”). These additional risks could cause the Fund to experience losses to which it would otherwise not be subject. Regulatory changes in derivatives markets could impact the cost of or the Fund's ability to engage in derivative transactions.

In addition, new Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”), adopted by the SEC on October 28, 2020, replaces the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Release 10666) with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. For funds using a significant amount of derivatives, the Derivatives Rule mandates a fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value at risk limitations in lieu of asset segregation requirements; (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new Board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Derivative Rule provides an exception for funds with derivative exposure not exceeding 10% of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. In addition, the Derivatives Rule provides special treatment for reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions and unfunded commitment agreements. On August 19, 2022, the SEC will rescind Release 10666 and withdraw no-action letters and similar guidance addressing a fund’s use of derivatives and require funds to satisfy the requirements of the Derivatives Rule.

•Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contract Risk: A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date and at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may reduce the risk of loss from a change in value of a currency, but they also limit any potential gains and do not protect against fluctuations in the value of the underlying position and are subject to counterparty risk. The forecasting of currency market movement is extremely difficult, and whether any hedging strategy will be successful is highly uncertain. Moreover, it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a forward foreign currency contract. Accordingly, a Fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such transaction) if the sub-advisor’s predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate. Because foreign currency forward contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there can be no assurance that a Fund will have flexibility to rollover a forward foreign currency contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the other party to the contract will perform its services under the contract.

•Futures Contracts Risk: Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. There are risks associated with these activities, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by a Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and futures options.

•Leverage Risk: Leverage occurs when a Fund uses derivatives or similar instruments or techniques to gain exposure to investments in an amount that exceeds a Fund’s initial investment. The use of leverage magnifies changes in a Fund’s net asset value and thus results in increased portfolio volatility and increased risk of loss. Leverage can also create an interest expense that may lower a Fund’s overall returns. There can be no guarantee that a Fund's use of a leveraging strategy will be successful.

•Options Risk: Options trading is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Sub-Advisor is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations. The successful use of options for hedging purposes also depends in part on the ability of the Sub-Advisor to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets. When options are purchased over the counter, the Fund bears counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Such options may also be illiquid, and in such cases, the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position.

•Swap Agreements Risk: Swap agreements (“swaps”) are individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as interest rates, foreign currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates. Swaps may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the investments of the Fund and its share price. The performance of swaps may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. Additionally, if the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap may decline. If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy, defaults, or becomes insolvent, the Fund may not be able to recoup the money it expected to receive under the contract. Finally, a swap can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund’s gains or losses.

Dividend Risk: Dividends the Fund receives on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of an issuer’s board of directors. There is no guarantee that the companies in which the Fund invests will declare dividends in the future or that dividends, if declared, 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, or fall, 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.

Economic and Market Events Risk: Events in certain sectors historically have resulted, and may in the future result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign. These events have included, but are not limited to: bankruptcies, corporate restructurings, and other similar events; governmental efforts to limit short selling and high frequency trading; measures to address U.S. federal and state budget deficits; social, political, and economic instability in Europe; economic stimulus by the Japanese central bank; dramatic changes in energy prices and currency exchange rates; and China’s economic slowdown. Interconnected global economies and financial markets increase the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. Both domestic and foreign equity markets have experienced increased volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage, and credit markets particularly affected. Financial institutions could suffer losses as interest rates rise or economic conditions deteriorate.

In addition, relatively high market volatility and reduced liquidity in credit and fixed-income markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. Actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as interventions in currency markets, could cause high volatility in the equity and fixed-income markets. Reduced liquidity may result in less money being available to purchase raw materials, goods, and services from emerging markets, which may, in turn, bring down the prices of these economic staples. It may also result in emerging-market issuers having more difficulty obtaining financing, which may, in turn, cause a decline in their securities prices.

In addition, while interest rates have been historically low in recent years in the United States and abroad, any decision by the Fed to adjust the target fed funds rate, among other factors, could cause markets to experience continuing high volatility. A significant increase in interest rates may cause a decline in the market for equity securities. Also, regulators have expressed concern that rate increases may contribute to price volatility. These events and the possible resulting market volatility may have an adverse effect on the Fund.

Political turmoil within the United States and abroad may also impact the Fund. Although the U.S. government has honored its credit obligations, it remains possible that the United States could default on its obligations. While it is impossible to predict the consequences of such an unprecedented event, it is likely that a default by the United States would be highly disruptive to the U.S. and global securities markets and could significantly impair the value of the Fund’s investments. Similarly, political events within the United States at times have resulted, and may in the future result, in a shutdown of government services, which could negatively affect the U.S. economy, decrease the value of many Fund investments, and increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets. The U.S. is also considering significant new investments in infrastructure which, coupled with lower federal taxes, could lead to increased government borrowing and higher interest rates. While these proposed policies are going through the political process, the equity and debt markets may react strongly to expectations, which could increase volatility, especially if the market’s expectations for changes in government policies are not borne out. In recent years, the U.S. renegotiated many of its global trade relationships and has imposed or threatened to impose significant import tariffs. These actions could lead to price volatility and overall declines in U.S. and global investment markets.

Uncertainties surrounding the sovereign debt of a number of European Union (EU) countries and the viability of the EU have disrupted and may in the future disrupt markets in the United States and around the world. If one or more countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted. On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) left the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and the UK ceased to be a member of the EU. Following a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the EU and UK Government signed an agreement on December 30, 2020 regarding the economic relationship between the UK and the EU. This agreement became effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021 and formally entered into force on May 1, 2021. While the full impact of Brexit is unknown, Brexit has already resulted in volatility in European and global markets. There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes are difficult to predict. This uncertainty may affect other countries in the EU and elsewhere, and may cause volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain countries within the EU. Despite the influence of the lockdowns, and the economic bounce back, Brexit has had a material impact on the UK's economy. Additionally, trade between the UK and the EU did not benefit from the global rebound in trade in 2021, and remained at the very low levels experienced at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, highlighting Brexit's potential long-term effects on the UK economy.

In addition, Brexit may create additional and substantial economic stresses for the UK, including a contraction of the UK economy and 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. Brexit may also adversely affect UK-based financial firms that have counterparties in the EU or participate in market infrastructure (trading venues, clearing houses, settlement facilities) based in the EU. Additionally, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to continue to stretch the resources and deficits of many countries in the EU and throughout the world, increasing the possibility that countries may be unable to make timely payments on their sovereign debt. These events and the resulting market volatility may have an adverse effect on the performance of the Fund.

An epidemic outbreak and governments’ reactions to such an outbreak could cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of the global economy. An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus was first detected in China in late 2019 and subsequently spread globally ("COVID-19"). This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, disruptions to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, and disruptions to supply chains and consumer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may be short term or may last for an extended period of time and has resulted in a substantial economic downturn. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks. The impact of this outbreak, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could continue to negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies, including certain Fund service providers and issuers of the Fund's investments and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment in the Fund.

The United States responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic distress with fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. In late March 2020, the government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), a stimulus package providing for over $2.2 trillion in resources to small businesses, state and local governments, and individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In late December 2020, the government also passed a spending bill that included $900 billion in stimulus relief for the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, in March 2021, the government passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill to accelerate the United States’ recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, in mid-March 2020 the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) cut interest rates to historically low levels and has announced a new round of quantitative easing, including purchases of corporate and municipal government bonds. The Fed also enacted various programs to support liquidity operations and funding in the financial markets, including expanding its reverse repurchase agreement operations, adding $1.5 trillion of liquidity to the banking system; establishing swap lines with other major central banks to provide dollar funding; establishing a program to support money market funds; easing various bank capital buffers; providing funding backstops for businesses to provide bridging loans for up to four years; and providing funding to help credit flow in asset-backed securities markets. The Fed also extended credit to small- and medium-sized businesses.

As the Fed “tapers” or reduces the amount of securities it purchases pursuant to quantitative easing, and/or if the Fed raises the federal funds rate, there is a risk that interest rates will rise, which could expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and could cause the value of a fund's investments, and the fund's NAV, to decline, potentially suddenly and significantly. As a result, the fund may experience high redemptions and, as a result, increased portfolio turnover, which could increase the costs that the Fund incurs and may negatively impact the fund's performance.

Political and military events, including in North Korea, Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, and other areas of the Middle East, and nationalist unrest in Europe and South America, also may cause market disruptions. In addition, there is a risk that the prices of goods and services in the United States and many foreign economies may decline over time, known as deflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on stock prices and creditworthiness and may make defaults on debt more likely. If a country’s economy slips into a deflationary pattern, it could last for a prolonged period and may be difficult to reverse. Further, there is a risk that the present value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future, known as inflation. Inflation rates may change frequently and drastically as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy, and a Fund’s investments may be affected, which may reduce a Fund's performance. Further, inflation may lead to the rise in interest rates, which may negatively affect the value of debt instruments held by the Fund, resulting in a negative impact on a Fund's performance. Generally, securities issued in emerging markets are subject to a greater risk of inflationary or deflationary forces, and more developed markets are better able to use monetary policy to normalize markets.

In addition, with the increased use of technologies, such as mobile devices and "cloud"-based service offerings and the dependence on the Internet and computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Funds' service providers are susceptible to operational and information or cyber security risks that could result in losses to a Fund and its shareholders. Cyber security breaches are either intentional or unintentional events that allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a Fund or Fund service provider to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Intentional cyber security incidents include: unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices (such as through “hacking” activity or "phishing"); infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cyber-attacks can also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on the service providers' systems or websites rendering them unavailable to intended users or via "ransomware" that renders the systems inoperable until appropriate actions are taken. In addition, unintentional incidents can occur, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information (possibly resulting in the violation of applicable privacy laws).

A cyber security breach could result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or costs associated with system repairs, any of which could have a substantial impact on a Fund. For example, in a denial of service, Fund shareholders could lose access to their electronic accounts indefinitely, and employees of the Advisor, a Sub-Advisor, or the Funds’ other service providers may not be able to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Funds, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting, or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions. Cyber security incidents could cause a Fund, the Advisor, a Sub-Advisor, or other service provider to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, compliance costs associated with corrective measures, litigation costs, or financial loss. They may also result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws. In addition, such incidents could affect issuers in which a Fund invests, thereby causing the Fund’s investments to lose value.

reasonably designed to seek to reduce the risks associated with cyber-events. There is no guarantee that the Funds will be able to prevent or mitigate the impact of any or all cyber-events.

The Funds are exposed to operational risk arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Funds’ service providers, counterparties, or other third parties, failed or inadequate processes, and technology or system failures.

The Advisor, a Sub-Advisor, and their affiliates have established risk management systems that seek to reduce cybersecurity and operational risks, and business continuity plans in the event of a cybersecurity breach or operational failure. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans, including that certain risks have not been identified, and there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially since none of the Advisor, a Sub-Advisor, or their affiliates controls the cybersecurity or operations systems of the Funds’ third party service providers (including the Funds’ custodian), or those of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest.

In addition, other disruptive events, including (but not limited to) natural disasters and public health crises (such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic), may adversely affect a Fund’s ability to conduct business, in particular if the Fund’s employees or the employees of its service providers are unable or unwilling to perform their responsibilities as a result of any such event. Even if the Fund’s employees and the employees of its service providers are able to work remotely, those remote work arrangements could result in the Fund’s business operations being less efficient than under normal circumstances, could lead to delays in its processing of transactions, and could increase the risk of cyber-events.

ETF Risk: As an ETF, each Fund is subject to the following risks:

•Premium/Discount Risk: As with all ETFs, Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The trading prices of Fund shares in the secondary market will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s NAV and supply and demand of shares on the secondary market. It cannot be predicted whether Fund shares will trade below, at or above its NAV. As a result, shareholders of the Fund may pay more than NAV when purchasing shares (a premium) and receive less than NAV when selling Fund shares (a discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines. In such market conditions, market or stop-loss orders to sell the ETF shares may be executed at market prices that are significantly below a Fund's NAV. The market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of the shares during periods of market volatility or if the Fund’s holdings are or become more illiquid. Disruptions to creations and redemptions may result in trading prices that differ significantly from the Fund’s NAV. In addition, market prices of Fund shares may deviate significantly from the NAV if the number of Fund shares outstanding is smaller or if there is less active trading in a Fund's shares. Investors purchasing and selling Fund shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those creating and redeeming directly with the Fund.

•Secondary Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling shares in the secondary market will normally pay brokerage commissions, which are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors buying or selling relatively small amounts of Fund shares. In addition, an investor may also incur the cost of the spread (the difference between the bid price (the price secondary market investors are willing to pay for shares) and the ask price (the price at which secondary market investors are willing to sell shares)). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid/ask spread.” The bid/ask spread varies over time for shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally tighter if a Fund’s shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and wider if the Fund’s shares have little trading volume and market liquidity. Increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads.

Although Fund shares are listed for trading on an Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained or that the Fund’s shares will continue to be listed. Trading in Fund shares may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchanges, make trading in shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in shares is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchanges necessary to

maintain the listing of any Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that the shares will trade with any volume, or at all.

Equity Securities Risk: A Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments, or as a result of irregular and/or unexpected trading activity among retail investors. The prices of securities issued by these companies may decline in response to such developments, which could result in a decline in the value of the Funds’ shares. These factors contribute to price volatility. In addition, common stocks represent a share of ownership in a company, and rank after bonds and preferred stock in their claim on the company’s assets in the event of liquidation.

•Large-Cap Risk: A Fund is subject to the risk that stocks of larger companies may underperform relative to those of small- and mid-sized companies. Large-cap companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.

•Mid-Cap Risk: A Fund is subject to the risk that medium capitalization stocks may underperform other types of stocks or the equity markets as a whole. Stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Mid-sized companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, and may be dependent upon a particular niche of the market.

•Preferred Stock Risk: Preferred stock represents an equity interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions allowing the stock to be called or redeemed prior to its maturity, both of which can have a negative impact on the stock’s price when interest rates decline.

Fixed Income Risk: The market value of the Fund’s fixed-income securities responds to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund’s fixed-income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall. Normally, the longer the maturity or duration of the fixed-income securities the Fund owns, the more sensitive the value of the Fund’s shares will be to changes in interest rates. The fixed-income securities market has been and may continue to be negatively affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators are responding to this crisis with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including considerably lowering interest rates, which, in some cases could result in negative interest rates. These actions, including their possible unexpected or sudden reversal or potential ineffectiveness, could further increase volatility in securities and other financial markets and reduce market liquidity. To the extent the Fund has a bank deposit or holds a debt instrument with a negative interest rate to maturity, the Fund would generate a negative return on that investment. Similarly, negative rates on investments by money market funds and similar cash management products could lead to losses on investments, including on investments of the Fund's uninvested cash.

•Asset-Backed Securities Risk: Asset-backed securities are fixed income securities backed by other assets such as credit card, automobile or consumer loan receivables, retail installment loans, or participations in pools of leases. Credit support for these securities may be based on the structural features such as subordination or overcollateralization and/or provided through credit enhancements by a third party. Even with a credit enhancement by a third party, there is still risk of loss. There could be inadequate collateral or no collateral for asset-backed securities. The values of these securities are sensitive to changes in the credit quality of the underlying collateral, the credit strength of the credit enhancement, changes in interest rates, and, at times, the financial condition of the issuer. Some asset-backed securities also may receive prepayments that can change the securities’ effective durations.

•Credit Risk: The fixed-income securities in the Fund’s portfolio are subject to the possibility that a deterioration, whether sudden or gradual, in the financial condition of an issuer, or a deterioration in general economic conditions, could cause an issuer to fail to make timely payments of principal or interest when due. This may cause the issuer’s securities to decline in value. Credit risk is particularly relevant to those portfolios that invest a significant amount of their assets in non-investment grade (or "junk") bonds or lower-rated securities.

•Interest Rate Risk: The market price of debt securities is generally linked to the prevailing market interest rates. In general, when interest rates rise, the prices of debt securities fall, and when interest rates fall, the prices of debt securities rise. The price volatility of a debt security also depends on its maturity. Longer-term securities are generally more volatile,

so the longer the average maturity or duration of these securities, the greater their price risk. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates that incorporates a security’s yield, coupon, final maturity, and call features, among other characteristics. The longer a fixed-income security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Specifically, duration is the change in the value of a fixed-income security that will result from a 1% change in interest rates, and generally is stated in years. For example, as a general rule a 1% rise in interest rates means a 1% fall in value for every year of duration. Maturity, on the other hand, is the date on which a fixed-income security becomes due for payment of principal. There may be less governmental intervention in the securities markets in the near future. An increase in interest rates could negatively impact a Fund’s net asset value. Recent and potential future changes in government monetary policy may affect the level of interest rates.

•Investment-Grade Debt Securities Risk: Investment-grade debt securities may be downgraded by a NRSRO to below-investment-grade status, which would increase the risk of holding these securities. Investment-grade debt securities rated in the lowest rating category by a NRSRO involve a higher degree of risk than fixed-income securities with higher credit ratings. While such securities are considered investment-grade quality and are deemed to have adequate capacity for payment of principal and interest, such securities lack outstanding investment characteristics and may share certain speculative characteristics with non-investment-grade securities.

•Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk: Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage re-financings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments that must be reinvested at lower interest rates. Prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average duration of the Fund’s mortgage-backed securities and, therefore, to fully assess the interest rate risk of the Fund. An unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of mortgage-backed securities and could result in losses to the Fund. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the cases of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. Subprime mortgages refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories or with lower capacity to make timely payments on their mortgages. In addition, mortgage-backed securities may fluctuate in price based on deterioration in the perceived or actual value of the collateral underlying the pool of mortgage loans, typically residential or commercial real estate, which may result in negative amortization or negative equity meaning that the value of the collateral would be worth less than the remaining principal amount owed on the mortgages in the pool. The mortgage-backed securities market has been and may continue to be negatively affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The U.S. government, its agencies or its instrumentalities may implement initiatives in response to the economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic applicable to federally backed mortgage loans. These initiatives could involve forbearance of mortgage payments or suspension or restrictions of foreclosures and evictions. The Fund cannot predict with certainty the extent to which such initiatives or the economic effects of the pandemic generally may affect rates of prepayment or default or adversely impact the value of the Fund's investments in securities in the mortgage industry as a whole.

•Non-Investment-Grade Debt Securities Risk: Non-investment-grade debt securities are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative with respect to their issuers’ ability to make payments of interest and principal. There is a high risk that a Fund could suffer a loss from investments in non-investment-grade debt securities caused by the default of an issuer of such securities. Part of the reason for this high risk is that non-investment-grade debt securities are generally unsecured and therefore, in the event of a default or bankruptcy, holders of non-investment-grade debt securities generally will not receive payments until the holders of all other debt have been paid. Non-investment-grade debt securities may also be less liquid than investment-grade debt securities.

•Prepayment Risk: Prepayment risk is the risk that a debt security may be paid off and proceeds invested earlier than anticipated. Prepayment risk is more prevalent during periods of falling interest rates. Prepayment impacts both the interest rate sensitivity of the underlying asset, such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security, and its cash flow projections. Therefore, prepayment risk may make it difficult to calculate the average duration of the Fund's asset- or mortgage-backed securities which in turn would make it difficult to assess the interest rate risk of the Fund.

•U.S. Government Securities Risk: Certain U.S. government securities are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury while others are supported only by the credit of the issuer or instrumentality. While the U.S. government is able to provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so. Such securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investing in foreign securities poses additional risks since political and economic events unique in a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers, while such events may not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign securities are generally denominated in foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. These currency movements may happen separately from, or in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer’s home country. There is a risk that issuers of foreign securities may not be subject to accounting standards or governmental supervision comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject and that less public information about their operations may exist. There is risk associated with the clearance and settlement procedures in non-U.S. markets, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions and may cause delays. Foreign markets may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S. markets and offer less protection to investors. Over-the-counter securities may also be less liquid than exchange-traded securities. Investments in securities of foreign issuers may be subject to foreign withholding and other taxes. In addition, it may be more difficult and costly for the Fund to seek recovery from an issuer located outside the United States in the event of a default on a portfolio security or an issuer’s insolvency proceeding. To the extent a Fund focuses its investments in a single country or only a few countries in a particular geographic region, economic, political, regulatory or other conditions affecting such country or region may have a greater impact on Fund performance relative to a more geographically diversified fund.

While a Fund’s net assets are valued in U.S. dollars, the securities of foreign companies are frequently denominated in foreign currencies. Thus, a change in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in value of securities denominated in that currency. Some of the factors that may impair the investments denominated in a foreign currency are: (1) it may be expensive to convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa; (2) complex political and economic factors may significantly affect the values of various currencies, including U.S. dollars, and their exchange rates; (3) government intervention may increase risks involved in purchasing or selling foreign currency options, forward contracts and futures contracts, since exchange rates may not be free to fluctuate in response to other market forces; (4) there may be no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies or regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis; (5) available quotation information is generally representative of very large round-lot transactions in the inter-bank market and thus may not reflect exchange rates for smaller odd-lot transactions (less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable; and (6) the inter-bank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that a market is closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, certain markets may not always reflect significant price and rate movements.

•Emerging Markets Risk: Investments in the securities of issuers based in countries with emerging-market economies are subject to greater levels of risk and uncertainty than investments in more-developed foreign markets, since emerging-market securities may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political, and other risks greater than, or in addition to, the risks of investing in developed foreign countries. These risks include high currency exchange-rate fluctuations; increased risk of default (including both government and private issuers); greater social, economic, and political uncertainty and instability (including the risk of war); more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation of the securities markets and participants in those markets; controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on a fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; unavailability of currency hedging techniques in certain emerging-market countries; the fact that companies in emerging-market countries may be newly organized, smaller, and less seasoned; the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting requirements or standards, which may result in the unavailability of material information about issuers; different 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; difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons, including company directors and officers, in foreign jurisdictions; and significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging-market issuers. In addition, shareholders of emerging market issuers, such as the Fund, often have limited rights and few practical remedies in emerging markets. Finally, the risks associated with investments in emerging markets often are significant, and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and company to company.

•Sovereign Debt Risk: The actions of foreign governments concerning their respective economies could have an important effect on their ability or willingness to service their sovereign debt. Such actions could have significant effects on market conditions and on the prices of securities and instruments held by a Fund, including the securities and instruments of foreign private issuers. Factors which may influence the ability or willingness of foreign sovereigns to service debt include, but are not limited to: the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date payment is due; the relative size of its debt service burden to the economy as a whole; its balance of payments (including export performance) and cash flow situation; its access to international credits and investments; fluctuations in interest and currency rates and reserves; and its government's policies towards the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and other international agencies. If a

foreign sovereign defaults on all or a portion of its foreign debt, a Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. In some cases, remedies must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign sovereign debt securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the prevailing country which could substantially delay or defeat any recovery.

Management Risk: In managing a Fund’s portfolio, the Advisor may engage one or more sub-advisors to make investment decisions on a portion of or the entire portfolio. There is a risk that the Advisor may be unable to identify and retain sub-advisors who achieve superior investment returns relative to other similar sub-advisors. The value of your investment may decrease if the sub-advisor incorrectly judges the attractiveness, value, or market trends affecting a particular security, issuer, industry, or sector.

Mortgage Dollar Roll Risk: Mortgage “dollar rolls” are transactions in which mortgage-backed securities are sold for delivery in the current month and the seller simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. The difference between the sale price and the purchase price (plus any interest earned on the cash proceeds of the sale) is netted against the interest income foregone on the securities sold to arrive at an implied borrowing rate. Alternatively, the sale and purchase transactions can be executed at the same price, with the Fund being paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to purchase. If the broker-dealer to whom the Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the Fund’s right to repurchase the security may be restricted. Other risks involved in entering into mortgage dollar rolls include the risk that the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the mortgage dollar roll and that the security the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than the security that the Fund originally held.

Municipal Securities Risk: The value of municipal securities may be affected by uncertainties in the municipal market related to legislation or litigation involving the taxation of municipal securities or the rights of municipal securities holders in the event of a bankruptcy. In addition, the ongoing issues facing the national economy may negatively impact the economic performance of issuers of municipal securities, and may increase the likelihood that issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest may be unable to meet their obligations. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal securities are introduced before Congress from time to time. Proposals also may be introduced before state legislatures that would affect the state tax treatment of a municipal fund's distributions. If such proposals were enacted, the availability of municipal securities and the value of a municipal fund's holdings would be affected, and the Trustees would reevaluate the Fund's investment goals and policies. Municipal bankruptcies are relatively rare, and certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear and remain untested. Further, the application of state law to municipal issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal securities issuers within a state. The ability of a municipal issuer to seek bankruptcy protection may be subject to the authorization of the executive or legislative branch of the state's government, and a municipal bankruptcy may be subject to challenge in the state's courts. These legal uncertainties could affect the municipal securities market generally, certain specific segments of the market, or the relative credit quality of particular securities. There is also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of issuers to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal on their municipal securities may be materially affected or their obligations may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Such litigation or conditions may from time to time have the effect of introducing uncertainties in the market for municipal securities or certain segments thereof, or of materially affecting the credit risk with respect to particular bonds. Adverse economic, business, legal or political developments might affect all or a substantial portion of the Fund's municipal securities in the same manner. Also, some municipal obligations may be backed by a letter of credit issued by a bank or other financial institution. Adverse developments affecting banks or other financial institutions could have a negative effect on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.

In making investments, the Fund and the investment sub-advisor will rely on the opinion of issuers' bond counsel. Neither the Fund nor the sub-advisor will independently review the basis for those tax opinions. If any of those tax opinions are ultimately determined to be incorrect, the Fund and its shareholders could be subject to substantial tax liabilities. Certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), relating to the issuance of municipal obligations may reduce the volume of municipal securities that qualify for federal tax exemptions. Proposals that may further restrict or eliminate the income tax exemptions for interest on municipal obligations may be introduced in the future. If any such proposal became law, it may reduce the number of municipal obligations available for purchase by the Fund and could adversely affect the Fund's shareholders by subjecting the income from the Fund to tax. If this occurs, the Fund would reevaluate its investment goals and policies to the extent that legislative or legal developments materially affect the Fund.

In order to be tax exempt, tax-exempt securities must meet certain legal requirements. Failure to meet such requirements may cause the interest received and distributed by the Fund to shareholders to be taxable. The Fund may invest in securities whose interest is subject to state tax, federal regular income tax, or AMT. Consult your tax professional for more information.

The costs associated with combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the negative impact on tax revenues has adversely affected the financial condition of many states and their political subdivisions. The effects of this pandemic could affect the ability of states and their political subdivisions to make payments on debt obligations when due and could adversely impact the value of their bonds, which could negatively impact the performance of the Fund.

Non-Diversification Risk: A non-diversified fund may invest a significant percentage of its assets in the securities of a limited number of issuers, subject to federal income tax restrictions relating to the fund’s qualification as a regulated investment company. Because a higher percentage of a non-diversified fund’s holdings may be invested in the securities of a limited number of issuers, the fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, business, political or regulatory event than a diversified fund.

Other Investment Companies Risk: The Fund’s investments in other investment companies, such as other ETFs and closed-end funds, will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of the securities comprising the portfolios of such investment companies, and the value of the Fund’s investment will fluctuate in response to the performance of such portfolios. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in it being more volatile than its underlying securities, and ETFs have management fees that increase their costs. The value of the shares of closed-end funds may be lower than the value of the portfolio securities held by the closed-end fund. Also, although many ETFs seek to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of a particular market index, the price movement of an ETF may not track the underlying index. In addition, if the Fund acquires shares of investment companies or ETFs, shareholders of the Fund will bear both their proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the fees and expenses of the investment companies. There may also not be an active trading market available for shares of some investment companies or ETFs. Additionally, trading of investment company shares may be halted or delisted by the listing exchange. To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited.

Portfolio Turnover Risk: Each Fund may sell its portfolio securities, regardless of the length of time that they have been held, if the sub-advisor determines that it would be in the Fund’s best interest to do so. It may be appropriate to buy or sell portfolio securities due to economic, market, or other factors that are not within the sub-advisor’s control. These transactions will increase a Fund’s “portfolio turnover.” A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur if all of the securities in the Fund were replaced during a given period. Frequent and active trading may result in greater expenses to the Fund, which may lower the Fund’s performance and may result in the realization of substantial capital gains, including net short-term capital gains. As a result, high portfolio turnover may reduce the Fund’s returns.

Sector Focus Risk: A fund that focuses its investments in the securities of a particular market sector is subject to the risk that adverse circumstances will have a greater impact on the fund than a fund that does not focus its investments in a particular sector. It is possible that economic, business or political developments or other changes affecting one security in the sector of focus will affect other securities in that sector of focus in the same manner, thereby increasing the risk of such investments.

Value Investing Risk: Value investing presents the risk that a fund’s security holdings may never reach their full market value because the market fails to recognize what the portfolio managers consider the true business value or because the portfolio managers have misjudged those values. In addition, value investing may fall out of favor and underperform growth or other styles of investing during given certain periods.

THE FUNDS’ MANAGEMENT

Investment Advisor

Touchstone Advisors, Inc. ("Touchstone Advisors"), located at 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, serves as the Funds' investment advisor.

Touchstone Advisors has been a registered investment advisor since 1994. As of March 31, 2022, Touchstone Advisors had approximately $30.8 billion in assets under management. As the Funds’ investment advisor, Touchstone Advisors reviews, supervises, and administers the Funds’ investment programs and also ensures compliance with the Funds’ investment policies and guidelines.

Touchstone Advisors is responsible for selecting each Fund’s sub-advisor(s), subject to approval by the Board. Touchstone Advisors selects a sub-advisor that has shown good investment performance in its areas of expertise. Touchstone Advisors considers various factors in evaluating a sub-advisor, including:

•Level of knowledge and skill;

•Performance as compared to its peers or benchmark;

•Consistency of performance over 5 years or more;

•Level of compliance with investment rules and strategies;

•Employees, facilities and financial strength; and

•Quality of service.

Touchstone Advisors will also continually monitor each sub-advisor’s performance through various analyses and through in-person, telephone, and written consultations with a sub-advisor. Touchstone Advisors discusses its expectations for performance with each sub-advisor and provides evaluations and recommendations to the Board of Trustees, including whether or not a sub-advisor’s contract should be renewed, modified, or terminated.

The SEC has granted an exemptive order that permits Touchstone ETF Trust (the "Trust") or Touchstone Advisors, under certain conditions, to select or change unaffiliated sub-advisors, enter into new sub-advisory agreements, or amend existing sub-advisory agreements without first obtaining shareholder approval. The Funds must still obtain shareholder approval of any sub-advisory agreement with a sub-advisor affiliated with the Trust or Touchstone Advisors other than by reason of serving as a sub-advisor to one or more Touchstone Funds. Shareholders of a Fund will be notified of any changes to its sub-advisor.

Two or more sub-advisors may manage a Fund, from time to time, with each managing a portion of the Fund’s assets. If a Fund has more than one sub-advisor, Touchstone Advisors allocates how much of a Fund’s assets are managed by each sub-advisor. Touchstone Advisors may change these allocations from time to time, often based upon the results of its evaluations of the sub-advisors.

Touchstone Advisors is also responsible for running all of the operations of the Funds, except those that are subcontracted to a sub-advisor, custodian, transfer agent, sub-administrative agent or other parties. For its services, Touchstone Advisors is entitled to receive an investment advisory fee from the Funds at an annualized rate, based on the average daily net assets of each Fund. Touchstone Advisors pays sub-advisory fees to the sub-advisor from its advisory fee.


Fund						Annual Investment Advisory Fee Rate
Dividend Select ETF						0.55% on the first $1 billion; and 0.50% on assets over $1 billion
Strategic Income Opportunities ETF						0.55% on the first $250 million; 0.50% on the next $250 million; and 0.45% on assets over $500 million
US Large Cap Focused ETF						0.70% on the first $500 million; 0.65% on the next $300 million; 0.60% on the next $200 million; 0.50% on the next $1 billion; and 0.40% on assets over $2 billion
Ultra Short Income ETF						0.25% on all assets

Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreement Approval. A discussion of the basis for the Board's approval of the Funds’ advisory and sub-advisory agreements will be included in the Trust’s December 31, 2022 annual report, once available.

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Fort Washington”) is an affiliate of Touchstone Advisors and serves as sub-advisor to the Funds. Therefore, Touchstone Advisors may have a conflict of interest when making decisions to keep Fort Washington as sub-advisor to these Funds. The Board will review Touchstone Advisors’ decisions, with respect to the retention of Fort Washington, to reduce the possibility of a conflict of interest situation.

Additional Information

The Board oversees generally the operations of each Fund and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Funds' investment advisor, custodian, transfer agent, accountants and distributor, who provide services to each Fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of, any of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any such individual shareholder or group of shareholders any right to enforce the terms of the contractual arrangements against the service providers or to seek any remedy under the contractual arrangements against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.

This prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of a Fund. The Funds may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this prospectus, the SAI or any document filed as an exhibit to the Trust’s registration statement, is intended to, nor does it, give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or a Fund and its shareholders, or give rise to any contract or other rights in any such individual shareholder or group of shareholders or other person other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.

Sub-Advisor and Portfolio Managers

Listed below is the sub-advisor and its respective portfolio managers that have responsibility for the day-to-day management of each Fund. A brief biographical description of each portfolio manager is also provided. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ investments in the Fund or Funds that they manage, a description of their compensation structure, and information regarding other accounts that they manage.

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Fort Washington”), located at 303 Broadway, Suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, serves as the sub-advisor to the Funds. As the sub-advisor, Fort Washington makes investment decisions for the Funds and also ensures compliance with the Touchstone Funds’ investment policies and guidelines. Fort Washington is controlled by Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company. Jill T. McGruder and E. Blake Moore, Jr., interested Trustees of the Trust, may be deemed to be affiliates of Fort Washington. As of March 31, 2022, Fort Washington had approximately $[ ] billion in assets under management, which includes $[ ] billion in commitments managed by Fort Washington Capital Partners Group, a division of Fort Washington.

Dividend Select ETF

Austin R. Kummer, CFA, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Kummer joined Fort Washington in 2013. He focuses on portfolio management and research functions within Multi-Sector Fixed Income and Dividend Equity strategies. He also contributes to asset allocation and macro positioning for the firm and has shared responsibility for the company’s Private Debt portfolio. Mr. Kummer received a BBA from Ohio University in Finance and Business Economics and an MBA in Finance from Xavier University. He is a CFA charterholder.

Brendan M. White, CFA. Mr. White is a Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Fort Washington. In this role, Mr. White is responsible for overseeing the investment activity for all assets under management with emphasis on all fixed-income functions while collaborating with James Vance, Co-Chief Investment Officer, on all investment decisions. Mr. White also shares responsibility for asset allocation and macro-positioning for both Fort Washington and Western & Southern Financial Group. Mr. White joined Fort Washington in 1993 and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining the firm, he was with Ohio Casualty Corporation where he was a securities analyst supporting the High Yield and Mortgage-Backed Securities portfolios. He is a CFA charterholder.

James E. Wilhelm, Jr. Mr. Wilhelm joined Fort Washington in 2002. Mr. Wilhelm has investment experience dating back to 1993. He began as a Senior Equity Analyst in 2002 and was named Portfolio Manager in 2005. He became Assistant Vice President in 2007, Vice President in 2008, Managing Director in 2014, and was Head of Public Equities from 2015 to 2020.

Prior Performance for Similar Accounts Managed by Fort Washington

The following table sets forth composite performance data relating to the historical performance of all accounts managed by Fort Washington for the periods indicated with investment objectives, policies, strategies, and risks substantially similar to those of the Dividend Select ETF. The data is provided to illustrate the past performance of Fort Washington in managing substantially similar accounts as measured against market indices and does not represent the performance of the Fund.

The following performance information is not the Dividend Select ETF’s performance, should not be considered indicative of the past or future performance of the Fund, and should not be considered a substitute for the Fund’s performance.

Average Annual Total Returns

For the periods ended December 31, 2021


	1 Year	Since Inception*
Fort Washington Dividend Select Equity Composite (Gross)	25.84%	18.12%
Fort Washington Dividend Select Equity Composite (Net)	25.78%	18.06%
Russell 1000® Value Index (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	25.16%	13.43%

*The inception date for the Composite is January 1, 2020.

The Fort Washington Dividend Select Equity Composite (the “Composite”) represents the investment performance track record of Fort Washington's dividend select equity strategy, which is the strategy that will be used to manage the Fund. The accounts comprising the Composite are not subject to the same types of expenses to which the Fund is subject, certain investment limitations, diversification requirements, and other restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Thus, the performance results for the account could have been adversely affected if the account had been regulated as investment companies under federal securities and tax laws. The method for computing historical performance information for the Composite differs from the SEC's method for computing the historical performance of the Dividend Select ETF.

The Composite’s returns shown above are presented gross and net of management fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by investment advisory fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net of fee performance was calculated using the actual management fees charged. Individual portfolio returns are calculated on a daily valuation basis. These fees and expenses are not reflective of the fees and expenses of the Dividend Select ETF and may vary depending on, among other things, the applicable fee schedule and portfolio size. All returns are expressed in U.S. dollars. The Dividend Select ETF’s fees are reflected in its fee table in the "Summary" section of this prospectus.

The performance information for the Composite was calculated in accordance with industry best practices. The Composite performance information is intended to illustrate past performance for substantially similarly managed accounts by Fort Washington. Past performance of the Composite is not indicative of future results. As with any investment there is always the potential for gains as well as the possibility of losses. The Composite performance information presented herein has been calculated and provided by the Dividend Select ETF''s sub-advisor. Although the performance is believed to be reliable, Touchstone Advisors does not guarantee or make any warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such information.

Strategic Income Opportunities ETF

Daniel J. Carter, CFA, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager. Mr. Carter began as an Assistant Portfolio Manager of Fort Washington in 2000 and has been an Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager since 2007. Mr. Carter’s responsibilities include portfolio management of diversified broad market fixed income portfolios and the Emerging Markets Debt strategy. He also serves as an asset specialist for the Government (Treasury/Agency/TIPS) sectors within the fixed income markets. Mr. Carter joined the firm in 2000 as a credit analyst. Prior to joining Fort Washington, Mr. Carter was an analyst focusing on fixed income with the Ohio Casualty Group and Provident Financial Group. He received a BS in Business (Finance and Accounting) from Miami University and is a CFA charterholder.

Brendan M. White, CFA, is a Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Fort Washington. In this role, Mr. White is responsible for overseeing the investment activity for all assets under management with emphasis on all fixed-income functions while collaborating with James Vance, Co-Chief Investment Officer, on all investment decisions. Mr. White also shares responsibility for asset allocation and macro-positioning for both Fort Washington and Western & Southern Financial Group. Mr. White joined Fort Washington in 1993 and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining the firm, he was with Ohio Casualty Corporation where he was a securities analyst supporting the High Yield and Mortgage-Backed Securities portfolios. He is a CFA charterholder.

Prior Performance for Similar Accounts Managed by Fort Washington

The following table sets forth composite performance data relating to the historical performance of all accounts managed by Fort Washington for the periods indicated with investment objectives, policies, strategies, and risks substantially similar to those of the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF. The data is provided to illustrate the past performance of Fort Washington in managing substantially similar accounts as measured against market indices and does not represent the performance of the Fund.

The following performance information is not the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF’s performance, should not be considered indicative of the past or future performance of the Fund, and should not be considered a substitute for the Fund’s performance.

Average Annual Total Returns

For the periods ended December 31, 2021


	1 Year		3 Years		Since Inception*
Fort Washington Strategic Income Composite (Gross)	3.24	%	8.85	%	6.66	%
Fort Washington Strategic Income Composite (Net)	2.99	%	8.66	%	6.51	%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)	(1.54)	%	4.79	%	3.46	%

*The inception date for the Composite is July 1, 2017.

The Fort Washington Strategic Income Composite (the “Composite”) represents the investment performance track record of Fort Washington's flexible income strategy, which is the strategy that will be used to manage the Fund. The accounts comprising the Composite are not subject to the same types of expenses to which the Fund is subject, certain investment limitations, diversification requirements, and other restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Thus, the performance results for the account could have been adversely affected if the account had been regulated as investment companies under federal securities and tax laws. The method for computing historical performance information for the Composite differs from the SEC's method for computing the historical performance of the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF.

The Composite’s returns shown above are presented gross and net of management fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Gross returns will be reduced by investment advisory fees and other expenses that may be incurred in the management of the account. Net of fee performance was calculated using the actual management fees charged. Individual portfolio returns are calculated on a daily valuation basis. These fees and expenses are not reflective of the fees and expenses of the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF and may vary depending on, among other things, the applicable fee schedule and portfolio size. All returns are expressed in U.S. dollars. The Strategic Income Opportunities ETF’s fees are reflected in its fee table in the "Summary" section of this prospectus.

advisor. Although the performance is believed to be reliable, Touchstone Advisors does not guarantee or make any warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such information.

US Large Cap Focused ETF

James E. Wilhelm, Jr., Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, joined Fort Washington in 2002. He has investment experience dating back to 1993. He began as a Senior Equity Analyst in 2002 and was named Portfolio Manager in 2005. He became Assistant Vice President in 2007, Vice President in 2008, Managing Director in 2014, and was Head of Public Equities from 2015 to 2020.

Ultra Short Income ETF

Scott D. Weston, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, joined Fort Washington in September 1999. He is also Fort Washington’s lead sector specialist in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Mr. Weston is a graduate of the University of Utah with a BS in Political Science and the University of Cincinnati with an MBA in Finance. He has investment experience dating back to 1992 and is jointly and primarily responsible for the management of the Fund.

Brent A. Miller, CFA, Assistant Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, joined Fort Washington in June 2001 and is jointly and primarily responsible for the management of the Fund. He became a portfolio manager in 2008 and was an assistant portfolio manager prior to 2008. Mr. Miller graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Evansville with a BS in Mathematics. He has investment experience dating back to 1999. He is a CFA charterholder.

Laura L. Mayfield, Senior Portfolio Manager, joined Fort Washington in 2007. She became Senior Portfolio Manager in 2020. Ms. Mayfield graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a BA in Marketing and Spanish, and received her MBA from Xavier University. She has investment experience dating back to 2010.

DISTRIBUTION AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

Distributor. Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the "Distributor") serves as the distributor of each Fund. Touchstone Advisors will pay from its own resources and not from a Fund's assets the Distributor for distribution-related services provided to the Funds.

Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plans. The Board has adopted a Rule 12b-1 plan, which allows payment of marketing fees of up to 0.25% of a Fund’s average net assets; however, the Funds' Board of Trustees has not authorized such payments to be made. The Rule 12b-1 plan is intended to remain dormant. None of the Funds will accrue or incur any Rule 12b-1 fees under the Rule 12b-1 plan until such future date as the Board determines to activate the plan.

Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries. Touchstone Advisors may pay certain broker-dealers, banks and other financial intermediaries, from its own resources, that support the sale of Fund shares or provide services to Fund shareholders or for participating in activities that are designed to make registered representatives and other professionals more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including each Fund, or for other activities such as participating in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems. The amounts of these payments could be significant, and may create an incentive for the financial intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the Fund to you. Not all financial intermediaries receive such payments, and the amount of compensation may vary by intermediary. In some cases, such payments may be made by or funded from the resources of companies affiliated with Touchstone Advisors. These payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table sections of the Funds' Prospectus and described above because they are not paid by the Fund.

For more information on payment arrangements, please see the section entitled “The Advisor” in the SAI.

BUYING AND SELLING SHARES

Choosing the Appropriate Investments to Match Your Goals. Investing well requires a plan. We recommend that you meet with your financial advisor to plan a strategy that will best meet your financial goals.

Individual Shares

Shares of the Funds are listed for trading on a national securities exchange. Shares of the Dividend Select ETF (ticker: DVND) and the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF (ticker: SIO) are principally listed on NYSE Arca, Inc. ("NYSE Arca") and shares of US Large Cap Focused ETF (ticker: LCF) and the Ultra Short Income ETF (ticker: TUSI) are principally listed on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. ("Cboe BZX"). NYSE Arca and Cboe BZX are referred to individually as an "Exchange" and together as the "Exchanges".

Any amount of shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like shares of other publicly traded companies, and when you buy or sell a Fund’s shares in the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. However, there can be no guarantee that an active trading market will develop or be maintained, or that the Fund shares listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling a Fund’s shares involves certain costs that apply to all securities transactions. For example, when buying or selling shares of a Fund through a financial intermediary, you may incur a brokerage commission or other charges determined by your financial intermediary. The commission is frequently a fixed amount and may be a significant cost for investors seeking to buy or sell small amounts of shares. In addition, you may also incur the cost of the spread (the difference between the bid price (the price secondary market investors are willing to pay for shares) and the ask price (the price at which secondary market investors are willing to sell shares)). The spread varies over time for shares of a Fund based on its trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally less if a Fund has more trading volume and market liquidity and more if a Fund has less trading volume and market liquidity.

Creations and Redemptions

Shares of the Funds may only be acquired through the Distributor and redeemed directly with the Fund by or through an Authorized Participant in Creation Units or multiples thereof. “Authorized Participants” are registered clearing agents that enter into an agreement with the Distributor to transact in Creation Units. Once created, shares of the Funds normally trade in the secondary market in amounts less than a Creation Unit. See the "Purchases and Redemptions" section of the SAI for more information on Creation Units.

The Funds are open on every “Business Day,” which is any day a Fund's respective Exchange is open. The Exchanges are open for trading Monday through Friday and are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On days when an Exchange closes earlier than normal, a Fund may require orders to create or redeem Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. See the “Purchases and Redemptions” section of the SAI.

Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units will take place in-kind and/or for cash at the discretion of the Funds. The determination of whether purchases and redemptions of Creation Units will be for cash or in-kind depends primarily on the regulatory requirements and settlement mechanisms relevant to a Fund’s portfolio holdings and a Fund is not limited to engaging in in-kind transactions to any particular market circumstances. As further described in the SAI, Creation Units typically are issued on a two Business Days (“T+2”) basis after a purchase order has been received in good order and the transfer of good title to a Fund of any in-kind securities and/or cash required to purchase a Creation Unit have been completed (subject to certain exceptions). Similarly, and also as further described in the SAI, deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Fund generally will be made on a T+2 basis after a redemption order has been received in good order and the requisite number of Fund shares have been delivered (subject to certain exceptions). The Funds reserve the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 in order to, among other matters, accommodate non-U.S. market holiday schedules, closures and settlement cycles, to account for different treatment among non-U.S. and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (i.e., the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security) and in certain other circumstances. The Funds may delay settlement for up to 15 days from the date an order has been submitted in good order and the requisite cash and/or assets delivered to the relevant Fund to accommodate foreign holidays, as further described in the SAI, and otherwise may delay redemptions up to seven days or longer as permitted by applicable law, regulations and interpretations, such as where unusual market conditions affect the NYSE Arca or Cboe BZX, as applicable, or an emergency exists which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of or value securities it owns or a Fund has received an SEC exemptive order.

The Funds intend to comply with the U.S. federal securities laws in accepting securities for deposit and satisfying redemptions with redemption securities by, among other means, assuring that any securities accepted for deposit and any securities used to satisfy redemption requests will be sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.

For more information on how to buy and sell shares of the Fund, contact Touchstone Investments at (833) 368-7383.

Share Trading Prices

The trading prices of a Fund’s shares listed on its Exchange may differ from a Fund’s daily NAV and will normally be affected by market forces, such as supply and demand, economic conditions, the market value of a Fund’s disclosed portfolio holdings and other factors. As a result, trading prices may be lower, higher or the same as a Fund’s NAV and investors may pay more than NAV when buying shares and receive less than NAV when selling shares through the Exchanges.

Book Entry

Shares of the Funds are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares of the Funds and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

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

Premium/Discount Information

The NAV of a Fund will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio holdings. The market price of a Fund will fluctuate in accordance with changes in its NAV, as well as market supply and demand.

There may be differences — premiums or discounts — between the daily market prices on secondary markets for shares of a Fund and a Fund’s NAV. NAV is the price per share at which a Fund issues and redeems its shares in transactions with APs. A Fund’s market price may be at, above or below its NAV. A premium is the amount that a Fund is trading above the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount is the amount that a Fund is trading below the reported NAV, expressed as a percentage of the NAV. A discount or premium could be significant. Information regarding a Fund’s NAV, market price and daily premiums or discounts can be found at [web address to be filed by amendment].

Continuous Offering

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

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

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange

members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

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

DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

The Funds intend to distribute to their shareholders substantially all of their net investment income and capital gains. Dividends, if any, of net investment income are declared and paid annually by the US Large Cap Focused ETF, quarterly by the Dividend Select ETF and monthly by both the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF and the Ultra Short Income ETF. Each Fund makes distributions of capital gains, if any, at least annually. If you own shares on a Fund’s distribution record date, you will be entitled to receive the distribution. Dividend payments are made through DTC participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners then of record with proceeds received from a Fund.

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

A Fund’s dividends and other distributions are taxable to shareholders (other than retirement plans and other tax-exempt investors) whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. A dividend or distribution paid by a Fund has the effect of reducing the NAV per share on the ex-dividend date by the amount of the dividend or distribution. A dividend or distribution declared shortly after a purchase of shares by an investor would, therefore, represent, in substance, a return of capital to the shareholder with respect to such shares even though it would be subject to federal income taxes.

For most shareholders, a statement will be sent to you within 45 days after the end of each year detailing the federal income tax status of your distributions. Please see “Federal Income Tax Information” below for more information on the federal income tax consequences of dividends and other distributions made by a Fund.

Federal Income Tax Information

The tax information in this prospectus is provided only for general information purposes for U.S. taxpayers and should not be considered as tax advice or relied on by a shareholder or prospective investor.

General. The Funds intend to qualify annually to be treated as RICs under Subchapter M of Chapter 1, Subtitle A of the Code. As such, the Funds will not be subject to federal income taxes on the earnings they distribute to shareholders provided they satisfy certain requirements and restrictions of the Code, one of which is to distribute to a Fund’s shareholders substantially all of the Fund’s net investment income and net short-term capital gains each year. If for any taxable year a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC: (1) it will be subject to tax in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and thus will be subject to federal income tax at the corporate tax rate; and (2) distributions from its earnings and profits (as determined under federal income tax principles) will be taxable as ordinary dividend income and generally eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders and for “qualified dividend income” treatment for non-corporate shareholders. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying for RIC treatment.

Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units. A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from a Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer’s basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters. The Funds have the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Fund shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the

outstanding shares of a Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Code, a Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Funds also have the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determinations.

Distributions. The Funds will make distributions to you that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to federal, foreign, state and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions are taxable whether you reinvest such distributions in additional shares of the Fund or choose to receive cash. Taxable Fund distributions are taxable to a shareholder even if the distributions are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund prior to the shareholder’s investment and, thus, were included in the price the shareholder paid for the shares. For example, a shareholder who purchases shares on or just before the record date of a Fund distribution will pay full price for the shares and may receive a portion of the investment back as a taxable distribution. Distributions declared by a Fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record during such month and paid by January 31 of the following year are treated for federal income tax purposes as if received by shareholders and paid by the Fund on December 31 of the year in which the distribution was declared.

Ordinary Income. Net investment income, except for qualified dividend income and income designated as tax-exempt, and short-term capital gains that are distributed to you are taxable as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares. Certain dividends distributed to non-corporate shareholders and designated by a Fund as “qualified dividend income” are eligible for the long-term capital gains rate, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.

Net Capital Gains. Net capital gains (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) distributed to you, if any, are taxable as long-term capital gains for federal income tax purposes regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares.

Returns of Capital. If a Fund makes a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a shareholder’s basis in his or her shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s basis in his or her shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of such shares.

Backup Withholding. A Fund (or a financial intermediary, such as a broker, through which a shareholder holds Fund shares) may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax on all distributions and sales proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to provide their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that they are subject to backup withholding.

Medicare Tax. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including dividends and distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds a threshold amount.

Foreign Taxes. Income received by a Fund or underlying fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign withholding and other taxes. If a Fund qualifies (by having more than 50% of the value of its total assets at the close of the taxable year consist of stock or securities in foreign corporations or by being a qualified fund of funds) and elects to pass through foreign taxes paid on its investments during the year, such taxes will be reported to you as income. You may, however, be able to claim an offsetting tax credit or deduction on your federal income tax return, depending on your particular circumstances and provided you meet certain holding period and other requirements. Tax-exempt holders of Fund shares, such as qualified tax-advantaged retirement plans, will not benefit from such a deduction or credit.

Non-U.S. Shareholders. Non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. tax as a result of an investment in a Fund. This prospectus does not discuss the U.S. or foreign tax consequences of an investment by a non-U.S. shareholder in a Fund. Accordingly, non-U.S. shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors as to the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of an investment in a Fund.

Statements and Notices. You will receive an annual statement outlining the tax status of your distributions. You may also receive written notices of certain foreign taxes paid by a Fund during the prior taxable year.

Important Tax Reporting Considerations. The Funds or brokers are required to report cost basis and holding period information to both the IRS and shareholders for gross proceeds from the sales of Fund shares purchased on or after January 1,

2012 ("covered shares"). This information is reported on Form 1099-B. Please consult your tax adviser for additional information regarding cost basis reporting and your situation.

This section is only a summary of some important federal income tax considerations that may affect your investment in a Fund. More information regarding these considerations is included in the Funds’ SAI. You are urged and advised to consult your own tax advisor regarding the effects of an investment in a Fund on your tax situation, including the application of foreign, state, local and other tax laws to your particular situation.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Since the Funds had not commenced operations as of the date of this prospectus, financial highlights are not included in this prospectus.

TOUCHSTONE INVESTMENTS*

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Touchstone Advisors, Inc.*

303 Broadway, Suite 1100

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-4203

DISTRIBUTOR

Foreside Fund Services, LLC

Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100

Portland, Maine 04101

TRANSFER AGENT

The Bank of New York Mellon

6023 Airport Road

Oriskany, New York 13424

*A Member of Western & Southern Financial Group

The following are federal trademark registrations and applications owned by either IFS Financial Services, Inc. or Touchstone Advisors, Inc., each a member of Western & Southern Financial Group: Touchstone, Touchstone Funds, Touchstone Investments, the Touchstone Family of Funds, and Distinctively Active.

303 Broadway, Suite 1100

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-4203

(833) 368-7383

For investors who want more information about the Funds, the following documents are available free upon request:

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”): The SAI provides more detailed information about the Funds and is incorporated herein by reference, which means it is legally a part of this prospectus.

Annual/Semiannual Reports (“Financial Reports”): The Funds’ Financial Reports, when available, will provide additional information about a Fund’s investments. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected a Fund’s performance during its most recent fiscal year.

You can get free copies of the SAI, the Financial Reports, other information and answers to your questions about the Funds by contacting your financial advisor or by contacting Touchstone Investments at (833) 368-7383. The SAI and Financial Reports are also available on the Touchstone Investments website at: TouchstoneInvestments.com/Resources.

Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR database of the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You may obtain copies of these reports and other information after paying a duplicating fee, by sending an e-mail request to: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Investment Company Act File No. [ ]

The information in this SAI is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This SAI is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PRELIMINARY SAI - SUBJECT TO COMPLETION - DATED APRIL 8, 2022

TOUCHSTONE ETF TRUST

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

[ ], 2022

Fund

Ticker Symbol

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange

Touchstone Dividend Select ETF

DVND

NYSE Arca, Inc.

Touchstone Strategic Income Opportunities ETF

SIO

NYSE Arca, Inc.

Touchstone US Large Cap Focused ETF

LCF

Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.

Touchstone Ultra Short Income ETF

TUSI

Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and relates only to the above-referenced funds (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”). It is intended to provide additional information regarding the activities and operations of Touchstone ETF Trust (the “Trust”) and should be read in conjunction with the Funds’ prospectus dated [ ], 2022, as may be amended. A copy of the Trust's prospectus and the Annual Report (once available) may be obtained without charge by writing to the Trust at [address to be filed by amendment], by calling (833) 368-7383, or by downloading a copy at TouchstoneInvestments.com. The Funds had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not have any financial information to report for the Trust’s fiscal year end.

Upon commencement of operations, the shares of the Funds will be listed and traded on the respective listing exchanges noted above.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


THE TRUST			3
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING			3
PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS			4
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS			43
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST			48
THE ADVISOR			54
THE SUB-ADVISORS AND PORTFOLIO MANAGERS			56
THE ADMINISTRATOR			60
DISTRIBUTION PLANS			60
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS			60
PROXY VOTING			61
CODE OF ETHICS			61
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER			62
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS			62
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE			62
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING SHARES			63
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITY HOLDERS			65
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS			65
DISTRIBUTIONS			71
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES			71
CUSTODIAN			81
TRANSFER AGENT			81
SUB-ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT			81
LEGAL COUNSEL			81
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM			82
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			82
APPENDIX A — DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS			83
APPENDIX B — PROXY VOTING POLICIES			89

THE TRUST

Touchstone ETF Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), was organized as a Delaware statutory trust under an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 2, 2022 ("the Declaration of Trust”). The offering of each Fund’s shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate series of units of beneficial interest (the “shares”). Each Fund is a separate exchange-traded fund (or “ETF”) and each share of each Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in that Fund. This SAI relates to the following separate series of the Trust: Touchstone Dividend Select ETF (“Dividend Select ETF”), Touchstone Strategic Income Opportunities ETF (“Strategic Income Opportunities ETF”), Touchstone US Large Cap Focused ETF (“US Large Cap Focused ETF”) and Touchstone Ultra Short Income ETF (“Ultra Short Income ETF”) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). Each of the Trust's Funds are diversified except for the US Large Cap Focused ETF, which is non-diversified under the 1940 Act.

Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (the “Advisor”) is the investment advisor and administrator for each Fund. The Advisor has selected one or more sub-advisor(s) to manage, on a daily basis, the assets of each Fund. The Advisor has sub-contracted certain of the Trust complex's administrative and accounting services to The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”). Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside” or the “Distributor”) is the principal distributor of the Funds’ shares.

Shares of each Fund are issued and redeemed only in aggregations of a specific number of shares called “Creation Units.” Investors may acquire shares and shareholders may tender their shares for redemption only in Creation Units, as discussed in the “Purchases and Redemptions” section below. The number of shares of a Fund that constitute a Creation Unit is as follows: 25,000 for the Dividend Select ETF, Strategic Income Opportunities ETF and US Large Cap Focused ETF and 50,000 for the Ultra Short Duration ETF. Each Fund generally offers and issues shares either in exchange for (i) a basket of securities designated by the Fund (“Deposit Securities”) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (“Cash Component”) or (ii) a cash payment equal in value to the Deposit Securities (“Deposit Cash”) together with the Cash Component. The primary consideration accepted by a Fund (i.e., Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash) is set forth under “Purchases and Redemptions” later in this SAI. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security and reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash (subject to applicable legal requirements).

Shares of the Dividend Select ETF and the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF will be listed for trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “NYSE Arca”) and shares of the US Large Cap Focused ETF and the Ultra Short Income ETF will be listed for trading on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Cboe BZX”) (together, the “Exchanges”). See “Exchange Listing and Trading” below for more information. The shares will trade on either the NYSE Arca or Cboe BZX at market prices. These prices may differ from the shares’ net asset values (or "NAV"). The shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and generally in exchange either for (i) portfolio securities and a specified cash payment or (ii) cash (subject to applicable legal requirements). Most investors will buy and sell shares of each Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly-traded shares. There is no minimum investment.

History of the Funds

The Funds are newly formed and had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING

As discussed in the "The Trust" section above, the shares of each Fund are approved for listing and trading on its respective primary Exchange (either NYSE Arca or Cboe BZX) as identified on the cover of this SAI at prices that may differ from a Fund’s NAV. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchanges necessary to maintain the listing of shares of each Fund will continue to be met. Each Exchange may, but is not required to, consider the suspension of trading in and/or remove the shares of a Fund from listing if, among other matters: (i) the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act to the extent such Fund’s listing is conditioned upon reliance on Rule 6c-11; (ii) following the initial 12-month period beginning at the commencement of trading of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial owners of shares for 30 or more consecutive trading days; (iii) a Fund no longer complies with the applicable listing requirements set forth in the Exchange’s rules; or (iv) if such other event shall occur or condition exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchanges will remove the shares of the applicable Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

Trading prices of shares on an Exchange may differ from a Fund’s daily NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of shares. See "Determination of Net Asset Value" below for additional information.

PERMITTED INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS

Each Fund’s principal investment strategies and principal risks are described in the Funds' prospectus. The following supplements the information contained in the prospectus concerning each Fund’s principal investment strategies and principal risks. In addition, although not principal strategies of the Funds, the Funds may invest in other types of securities and engage in other investment practices as described in the prospectus or in this SAI. Unless otherwise indicated, each Fund is permitted to invest in each of the investments listed below, or engage in each of the investment techniques listed below if such investment or activity is consistent with the Fund’s investment goals, investment limitations, policies and strategies. In addition to the fundamental and non-fundamental investment limitations set forth under the section of this SAI entitled "Investment Limitations," the investment limitations below are considered to be non-fundamental policies which may be changed at any time by a vote of the Trust’s Board, unless designated as a “fundamental” policy. In addition, any stated percentage limitations are measured at the time of the purchase of a security.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Securities ("ARMS"). Generally, ARMS have a specified maturity date and amortize principal over their life. In periods of declining interest rates there is a reasonable likelihood that ARMS will experience increased rates of prepayment of principal. However, the major difference between ARMS and fixed-rate mortgage securities is that the interest rate can and does change in accordance with movements in a particular, pre-specified, published interest rate index. There are two main categories of indices: those based on U.S. Treasury obligations and those derived from a calculated measure, such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. The amount of interest on an adjustable rate mortgage is calculated by adding a specified amount to the applicable index, subject to limitations on the maximum and minimum interest that is charged during the life of the mortgage or to maximum and minimum changes to that interest rate during a given period.

The underlying mortgages which collateralize the ARMS will frequently have caps and floors which limit the maximum amount by which the loan rate to the residential borrower may change up or down (1) per reset or adjustment interval and (2) over the life of the loan. Some residential mortgage loans restrict periodic adjustments by limiting changes in the borrower’s monthly principal and interest payments rather than limiting interest rate changes. These payment caps may result in negative amortization. The value of mortgage-related securities in which a Fund invests may be affected if market interest rates rise or fall faster and farther than the allowable caps or floors on the underlying residential mortgage loans. Additionally, even though the interest rates on the underlying residential mortgages are adjustable, amortization and prepayments may occur, thereby causing the effective maturities of the mortgage-related securities in which a Fund invests to be shorter than the maturities stated in the underlying mortgages.

Bank Debt Instruments. Bank debt instruments in which the Funds may invest consist of certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits issued by national banks and state banks, trust companies and mutual savings banks, or of banks or institutions the accounts of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the indebtedness of a commercial bank to repay funds deposited with it for a definite period of time (usually from fourteen days one year, although certificates of deposit may have longer terms) at a stated or variable interest rate. Bankers’ acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation of a bank to pay a draft that has been drawn on it by a customer, which instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the face amount of the instrument upon maturity. Time deposits are nonnegotiable deposits maintained in a banking institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Investments in time deposits maturing in more than seven days will be subject to the Funds’ restrictions on illiquid investments (see “Investment Limitations”).

The Funds may invest in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits issued by foreign branches of national banks. Eurodollar certificates of deposit are negotiable U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of major U.S. commercial banks. Eurodollar bankers’ acceptances are U.S. dollar denominated bankers’ acceptances “accepted” by foreign branches of major U.S. commercial banks. Investments in the obligations of foreign branches of U.S. commercial banks may be subject to special risks, including future political and economic developments, imposition of withholding taxes on income, establishment of exchange controls or other restrictions, less governmental supervision and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards that might affect an investment adversely. Payment of interest and principal upon these obligations may also be affected by governmental action in the country of domicile of the branch (generally referred to as sovereign risk). In addition, evidences of ownership of portfolio securities may be held outside of the U.S. and the Funds may be subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas. Various provisions of federal law governing the establishment and operation of domestic branches do not apply to foreign branches of domestic banks. The Sub-Advisor, subject to the oversight of the Board, considers these factors when making investments. The Funds

do not limit the amount of their assets that can be invested in any one type of instrument or in any foreign country in which a branch of a U.S. bank or the parent of a U.S. branch is located. Investments in obligations of foreign banks are subject to the overall limit of 25% of total assets that may be invested in a single industry.

Borrowing and Leveraging. Each Fund may borrow money from banks (including their custodian bank) or from other lenders to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") requires the Funds to maintain asset coverage (total assets, including assets acquired with borrowed funds, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of at least 300% for all such borrowings. If at any time the value of a Fund’s assets should fail to meet this 300% coverage test, the Fund, within 3 days (not including Sundays and holidays), will reduce the amount of its borrowings to the extent necessary to meet this test. A Fund will not make any borrowing or enter into a reverse repurchase agreement or dollar roll transaction that would cause its outstanding borrowings to exceed one-third of the value of its total assets.

Leveraging a Fund through borrowing or other means (e.g., certain uses of derivatives) creates an opportunity for increased net income, but, at the same time, creates special risk considerations. Leveraging creates interest expenses for a Fund which could exceed the income from the assets retained. To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest that a Fund will have to pay, a Fund’s net income will be greater than if leveraging were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets retained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of a Fund will be less than if leveraging were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to shareholders as dividends will be reduced. Interest rate arbitrage transactions, reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions create leverage and must be fully collateralized by assets segregated or earmarked by the Fund’s custodian or otherwise “covered.” In an interest rate arbitrage transaction, a Fund borrows money at one interest rate and lends the proceeds at another, higher interest rate. These leverage transactions involve a number of risks; including the risk that the borrower will fail or otherwise become insolvent or that there will be a significant change in prevailing interest rates. The Funds may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to any borrowing.

To reduce its borrowings, a Fund might be required to sell securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, because interest on money borrowed is a Fund expense that it would not otherwise incur, the Fund may have less net investment income during periods when its borrowings are substantial. The interest paid by a Fund on borrowings may be more or less than the yield on the securities purchased with borrowed funds, depending on prevailing market conditions. Borrowing magnifies the potential for gain or loss on a Fund’s portfolio securities and, therefore, if employed, increases the possibility of fluctuation in its NAV. This is the speculative factor known as leverage. To reduce the risks of borrowing, the Funds will limit their borrowings as described below. See "Investment Limitations."

The Funds have adopted non-fundamental limitations which restrict circumstances in which and the degree to which the Funds can engage in borrowing.

Business Development Companies (“BDCs”). BDCs are a type of closed-end fund regulated under the 1940 Act. BDCs are publicly-traded mezzanine/private equity funds that typically invest in and lend to small and medium-sized private companies that may not have access to public equity markets for capital raising. BDCs are unique in that at least 70% of their investments must be made to private U.S. businesses, and BDCs are required to make available significant managerial assistance to their portfolio companies. BDCs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). BDCs have expenses associated with their operations. Accordingly, a Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other expenses, and of any performance based fees, charged by the BDCs in which it invests.

Investments in BDCs are subject to various risks, including management’s ability to meet the BDC’s investment objective, and to manage the BDC’s portfolio when the underlying securities are redeemed or sold, during periods of market turmoil and as investors’ perceptions regarding a BDC or its underlying investments change. BDC shares are not redeemable at the option of the BDC shareholder and, as with shares of other closed-end funds, they may trade in the secondary market at a discount to their NAV.

Canadian Income Trusts. A Canadian Income Trust is a qualified income trust as designated by the Canada Revenue Agency that operates as a profit-seeking corporation. This type of income trust, which pays out all earnings to unit holders before paying taxes, is usually traded publicly on a securities exchange. Canadian Income Trusts enjoy special Canadian corporate tax privileges.

Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Obligations. Commercial paper (including variable amount master demand notes) consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or other entities in order to

finance short-term credit needs and non-convertible debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with no more than 397 days remaining to maturity at the date of purchase. Certain notes may have floating or variable rates. Variable and floating rate notes with a demand notice period exceeding seven days will be subject to the Funds’ restrictions on illiquid investments (see “Investment Limitations”) unless, in the judgment of the Sub-Advisor, subject to the oversight of the Board, such note is liquid.

[Commodity Futures Trading Commission Regulation. Certain funds in the Touchstone Fund Complex, and the Advisor have claimed exclusion or exemption from registering with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). The funds currently intend to comply with Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (the “CEA”), which allows a fund to be conditionally excluded from the definition of the term “commodity pool.” Similarly, so long as the funds satisfy this conditional exclusion, the Advisor intends to comply with Rule 4.5, which allows the Advisor to be conditionally excluded from the definition of “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”), and Rule 4.14(a)(5), which provides a conditional exemption from registering as a “commodity trading advisor.” The Advisor, on behalf of the funds and itself, has filed a claim with the CFTC claiming the CPO exemption. Therefore, neither the Funds nor the Advisor expect to become subject to registration under the CEA.]

Common Stocks. Common stocks are securities that represent units of ownership in a company. Common stocks usually carry voting rights and earn dividends. Unlike preferred stocks, which are described below, dividends on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the board of directors of the issuing company.

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are corporate securities that are exchangeable for a set number of another security at a pre-stated price. Convertible securities typically have characteristics of both fixed-income and equity securities. Because of the conversion feature, the market value of a convertible security tends to move with the market value of the underlying stock. The value of a convertible security is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provisions.

A synthetic convertible security is a combination investment in which a Fund purchases both (i) high-grade cash equivalents or a high grade debt obligation of an issuer or U.S. government securities and (ii) call options or warrants on the common stock of the same or different issuer with some or all of the anticipated interest income from the associated debt obligation that is earned over the holding period of the option or warrant.

While providing a fixed-income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar non-convertible security), a convertible security also affords a shareholder the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation attendant upon a market price advance in the convertible security’s underlying common stock. A synthetic convertible position has similar investment characteristics, but may differ with respect to credit quality, time to maturity, trading characteristics and other factors. Because a Fund will create synthetic convertible positions only out of high grade fixed-income securities, the credit rating associated with a Fund’s synthetic convertible investments is generally expected to be higher than that of the average convertible security, many of which are rated below high grade. However, because the options used to create synthetic convertible positions will generally have expirations between one month and three years of the time of purchase, the maturity of these positions will generally be shorter than average for convertible securities. Since the option component of a convertible security or synthetic convertible position is a wasting asset (in the sense of losing “time value” as maturity approaches), a synthetic convertible position may lose such value more rapidly than a convertible security of longer maturity; however, the gain in option value due to appreciation of the underlying stock may exceed such time value loss. The market price of the option component generally reflects these differences in maturities, and the Advisor and applicable sub-advisor take such differences into account when evaluating such positions. When a synthetic convertible position “matures” because of the expiration of the associated option, a Fund may extend the maturity by investing in a new option with longer maturity on the common stock of the same or different issuer. If a Fund does not so extend the maturity of a position, it may continue to hold the associated fixed-income security.

Corporate Debt Securities. Corporate debt securities are obligations of a corporation to pay interest and repay principal. Corporate debt securities include commercial paper, notes and bonds.

Covered Dollar Rolls. A Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which a Fund sells mortgage-based or other fixed-income securities and simultaneously commits to repurchase substantially similar, but not identical, securities on a specified future date. In a simple dollar-roll transaction, the cash proceeds from this sale will be reinvested in high quality, short-term instruments, the maturity of which will coincide with the settlement date of the roll transaction. A strategy may also be used with respect to the dollar roll, where a series of 6-12 consecutive dollar-roll transactions (approximately 30 days per transaction) are executed.

This allows a Fund to purchase a slightly longer duration security with the cash proceeds from the sale and capitalize on potentially higher available yields. The additional duration from this strategy would be minimal.

A Fund will not use such transactions for leveraging purposes and, accordingly, at the time a Fund enters into a dollar roll, it will segregate liquid assets to satisfy its obligation for the forward commitment to buy the securities. The value of such segregated assets must be at least equal to the value of the forward commitment or repurchase obligation (principal plus accrued interest), as applicable. The segregated assets effectively collateralize a Fund’s right to receive the securities at the end of the roll period(s), and also serve to minimize the leveraging effect of the transaction.

In the case of dollar rolls involving mortgage-related securities, the mortgage-related securities that are purchased typically will be of the same type and will have the same or similar interest rate and maturity as those sold, but will be supported by different pools of mortgages. The Fund forgoes principal and interest, including prepayments, paid during the roll period on the securities sold in a dollar roll, but it is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the price for the future purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds of the securities sold. A Fund could also be compensated through receipt of fee income. Dollar rolls may be renewed over a period of several months with a different repurchase price and a cash settlement made at each renewal without physical delivery of securities. Moreover, the transaction may be preceded by a firm commitment agreement pursuant to which a Fund agrees to buy a security on a future date.

Dollar-roll transactions are considered to be borrowings by a Fund and the use of such transactions will be subject to a Fund’s investment limitations on borrowings. See “Borrowing and Leveraging” and “Investment Limitations.”

The risks associated with dollar rolls are market risk, since the price of the securities could drop lower than the agreed upon repurchase price during the roll period, or the securities that the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than the securities that the Fund originally held; and credit risk, since the counterparty to the transaction could fail to deliver the securities. If the counterparty to whom a Fund sells the securities becomes insolvent, a Fund’s right to purchase or repurchase the securities may be restricted. Finally, there can be no assurance that a Fund’s use of the cash that it receives from a dollar roll will provide a return that exceeds borrowing costs. Further, although a Fund can estimate the amount of expected principal prepayment over the term of the dollar roll, a variation in the actual amount of prepayment could increase or decrease the cost of the Fund’s borrowing.

Custody Receipts. The Funds may invest in custody receipts that represent corporate debt securities. Custody receipts, such as Morgan Stanley TRACERs, are derivative products which, in the aggregate, evidence direct ownership in a pool of securities. Typically, a sponsor will deposit a pool of securities with a custodian in exchange for custody receipts evidencing those securities. Generally the sponsor will then sell those custody receipts in negotiated transactions at varying prices that are determined at the time of sale. Each custody receipt evidences the individual securities in the pool, and the holder of a custody receipt generally will have all the rights and privileges of owners of those securities. Each holder of a custody receipt will be treated as directly purchasing its pro rata share of the securities in the pool, for an amount equal to the amount that such holder paid for its custody receipt. If a custody receipt is sold, a holder will be treated as having directly disposed of its pro rata share of the securities evidenced by the custody receipt. Additionally, the holder of a custody receipt may withdraw the securities represented by a custody receipt subject to certain conditions.

Custody receipts are generally subject to the same risks as those securities evidenced by the receipts which, in the case of the Funds, are corporate debt securities. Additionally, custody receipts may be less liquid than the underlying securities if the sponsor fails to maintain a trading market.

In addition, other disruptive events, including (but not limited to) natural disasters and public health crisis (such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic), may adversely affect the Funds’ ability to conduct business, in particular if the Fund’s employees or the employees of its service providers are unable or unwilling to perform their responsibilities as a result of any such event. Even if the Funds’ employees and the employees of its service providers are able to work remotely, those remote work arrangements could result in the Funds’ business operations being less efficient than under normal circumstances, could lead to delays in its processing of transactions, and could increase the risk of cyber-events.

Derivatives. The Funds may invest in various instruments that are commonly known as derivatives. Generally, a derivative is a financial arrangement, the value of which is based on, or “derived” from, a traditional security, asset, or market index. Some “derivatives” such as certain mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are in many respects like any other investment, although they may be more volatile or less liquid than more traditional debt securities. There are, in fact, many different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. There is a range of risks associated with those uses. Futures and options are commonly used for traditional hedging purposes to attempt to protect a Fund from exposure to changing interest rates, securities prices, or currency exchange rates and as a low cost method of gaining exposure to a particular securities market

without investing directly in those securities. However, some derivatives are used for leverage, which tends to magnify the effects of an instrument’s price changes as market conditions change. Leverage involves the use of a small amount of money to control a large amount of financial assets, and can in some circumstances, lead to significant losses. The Sub-Advisor will use derivatives only in circumstances where the Sub-Advisor believes they offer the most economic means of improving the risk/reward profile of a Fund. Derivatives will not be used to increase portfolio risk above the level that could be achieved using only traditional investment securities or to acquire exposure to changes in the value of assets or indexes that by themselves would not be purchased for the Fund. The use of derivatives for non-hedging purposes may be considered speculative. A description of the specific derivatives that the Funds may use and some of their associated risks is discussed below under the captions “Forward Foreign Currency Contracts”, “Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts” and "Swap Agreements". Derivatives exposure will include exchange-traded derivatives (such as credit default swaps, futures, options, etc.).

In addition, new Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”), adopted by the SEC on October 28, 2020, replaces the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Release 10666) with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. For funds using a significant amount of derivatives, the Derivatives Rule mandates a fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value at risk limitations in lieu of asset segregation requirements; (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new Board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The Derivative Rule provides an exception for funds with derivative exposure not exceeding 10% of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. In addition, the Derivatives Rule provides special treatment for reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions and unfunded commitment agreements. Unless the SEC extends the compliance date for the Derivatives Rule, a fund must comply with the requirements by August 19, 2022. Until that time, the fund may continue to engage in certain asset segregation practices in accordance with Release 10666 and related staff letters and guidance.

Emerging Markets and Frontier Market Securities. Emerging market countries are generally countries that are included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI") Emerging Markets Index, or otherwise excluded from the MSCI World Index. As of February 28, 2022, the countries in the MSCI World Index included: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As of [ ], 2022, the countries in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index included: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Frontier market countries, which are those emerging market countries that have the smallest, least mature economies and least developed capital markets, are generally countries that are included in the MSCI Frontier Markets Index. As of February 28, 2022, the countries in the MSCI Frontier Markets Index included: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Benin, Croatia, Estonia, Guinea-Bissau, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia, Senegal, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Togo, Tunisia and Vietnam. The country composition of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, the MSCI World Index and the MSCI Frontier Markets Index can change over time.

Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional risks that do not generally apply to investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of comparable issuers in more developed capital markets; (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments; (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments; (iv) national policies that may limit a Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; and (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose capital gains taxes on foreign investors.

Political and economic structures in emerging market countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and these countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that any or all of these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for a Fund. Some of these countries may have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that a Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected market. As a result, the risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the value of investments in these countries

and the availability to a Fund of additional investments. The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain of these countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in these countries may make investments in the countries illiquid and more volatile than investments in Japan or most Western European countries.

Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the United States, such as price/earnings ratios, may not be applicable. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and company shares may be held by a limited number of persons. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of a Fund’s acquisition or disposal of securities.

Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because a Fund will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being completely lost. A Fund would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation.

Some emerging market countries currently prohibit direct foreign investment in the securities of their companies. Certain emerging market countries, however, permit indirect foreign investment in the securities of companies listed and traded on their stock exchanges through investment funds that they have specifically authorized. Investments in these investment funds may be subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act limiting investments in other investment companies. Shareholders of a Fund that invests in such investment funds will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses of a Fund (including operating expenses and the fees of the adviser), but also will indirectly bear similar expenses of the underlying investment funds. In addition, these investment funds may trade at a discount or premium to the fund’s NAV.

Participatory notes (commonly known as P-notes) are offshore derivative instruments issued to foreign institutional investors and their sub-accounts against underlying Indian securities listed on the Indian bourses. These securities are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Participatory notes are similar to ADRs, which are negotiable certificates issued by a U.S. bank and traded on U.S. exchanges. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent a specified number of shares in a foreign security held by a U.S. financial institution located in a foreign country. Both P-notes and ADRs are subject to the risks discussed above with respect to securities of foreign issuers in general.

The US Large Cap Focused ETF is restricted from investing in foreign issuers, including through the use of ordinary shares or depositary receipts such as ADRs. The Strategic Income Opportunities ETF may invest up to 20% of its total assets in emerging markets debt securities in either U.S. dollar or a foreign currency.

Equity-Linked Notes (“ELNs”). A Fund may purchase ELNs. The principal or coupon payment on an ELN is linked to the performance of an underlying security or index. ELNs may be used, among other things, to provide a Fund with exposure to international markets while providing a mechanism to reduce foreign tax or regulatory restrictions imposed on foreign investors. The risks associated with purchasing ELNs include the creditworthiness of the issuer and the risk of counterparty default. Further, a Fund’s ability to dispose of an ELN will depend on the availability of liquid markets in the instruments. The purchase and sale of an ELN is also subject to the risks regarding adverse market movements, possible intervention by governmental authorities, and the effects of other political and economic events.

Equity-Linked Warrants. Equity-linked warrants provide a way for investors to access markets where entry is difficult and time consuming due to regulation. Typically, a broker issues warrants to an investor and then purchases shares in the local market and issues a call warrant hedged on the underlying holding. If the investor exercises his call and closes his position, the shares are sold and the warrant is redeemed with the proceeds.

Each warrant represents one share of the underlying stock. Therefore, the price, performance and liquidity of the warrant are all directly linked to the underlying stock. The warrants can be redeemed for 100% of the value of the underlying stock (less transaction costs). The Funds invest in American style warrants, which can be exercised at any time. The warrants in which the Funds invest are U.S. dollar denominated and priced daily on several international stock exchanges.

Eurobonds. A Eurobond is a bond denominated in U.S. dollars or another currency and sold to investors outside of the country whose currency is used. Eurobonds may be issued by government or corporate issuers, and are typically underwritten by banks

and brokerage firms from numerous countries. While Eurobonds typically pay principal and interest in Eurodollars (U.S. dollars held in banks outside of the United States), they may pay principal and interest in other currencies.

Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”). The Funds may invest in other ETFs as an efficient means of carrying out its investment strategies. As with traditional mutual funds, ETFs charge asset-based fees, although these fees tend to be relatively low. ETFs are traded on stock exchanges or on the over-the-counter market. ETFs do not charge initial sales charges or redemption fees and investors pay only customary brokerage fees to buy and sell ETF shares. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate up or down, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs may be subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of an ETF’s shares may trade above or below its NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

Foreign Securities. Except as expressly set forth herein and in the prospectus, the Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers and in sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts. Foreign companies are companies that meet all of the following criteria: they are organized under the laws of a foreign country; they maintain their principal place of business in a foreign country; the principal trading market for their securities is located in a foreign country; they derive at least 50% of their revenues or profits from operations in foreign countries; and they have at least 50% of their assets located in foreign countries. Investing in securities issued by foreign companies and governments involves considerations and potential risks not typically associated with investing in obligations issued by the U.S. government and domestic corporations. Less information may be available about foreign companies than about domestic companies and foreign companies generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic companies. The values of foreign investments are affected by changes in currency rates or exchange control regulations, restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies, application of foreign tax laws, including withholding taxes, changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in the United States or abroad) or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs are also incurred in connection with conversions between various currencies. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions and custody fees are generally higher than those charged in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than in the United States. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, confiscatory taxation, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations and could be subject to extended clearance and settlement periods.

In addition, there are risks relating to ongoing concerns regarding the economies of certain European countries and their sovereign debt, as well as the potential for one or more countries to leave the European Union.

The US Large Cap Focused ETF is restricted from investing in foreign issuers, including through the use of ordinary shares or depositary receipts such as ADRs.

Brexit Risk. Uncertainties surrounding the sovereign debt of a number of EU countries and the viability of the EU have disrupted and may in the future disrupt markets in the United States and around the world. If one or more countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted. In January 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) left the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and the UK ceased to be a member of the EU. Following a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the EU and the UK Government signed an agreement on December 30, 2020 regarding the economic relationship between the UK and the EU. This agreement became effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021 and formally entered into force on May 1, 2021. While the full impact of Brexit is unknown, Brexit has already resulted in volatility in European and global markets There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes are difficult to predict. This long-term uncertainty may affect other countries in the EU and elsewhere, and may cause volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain European countries. Despite the influence of the lockdowns, and the economic bounce back, Brexit has had a material impact on the UK's economy. Additionally, trade between the UK and the EU did not benefit from the global rebound in trade in 2021, and remained at the very low levels experienced at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, highlighting Brexit's potential long-term effects on the UK economy.

bond spreads due to uncertainty, and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. Brexit may also adversely affect UK-based financial firms that have counterparties in the EU or participate in market infrastructure (trading venues, clearing houses, settlement facilities) based in the EU. Additionally, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to continue to stretch the resources and deficits of many countries in the EU and throughout the world, increasing the risk of default on their sovereign debt. These events and the resulting market volatility may have an adverse effect on the performance of a Fund.

Foreign Market Risk. A Fund is subject to the risk that, because there are generally fewer investors on foreign exchanges and a smaller number of shares traded each day, it may be difficult for a Fund to buy and sell securities on those exchanges. In addition, prices of foreign securities may fluctuate more than prices of securities traded in the United States. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of punitive taxes. In addition, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain industries. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair a Fund’s ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer a Fund’s assets or income back into the United States or otherwise adversely affect a Fund’s operations. Other potential foreign market risks include exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts and political and social conditions, such as diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation, limitation on the removal of funds or assets or imposition of (or change in) exchange control regulations. Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other foreign countries. In addition, changes in government administrations or economic or monetary policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or depreciation of portfolio securities and could favorably or adversely affect a Fund’s operations.

Public Availability of Information. In general, less information is publicly available with respect to foreign issuers than is available with respect to U.S. companies. Most foreign companies are also not subject to the uniform accounting and financial reporting requirements applicable to issuers in the United States. A Fund’s foreign investments may be less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than comparable investments in securities in U.S. companies. In addition, there is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and issuers in foreign countries than in the United States.

Settlement Risk. Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Foreign settlement procedures and trade regulations also may involve certain risks (such as delays in payment for or delivery of securities) not typically generated by the settlement of U.S. investments. Communications between the United States and certain non-U.S. countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security certificates in markets that still rely on physical settlement. Settlements in certain foreign countries at times have not kept pace with the number of securities transactions; these problems may make it difficult for a Fund to carry out transactions. If a Fund 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 Fund 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, a Fund could be liable to that party for any losses incurred. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale of, foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes on income from sources in such countries.

Governmental Supervision and Regulation/Accounting Standards. Many foreign governments supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities less than the United States does. Some countries may not have laws to protect investors comparable to the U.S. securities laws. For example, some foreign countries may have no laws or rules against insider trading. Insider trading occurs when a person buys or sells a company’s securities based on nonpublic information about that company. In addition, the U.S. government has from time to time in the past imposed restrictions, through penalties and otherwise, on foreign investments by U.S. investors such as a Fund. Accounting standards in other countries are not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as U.S. accounting standards, it may be harder for a Fund to completely and accurately determine a company’s financial condition. Also, brokerage commissions and other costs of buying or selling securities often are higher in foreign countries than they are in the United States. This reduces the amount a Fund can earn on its investments.

Foreign Currency Risk. While a Fund’s net assets are valued in U.S. dollars, the securities of foreign companies are frequently denominated in foreign currencies. Thus, a change in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in value of securities denominated in that currency. Some of the factors that may impair the investments denominated in a foreign currency are: (1) it may be expensive to convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa; (2) complex political and economic factors may significantly affect the values of various currencies, including U.S. dollars, and their exchange rates; (3) government intervention may increase risks involved in purchasing or selling foreign currency options, forward contracts and futures contracts, since exchange rates may not be free to fluctuate in response to other market forces; (4)

there may be no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies or regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis; (5) available quotation information is generally representative of very large round-lot transactions in the inter-bank market and thus may not reflect exchange rates for smaller odd-lot transactions (less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable; and (6) the inter-bank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that a market is closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, certain markets may not always reflect significant price and rate movements.

Restrictions on Investments. There may be unexpected restrictions on investments in companies located in certain foreign countries. For example, on November 12, 2020, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order prohibiting U.S. persons from purchasing or investing in publicly-traded securities of companies identified by the U.S. government as “Communist Chinese military companies,” or in instruments that are derivative of, or are designed to provide investment exposure to, such securities. In addition, to the extent that a Fund holds such a security, one or more Fund intermediaries may decline to process customer orders with respect to such Fund unless and until certain representations are made by the Fund or the prohibited holdings are divested. As a result of forced sales of a security, or inability to participate in an investment the manager otherwise believes is attractive, a Fund may incur losses.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. The Funds may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to manage foreign currency exposure and as a hedge against possible variations in foreign exchange rates. A Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge a specific security transaction or to hedge a portfolio position.

These contracts may be bought or sold to protect a Fund, to some degree, against possible losses resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. A Fund also may invest in foreign currency futures and in options on currencies. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency amount at a future date, agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. A Fund may enter into a contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or other appropriate currency, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of a Fund’s securities denominated in such foreign currency.

By entering into forward foreign currency contracts, a Fund will seek to protect the value of its investment securities against a decline in the value of a currency. However, these forward foreign currency contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. Rather, they simply establish a rate of exchange which one can obtain at some future point in time. Although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase. At the maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may either sell a portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an “offsetting” contract with the same currency trader, obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the foreign currency. A Fund may realize a gain or loss from currency transactions.

When entering into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security in a foreign currency, a Fund may enter into a forward foreign currency contract for the amount of the purchase or sale price to protect against variations, between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received, in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other foreign currency.

Also, when a Fund’s portfolio manager anticipates that a particular foreign currency may decline substantially relative to the U.S. dollar or other leading currencies, in order to reduce risk, a Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of its securities denominated in such foreign currency. With respect to any such forward foreign currency contract, it will not generally be possible to match precisely the amount covered by that contract and the value of the securities involved due to changes in the values of such securities resulting from market movements between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. In addition, while forward foreign currency contracts may offer protection from losses resulting from declines in value of a particular foreign currency, they also limit potential gains which might result from increases in the value of such currency. A Fund will also incur costs in connection with forward foreign currency contracts and conversions of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. A Fund will place assets in a segregated account or otherwise earmark assets as cover to ensure that its obligations under forward foreign currency contracts are covered.

The forecasting of currency market movement is extremely difficult, and whether any hedging strategy will be successful is highly uncertain. Moreover, it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a forward foreign currency contract. Accordingly, a Fund may be required to buy or sell additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such transaction) if the Sub-Advisor’s predictions regarding the movement of foreign currency or securities markets prove inaccurate. Because foreign currency forward contracts are privately negotiated transactions, there

can be no assurance that a Fund will have flexibility to roll-over a forward foreign currency contract upon its expiration if it desires to do so. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the other party to the contract will perform its services thereunder.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. A Fund may use futures contracts and related options for bona fide hedging purposes, to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of, to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies, or to gain exposure to a particular market or instrument. Some strategies reduce a Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its exposure. A Fund will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts which are traded on national futures exchanges. In addition, a Fund will only sell covered futures contracts and options on futures contracts.

Stock and bond index futures are futures contracts for various stock and bond indices that are traded on registered securities exchanges. Stock and bond index futures contracts obligate the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to take) an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific stock or bond index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made.

Stock and bond index futures contracts are bilateral agreements pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the stock or bond index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the stocks or bonds comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contracts.

No price is paid upon entering into futures contracts. Instead, a Fund would be required to deposit an amount of cash or U.S. Treasury securities known as “initial margin.” Subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the broker, would be made on a daily basis as the value of the futures position varies (a process known as “marking to market”). The margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit on a futures contract.

There are risks associated with these activities, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by a Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and futures options.

A Fund may buy and sell futures contracts and related options to manage its exposure to changing interest rates and securities prices. Some strategies reduce a Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure. Futures and options on futures can be volatile instruments and involve certain risks that could negatively impact a Fund’s return. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit the risk associated with the use of leverage and other related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may maintain with its custodian bank (and marked-to-market on a daily basis), a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and interpretations of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) thereunder. If the Fund continues to engage in the described investment techniques and properly covers its investment in the manner described above, the segregated account or other form of coverage will function as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding investments. Additionally, such coverage will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

Each Fund may invest in futures contracts and options on futures contracts.

Guaranteed Investment Contracts. A Fund may make investments in obligations issued by highly rated U.S. insurance companies, such as guaranteed investment contracts and similar funding agreements (collectively “GICs”). A GIC is a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. Under these contracts, a Fund makes cash contributions to a deposit fund of the insurance company’s general account. The insurance company then credits to the Fund on a monthly basis guaranteed interest that is based on an index. The GICs provide that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum rate. GIC investments that do not provide for payment within seven days after notice are subject to the Fund’s policy regarding investments in illiquid securities.

Illiquid Securities. Subject to the limitations in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, the Funds may invest in illiquid securities. No Fund may acquire an illiquid security if, immediately after the acquisition, it would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Certain Funds may have additional limitations on investments in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are securities that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the security.

The Trust has implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “LRM Program”) and related procedures to manage the liquidity risk of each Fund in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 22e-4”). Rule 22e-4 defines “liquidity risk” as the risk that a fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors' interests in the fund. The Board has designated Touchstone Advisors to serve as the program administrator ("Program Administrator") of the LRM Program and the related procedures. As a part of the LRM Program, the Program Administrator is responsible for identifying illiquid investments and categorizing the relative liquidity of each Fund's investments in accordance with Rule 22e-4. Under the LRM Program, the Program Administrator assesses, manages, and periodically reviews each Fund's liquidity risk, and is responsible for making periodic reports to the Board and the SEC regarding the liquidity of each Fund's investments, and for notifying the Board and the SEC of certain liquidity events specified in Rule 22e-4. The liquidity of each Fund's portfolio investments is determined based on relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations under the LRM Program.

Illiquid securities include, among others, demand instruments with demand notice periods exceeding seven days, securities for which there is no active secondary market, and repurchase agreements with maturities of over seven days in length. The Funds may invest in securities that are neither listed on a stock exchange nor traded over-the-counter, including privately placed securities. Investing in unlisted securities, including investments in new and early stage companies, may involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses. As a result of the absence of a public trading market for these securities, they may be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Because these types of securities are thinly traded, if at all, and market prices for these types of securities are generally not readily available, the Fund typically determines the price for these types of securities in good faith in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by a Fund, or less than what may be considered the fair value of such securities. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements which might be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If such securities are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, a Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration.

In addition, the Funds believe that certain investments in joint ventures, cooperatives, partnerships, private placements, unlisted securities and other similar situations (collectively, "special situations") could enhance the Funds’ capital appreciation potential. To the extent these investments are deemed illiquid, the Funds’ investment in them will be consistent with their applicable restriction on investment in illiquid securities. Investments in special situations and certain other instruments may be liquid, as determined by the Funds’ LRM Program Administrator.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds. The Funds may invest in inflation-indexed bonds, which are fixed-income securities whose return is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation as indicated by the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). Inflation-indexed bonds may be issued by the U.S. government and agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government and by corporations. There are two common accrual structures for inflation-indexed bonds. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the CPI accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

Inflation-indexed securities are issued with various maturities. The securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, called Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or "TIPS", pay interest on a semiannual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. For example, if the Fund purchased an inflation-indexed bond with a par value of $1,000 and a 3% real rate of return coupon (payable 1.5% semiannually), and inflation over the first six months were 1%, the mid-year par value of the bond would be $1,010 and the first semiannual interest payment would be $15.15 ($1,010 times 1.5%). If inflation during the second half of the year reached 3%, the end-of-year par value of the bond would be $1,030 and the second semiannual interest payment would be $15.45 ($1,030 times 1.5%).

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of 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 inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. The Fund may also invest in other inflation related bonds, which may or may not provide a

similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.

The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds.

While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation, investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

The periodic adjustment of U.S. inflation-indexed bonds is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”), which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy.

Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”). Due to the typically small size of the IPO allocation available to the Funds and the nature and market capitalization of the companies involved in IPOs, the sub-advisors will often purchase IPO shares that would qualify as a permissible investment for a Fund but will instead decide to allocate those IPO purchases to other funds they advise. Any such allocation will be done in a fair and equitable manner according to a specific and consistent process. Because IPO shares frequently are volatile in price, a Fund may hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of a Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to a Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling shares of an IPO, a Fund may realize taxable capital gains that it will subsequently distribute to shareholders.

Most IPOs involve a high degree of risk not normally associated with offerings of more seasoned companies. Companies involved in IPOs generally have limited operating histories, and their prospects for future profitability are uncertain. These companies often are engaged in new and evolving businesses and are particularly vulnerable to competition and to changes in technology, markets and economic conditions. They may be dependent on certain key managers and third parties, need more personnel and other resources to manage growth and require significant additional capital. They may also be dependent on limited product lines and uncertain property rights and need regulatory approvals. Investors in IPOs can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders. Stock prices of IPOs can also be highly unstable, due to the absence of a prior public market, the small number of shares available for trading and limited investor information.

Interests in Publicly Traded Limited Partnerships. Interests in publicly traded limited partnerships (limited partnership interests or units) represent equity interests in the assets and earnings of the partnership’s trade or business. Unlike common stock in a corporation, limited partnership interests have limited or no voting rights. However, many of the risks of investing in common stocks are still applicable to investments in limited partnership interests. In addition, limited partnership interests are subject to risks not present in common stock. For example, income generated from limited partnerships deemed not to be “publicly traded” may not be considered “qualifying income” for purposes of the regulated investment company requirements under the Code, and may trigger adverse tax consequences (please refer to the “Taxes” section of this SAI for a discussion of relevant tax risks). Also, since publicly traded limited partnerships are a less common form of organizational structure than corporations, the limited partnership units may be less liquid than publicly traded common stock. Also, because of the difference in organizational structure, the fair value of limited partnership units in a Fund’s portfolio may be based either upon the current market price of such units, or if there is no current market price, upon the pro rata value of the underlying assets of the partnership. Limited partnership units also have the risk that the limited partnership might, under certain circumstances, be treated as a general partnership giving rise to broader liability exposure to the limited partners for activities of the partnership. Further, the general partners of a limited partnership may be able to significantly change the business or asset structure of a limited partnership without the limited partners having any ability to disapprove any such changes. In certain limited partnerships, limited partners may also be required to return distributions previously made in the event that excess distributions have been made by the partnership, or in the event that the general partners, or their affiliates, are entitled to indemnification.

Interfund Lending. Each Fund’s investment restrictions and an SEC exemptive order permit the Fund to participate in an interfund lending program with other funds in the Touchstone family of funds, including the Funds. This program allows the Touchstone Funds to borrow money from, and lend money to, each other for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to

satisfy redemption requests or to cover unanticipated cash shortfalls. A Fund may not borrow through the interfund lending program for leverage purposes. To the extent permitted by its investment objective, strategies, and policies, a Fund may (1) lend uninvested cash to other Touchstone Funds in an amount up to 15% of the lending Fund's net assets at the time of the loan (including lending up to 5% of its net assets to any single Touchstone Fund) and (2) borrow money from other Touchstone Funds provided that total outstanding borrowings from all sources do not exceed 331/3% of its total assets. A Fund may borrow through the interfund lending program on an unsecured basis (i.e., without posting collateral) if its aggregate borrowings from all sources immediately after the interfund borrowing represent 10% or less of the Fund’s total assets. However, if a Fund’s aggregate borrowings from all sources immediately after the interfund borrowing would exceed 10% of the Fund’s total assets, the Fund may borrow through the interfund lending program on a secured basis only. Any Fund that has outstanding interfund borrowings may not cause its outstanding borrowings, from all sources, to exceed 10% of its total assets without first securing each interfund loan. If a Fund has any outstanding secured borrowings from other sources, including another fund, at the time it requests an interfund loan, the Fund's interfund borrowing will be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding collateralized loan.

Any loan made through the interfund lending program is required to be more beneficial to a borrowing Fund (i.e., at a lower interest rate) than borrowing from a bank and more beneficial to a lending Fund (i.e., at a higher rate of return) than an alternative short-term investment. The term of an interfund loan is limited to the time required to obtain sufficient cash to repay the loan through either the sale of the Fund's portfolio securities or net sales of Fund shares, but in no event more than seven days. In addition, an interfund loan is callable with one business day’s notice.

The limitations discussed above, other conditions of the SEC exemptive order, and related policies and procedures implemented by Touchstone are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both borrowing Funds and lending Funds. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a Fund borrows money from another Touchstone Fund, there is a risk that the loan could be called on one business day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the Fund may need to borrow from a bank at higher rates if an interfund loan were not available from another Touchstone Fund. Furthermore, a delay in repayment to a lending Fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional lending costs.

LIBOR Transition. Many debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments in which the Funds may invest, as well as any borrowings made by the Funds from banks or from other lenders, utilize or may have utilized the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as the reference or benchmark index for interest rate calculations. LIBOR is a measure of the average interest rate at which major global banks can borrow from one another. It is quoted in multiple currencies and tenors using data reported by a panel of private-sector banks. Following allegations of rate manipulation in 2012 and concerns regarding its thin liquidity, the use of LIBOR came under increasing pressure, and in July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it would stop encouraging banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR after 2021. LIBOR panel banks have agreed to submit quotations to LIBOR through the end of 2021. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publishing most LIBOR maturities, including some US LIBOR maturities, on December 31, 2021, and is expected to cease publishing the remaining and most liquid US LIBOR maturities on June 30, 2023. It is expected that market participants have or will transition to the use of different reference or benchmark indices. Additionally, although regulators have encouraged the development and adoption of alternative rates such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), there is currently no definitive information regarding the future utilization of LIBOR or of any particular replacement index. Regulators have suggested alternative reference indices, but global consensus is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR remains unclear.

Although the transition process away from LIBOR has become increasingly well-defined in advance of the anticipated discontinuation dates, the impact on certain debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments remains uncertain. While it is expected that market participants will adopt alternative rates such as SOFR or otherwise amend financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions and other measures that contemplate the discontinuation of LIBOR or other similar market disruption events, neither the effect of the transition process nor the viability of such measures is known. Further, uncertainty and risk remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include alternative rates and revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. To facilitate the transition of legacy derivatives contracts referencing LIBOR, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. launched a protocol to incorporate fallback provisions. However, while market participants have begun transitioning away from LIBOR, there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark or benchmarks. The effectiveness of multiple alternative reference indices as opposed to one primary reference index has not been determined. Certain proposed replacement rates to LIBOR, such as SOFR, which is a broad measure of secured overnight US Treasury repo rates, are materially different from LIBOR, and changes in the applicable spread for financial instruments transitioning away from LIBOR will need to be made to accommodate the differences. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition to replacement rates may be exacerbated if an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely

manner. The effectiveness of alternative reference indices used in new or existing financial instruments and products has also not yet been determined.

As market participants transition away from LIBOR, LIBOR's usefulness may deteriorate and these effect could be experienced until the permanent cessation of the majority of US LIBOR rates in 2023. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest indices. LIBOR's deterioration may adversely affect the liquidity and/or market value of securities that use LIBOR as a benchmark interest index, including securities and other financial instruments held by the Funds. Further, the utilization of an alternative reference index, or the transition process to an alternative reference index, may adversely affect the Funds' performance.

Loans. A Fund may invest in senior and subordinated loans to corporations and other business entities.

Senior Loans: Senior loans generally hold a first or second lien priority and typically pay interest at rates that are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR, plus a spread. Senior loans are typically made to U.S. and, to a lesser extent, non-U.S. borrowers. Borrowers may obtain senior loans, among other reasons, to refinance existing debt, engage in acquisitions, pay dividends, recapitalize, complete leveraged buyouts and for general corporate purposes. Senior loans rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “leveraged loans.” A Fund may invest in senior loans through assignments of or, to a lesser extent, participations in senior loans.

The senior loans in which a Fund will invest will primarily be rated below investment grade, but may also be unrated and of comparable credit quality. As a result, although senior loans are senior and typically secured in a first or second lien position in contrast to other below investment grade fixed income instruments, which are often subordinated or unsecured, the risks associated with such senior loans are generally similar to the risks of other below investment grade fixed income instruments. See “Lower-Rated and Unrated Securities” below. Investments in below investment grade senior loans are considered speculative because of the credit risk of the borrowers. Such borrowers are more likely than investment grade borrowers to default on their payments of interest and principal owed to a Fund, and such defaults could reduce a Fund’s NAV and income distributions. An economic downturn would generally lead to a higher non-payment rate, and a senior loan may lose significant market value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a senior loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the senior loan’s value. Senior loans are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this prospectus, including non-payment of principal, liquidity risk and the risk of investing in below investment grade fixed income instruments.

Senior loans are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to a Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the Fund’s NAV. There can be no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral securing a senior loan would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal payments, whether when due or upon acceleration, or that the collateral could be liquidated, readily or otherwise. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of a borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral, if any, securing a senior loan. The collateral securing a senior loan, if any, may lose all or substantially all of its value in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a borrower. Some senior loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate such senior loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of senior loans including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such senior loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. Additionally, a senior loan may be “primed” in bankruptcy, which reduces the ability of the holders of the senior loan to recover on the collateral. Priming takes place when a debtor in bankruptcy is allowed to incur additional indebtedness by the bankruptcy court and such indebtedness has a senior or pari passu lien with the debtor’s existing secured indebtedness, such as existing senior loans or secured corporate bonds.

There may be less readily available information about most senior loans and the borrowers thereunder than is the case for many other types of securities, including securities issued in transactions registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”). Senior loans may be issued by companies that are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, and these companies, therefore, do not file reports with the SEC that must comply with SEC form requirements and in addition are subject to a less stringent liability disclosure regime than companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. As a result, the sub-advisor will rely primarily on its own evaluation of a borrower’s credit quality rather than on any available independent sources. Therefore, a Fund will be particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of the sub-advisor.

The secondary trading market for senior loans may be less liquid than the secondary trading market for registered investment grade debt securities. No active trading market may exist for certain senior loans, which may make it difficult to value them. Illiquidity and adverse market conditions may mean that a Fund may not be able to sell senior loans quickly or at a fair price.

To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain senior loans, the market for them may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.

Senior loans and other variable rate debt instruments are subject to the risk of payment defaults of scheduled interest or principal. Such payment defaults would result in a reduction of income to a Fund, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the NAV of the common shares. Similarly, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may increase the risk of payment defaults and cause a decline in the value of these investments and in a Fund’s NAV. Other factors (including, but not limited to, rating downgrades, credit deterioration, a large downward movement in stock prices, a disparity in supply and demand of certain securities or market conditions that reduce liquidity) can reduce the value of senior loans and other debt obligations, impairing the NAV of the common shares.

Senior loans are subject to legislative risk. If legislation or state or federal regulations impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans, the availability of senior loans for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such requirements or restrictions could reduce or eliminate sources of financing for certain borrowers. This would increase the risk of default. If legislation or federal or state regulations require financial institutions to increase their capital requirements, this may cause financial institutions to dispose of senior loans that are considered highly levered transactions. Such sales could result in prices that, in the opinion of the sub-advisor, do not represent fair value. If the Fund attempts to sell a senior loan at a time when a financial institution is engaging in such a sale, the price the Fund could receive for the senior loan may be adversely affected.

A Fund expects to acquire senior loans primarily through assignments and, to a lesser extent, through participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the purchaser’s rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and a Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. In general, a participation is a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the borrower. Sellers of participations typically include banks, broker-dealers, other financial institutions and lending institutions. In purchasing participations, a Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation. Further, in purchasing participations in lending syndicates, a Fund may be more limited than it otherwise would be in its ability to conduct due diligence on the borrower. In addition, as a holder of the participations, the Fund may not have voting rights or inspection rights that the Fund would otherwise have if it were investing directly in the senior loan, which may result in the Fund being exposed to greater credit or fraud risk with respect to the borrower or the senior loan.

Subordinated Loans. A Fund may also invest in subordinated loans. Subordinated loans generally have similar characteristics as senior loans except that such loans are subordinated in payment and/or lower in lien priority to first lien holders.

Although the Funds do not expect subordinated loans to be a significant component of its portfolios, it may invest in such instruments from time to time. In the event of default on a subordinated loan, the first priority lien holder has first claim to the underlying collateral of the loan to the extent such claim is secured. Additionally, an over-secured creditor may be entitled to additional interest and other charges in bankruptcy increasing the amount of their allowed claim. Subordinated loans are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and property securing the loan or debt, if any, may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior obligations of the borrower. This risk is generally higher for subordinated unsecured loans or debt, which are not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral. Subordinated loans generally have greater price volatility than senior loans and may be less liquid.

Loan Participation Notes. The Funds may invest in loan participation notes. A loan participation note represents participation in a corporate loan of a commercial bank with a remaining maturity of one year or less. Such loans must be to corporations in whose obligations the Funds may invest. Any participation purchased by a Fund must be issued by a bank in the United States with total assets exceeding $1 billion. When purchasing such instruments, the Fund may assume the credit risks associated with the original bank lender as well as the credit risks associated with the borrower. Investments in loan participations present the possibility that the Fund could be held liable as a co-lender under emerging legal theories of lender liability. In addition, if the loan is foreclosed, the Fund could be part owner of any collateral, and could bear the costs and liabilities of owning and disposing of the collateral. Loan participations are generally not rated by major rating agencies and may not be protected by securities laws. Also, loan participations are generally considered to be illiquid and are therefore subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities.

Lower-Rated and Unrated Securities. The Funds may invest in higher yielding (and, therefore, higher risk), lower-rated fixed-income securities, including non-investment-grade securities, or "junk bonds," and unrated securities. Securities rated in the fourth highest category by S&P or Moody’s, BBB and Baa, respectively, although considered investment grade, may possess speculative characteristics, and changes in economic or other conditions are more likely to impair the ability of issuers of these securities to make interest and principal payments than is the case with respect to issuers of higher grade bonds.

Generally, medium or lower-rated securities and unrated securities of comparable quality, sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also (i) will likely have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of the rating organizations, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions and (ii) are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. The yield of junk bonds will fluctuate over time.

The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality bonds. In addition, medium and lower-rated securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers is significantly greater because medium and lower-rated securities and unrated securities of comparable quality generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. Since the risk of default is higher for lower-rated debt securities, the Sub-Advisor’s research and credit analysis are an especially important part of managing securities of this type held by a Fund. In light of these risks, the Sub-Advisor, in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issue, whether rated or unrated, will take various factors into consideration, which may include, as applicable, the issuer’s financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the operating history of and the community support for the facility financed by the issue, the ability of the issuer’s management and regulatory matters.

In addition, the market value of securities in lower-rated categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which medium and lower-rated or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Funds to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing their respective portfolios and calculating their respective NAVs. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Funds to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of a Fund to sell securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets.

Lower-rated debt obligations also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption, a Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for shareholders. Also, as the principal value of bonds moves inversely with movements in interest rates, in the event of rising interest rates the value of lower-rated securities held by a Fund may decline relatively proportionately more than a portfolio consisting of higher rated securities. If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher rated bonds, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the securities held by the Fund and increasing the exposure of the Fund to the risks of lower-rated securities.

Subsequent to its purchase by a Fund, a security may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. Neither event will require sale of the security by the Fund, but the Sub-Advisor will consider this event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

The market for lower-rated debt securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher-rated debt securities, which can adversely affect the prices at which the former are sold. If market quotations are not available, lower-rated debt securities will be valued in accordance with procedures established by the Board, including the use of outside pricing services. Judgment plays a greater role in valuing high yield corporate debt securities than is the case for securities for which more external sources for quotations and last sale information is available. Adverse publicity and changing investor perception may affect the ability of outside pricing services to value lower-rated debt securities and the ability of holders of such securities to dispose of them.

In considering investments for a Fund, the Sub-Advisor will attempt to identify those issuers of high yielding debt securities whose financial condition is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved or is expected to improve in the future. The Sub-Advisor’s analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects and the experience and managerial strength of the issuer.

A Fund may choose, at its expense or in conjunction with others, to pursue litigation or otherwise exercise its rights as a security holder to seek to protect the interest of security holders if it determines this to be in the best interest of the Fund.

Market Disruption Risk. During periods of extreme market volatility, prices of securities held by the Funds may be negatively impacted due to imbalances between market participants seeking to sell the same or similar securities and market participants willing or able to buy such securities. As a result, the market prices of securities held by the Funds could decline, at times without regard to the financial condition of or specific events impacting the issuer of the security.

Federal, state, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which a Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which a Funds itself is are regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Funds’ ability to achieve their investment goals.

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of a Fund's portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Fund. The Fund has established procedures to assess the liquidity of portfolio holdings and to value instruments for which market prices may not be readily available. The Advisor and sub-advisor will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund's investment goals, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.

Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs"). MLPs are limited partnerships in which the ownership units are publicly traded. MLP units are registered with the SEC and are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. MLPs often own several properties or businesses (or own interests) that are related to oil and gas industries, but they also may finance research and development and other projects. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners (like the Fund that invests in a MLP) are not involved in the day-to-day management of the partnership. They are allocated income and capital gains associated with the partnership project in accordance with the terms established in the partnership agreement. Generally speaking, MLP investment returns are enhanced during periods of declining/low interest rates and tend to be negatively influenced when interest rates are rising. As an income vehicle, the unit price can be influenced by general interest rate trends independent of specific underlying fundamentals. In addition, most MLPs are leveraged and typically carry a portion of “floating” rate debt. As such, a significant upward swing in interest rates would also drive interest expense higher. Furthermore, most MLPs grow by acquisitions partly financed by debt, and higher interest rates could make it more difficult to transact accretive acquisitions. To the extent that an MLP’s interests are all in a particular industry, the MLP will, accordingly, be negatively impacted by economic events impacting that industry. For instance, a decline in commodity prices may negatively affect the business and market value of an MLP that owns assets related to the oil and gas industries. The risks of investing in an MLP typically more closely resemble those involved in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation. In addition, MLPs may be subject to state taxation in certain jurisdictions which will have the effect of reducing the amount of income paid by the MLP to its investors. An MLP may be taxed as a corporation, contrary to its intention to be taxed as a partnership, resulting in decreased returns to the Fund invested in the MLP. A Fund’s investment in an MLP may generate unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to tax-exempt shareholders of the Fund. Tax-exempt shareholders are urged and advised to consult their own tax advisors to determine the impact on them of a Fund’s investment in an MLP.

Money Market Instruments. Money market securities are high-quality, dollar-denominated, short-term debt instruments. They include: (i) bankers’ acceptances, certificates of deposits, notes and time deposits of highly-rated U.S. banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks; (ii) U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or guaranteed by the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government; (iii) high-quality commercial paper issued by U.S. and foreign corporations; (iv) debt obligations with a maturity of one year or less issued by corporations with outstanding high-quality commercial paper ratings; and (v) repurchase agreements involving any of the foregoing obligations entered into with highly-rated banks and broker-dealers.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities. Each Fund may invest in mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related securities represent groups of mortgage loans that are combined for sale to investors. The loans may be grouped together by U.S. government agencies and sponsored entities, such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The loans may also be grouped together by private issuers such as: commercial banks; savings and loan institutions; mortgage bankers; and private mortgage insurance companies. Mortgage-related securities include CMOs and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits ("REMICs").

The mortgage-backed securities market has been and may continue to be negatively affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The U.S. government, its agencies or its instrumentalities may implement initiatives in response to the economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic applicable to federally-backed mortgage loans. These initiatives could

involve forbearance of mortgage payments or suspension or restrictions on foreclosures and evictions. The Funds cannot predict with certainty the extent to which such initiatives or the economic effects of the pandemic generally may affect rates of prepayment or default or adversely impact the value of the Funds' investments in securities in the mortgage industry as a whole.

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Interests in pools of mortgage-related securities differ from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these securities provide a monthly payment which consists of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities are described as “modified pass-through.” These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

There are several risks associated with mortgage-related securities generally. One is that the monthly cash inflow from the underlying loans may not be sufficient to meet the monthly payment requirements of the mortgage-related security. Another is prepayment of principal by mortgagors or mortgage foreclosures.

The rate of prepayments on underlying mortgages will affect the price and volatility of a mortgage-related security, and may have the effect of shortening or extending the effective duration of the security relative to what was anticipated at the time of purchase. To the extent that unanticipated rates of prepayment on underlying mortgages increase the effective duration of a mortgage-related security, the volatility of such security can be expected to increase. But prepayment may also shorten the term of the underlying mortgage pool for a mortgage-related security. Early returns of principal will affect the average life of the mortgage-related securities remaining in a Fund. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions. In periods of rising interest rates, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. Conversely, in periods of falling interest rates the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the average life of a pool. Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher or lower interest rates than the original investment, thus affecting the yield of a Fund. Because prepayments of principal generally occur when interest rates are declining, it is likely that a Fund will have to reinvest the proceeds of prepayments at lower interest rates than those at which the assets were previously invested. If this occurs, a Fund’s yield will correspondingly decline. Thus, mortgage-related securities may have less potential for capital appreciation in periods of falling interest rates than other fixed-income securities of comparable maturity, although these securities may have a comparable risk of decline in market value in periods of rising interest rates. To the extent that a Fund purchases mortgage-related securities at a premium, unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, will result in a loss equal to any unamortized premium.

Finally, mortgage-related securities may also be subject to liquidity risks due to tightening markets. Delinquencies and losses on residential mortgage loans (especially subprime and second-lien mortgage loans) and a decline in or flattening of housing values may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Borrowers with adjustable rate mortgage loans are more sensitive to changes in interest rates, which affect their monthly mortgage payments, and may be unable to secure replacement mortgages at comparably low interest rates. Also, residential mortgage loan originators may experience serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy during tighter markets. In summary, reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements may limit liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which can adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities.

Asset-Backed Securities ("ABS"). ABS are secured by non-mortgage assets such as company receivables, truck and auto loans, leases and credit card receivables. Such securities are generally issued as pass-through certificates, which represent undivided fractional ownership interests in the underlying pools of assets. Such securities also may be debt instruments, which are also known as collateralized loan obligations and are generally issued as the debt of a special purpose entity, such as a trust, organized solely for the purpose of owning such assets and issuing such debt. Covered bonds are a type of asset backed security that is created from public sector loans or mortgage loans where the security is backed by a separate group of loans. Covered bonds typically carry a 2 to 10 year maturity rate and enjoy relatively high credit ratings, depending on the quality of the pool of loans backing the bond.

The credit quality of an ABS transaction depends on the performance of the underlying assets. ABS can be structured with various forms of credit enhancement to address the possibility that some borrowers could miss payments or even default on their loans. Some ABS are subject to interest-rate risk and prepayment risk. A change in interest rates can affect the pace of payments on the underlying loans, which in turn, affects total return on the securities. ABS also carry credit or default risk. If many borrowers on the underlying loans default, losses could exceed the credit enhancement level and result in losses to

investors in an ABS transaction. Finally, ABS have structure risk due to a unique characteristic known as early amortization, or early payout, risk. Built into the structure of most ABS are triggers for early payout, designed to protect investors from losses. These triggers are unique to each transaction and can include: a big rise in defaults on the underlying loans, a sharp drop in the credit enhancement level, or even the bankruptcy of the originator. Once early amortization begins, all incoming loan payments (after expenses are paid) are used to pay investors as quickly as possible based upon a predetermined priority of payment.

Government Pass-Through Securities. Government pass-through securities are securities that are issued or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency representing an interest in a pool of mortgage loans. The primary issuers or guarantors of these mortgage-backed securities are Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) (“Freddie Mac”). Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee timely distributions of interest to certificate holders. Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae also guarantee timely distributions of scheduled principal. Freddie Mac generally guarantees only the ultimate collection of principal of the underlying mortgage loan. Certain federal agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, have been established as instrumentalities of the United States government to supervise and finance certain types of activities. Issues of these agencies, while not direct obligations of the United States government, are either backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g., Ginnie Mae securities) or supported by the issuing agencies’ right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. The issues of other agencies are supported by the credit of the instrumentality (e.g., Fannie Mae securities). Government and private guarantees do not extend to the securities’ value, which is likely to vary inversely with fluctuations in interest rates.

There are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that issue mortgage-backed securities and among the securities that they issue. Mortgage-related securities issued by Ginnie Mae include GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as “Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs”) which are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by Ginnie Mae and such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs are created by an “issuer,” which is a Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) approved mortgagee that also meets criteria imposed by Ginnie Mae. The issuer assembles a pool of FHA, Farmers’ Home Administration or Veterans’ Administration (“VA”) insured or guaranteed mortgages which are homogeneous as to interest rate, maturity and type of dwelling. Upon application by the issuer, and after approval by Ginnie Mae of the pool, Ginnie Mae provides its commitment to guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on the Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs backed by the mortgages included in the pool. The Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs, endorsed by Ginnie Mae, then are sold by the issuer through securities dealers. Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs bear a stated “coupon rate” which represents the effective FHA-VA mortgage rate at the time of issuance, less fees from Ginnie Mae and the issuer. Ginnie Mae is authorized under the National Housing Act to guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs. This guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Ginnie Mae may borrow Treasury funds to the extent needed to make payments under its guarantee. When mortgages in the pool underlying a Ginnie Mae Pass-Through are prepaid by mortgagors or by result of foreclosure, such principal payments are passed through to the certificate holders. Accordingly, the life of the Ginnie Mae Pass-Through is likely to be substantially shorter than the stated maturity of the mortgages in the underlying pool. Because of such variation in prepayment rates, it is not possible to predict the life of a particular Ginnie Mae Pass-Through. Payments to holders of Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs consist of the monthly distributions of interest and principal less the fees of Ginnie Mae and the issuer. The actual yield to be earned by a holder of a Ginnie Mae Pass-Through is calculated by dividing interest payments by the purchase price paid for the Ginnie Mae Pass-Through (which may be at a premium or a discount from the face value of the certificate). Monthly distributions of interest, as contrasted to semi-annual distributions which are common for other fixed interest investments, have the effect of compounding and thereby raising the effective annual yield earned on Ginnie Mae Pass-Throughs.

Mortgage-related securities issued by Fannie Mae include Fannie Mae Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (also known as “Fannie Mae Pass-Throughs”) that are solely the obligations of Fannie Mae and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae Pass-Throughs are guaranteed as to timely payment of the principal and interest by Fannie Mae.

Mortgage-related securities issued by Freddie Mac include FHLMC Mortgage Participation Certificates (also known as “Freddie Mac PCs”). Freddie Mac PCs are not guaranteed by the United States or by any Federal Home Loan Banks and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United States or of any Federal Home Loan Bank. Freddie Mac PCs entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. When Freddie Mac does not guarantee timely payment of principal, Freddie Mac may remit the amount due on account of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.

Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”). REMICs are private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages secured by interests in real property. For Freddie Mac REMIC certificates, Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest, and also guarantees the payment of principal as payments are required to be made on the underlying

mortgage participation certificates. Fannie Mae REMIC certificates are issued and guaranteed as to timely distribution of principal and interest by Fannie Mae. A REMIC is a type of CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code.

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”). The Funds may invest in CMOs. CMOs are fully-collateralized bonds that are the general obligations of the issuer thereof. CMOs may be less liquid and may exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

The key feature of the CMO structure is the prioritization of the cash flows from a pool of mortgages among the several classes of CMO holders, thereby creating a series of obligations with varying rates and maturities appealing to a wide range of investors. CMOs generally are secured by an assignment to a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which the bonds are issued for collateral consisting of a pool of mortgages. Payments with respect to the underlying mortgages generally are made to the trustee under the indenture. Payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages are not passed through to the holders of the CMOs as such (that is, the character of payments of principal and interest is not passed through and therefore payments to holders of CMOs attributable to interest paid and principal repaid on the underlying mortgages do not necessarily constitute income and return of capital, respectively, to such holders), but such payments are dedicated to payment of interest on, and repayment of, principal of the CMOs. CMOs are issued in two or more classes or series with varying maturities and stated rates of interest determined by the issuer. Because interest and principal payments on the underlying mortgages are not passed through to holders of CMOs, CMOs of varying maturities may be secured by the same pool of mortgages, the payments on which are used to pay interest on each class and to retire successive maturities in sequence. CMOs are designed to be retired as the underlying mortgages are repaid. In the event of sufficient early prepayments on such mortgages, the class or series of CMO first to mature generally will be retired prior to maturity. Therefore, although in most cases the issuer of CMOs will not supply additional collateral in the event of such prepayments, there will be sufficient collateral to secure CMOs that remain outstanding.

Since Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) ("Freddie Mac") and Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) ("Fannie Mae") CMOs are the general obligations of Freddie Mac, or Fannie Mae, as applicable, they will be obligated to use their general funds to make payments thereon if payments generated by the underlying mortgages are insufficient to pay principal and interest in their CMOs. In addition, CMOs are issued by private entities, such as financial institutions, mortgage bankers and subsidiaries of homebuilding companies. The structural features of privately issued CMOs will vary considerably from issue to issue, and the Sub-Advisor will consider such features, together with the character of the underlying mortgage pool and the liquidity and credit rating of the issue.

Several classes of securities are issued against a pool of mortgage collateral. The most common structure contains four classes of securities; the first three classes pay interest at their stated rates beginning with the issue date and the final class is typically an accrual class (or Z bond). The cash flows from the underlying mortgage collateral are applied first to pay interest and then to retire securities. The classes of securities are retired sequentially. All principal payments are directed first to the shortest-maturity class (or A bonds). When those securities are completely retired, all principal payments are then directed to the next-shortest-maturity security (or B bond). This process continues until all of the classes have been paid off. Because the cash flow is distributed sequentially instead of pro rata as with pass-through securities, the cash flows and average lives of CMOs are more predictable, and there is a period of time during which the investors into the longer maturity classes receive no principal paydowns.

One or more tranches of a CMO may have coupon rates that reset periodically at a specified increment over an index, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). These adjustable rate tranches, known as “floating-rate CMOs,” will be treated as ARMS. Floating-rate CMOs may be backed by fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages. Floating-rate CMOs are typically issued with lifetime “caps” on the coupon rate. These caps, similar to the caps on ARMS, represent a ceiling beyond which the coupon rate may not be increased, regardless of increases in the underlying interest rate index.

Mortgage-related securities such as CMOs may not be readily marketable.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”). CMBS are mortgage-backed securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. The market for CMBS developed more recently and in terms of total outstanding principal amount of issues is relatively small compared to the market for residential single-family mortgage-backed securities. Many of the risks of investing in CMBS reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

Because CMBS are generally considered to be illiquid, they are subject to a Fund’s overall 15% limitation on illiquid securities.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls. Mortgage “dollar rolls” are transactions in which mortgage-backed securities are sold for delivery in the current month and the seller simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. The difference between the sale price and the purchase price (plus any interest earned on the cash proceeds of the sale) is netted against the interest income foregone on the securities sold to arrive at an implied borrowing rate. Alternatively, the sale and purchase transactions can be executed at the same price, with a Fund being paid a fee as consideration for entering into the commitment to purchase. Mortgage dollar rolls may be renewed prior to cash settlement and initially may involve only a firm commitment agreement by a Fund to buy a security. If the broker-dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, the Fund’s right to repurchase the security may be restricted. Other risks involved in entering into mortgage dollar rolls include the risk that the value of the security may change adversely over the term of the mortgage dollar roll and that the security a Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than the security that the Fund originally held. A Fund will place U.S. government or other liquid securities in a segregated account in an amount sufficient to cover its repurchase obligation or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder.

Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities (“SMBS”). SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal.

In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive the entire principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the assets underlying the interest-only securities experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, principal-only securities tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated. The secondary market for SMBS may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other mortgage-backed securities, potentially limiting a Fund’s ability to buy or sell these securities at any particular time.

Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”). A CLO is a type of asset-backed security that is an obligation of a trust typically collateralized by pools of loans, which may include domestic and foreign senior secured and unsecured loans and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade, or equivalent unrated loans. The cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, which vary in risk and yield. The riskier portion is the residual, or “equity,” tranche, which bears some or all of the risk of default by the loans in the trust, and therefore protects the other more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche of a CLO trust typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection provided by the equity tranche, senior CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default, the total loss of the equity tranche due to losses in the collateral, market anticipation of defaults, fraud by the trust, and the illiquidity of CLO securities.

The risks of an investment in a CLO largely depend on the type of underlying collateral securities and the tranche in which the Fund invests. Typically, CLOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, the Fund may characterize its investments in CLOs as illiquid, unless an active dealer market for a particular CLO allows the CLO to be purchased and sold in Rule 144A transactions. CLOs are subject to the typical risks associated with debt instruments (i.e., interest rate risk and credit risk). Additional risks of CLOs include (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will be insufficient to make interest or other payments, (ii) a decline in the quality of the collateral, and (iii) the possibility that the Fund may invest in a subordinate tranche of a CLO. In addition, due to the complex nature of a CLO, an investment in a CLO may not perform as expected. An investment in a CLO also is subject to the risk that the issuer and the investors may interpret the terms of the instrument differently, giving rise to disputes.

Municipal Securities. The Funds may invest in taxable and tax-exempt municipal securities. Municipal securities consist of (i) debt obligations issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to be used for various public facilities, for refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating expenses, and for lending such funds to other public institutions and facilities; and (ii) certain private activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the construction, equipment, repair, or improvement of privately operated facilities. Municipal notes include general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand

notes and construction loan notes and participation interests in municipal notes. Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds, and participation interests in municipal bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility. The payment of principal and interest on private activity and industrial development bonds generally is dependent solely on the ability of the facility’s user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment. Yields on municipal securities are the product of a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and of the municipal bond and municipal note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. Although the interest on municipal securities may be exempt from federal income tax, dividends paid by a Fund to its shareholders may not be tax-exempt.

General Obligation Securities. General Obligation Securities are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal bond. The proceeds from general obligation securities are used to fund a wide range of public projects, including the construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems.

Revenue or Special Obligation Securities. Revenue or Special Obligation Securities are backed by the revenues of a specific project or facility (e.g., tolls from a toll bridge). The proceeds from revenue or special obligation securities are used to fund a wide variety of capital projects, including electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Many municipal issuers also establish a debt service reserve fund from which principal and interest payments are made. Further security may be available in the form of the state’s ability, without obligation, to make up deficits in the reserve fund.

Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal Lease Obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sale contract issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities. Usually, a Fund will purchase a participation interest in a municipal lease obligation from a bank or other financial intermediary. The participation interest gives the holder a pro-rata, undivided interest in the total amount of the obligation.

Municipal leases frequently have risks distinct from those associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. The interest income from the lease obligation may become taxable if the lease is assigned. Also, to free the municipal issuer from constitutional or statutory debt issuance limitations, many leases and contracts include non-appropriation clauses providing that the municipality has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for that purpose by the municipality on a yearly or other periodic basis. Finally, the lease may be illiquid.

Bond Anticipation Notes. Bond Anticipation Notes are normally issued to provide interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. The long-term bonds then provide money for the repayment of the notes.

Tax Anticipation Notes. Tax Anticipation Notes finance working capital needs of municipalities and are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenues, to be payable for these specific future taxes.

Revenue Anticipation Notes. Revenue Anticipation Notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other kinds of revenue, such as federal revenues available under the Federal Revenue Sharing Program.

Industrial Development Bonds (“IDBs”) and Private Activity Bonds (“PABs”). IDBs and PABs are specific types of revenue bonds issued on or behalf of public authorities to finance various privately operated facilities such as educational, hospital or housing facilities, local facilities for water supply, gas, electricity, sewage or solid waste disposal, and industrial or commercial facilities. PABs generally are such bonds issued after April 15, 1986. These obligations are included within the term “municipal bonds” if the interest paid on them is exempt from federal income tax in the opinion of the bond issuer’s counsel. IDBs and PABs are in most case revenue bonds and thus are not payable from the unrestricted revenues of the issuer. The credit quality of the IDBs and PABs is usually directly related to the credit standing of the user of the facilities being financed, or some form of credit enhancement such as a letter of credit.

Resource Recovery Bonds. Resource Recovery Bonds are affected by a number of factors, which may affect the value and credit quality of these revenue or special obligations. These factors include the viability of the project being financed, environmental protection regulations and project operator tax incentives.

Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper and Short-Term Municipal Notes. Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper and Short-Term Municipal Notes provide for short-term capital needs and usually have maturities of one year or less. They include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and construction loan notes.

Construction Loan Notes. Construction Loan Notes are sold to provide construction financing. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing through the U.S. Federal Housing Administration by way of Fannie Mae or Ginnie Mae.

Put Bonds. Put Bonds are municipal bonds which give the holder the right to sell the bond back to the issuer or a third-party at a specified price and exercise date, which is typically well in advance of the bond’s maturity date.

Build America Bonds (“BABs”). BABs are taxable municipal bonds that carry special tax credits and federal subsidies for either the bond issuer or the bondholder. There are two types of BABs — Tax Credit BABs and Direct Payment BABs. Direct Payment BABs provide a federal subsidy of 35% of the interest paid on the bonds to the issuer. Tax Credit BABs provides a federal subsidy as a refundable tax credit directly to the bondholders. While the bondholder is the recipient of the tax credit through Tax Credit BABs, and the bond issuer is the recipient of the tax subsidy through Direct Payment BABs, both options reduce the cost of borrowing for the bond issuer in comparison to traditional taxable corporate bonds, and in many cases, it is more cost effective than issuing traditional tax-exempt bonds.

After purchase by a Fund, an issue of municipal securities may cease to be rated by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), or another NRSRO, or the rating of such a security may be reduced below the minimum credit quality rating required for purchase by a Fund. Neither event would require a Fund to dispose of the security. To the extent that the ratings applied by Moody’s, S&P or another NRSRO to municipal securities may change as a result of changes in these rating systems, a Fund will attempt to use comparable credit quality ratings as standards for its investments in municipal securities.

A Fund may invest in municipal securities that are insured by financial insurance companies. If a Fund invests in municipal securities backed by insurance companies and other financial institutions, changes in the financial condition of these institutions could cause losses to a Fund and affect its share price.

A Fund may also invest in taxable municipal securities. Taxable municipal securities are debt securities issued by or on behalf of states and their political subdivisions, the District of Columbia, and possessions of the United States, the interest on which is not exempt from federal income tax.

The yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including general economic and monetary conditions, money market factors, conditions of the municipal securities market, size of a particular offering, and maturity and rating of the obligation. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance similar projects, especially those related to education, healthcare, transportation and various utilities, conditions in those sectors and the financial condition of an individual municipal issuer can affect the overall municipal market. The market values of the municipal securities held by a Fund will be affected by changes in the yields available on similar securities. If yields increase following the purchase of a municipal security, the market value of such municipal security will generally decrease. Conversely, if yields decrease, the market value of a municipal security will generally increase.

Natural Disasters and Adverse Weather Conditions. Certain areas of the world may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, such as major natural disasters and other extreme weather events, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, floods, tidal waves, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, droughts, windstorms, coastal storm surges, heat waves, and rising sea levels, among others. Some countries and regions may not have the infrastructure or resources to respond to natural disasters, making them more economically sensitive to environmental events. Such disasters, and the resulting damage, could have a severe and negative impact on a Fund’s investment portfolio and, in the longer term, could impair the ability of issuers in which a Fund invests to conduct their businesses in the manner normally conducted. Adverse weather conditions also may have a particularly significant negative effect on issuers in the agricultural sector and on insurance companies that insure against the impact of natural disasters.

Climate change, which is the result of a change in global or regional climate patterns, may increase the frequency and intensity of such adverse weather conditions, resulting in increased economic impact, and may pose long-term risks to a Fund’s investments. The future impact of climate change is difficult to predict but may include changes in demand for certain goods and services, supply chain disruption, changes in production costs, increased legislation, regulation and international accords, changes in property and security values, availability of natural resources and displacement of peoples. Climate change regulation may result in increased operations and capital costs for the companies in which the Fund invests. Voluntary initiatives and mandatory controls have been adopted or are being discussed both in the U.S. and worldwide to reduce emissions of “greenhouse gases” such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, which some scientists and policymakers believe contribute to global climate change. These current and future measures may result in certain companies in which the Fund invests incurring increased costs to generally continue operating its business, to operate and maintain facilities specifically, or to administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. Additionally, the effects of these measures may result in a reduction of the demand for goods or services that produce significant greenhouse gas emissions or are related to carbon-based energy sources.

Obligations of Supranational Entities. Obligations of supranational entities are obligations of entities established through the joint participation of several governments, such as the Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), African Development Bank, European Economic Community, European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank.

Operational Risk and Cyber Security. With the increased use of technologies, such as mobile devices and "cloud"-based service offerings and the dependence on the Internet and computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Funds' service providers are susceptible to operational and information or cyber security risks that could result in losses to a Fund and its shareholders. Cyber security breaches are either intentional or unintentional events that allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a Fund or Fund service provider to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Intentional cyber security incidents include: unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices (such as through “hacking” activity or "phishing"); infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cyber-attacks can also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on the service providers' systems or websites rendering them unavailable to intended users or via "ransomware" that renders the systems inoperable until appropriate actions are taken. In addition, unintentional incidents can occur, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information (possibly resulting in the violation of applicable privacy laws).

Cyber-events have the potential to materially affect the Funds' and the Advisor’s relationships with accounts, shareholders, clients, customers, employees, products, and service providers. The Funds have established risk management systems reasonably designed to seek to reduce the risks associated with cyber-events. There is no guarantee that the Funds will be able to prevent or mitigate the impact of any or all cyber-events.

The Advisor, the Sub-Advisor, and their affiliates have established risk management systems that seek to reduce cybersecurity and operational risks, and business continuity plans in the event of a cybersecurity breach or operational failure. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans, including that certain risks have not been identified, and there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially since none of the Advisor, each Sub-Advisor, or their affiliates controls the cybersecurity or operations systems of the Funds’ third party service providers (including the Funds’ custodian), or those of the issuers of securities in which the funds invest.

Options. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract. The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, a Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.

A Fund may purchase put and call options to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future. A Fund will pay a premium when purchasing put and call options. If price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for a Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Fund.

A Fund may write both covered call and put options. A Fund may write covered call options as a means of increasing the yield on its portfolio and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When a Fund sells an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option written by a Fund is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option written by a Fund is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at the strike price, which may be in excess of the market value of such securities.

A Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the position of the staff of the SEC that OTC options are generally illiquid.

A Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates. Call options on foreign currencies written by a Fund will be “covered,” which means that the Fund will own an equal amount of the underlying foreign currency. With respect to put options on foreign currency written by a Fund, the Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian consisting of cash or liquid, high grade debt securities in an amount equal to the amount the Fund would be required to pay upon exercise of the put, earmark assets as cover, or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations.

Buyers and sellers of foreign currency options are subject to the same risks that apply to options generally. There are certain additional risks associated with foreign currency options. The markets in foreign currency options are relatively new, and a Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular option at any specific time. In addition, options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence foreign exchange rates and investments generally.

The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the price of the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and may have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, investors

may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.

There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Available quotation information is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (i.e., less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the U.S. option markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets until they reopen.

A Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices and enter into related closing transactions. Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities. A Fund may choose to terminate an option position by entering into a closing transaction. The ability of a Fund to enter into closing transactions depends upon the existence of a liquid secondary market for such transactions.

All options written on indices must be covered. When a Fund writes an option on an index, it will establish a segregated account containing cash or liquid securities with its custodian in an amount at least equal to the market value of the option and will maintain the account while the option is open or will otherwise cover the transaction.

A Fund will not engage in transactions involving interest rate futures contracts for speculation but only as a hedge against changes in the market values of debt securities held or intended to be purchased by the Fund and where the transactions are appropriate to reduce the Fund’s interest rate risks. There can be no assurance that hedging transactions will be successful. A Fund also could be exposed to risks if it cannot close out its futures or options positions because of any illiquid secondary market.

Futures and options have effective durations that, in general, are closely related to the effective duration of the securities that underlie them. Holding purchased futures or call option positions (backed by segregated cash or other liquid securities) will lengthen the duration of a Fund’s portfolio.

Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while a Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.

Caps, Collars and Floors. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level. The seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.

Inverse Floaters. A Fund may invest in inverse floaters. Inverse floaters are derivative securities whose interest rates vary inversely to changes in short-term interest rates and whose values fluctuate inversely to changes in long-term interest rates. The value of certain inverse floaters will fluctuate substantially more in response to a given change in long-term rates than would a traditional debt security. These securities have investment characteristics similar to leverage, in that interest rate changes have a magnified effect on the value of inverse floaters.

Ordinary Shares. Ordinary shares are shares of foreign issuers that are traded abroad and on a United States exchange. Ordinary shares may be purchased with and sold for U.S. dollars. Investing in foreign companies may involve risks not typically associated with investing in United States companies. See “Foreign Securities” above. The US Large Cap Focused ETF is restricted from investing in foreign issuers, including through the use of ordinary shares.

Other Investment Companies. Other investment companies, other ETFs, closed-end funds, and any other pooled investment vehicle that meets the definition of an investment company under the 1940 Act, whether such companies are required to register under the 1940 Act or not. As a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would be subject to the same risks as any other investor in that investment company. A Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying Fund expenses. Investments in registered investment company shares are subject to limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act and its rules, and applicable SEC staff interpretations or applicable exemptive relief granted by the SEC. The 1940 Act currently provides, in part, that a Fund generally may not purchase shares of a registered investment company if (a) such a purchase would cause a Fund to own in the aggregate more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the investment company, (b) such a purchase would cause a Fund to have more than 5% of its total assets invested in the investment company or (c) more than 10% of a Fund’s total assets would be invested in the aggregate in all registered investment companies.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Certificates. The Funds may invest in Certificates of Participation issued by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”). OPIC is a U.S. government agency that sells political risk insurance and loans to help U.S. businesses invest and compete in over 150 emerging markets and developing nations worldwide. OPIC provides medium to long-term debt financing through loans and guaranties to projects involving significant equity or management participation. OPIC can lend on either a project finance or a corporate finance basis in countries where conventional institutions are often unable or unwilling to lend on such a basis. OPIC issues Certificates of Participation to finance projects undertaken by U.S. companies. These certificates are guaranteed by OPIC and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Over-The-Counter Stocks. A Fund may invest in over-the-counter stocks. In contrast to the securities exchanges, the over-the-counter market is not a centralized facility that limits trading activity to securities of companies which initially satisfy certain defined standards. Generally, the volume of trading in an unlisted or over-the-counter common stock is less than the volume of trading in a listed stock. This means that the depth of market liquidity of some stocks in which a Fund invests may not be as great as that of other securities and, if a Fund were to dispose of such a stock, it might have to offer the shares at a discount from recent prices, or sell the shares in small lots over an extended period of time.

Participation Interests. A Fund may invest in participation interests in fixed-income securities. A participation interest provides the certificate holder with a specified interest in an issue of fixed-income securities.

Some participation interests give the holders differing interests in the underlying securities, depending upon the type or class of certificate purchased. For example, coupon strip certificates give the holder the right to receive a specific portion of interest payments on the underlying securities; principal strip certificates give the holder the right to receive principal payments and the portion of interest not payable to coupon strip certificate holders. Holders of certificates of participation in interest payments may be entitled to receive a fixed rate of interest, a variable rate that is periodically reset to reflect the current market rate or an auction rate that is periodically reset at auction. Asset-backed residuals represent interests in any excess cash flow remaining after required payments of principal and interest have been made.

More complex participation interests involve special risk considerations. Since these instruments have only recently been developed, there can be no assurance that any market will develop or be maintained for the instruments. Generally, the fixed-income securities that are deposited in trust for the holders of these interests are the sole source of payments on the interests; holders cannot look to the sponsor or trustee of the trust or to the issuers of the securities held in trust or to any of their affiliates for payment.

Participation interests purchased at a discount may experience price volatility. Certain types of interests are sensitive to fluctuations in market interest rates and to prepayments on the underlying securities. A rapid rate of prepayment can result in the failure to recover the holder’s initial investment.

The extent to which the yield to maturity of a participation interest is sensitive to prepayments depends, in part, upon whether the interest was purchased at a discount or premium, and if so, the size of that discount or premium. Generally, if a participation interest is purchased at a premium and principal distributions occur at a rate faster than that anticipated at the time of purchase, the holder’s actual yield to maturity will be lower than that assumed at the time of purchase. Conversely, if a participation interest is purchased at a discount and principal distributions occur at a rate faster than that assumed at the time of purchase, the investor’s actual yield to maturity will be higher than that assumed at the time of purchase.

Participation interests in pools of fixed-income securities backed by certain types of debt obligations involve special risk considerations. The issuers of securities backed by automobile and truck receivables typically file financing statements

evidencing security interests in the receivables, and the servicers of those obligations take and retain custody of the obligations. If the servicers, in contravention of their duty to the holders of the securities backed by the receivables, were to sell the obligations, the third party purchasers could acquire an interest superior to the interest of the security holders. Also, most states require that a security interest in a vehicle must be noted on the certificate of title and the certificate of title may not be amended to reflect the assignment of the lender’s security interest. Therefore, the recovery of the collateral in some cases may not be available to support payments on the securities. Securities backed by credit card receivables are generally unsecured, and both federal and state consumer protection laws may allow set-offs against certain amounts owed.

Pay-In-Kind Bonds. Pay-in-kind bonds are securities which, at the issuer’s option, pay interest in either cash or additional securities for a specified period. Pay-in-kind bonds, like zero coupon bonds, are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. Pay-in-kind bonds are expected to reflect the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last payment. Pay-in-kind bonds are usually less volatile than zero coupon bonds, but more volatile than cash pay securities.

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock has a preference over common stock in liquidation (and generally for dividend receipts as well) but is subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer in all respects. As a general rule, the market value of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk, while the market price of convertible preferred stock generally also reflects some element of conversion value. Because preferred stock is junior to debt securities and other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similar stated yield characteristics. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock dividends generally are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.

Private Placement Investments. The Funds may invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act. Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper is restricted as to disposition under federal securities laws and is generally sold to institutional investors who agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment purposes and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in an exempt transaction. Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper is normally resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper, thus providing liquidity. If a sub-advisor determines that Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper and other restricted securities that meet the criteria for liquidity established pursuant to procedures approved by the Board are sufficiently liquid, then the Funds may exclude such restricted securities from the investment limitation applicable to illiquid securities. In addition, because Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper is liquid, the Funds do not intend to subject such paper to the limitation applicable to restricted securities.

The Board has adopted procedures that require a sub-advisor to consider the following criteria in determining the liquidity of certain restricted securities (including Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper): the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential buyers; dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades. The Board has delegated to the sub-advisor the daily function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of restricted securities pursuant to the above criteria and guidelines adopted by the Board. The Board will monitor and periodically review the sub-advisor’s determinations as to its liquidity.

Privatization. Privatizations are foreign government programs for selling all or part of the interests in government owned or controlled enterprises. The ability of a U.S. entity to participate in privatizations in certain foreign countries may be limited by local law, or the terms on which a Fund may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those applicable for local investors. There can be no assurance that foreign governments will continue to sell their interests in companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization programs will be successful.

Rating Agencies. The Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”) ratings applicable to the Funds’ fixed-income investments appear in the Appendix A to this SAI.

Receipts. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, which means that they are sold at a substantial discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. This discount is accreted over the life of the security, and such accretion will constitute the income earned on a security for both accounting and federal income tax purposes. Because of these features, such securities may be subject to greater interest rate volatility than interest paying investments.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”). The Funds may invest in REITs, which pool investors’ money for investment in income producing commercial real estate or real estate related loans or interests.

A REIT is not subject to federal income tax on income distributed to its shareholders or unitholders if it complies with regulatory requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income, and with a regulatory requirement that it distribute to its shareholders or unitholders at least 90% of its taxable income for each taxable year. Generally, REITs can be classified as Equity REITs, Mortgage REITs and Hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both Equity and Mortgage REITs. A shareholder in a Fund should realize that by investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, he or she will bear not only his or her proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also indirectly, similar expenses of underlying REITs.

A Fund may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct investments of the REITs. REITs may be affected by changes in their underlying properties and by defaults by borrowers or tenants. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. Furthermore, REITs are dependent on specialized management skills. Some REITs may have limited diversification and may be subject to risks inherent in financing a limited number of properties. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders, and may be subject to defaults by borrowers and to self-liquidations. In addition, the performance of a REIT may be affected by its failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code or its failure to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act.

Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements are transactions by which a Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of the seller of a repurchase agreement, a Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses. To minimize these possibilities, each Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only with its custodian, with banks having assets in excess of $10 billion and with broker-dealers who are recognized as primary dealers in U.S. government obligations by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Collateral for repurchase agreements is held in safekeeping in the customer-only account of a Fund’s custodian at the Federal Reserve Bank. A Fund will not enter into a repurchase agreement not terminable within seven days if, as a result thereof, more than 15% of the value of its net assets would be invested in such securities and other illiquid securities.

Although the securities subject to a repurchase agreement might bear maturities exceeding one year, settlement for the repurchase would never be more than one year after a Fund’s acquisition of the securities and normally would be within a shorter period of time. The resale price will be in excess of the purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon market rate effective for the period of time a Fund’s money will be invested in the securities, and will not be related to the coupon rate of the purchased security. At the time a Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying security, including accrued interest, will equal or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement, and in the case of a repurchase agreement exceeding one day, the seller will agree that the value of the underlying security, including accrued interest, will at all times equal or exceed the value of the repurchase agreement. The collateral securing the seller’s obligation must consist of cash or securities that are issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies. The collateral will be held by the custodian or in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System.

For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from a Fund to the seller subject to the repurchase agreement and is therefore subject to that Fund’s investment restriction applicable to loans. It is not clear whether a court would consider the securities purchased by a Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by that Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the securities before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, a Fund may encounter delays and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or decline in price of the security. If a court characterized the transaction as a loan and a Fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, that Fund may be required to return the security to the seller’s estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, a Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the transaction. As with any unsecured debt obligation purchased for a Fund, the sub-advisor seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case, the seller. Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security, in which case a Fund may incur a loss if the proceeds to that Fund of the sale of the security to a third party are less than the repurchase price. However, if the market value of the securities subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including interest), the Fund involved will direct the seller of the security to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is possible that a Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking to enforce the seller’s contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.

The Ultra Short Income ETF may invest in repurchase agreements as part of its principal investment strategies described in the prospectus.

Restricted Securities. Each Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in restricted securities (other than securities deemed to be liquid pursuant to procedures approved by the Fund’s Board). Restricted securities cannot be sold to the public without registration under the 1933 Act. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a market value of illiquid investments. Disposing of illiquid investments may involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses. Restricted securities generally can be sold in a privately negotiated transaction, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, a Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, a Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the shares. However, in general, the Funds anticipate holding restricted securities to maturity or selling them in an exempt transaction.

Reverse Repurchase Agreement, Dollar Roll, and Reverse Dollar Roll Transactions. A reverse repurchase agreement involves a sale by a Fund of securities that it holds to a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase the same securities at an agreed-upon price and date. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered borrowing by a Fund and are subject to a Fund’s limitations on borrowing. A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by a Fund of an eligible security to a financial institution concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase a similar eligible security from the institution at a later date at an agreed-upon price. A reverse dollar roll transaction involves a purchase by a Fund of an eligible security from a financial institution concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to resell a similar security to the institution at a later date at an agreed-upon price. Each Fund will fully collateralize its reverse repurchase agreements, dollar roll and reverse dollar roll transactions in an amount at least equal to the Fund’s obligations under the reverse repurchase agreement, dollar roll or reverse dollar roll transaction by segregating cash or other liquid securities, earmarking cash or other liquid securities, or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations.

Royalty Trusts. Royalty trusts are structured similarly to REITs. A royalty trust generally acquires an interest in natural resource companies or chemical companies and distributes the income it receives to the investors of the royalty trust. A sustained decline in demand for crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products could adversely affect income and royalty trust revenues and cash flows. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions, an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity, higher taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or a shift in consumer demand for such products. A rising interest rate environment could adversely impact the performance of royalty trusts. Rising interest rates could limit the capital appreciation of royalty trusts because of the increased availability of alternative investments at more competitive yields.

Rule 144A Securities. Rule 144A securities are securities exempt from registration on resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A securities are traded in the institutional market pursuant to this registration exemption, and, as a result, may not be as liquid as exchange-traded securities since they may only be resold to certain qualified institutional investors. Due to the relatively limited size of this institutional market, these securities may affect the liquidity of Rule 144A securities to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing such securities. Nevertheless, Rule 144A securities may be treated as liquid securities pursuant to the Funds' LRM Program.

Sector Focus. If a Fund’s portfolio is overweighted in a certain sector or related sectors, any negative development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on a Fund than a fund that is not overweighted in that sector.

Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk. Because companies in the consumer discretionary sector manufacture products and provide discretionary services directly to the consumer, the success of these companies is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes also can affect the demand for, and success of, consumer discretionary products in the marketplace.

Consumer Staples Sector Risk. The consumer staples sector may be affected by food and drug regulations and production methods, fads, marketing campaigns and other factors affecting consumer demand. In particular, tobacco companies may be adversely affected by new laws, regulations and litigation. The consumer staples sector may also be adversely affected by changes or trends in commodity prices, which may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors.

Energy Sector Risk. The profitability of companies in the energy sector is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration, and production spending. Such companies also are subject to risks of changes in exchange rates, government regulation, world

events, depletion of resources and economic conditions, as well as market, economic and political risks of the countries where energy companies are located or do business. Oil and gas exploration and production can be significantly affected by natural disasters. Oil exploration and production companies may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, interest rates, government regulation, world events, and economic conditions. Oil exploration and production companies may be at risk for environmental damage claims.

Financial Sector Risk. The financial services industries are subject to extensive government regulation, can be subject to relatively rapid change due to increasingly blurred distinctions between service segments, and can be significantly affected by availability and cost of capital funds, changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, and price competition. Numerous financial services companies have experienced substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have caused the securities of many financial services companies to experience a dramatic decline in value. Issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected by the foregoing events and the general market turmoil, and it is uncertain whether or for how long these conditions will continue.

Healthcare Sector Risk. The profitability of companies in the healthcare sector may be affected by extensive government regulation, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many healthcare companies are heavily dependent on patent protection. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Many healthcare companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Healthcare companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Many new products in the healthcare sector may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly.

Industrials Sector Risk. The stock prices of companies in the industrials sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service and for industrials sector products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Government regulation, world events and economic conditions may affect the performance of companies in the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be at risk for environmental damage and product liability claims.

Materials Sector Risk. Companies in the materials sector could be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, exchange rates, import controls and increased competition. Production of industrial materials often exceeds demand as a result of overbuilding or economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns. Companies in the materials sector are at risk for environmental damage and product liability claims. Companies in the materials sector may be adversely affected by depletion of resources, technical progress, labor relations, and government regulations.

Technology Sector Risk. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Like other technology companies, information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Finally, while all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain companies in the information technology sector may be particular targets of hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in service, which could have a material adverse effect on their businesses. These risks are heightened for information technology companies in foreign markets.

Telecommunications Services Sector Risk. The telecommunications sector is subject to extensive government regulation. The costs of complying with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive required regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of telecommunications companies. Government actions around the world, specifically in the area of pre-marketing clearance of products and prices, can be arbitrary and unpredictable. The domestic telecommunications market is characterized by increasing competition and regulation by various state and federal regulatory authorities. Companies in the telecommunications sector may encounter distressed cash flows due to the need to commit substantial capital to meet increasing competition, particularly in formulating new products and services using new technology. Technological innovations may make the products and services of certain telecommunications companies obsolete.

Securities Lending. In order to generate additional income, a Fund may lend its securities pursuant to agreements requiring that the loan be continuously secured by collateral consisting of: (1) cash in U.S. dollars; (2) securities issued or fully

guaranteed by the United States government or issued and unconditionally guaranteed by any agencies thereof; or (3) irrevocable performance letters of credit issued by banks approved by each Fund. All collateral must equal at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities. A Fund continues to receive interest on the loaned securities while simultaneously earning interest on the investment of cash collateral. Collateral is marked to market daily. There may be risks of delay in recovery of the securities or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially or become insolvent. In addition, cash collateral invested by the lending Fund is subject to investment risk and the Fund may experience losses with respect to its collateral investments. The SEC currently requires that the following conditions must be met whenever a Fund’s portfolio securities are loaned: (1) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral from the borrower; (2) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (3) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities, and any increase in market value; (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees approved by the Board in connection with the loan; (6) while voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower, the Fund must have the ability to terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities if a material event adversely affecting the investment occurs, and (7) the Fund may not loan its portfolio securities so that the value of the loaned securities is more than one-third of its total asset value, including collateral received from such loans.

The Trust has appointed The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY Mellon") as its lending agent in connection with the Funds’ securities lending program. BNY Mellon administers the securities lending program in accordance with operational procedures it has established in conjunction with the Funds. As the securities lending agent, BNY Mellon lends certain securities, which are held in custody accounts maintained with BNY Mellon, to borrowers that have been approved by the Funds. As securities lending agent, BNY Mellon is authorized to execute certain agreements and documents and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the securities lending program.

Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation. In addition, the recent adoption of the Derivatives Rule may impact how the Fund uses senior securities and other investments, but the Fund is not required to comply with those requirements until August 19, 2022. See “Derivatives Risk” above for additional information.

Short Sales. In a short sale, a Fund sells a security, which it does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To complete the sale, the Fund must borrow the security (generally from the broker through which the short sale is made) in order to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund must replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The Fund is said to have a “short position” in the securities sold until it delivers them to the broker. The period during which the Fund has a short position can range from one day to more than a year. Until the Fund replaces the security, the proceeds of the short sale are retained by the broker, and the Fund must pay to the broker a negotiated portion of any dividends or interest, which accrue during the period of the loan. A short sale is “against the box” if at all times during which the short position is open, a Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. A short sale against the box is a taxable transaction to the Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short. The lending of securities is considered a form of leverage that is included in a lending Fund’s investment limitation related to borrowings. See “Investment Limitations” below.

In the view of the SEC, a short sale involves the creation of a “senior security” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, unless the sale is “against the box” and the securities sold short are placed in a segregated account (not with the broker), or unless the Fund’s obligation to deliver the securities sold short is otherwise “covered,” whether by placing assets in a segregated account or otherwise earmarking assets as cover in an amount equal to the difference between the market value of the securities sold short at the time of the short sale and any such collateral required to be deposited with a broker in connection with the sale (not including the proceeds from the short sale), which difference is adjusted daily for changes in the value of the securities sold short, or otherwise. To the extent a Fund engages in short sales, it will comply with these requirements. In addition, the recent adoption of the Derivatives Rule may impact whether a Fund can issue certain senior securities and other investments, but a Fund is not required to comply with those requirements until August 19, 2022.

Sovereign Debt. Investment in sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk. The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A governmental entity’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the governmental

entity’s policy towards the International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the implementation of economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor’s obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties’ commitments to lend funds to the governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to timely service its debts. Consequently, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt.

Holders of sovereign debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to governmental entities. In the event of a default by a governmental entity, there may be few or no effective legal remedies for collecting on such debt.

Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal Securities ("STRIPS"). STRIPS are U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and bonds that have been issued without interest coupons or stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, interest coupons that have been stripped from such U.S. Treasury securities, and receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped U.S. Treasury securities and coupons. A STRIPS security pays no interest in cash to its holder during its life although interest is accrued for federal income tax purposes. Its value to an investor consists of the difference between its face value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which is generally an amount significantly less than its face value. Investing in STRIPS may help to preserve capital during periods of declining interest rates. For example, if interest rates decline, Ginnie Mae Certificates owned by a Fund which were purchased at greater than par are more likely to be prepaid, which would cause a loss of principal. In anticipation of this, a Fund might purchase STRIPS, the value of which would be expected to increase when interest rates decline.

STRIPS do not entitle the holder to any periodic payments of interest prior to maturity. Accordingly, such securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and will be subject to greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make periodic distributions of interest. On the other hand, because there are no periodic interest payments to be reinvested prior to maturity, STRIPS eliminate the reinvestment risk and lock in a rate of return to maturity. Current federal income tax law requires that a holder of a STRIPS security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased as income each year even though the Fund received no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Stand-By Commitments. When a Fund purchases municipal obligations, it may also acquire stand-by commitments from banks and broker-dealers with respect to such municipal obligations. A stand-by commitment is the equivalent of a put option acquired by a Fund with respect to a particular municipal obligation held in its portfolio. A stand-by commitment is a security independent of the municipal obligation to which it relates. The amount payable by a bank or dealer during the time a stand-by commitment is exercisable, absent unusual circumstances relating to a change in market value, would be substantially the same as the value of the underlying municipal obligation. A stand-by commitment might not be transferable by a Fund, although it could sell the underlying municipal obligation to a third-party at any time.

Each Fund expects that stand-by commitments generally will be available without the payment of direct or indirect consideration. However, if necessary and advisable, a Fund may pay for stand-by commitments either separately in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired subject to such a commitment (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available for the same securities). The total amount paid in either manner for outstanding stand-by commitments held by a Fund will not exceed 10% of the value of a Fund’s total assets calculated immediately after each stand-by commitment is acquired. A Fund will enter into stand-by commitments only with banks and broker-dealers that, in the judgment of the Advisor or sub-advisor, as the case may be, present minimal credit risks.

Step Coupon Bonds (“STEPS”). A Fund may invest in STEPS, which pay interest at a series of different rates (including 0%) in accordance with a stated schedule for a series of periods. In addition to the risks associated with the credit rating of the issuers, these securities may be subject to more volatility risk than fixed rate debt securities.

Structured Investments. Structured investments are derivatives in the form of a unit or units representing an undivided interest(s) in assets held in a trust that is not an investment company as defined in the 1940 Act. A trust unit pays a return based on the total return of securities and other investments held by the trust and the trust may enter into one or more swaps to achieve its goal. For example, a trust may purchase a basket of securities and agree to exchange the return generated by those securities for the return generated by another basket or index of securities. The Funds will purchase structured investments in trusts that engage in such swaps only where the counterparties are approved by the Advisor or sub-advisor, as the case may be.

Structured Notes. A Fund may invest in structured notes, including “total rate of return swaps,” with rates of return determined by reference to the total rate of return on one or more loans referenced in such notes. The rate of return on the structured note may be determined by applying a multiplier to the rate of total return on the referenced loan or loans. Application of a multiplier is comparable to the use of leverage, which magnifies the risk of loss, because a relatively small decline in the value of a referenced note could result in a relatively large loss in value.

Swap Agreements. A swap is a financial instrument that typically involves the exchange of cash flows between two parties on specified dates (settlement dates), where the cash flows are based on agreed-upon prices, rates, indices, etc. The nominal amount on which the cash flows are calculated is called the notional amount. Swaps are individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as interest rates, foreign currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices, indexes or inflation rates.

Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the investments of a Fund and its share price. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from a Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by a Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.

Generally, swap agreements have a fixed maturity date that will be agreed upon by the parties. The agreement can be terminated before the maturity date only under limited circumstances, such as default by one of the parties or insolvency, among others, and can be transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. A Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or by other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party. If the counter-party is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy, defaults or becomes insolvent, a Fund may not be able to recover the money it expected to receive under the contract.

A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify a Fund’s gains or losses. If a Fund enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the Fund is entitled to receive under the agreement. If a Fund enters into a swap agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value equal to the full amount of the Fund’s accrued obligations under the agreement.

Equity Swaps. In a typical equity swap, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, stock index or basket of stocks in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, for example, the index receiver can gain exposure to stocks making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those stocks. Equity index swaps involve not only the risk associated with investment in the securities represented in the index, but also the risk that the performance of such securities, including dividends, will not exceed the return on the interest rate that a Fund will be committed to pay.

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are “fixed-for floating rate swaps,” “termed basis swaps” and “index amortizing swaps.” Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met.

Like a traditional investment in a debt security, a Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if a Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, a Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if a Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, a Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

Currency Swaps. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. A Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. Changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.

Credit Default Swaps (“CDSs”). A CDS is an agreement between a Fund and a counterparty that enables a Fund to buy or sell protection against a credit event related to a referenced debt obligation. One party, acting as a “protection buyer,” makes periodic payments to the other party, a “protection seller,” in exchange for a promise by the protection seller to make a payment to the protection buyer if a negative credit event (such as a delinquent payment or default) occurs with respect to a referenced bond or group of bonds. Acting as a protection seller allows a Fund to create an investment exposure similar to owning a bond. Acting as a protection buyer allows a Fund potentially to reduce its credit exposure to a bond it owns or to take a “short” position in a bond it does not own.

As the protection buyer in a CDS, a Fund may pay a premium (by means of periodic payments) in return for the right to deliver specified bonds or loans to the protection seller and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value upon default or similar events by the issuer of the underlying reference obligation. If no default occurs, the protection seller would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Fund. As the protection buyer, a Fund bears the risk that the investment might expire worthless or that the protection seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to a Fund in the event of a default or similar event. In addition, when a Fund is a protection buyer, the Fund’s investment would only generate income in the event of an actual default or similar event by the issuer of the underlying reference obligation. A Fund may also use credit default swaps for investment purposes by selling a CDS, in which case, the Fund, as the protection seller, would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the protection buyer in the event of a default or similar event by the third-party issuer of the underlying reference obligation. In return for its obligation, a Fund would receive from the protection buyer a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract. If no credit event occurs, a Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the protection seller in a CDS, a Fund effectively adds economic leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund is subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. Consistent with SEC staff guidance, if a Fund sells a CDS it will segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the swap in order to cover its obligations under the instrument.

In addition to the risks applicable to derivatives generally, CDSs involve special risks because they may be difficult to value, are highly susceptible to liquidity and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty).

Options on Swap Agreements (“swaptions”). The Funds also may enter into swaptions. A swaption is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The Funds may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions. Depending on the terms of the particular swaption, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When a Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option by the buyer of the option, the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying swap agreement.

Whether a Fund’s use of swap agreements or swaptions will be successful in furthering its investment goals will depend on the sub-advisors’ ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.

Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to the other party based on change in market value of the assets underlying the contract in exchange for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. The return of the assets underlying the contract includes both the income generated by the asset and the change in market value of the asset. The asset underlying the contract may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices.

Total return swaps may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. Upon entering into a total return swap, the Fund is required to deposit initial margin but the parties do not exchange the notional amount. As a result, total return swaps may effectively add leverage to a Fund’s portfolio because the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate NAV at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by a Fund.

Total return swaps are subject to the same risks noted above under "Swap Agreements."

Other Types of Financial Instruments. If other types of financial instruments, including other types of options, futures contracts, or futures options are traded in the future, the Funds may also use those instruments, provided that such instruments are consistent with the Funds’ investment goals.

Technology Securities. The value of technology securities may fluctuate dramatically and technology securities may be subject to greater than average financial and market risk. Investments in the high technology sector include the risk that certain products may be subject to competitive pressures and aggressive pricing and may become obsolete and the risk that new products will not meet expectations or even reach the market.

Temporary Defensive Investments. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its total assets in money market instruments (including U.S. government securities, bank obligations, commercial paper rated in the highest rating category by an NRSRO and repurchase agreements involving the foregoing securities), shares of money market investment companies (to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions) and cash. When a Fund invests in defensive investments, it may not achieve its investment goal.

Tender Option Bonds. A tender option bond is a municipal security (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax-exempt rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the municipal security’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax exempt rate. The Advisor or sub-advisor as the case may be, will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying municipal securities, of any custodian, and of the third-party provider of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in payment of principal of interest on the underlying municipal securities and for other reasons.

Time Deposits. Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like a certificate of deposit, it earns a specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty are considered to be illiquid securities.

Trust Preferred Securities. Trust preferred securities are issued by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate parent. Trust preferred securities currently permit the issuing entity to treat the interest payments as a tax-deductible cost. These securities, which have no voting rights, have a final stated maturity date and a fixed schedule for periodic payments. In addition, these securities have provisions which afford preference over common and preferred stock upon liquidation, although the securities are subordinated to other, more senior debt securities of the same issuer. The issuers of these securities have the right to defer interest payments for a period of up to five years, although interest continues to accrue cumulatively. The deferral of payments may not exceed the stated maturity date of the securities themselves. The non-payment of deferred interest at the end of the permissible period will be treated as an event of default. At the present time, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") treats trust preferred securities as debt.

U.S. Government Securities. U.S. government securities include: securities issued directly by the U.S. Treasury such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds; securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Government Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FGLMC”), Student Loan Marketing Association (“SLMA”), Small Business Administration (“SBA”), Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”) and OPIC; STRIPS and TIPS.

Some U.S. government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, meaning that payment of principal and interest is guaranteed by the U.S. government. Other U.S. government securities are backed only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the security, which may include the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. Securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government include U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. Treasury notes, U.S. Treasury bonds, Ginnie Mae securities and OPIC securities. Securities backed only by the credit of the government agency issuing the security include securities issued by the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FGLMC, SLMA, SBA and TVA.

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury Obligations are bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as STRIPS and coupons under book entry safekeeping (“CUBES”). They also include TIPS.

Variable and Floating Rate Instruments. Certain obligations may carry variable or floating rates of interest, and may involve a conditional or unconditional demand feature. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market rates or indices. The interest rates on these securities may be reset daily, weekly, quarterly, or some other reset period, and may have a floor or ceiling on interest rate changes. There is a risk that the current interest rate on such obligations may not accurately reflect existing market interest rates. A demand instrument with a demand notice exceeding seven days may be considered illiquid if there is no secondary market for such security.

Variable-Rate Demand Instruments. The Funds may purchase variable-rate demand instruments. Variable-rate demand instruments that the Funds will purchase are obligations that provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the instrument and permit the holder to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest at specified intervals upon a specific number of days’ notice either from the issuer or by drawing on a bank letter of credit, a guarantee, insurance or other credit facility issued with respect to such instrument.

The variable-rate demand instruments in which the Funds may invest are payable on not more than thirty calendar days’ notice either on demand or at specified intervals not exceeding thirteen months depending upon the terms of the instrument. The terms of the instruments provide that interest rates are adjustable at intervals ranging from daily to up to thirteen months and their adjustments are based upon LIBOR or other prevailing interest rates as provided in the respective instruments. A security is priced at a coupon rate that causes its value to approximate par. Each Fund may only purchase variable rate demand instruments which have received a short-term rating meeting that Fund’s quality standards from an NRSRO or unrated variable rate demand instruments determined by the Sub-Advisor to be of comparable quality. If such an instrument does not have a demand feature exercisable by a Fund in the event of default in the payment of principal or interest on the underlying securities, then the Fund will also require that the instrument have a rating as long-term debt in one of the top two categories by any NRSRO. The Sub-Advisor may determine that an unrated variable rate demand instrument meets a Fund’s quality criteria if it is backed by a letter of credit or guarantee or insurance or other credit facility that meets the quality criteria for the Fund or on the basis of a credit evaluation of the underlying obligor. If an instrument is ever deemed to not meet a Fund’s quality standards, such Fund either will sell it in the market or exercise the demand feature as soon as practicable.

While the value of the underlying variable-rate demand instruments may change with changes in interest rates generally, the variable rate nature of the underlying variable rate demand instruments should minimize changes in value of the instruments. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital depreciation is less than would be the case with a portfolio of fixed-income securities. Each Fund may hold variable-rate demand instruments on which stated minimum or maximum rates limit the degree to which interest on such variable rate-demand instruments may fluctuate; to the extent an instruments has such limits, increases or decreases in its value may be greater than would be the case without such limits. Because the adjustment of interest rates on the variable-rate demand instruments is made in relation to movements of the applicable banks’ “prime rate,” or other interest rate adjustment index, the variable rate demand instruments are not comparable to long-term fixed-rate securities. Accordingly, interest rates on the variable-rate demand instruments may be higher or lower than current market rates for fixed rate obligations or obligations of comparable quality with similar maturities.

The Funds intend to exercise the demand repurchase feature only (1) upon a default under the terms of the bond documents, (2) as needed to provide liquidity to a Fund in order to make redemptions of its shares, or (3) to maintain the quality standards of a Fund’s investment portfolio.

Warrants and Rights. Warrants are instruments giving holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy equity or fixed-income securities of a company at a given price during a specified period. Rights are similar to warrants but normally have a short life span to expiration. The purchase of warrants or rights involves the risk that a Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrants’ or rights’ expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants and/or rights involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrants and/or rights added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security. Buying a warrant does not make a Fund a shareholder of the underlying stock. The warrant holder has no voting or dividend rights with respect to the underlying stock. A warrant does not carry any right to assets of the issuer, and for this reason investment in warrants may be more speculative than other equity-based investments.

When-Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitment Transactions. A Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, in which case delivery of the securities occurs beyond the normal settlement period; payment for or delivery of the securities would be made prior to the reciprocal delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. When-issued or delayed delivery securities are subject to market fluctuations due to changes in market interest rates and it is possible that the market value at the time of settlement could be higher or lower than the purchase price if the general level of interest rates has changed. Although a Fund generally purchases securities on a when-issued or forward

commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities for its investment portfolio, a Fund may dispose of a when-issued security or forward commitment prior to settlement if it deems appropriate.

When-Issued Securities and Securities Purchased on a To-Be-Announced Basis. The Funds will only make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued or to-be-announced (“TBA”) basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities. A Fund may sell the securities before the settlement date if it is otherwise deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy or in order to meet its obligations, although it would not normally expect to do so. When-issued securities are securities purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield and involve the risk that the yield obtained in the transaction will be less than that available in the market when delivery takes place. In a TBA transaction, a Fund has committed to purchasing or selling securities for which all specific information is not yet known at the time of the trade, particularly the face amount in transactions involving mortgage-related securities.

TBA securities are paid for and delivered within 15 to 45 days from their date of purchase. In connection with these investments, each Fund will direct the custodian to segregate cash or liquid securities in an amount sufficient to make payment for the securities to be purchased. When a segregated account is maintained because a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or TBA basis, the assets deposited in the segregated account will be valued daily at market for the purpose of determining the adequacy of the securities in the account. If the market value of such securities declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account on a daily basis so that the market value of the account will equal the amount of a Fund’s commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued or TBA basis. To the extent funds are in a segregated account, they will not be available for new investment or to meet redemptions. Securities purchased on a when-issued or TBA basis and the securities held in a Fund’s portfolio are subject to changes in market value based upon changes in the level of interest rates (which will generally result in all of those securities changing in value in the same way, i.e., all those securities experiencing appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise). Therefore, if in order to achieve higher returns, a Fund remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a when-issued or TBA basis, there will be a possibility that the market value of the Fund’s assets will experience greater fluctuation. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or TBA basis may involve a risk of loss if the seller fails to deliver after the value of the securities has risen.

When the time comes for a Fund to make payment for securities purchased on a when-issued or TBA basis, the Fund will do so by using then available cash flow, by sale of the securities held in the segregated account, by sale of other securities or, although it would not normally expect to do so, by directing the sale of the securities purchased on a when-issued or TBA basis themselves (which may have a market value greater or less than the Fund’s payment obligation).

Yankee Obligations. Yankee obligations (“Yankees”) are U.S. dollar-denominated instruments of foreign issuers who either register with the SEC or issue securities under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. These consist of debt securities (including preferred or preference stock of non-governmental issuers), certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits and bankers’ acceptances issued by foreign banks, and debt obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, international agencies and supranational entities. Some securities issued by foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the foreign government. Yankee obligations, as obligations of foreign issuers, are subject to the same types of risks discussed above in “Securities of Foreign Issuers.”

The Yankee obligations selected for the Funds will adhere to the same quality standards as those utilized for the selection of domestic debt obligations.

Zero Coupon Securities. The Funds may invest in zero coupon bonds of governmental or private issuers that generally pay no interest to their holders prior to maturity. Since zero coupon bonds do not make regular interest payments, they allow an issuer to avoid the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and may involve greater credit risks than bonds paying interest currently. The Code requires that a Fund accrue interest income on zero coupon bonds for each taxable year, even though no cash has been paid on the bonds, and generally requires the Fund to distribute such income (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to federal income tax and to continue to maintain its status as a regulated investment company under the Code. Because no cash is generally received at the time of accrual, a Fund may be required to sell investments (even if such sales are not advantageous) to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to the Fund under the Code. See "Federal Income Taxes.”

Zero coupon securities may include treasury securities that have had their interest payments (“coupons”) separated from the underlying principal (“corpus”) by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. Once the holder of the security has stripped or separated corpus and coupons, it may sell each component separately. The principal or corpus is then sold at a deep discount because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed payment on the security and does not receive any rights to periodic interest (cash) payments. Typically, the coupons are sold separately or grouped with other

coupons with like maturity dates and sold bundled in such form. The underlying treasury security is held in book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities (i.e., unregistered securities which are owned ostensibly by the bearer or holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the owners thereof. Purchasers of stripped obligations acquire, in effect, discount obligations that are economically identical to the zero coupon securities that the U.S. Treasury sells itself.

The U.S. Treasury has facilitated transfers of ownership of zero coupon securities by accounting separately for the beneficial ownership of particular interest coupon and corpus payments on Treasury securities through the Federal Reserve book-entry record keeping system. Under a Federal Reserve program known as “STRIPS” or “Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities,” the Fund may record its beneficial ownership of the coupon or corpus directly in the book-entry record-keeping system.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

Fundamental Investment Limitations. The Trust has adopted the following investment limitations as fundamental policies with respect to each Fund. These restrictions cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the approval of the holders of a majority of that Fund's outstanding voting shares. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a "majority of the outstanding voting shares" means the vote of the lessor of (i) 67% or more of a Fund's shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of that Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of a Fund's outstanding voting shares.

For the bank borrowing fundamental policies, which contains percentage limits, a Fund must meet these percentage limits at all times, regardless of whether a portfolio transaction is occurring or the changes are caused by market conditions or other circumstances beyond the Fund’s control. For all other fundamental policies with a percentage limit (collectively, the “Other Policies”), a Fund must apply each policy to each proposed portfolio transaction. For example, both the initial purchase of a security and each subsequent addition to that position must satisfy the Other Policies. However, if a Fund satisfies the Other Policies at the time of a transaction, then later changes in percentages resulting from market conditions or other circumstances beyond the Fund’s control will not violate those policies; but the Fund would not be able to make subsequent additions to that position and other similar positions until the Other Policies are satisfied.

Several of these fundamental investment limitations include the defined term “1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions.” This term means the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as such statutes, rules and regulations are amended from time to time or are interpreted from time to time by the staff of the SEC and any exemptive order or similar relief applicable to a Fund.

Dividend Select ETF. The Dividend Select ETF may not:

1. Diversification. The Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer that would cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules, or regulations or any exemption, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

2. Borrowing Money. The Fund may not engage in borrowing except as permitted by the 1940 Act, any rule, regulation, or order under the 1940 Act or any SEC staff interpretation of the 1940 Act.

3. Underwriting. The Fund may not underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the sale or disposition of portfolio securities, a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws or in connection with investments in other investment companies.

4. Loans. The Fund may not make loans to other persons except that a Fund may (1) engage in repurchase agreements, (2) lend portfolio securities, (3) purchase debt securities, (4) purchase commercial paper, and (5) enter into any other lending arrangement permitted by the 1940 Act, any rule, regulation, or order under the 1940 Act or any SEC staff interpretation of the 1940 Act.

5. Real Estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate except that a Fund may (1) hold and sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities or other instruments (2) purchase or sell securities or other instruments backed by real estate or interests in real estate and (3) purchase or sell securities of entities or investment vehicles, including real estate investment trusts that invest, deal or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests in real estate.

6. Commodities. The Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities except that a Fund may (1) hold and sell physical commodities acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities or other instruments, (2) purchase or sell securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities, (3) purchase or sell options, and (4) purchase or sell futures contracts.

7. Concentration of Investments. The Fund may not purchase the securities of an issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or its instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of companies in the same industry or group of industries.

8. Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by the 1940 Act, any rule, regulation, or order under the 1940 Act or any SEC staff interpretation of the 1940 Act.

Strategic Income Opportunities ETF. The fundamental investment limitations the Strategic Income Opportunities ETF are:

1.Diversification. The Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer that would cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

2.Borrowing Money. The Fund may not engage in borrowing except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, any rule, regulation, or order under the Act or any SEC staff interpretation of the Act.

3.Underwriting. The Fund may not underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the sale or disposition of portfolio securities, a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws or in connection with investments in other investment companies.

4.Loans. The Fund may not make loans to other persons except that the Fund may (1) engage in repurchase agreements, (2) lend portfolio securities, (3) purchase debt securities, (4) purchase commercial paper, and (5) enter into any other lending arrangement permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, any rule, regulation or order under the Act or any SEC staff interpretation of the Act.

5.Real Estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may (1) hold and sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities or other instruments (2) purchase or sell securities or other instruments backed by real estate or interests in real estate and (3) purchase or sell securities of entities or investment vehicles, including real estate investment trusts that invest, deal or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests in real estate.

6.Commodities. The Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities except that the Fund may (1) hold and sell physical commodities acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities or other instruments, (2) purchase or sell securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities, (3) purchase or sell options, and (4) purchase or sell futures contracts.

7.Concentration of Investments. The Fund may not purchase the securities of an issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or its instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.

8.Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior securities except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, any rule, regulation or order under the Act or any SEC staff interpretation of the Act.

US Large Cap Focused ETF. The fundamental investment limitations the US Large Cap Focused ETF are:

1.Borrowing Money. The Fund may not borrow money or issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions. Please refer to number 2 of the “Non-Fundamental Investment Limitations” section for further information.

2.Underwriting. The Fund may not underwrite the securities of other issuers. This restriction does not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition, disposition or resale of its portfolio securities, regardless of whether the Fund may be considered to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

3.Concentration. The Fund will not make investments that will result in the concentration (as that term may be defined or interpreted by the 1940 Act, Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions) of its investments in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in the same industry. This restriction does not limit a Fund’s investments in (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, (ii) tax-exempt obligations issued by governments or political subdivisions of governments or (iii) repurchase agreements collateralized by such obligations.

4.Real Estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction does not prevent a Fund from investing in issuers that invest, deal or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests therein, or investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein.

5.Commodities. The Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction does not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving futures contracts and options thereon or investing in securities that are secured by physical commodities.

6.Loans. The Fund may not make personal loans or loans of its assets to persons who control or are under common control with the Fund, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act Laws, Interpretations and Exemptions. This restriction does not prevent a Fund from, among other things, purchasing debt obligations, entering repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities or investing in loans, including assignments and participation interests. Please refer to number 3 of the “Non-Fundamental Investment Limitations” section for further information.

Ultra Short Income ETF. The Ultra Short Income ETF may not, except as otherwise provided below:

1. With respect to 75% of the Fund’s assets: (i) purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities and repurchase agreements involving such securities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.

2. Invest more than 25% of the Fund’s assets in securities issued by companies in a single industry or related group of industries.

3. Borrow money in an amount exceeding 331/3% of the value of its total assets, provided that, for purposes of this limitation, investment strategies which either obligate a Fund to purchase securities or require a fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowings, except where the Fund has borrowed money for temporary purposes in amounts not exceeding 5% of its total assets. The Fund will not purchase securities while its borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.

4. Make loans to other persons except through the lending of its portfolio securities, provided that this limitation does not apply to the purchase of debt securities and loan participations or engaging in direct corporate loans or repurchase agreements in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. The loans cannot exceed 331/3% of a Fund’s assets. Fund may also make loans to other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any exemptions which may be granted to the Fund by the SEC.

For example, at a minimum, the Fund will not make any such loans unless all requirements regarding common control and ownership of Fund shares are met.

5. Purchase or sell real estate, physical commodities, or commodities contracts, except that each Fund may purchase (i) marketable securities issued by companies which own or invest in real estate (including REITs), commodities, or commodities contracts; and (ii) commodities contracts relating to financial instruments, such as financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.

6. Issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act except as permitted by rule, regulation, or order of the SEC.

7. Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except as it may be deemed an underwriter in selling a portfolio security.

8. Invest in interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development programs and oil, gas, or mineral leases.

Non-Fundamental Investment Limitations. Each Fund also has adopted certain non-fundamental investment limitations. A non-fundamental investment limitation may be amended by the Board without a vote of shareholders upon 60 days' notice to shareholders. The non-fundamental investment limitations listed below are in addition to other non-fundamental investment limitations disclosed elsewhere in this SAI and in the prospectus.

For the illiquid securities policy, which contains percentage limits, a Fund must meet these percentage limits at all times, regardless of whether a portfolio transaction is occurring or the changes are caused by market conditions or other circumstances beyond the Fund’s control. For all other non-fundamental policies with a percentage limit (collectively, the “Other Policies”), a Fund must apply each policy to each proposed portfolio transaction. For example, both the initial purchase of a security and each subsequent addition to that position must satisfy the Other Policies. However, if a Fund satisfies the Other Policies at the time of a transaction, then later changes in percentages resulting from market conditions or other circumstances beyond the

Fund’s control will not violate those policies; but the Fund would not be able to make subsequent additions to that position and other similar positions until the Other Policies are satisfied.

The following non-fundamental limitation applies to all Funds, except the Ultra Short Income ETF:

1.The Funds will not invest in any illiquid investment if, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

The following non-fundamental investment limitations apply to the Ultra Short Income ETF. The Fund may not:

1. Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate assets except to secure borrowings (not to exceed 331/3% of the Fund’s assets) permitted by the Fund’s fundamental limitation on borrowing.

2. Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that the Fund may (i) obtain short-term credits as necessary for the clearance of security transactions; (ii) provide initial and variation margin payments in connection with transactions involving futures contracts and options on such contracts; and (iii) make short sales “against the box” or in compliance with the SEC’s position regarding the asset segregation requirements imposed by Section 18 of the 1940 Act.

3. The Fund may not invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.

4. The Fund may not invest its assets in securities of any investment company, except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

5. The Fund may not enter into futures contracts and options on futures contracts except as permitted by guidelines in the Fund’s SAI.

6. Make investments in securities when outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.

The following non-fundamental investment policies also apply to the Ultra Short Income ETF:

1. The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis and borrow money (borrowing money is permitted by the Funds’ fundamental limitation on borrowing).

2. The Fund may enter into futures and options transactions.

3. The Fund may hold up to 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

4. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements not to exceed 331/3% of a Fund’s assets.

5. The Fund may purchase fixed-income securities, including variable- and floating-rate instruments and zero coupon securities.

6. The Fund may purchase Rule 144A securities and other restricted securities.

7. The Fund may purchase obligations of supranational entities in an amount totaling less than 25% of the Fund’s total assets.

8. The Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its total assets in money market instruments (including U.S. government securities, bank obligations, commercial paper rated in the highest rating category by an NRSRO and repurchase agreements involving the foregoing securities), shares of money market investment companies (to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions) and cash.

The following descriptions of certain provisions of the 1940 Act may assist investors in understanding the above policies and restrictions.

1. Diversification. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment management company may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, (i) purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agents or instrumentalities, cash item or, in certain circumstances, securities of other investment companies) if, as a

result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. This does not apply to the US Large Cap Focused ETF.

2. Borrowing. The 1940 Act allows a fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 331/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).

3. Underwriting. Under the 1940 Act, underwriting securities involves a fund purchasing securities directly from an issuer for the purpose of selling (distributing) them or participating in any such activity either directly or indirectly. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not make any commitment as underwriter, if immediately thereafter the amount of its outstanding underwriting commitments, plus the value of its investments in securities of issuers (other than investment companies) of which it owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, exceeds 25% of the value of its total assets.

4. Lending. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund may only make loans if expressly permitted by its investment policies. Each Fund’s current investment policy on lending is as follows: the Fund may not make loans if, as a result, more than 331/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may: (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements that are collateralized fully; and (iii) engage in securities lending as described in its SAI.

5. Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

A Fund will determine compliance with the fundamental and non-fundamental investment restriction percentages above (with the exception of the restriction relating to borrowing) and other investment restrictions in this SAI immediately after and as a result of its acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, a Fund will not consider changes in values, net assets, or other circumstances when determining whether the investment complies with its investment restrictions.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

The following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, the length of time served, principal occupations for the past five years, number of funds overseen in the Touchstone Fund Complex and other directorships held. All funds managed by the Advisor (the "Touchstone Funds") are part of the “Touchstone Fund Complex.” The Touchstone Fund Complex consists of the Trust, Touchstone Funds Group Trust, Touchstone Strategic Trust and Touchstone Variable Series Trust. The Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.”

Interested Trustees(1):

Name
Address
Year of Birth

Position
Held
with
Trust

Term of Office

And

Length of

Time Served(2)

Principal
Occupation(s)
During
Past 5 Years

Number

of Funds

Overseen in the

Touchstone

Fund

Complex(3)

Other Directorships

Held During the Past 5

Years(4)

Jill T. McGruder

Touchstone
Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway
Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio
45202

Year of Birth: 1955

Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until she resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

President of Touchstone Funds from 1999 to 2020; Director and CEO of IFS Financial Services, Inc. (a holding company) since 1999; and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. (a financial services company) since 2016.

[ ]

Director, Integrity Life Insurance Co. and National Integrity Life Insurance Co. since 2005; Director, Touchstone Securities (the Distributor) since 1999; Director, Touchstone Advisors (the Advisor) since 1999; Director, W&S Brokerage Services, Inc. since 1999; Director, W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc. since 1999; Director, Insurance Profillment Solutions LLC since 2014; Director, Columbus Life Insurance Co. since 2016; Director, The Lafayette Life Insurance Co. since 2016; Director, Gerber Life Insurance Company since 2019; Director, Western & Southern Agency, Inc. since 2018; and Director, LL Global, Inc. (not-for-profit trade organization with operating divisions LIMRA and LOMA) since 2016.

E. Blake Moore, Jr.

Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

303 Broadway

Suite 1100

Cincinnati,

Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1958

President and Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until he resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

President, Touchstone Funds since 2021; Chief Executive Officer of Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Touchstone Securities, Inc. since 2020; President, Foresters Investment Management Company, Inc. from 2018 to 2020; President, North American Asset Management at Foresters Financial from 2018 to 2020; Managing Director, Head of Americas at UBS Asset Management from 2015 to 2017; and Executive Vice President, Head of Distribution at Mackenzie Investments from 2011 to 2014.

[ ]

Trustee, College of Wooster since 2008; and Director, UBS Funds from 2015 to 2017.

Independent Trustees:

Name

Address

Year of Birth

Position

Held

with

Trust

Term of Office

And

Length of

Time Served(2)

Principal
Occupation(s)
During
Past 5 Years

Number

of Funds

Overseen

in the

Touchstone

Fund

Complex(3)

Other

Directorships

Held During the Past 5

Years(4)

Karen Carnahan

c/o Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway
Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1954

Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until she resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

Retired; formerly Chief Operating Officer of Shred-it (a business services company) from 2014 to 2015; formerly President & Chief Operating Officer of the document management division of Cintas Corporation (a business services company) from 2008 to 2014.

[ ]

Director, Cintas Corporation since 2019; Director, Boys & Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty since 2016; and Board of Advisors, Best Upon Request from 2020 to 2021.

William C. Gale

c/o Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway
Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1952

Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until he resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

Retired; formerly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cintas Corporation (a business services company) from 1995 to 2015.

[ ]

None.

Susan J. Hickenlooper, CFA(5)

c/o Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

303 Broadway Suite 1100

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1946

Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until she resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

Retired from investment management.

[ ]

Trustee, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio from 2014 to 2018.

Name

Address

Year of Birth

Position

Held

with

Trust

Term of Office

And

Length of

Time Served(2)

Principal
Occupation(s)
During
Past 5 Years

Number

of Funds

Overseen

in the

Touchstone

Fund

Complex(3)

Other

Directorships

Held During the Past 5

Years(4)

Susan M. King

c/o Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

303 Broadway

Suite 1100

Cincinnati, Ohio

45202

Year of Birth: 1963

Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until she resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

Formerly, Partner of ID Funds LLC (2020 to 2021); formerly, Senior Vice President, Head of Product and Marketing Strategy of Foresters Financial (2018 to 2020); formerly, Managing Director, Head of Sales Strategy and Marketing, Americas of UBS Asset Management (2015 to 2017); formerly, Director, Allianz Funds, Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust and AllianzGI Institutional Multi-Series Trust (2014 to 2015); and formerly, Director, Alliance Capital Cash Management Offshore Funds (2003 to 2005).

[ ]

Trustee, Claremont McKenna College since 2017; Trustee, Israel Cancer Research Fund since 2019; and Board Member of WHAM! (Women's Health Access Matters) since 2021.

Kevin A. Robie

c/o Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway
Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1956

Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until he resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

Retired; formerly Vice President of Portfolio Management at Soin LLC (private multinational holding company and family office) from 2004 to 2020.

[ ]

Director, SaverSystems, Inc. since 2015; Director, Buckeye EcoCare, Inc. from 2013 to 2018; Director, Turner Property Services Group, Inc. since 2017; Trustee, Dayton Region New Market Fund, LLC (private fund) since 2010; and Trustee, Entrepreneurs Center, Inc. (business incubator) since 2006.

William H. Zimmer III

c/o Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway
Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1953

Trustee

Until retirement at age 75 or until he resigns or is removed

Trustee since 2022

Independent Treasury Consultant since 2014.

[ ]

Director, Deaconess Associations, Inc. (healthcare) since 2001; Trustee, Huntington Funds (mutual funds) from 2006 to 2015; and Director, National Association of Corporate Treasurers from 2011 to 2015.

(1) Ms. McGruder, as a director of the Advisor and an officer of affiliates of the Advisor, is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. Mr. Moore, as an officer of the Advisor, is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

(2) Each Trustee is elected to serve until the age of 75 or until he or she sooner resigns or is removed.

(3) As of [ ], 2022, the Touchstone Fund Complex consists of [4] series of the Trust, [13] series of Touchstone Funds Group Trust, [19] series of Touchstone Strategic Trust and [4] variable annuity series of Touchstone Variable Series Trust.

(4) Each Trustee is also a Trustee of Touchstone Funds Group Trust, Touchstone Strategic Trust and Touchstone Variable Series Trust.

(5) Upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, the Board extended the mandatory retirement age for Ms. Hickenlooper for a one-year period to allow her to remain a Trustee of the Trusts through December 31, 2022.

Principal Officers:

Name

Address

Year of Birth

Position

Held with Trust(1)

Term of Office and Length of Time Served(2)

Principal Occupation(s) During
Past 5 Years

E. Blake Moore, Jr.

Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway, Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1958

President and Trustee

Until resignation, removal or disqualification

President since 2022

See biography above.

Timothy D. Paulin

Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway, Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1963

Vice President

Until resignation, removal or disqualification

Vice President since 2022

Senior Vice President of Investment Research and Product Management of Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

Timothy S. Stearns

Touchstone Advisors Inc.
303 Broadway, Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1963

Chief Compliance Officer

Until resignation, removal or disqualification

Chief Compliance Officer since 2022

Chief Compliance Officer of Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Touchstone Securities, Inc.

Terrie A. Wiedenheft

Touchstone Advisors, Inc.
303 Broadway, Suite 1100
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1962

Controller and Treasurer

Until resignation, removal or disqualification

Controller and Treasurer since 2022

Senior Vice President and Chief Administration Officer within the Office of the Chief Marketing Officer of Western & Southern Financial Group (since 2021); and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operations Officer of IFS Financial Services, Inc. (a holding company).

Meredyth A. Whitford-Schultz

Western & Southern
Financial Group
400 Broadway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Year of Birth: 1981

Secretary

Until resignation, removal or disqualification

Secretary since 2022

Senior Counsel - Securities/Mutual Funds of Western & Southern Financial Group (since 2015); Associate at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP (law firm) (2014 to 2015); Associate at Bingham McCutchen LLP (law firm) (2008 to 2014).

(1) Each officer also holds the same office with Touchstone Funds Group Trust, Touchstone Strategic Trust and Touchstone Variable Series Trust.

(2) The Trust was established on February 2, 2022.

Additional Information about the Trustees

The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that the Trustees possess the requisite experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills to serve on the Board. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them; to interact effectively with the Advisor, sub-advisors, other service providers, counsel and independent auditors; and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties, support this conclusion. The Board has also considered the contributions that each Trustee can make to the Board and the Funds.

In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills apply as to the Trustees: Ms. McGruder has experience as a chief executive officer of a financial services company and director of various other businesses, as well as executive and leadership roles within the Advisor; Mr. Moore has experience as a managing director and president of global financial services firms, as well as executive and leadership roles within the Advisor; Ms. Carnahan has experience as a

president and chief operating officer of a division of a global company and as treasurer of a global company; Mr. Gale has experience as a chief financial officer, an internal auditor of various global companies, and has accounting experience as a manager at a major accounting firm; Ms. Hickenlooper has executive and board experience at various businesses, foundations and charitable organizations; Ms. King has experience as a senior sales and marketing executive at global financial services firms; Mr. Robie has portfolio management experience at a private multinational holding company; and Mr. Zimmer has experience as a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and treasurer of various financial services, telecommunications and technology companies.

In its periodic self-assessment of its effectiveness, the Board will consider the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Funds. References to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility on any Trustee or on the Board by reason thereof.

Board Structure

The Board is composed of six Independent Trustees and two Interested Trustees, Jill T. McGruder, who is Chairperson of the Board, and E. Blake Moore, Jr. The Independent Trustees have appointed William C. Gale to serve as the Lead Independent Trustee. Ms. McGruder oversees the day-to-day business affairs of the Trust and communicates with Mr. Gale regularly on various Trust issues, as appropriate. Mr. Gale, among other things, chairs meetings of the Independent Trustees, serves as a spokesperson for the Independent Trustees and serves as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and the Trust’s management between Board meetings. Except for any duties specified, the designation of Lead Independent Trustee does not impose on such Independent Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally. The Independent Trustees are advised at these meetings, as well as at other times, by separate, independent legal counsel.

The Board holds four regular meetings each year to consider and address matters involving the Trust and its Funds. The Board also may hold special meetings to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. These meetings may take place in-person or by telephone.

The Board has established a committee structure that includes an Audit Committee and a Governance Committee (discussed in more detail below). The Board conducts much of its work through these Committees. Each Committee is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees, which ensures that the Funds have effective and independent governance and oversight.

The Board will review its structure regularly and believes that its leadership structure, including having a super-majority of Independent Trustees, coupled with an Interested Chairperson and a Lead Independent Trustee, is appropriate and in the best interests of the Trust because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview, and it allocates areas of responsibility among the Committees and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The Board believes that having an Interested Chairperson is appropriate and in the best interests of the Trust given: (1) the extensive oversight provided by the Trust’s Advisor over the affiliated and unaffiliated sub-advisors that conduct the day-to-day management of the Funds of the Trust, (2) the extent to which the work of the Board is conducted through the standing Committees, (3) the extent to which the Independent Trustees meet regularly, together with independent legal counsel, in the absence of the Interested Chairperson and (4) the Interested Chairperson’s additional roles as a director of the Advisor and senior executive of IFS Financial Services, Inc., the Advisor’s parent company, and of other affiliates of the Advisor, which enhance the Board’s understanding of the operations of the Advisor and the role of the Trust and the Advisor within Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. The Board also believes that the role of the Lead Independent Trustee within the leadership structure is integral to promoting independent oversight of the Funds’ operations and meaningful representation of the shareholders’ interests. In addition, the Board believes its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from the Trust’s management.

Board Oversight of Risk

Consistent with its responsibilities for oversight of the Trust and its Funds, the Board, among other things, oversees risk management of each Fund’s investment program and business affairs directly and through the committee structure that it has established. Risks to the Funds include, among others, investment risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk and operational risk, as well as the overall business risk relating to the Funds. The Board has adopted, and periodically reviews, policies and procedures designed to address these risks. Under the overall oversight of the Board, the Advisor, sub-advisors, and other key

service providers to the Funds, including the administrator, the distributor, the transfer agent, the custodian, and the independent auditors, have also implemented a variety of processes, procedures and controls to address these risks. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. These processes include those that are embedded in the conduct of regular business by the Board and in the responsibilities of officers of the Trust and other service providers.

The Board requires senior officers of the Trust, including the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), to report to the Board on a variety of matters at regular and special meetings of the Board, including matters relating to risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee receive regular reports from the Trust’s independent auditors on internal control and financial reporting matters. On at least a quarterly basis, the Board meets with the Trust’s CCO, including meetings in executive sessions, to discuss issues related to portfolio compliance and, on at least an annual basis, receives a report from the CCO regarding the effectiveness of the Trust’s compliance program. In addition, the Board also receives reports from the Advisor on the investments and securities trading of the Funds, including their investment performance and asset weightings compared to appropriate benchmarks, as well as reports regarding the valuation of those investments. The Board also receives reports from the Trust’s primary service providers on a periodic or regular basis, including the sub-advisors to the Funds.

Standing Committees of the Board

The Board is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws and the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. The Board has established the following Committees to assist in its oversight functions. Each Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees.

Audit Committee. All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting policies, practices and internal controls; overseeing the quality and integrity of the Trust’s financial statement and the independent audits thereof; overseeing, or, as appropriate, assist the Board’s oversight of the Trust’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits; approving prior to appointment the engagement of the Trust’s independent auditors and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Trust’s independent auditors; and acting as a liaison between the Trust’s independent auditors and the full Board. Ms. Carnahan is the Chair of the Audit Committee.

Governance Committee. All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s compliance program and compliance issues, procedures for valuing securities and responding to any pricing issues. Ms. Hickenlooper is the Chair of the Governance Committee.

In addition, the Governance Committee is responsible for recommending candidates to serve on the Board. The Governance Committee will consider shareholder recommendations for nomination to the Board only in the event that there is a vacancy on the Board. Shareholders who wish to submit recommendations for nominations to the Board to fill the vacancy must submit their recommendations in writing to Ms. Susan J. Hickenlooper, Chair of the Governance Committee, c/o Touchstone Funds, 303 Broadway, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Shareholders should include appropriate information on the background and qualifications of any person recommended to the Governance Committee (e.g., a resume), as well as the candidate’s contact information and a written consent from the candidate to serve if nominated and elected. Shareholder recommendations for nominations to the Board will be accepted on an ongoing basis and such recommendations will be kept on file for consideration in the event of a future vacancy on the Board.

Trustee Ownership in the Touchstone Fund Complex

As of December 31, 2021, neither the Independent Trustees nor their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities in the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, Distributor or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Advisor, Sub-Advisor or Distributor.

The following table reflects the Trustees’ beneficial ownership in the Funds (i.e., dollar range of securities in each Fund) and the Touchstone Fund Complex as of December 31, 2021. As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not commenced operations.

Interested Trustees

Independent Trustees

Funds

Jill T.
McGruder

E. Blake
Moore, Jr.

Karen Carnahan

Susan M. King

William
C.Gale

Susan J.
Hickenlooper

Kevin A.
Robie

William H. Zimmer III

Dividend Select ETF

None

Strategic Income Opportunities ETF

None

US Large Cap Focused ETF

None

Ultra Short Income ETF

None

Aggregate Dollar Range of Securities in the Touchstone Fund Complex(1)

Over $100,000

$50,001- $100,000

Over $100,000

(1) As of [ ], 2022, the Touchstone Fund Complex consists of [4] series of the Trust, [13] series of Touchstone Funds Group Trust, [19] series of Touchstone Strategic Trust and [4] variable annuity series of Touchstone Variable Series Trust.

Trustee Compensation

The Trust was established on February 2, 2022. Information with respect to compensation paid to the Trustees by the Trust will be provided following the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.

The following table shows the Trustee quarterly compensation schedule:


	Retainer	Governance Committee Meeting Attendance Fees	Audit Committee Meeting Attendance Fees	Board Meeting Attendance Fees
Retainer and Meeting Attendance Fees	$23,250	$5,500	$5,500	$6,000

Lead Independent Trustee Fees	$6,750

Committee Chair Fees	$1,250	$2,500	$2,500

Telephonic/Virtual Meeting Attendance Fee = $2,500
Limited items in-person meeting = $3,500

Independent Trustee compensation and Trustee and officer expenses are typically divided equally among the series comprising the Touchstone Fund Complex.

THE ADVISOR

Touchstone Advisors, Inc. (previously defined as the “Advisor” or “Touchstone Advisors”), is the Funds’ investment advisor under the terms of an advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) dated [ ], 2022. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor reviews, supervises, and administers the Funds’ investment program, subject to the oversight of, and policies established by, the Board. The Advisor determines the appropriate allocation of assets to each Fund’s sub-advisor(s).

[The Advisory Agreement provides that the Advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in carrying out its duties, but shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties.]

The continuance of the Advisory Agreement as to the Funds after the first two years must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds, and, in either case, (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Board who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or

“interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time with respect to any Fund(s), without payment of any penalty, by the Trust’s Board of Trustees or by a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected Fund(s) upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Advisor and by the Advisor upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Trust.

The Advisor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of IFS Financial Services, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western-Southern Life Assurance Company. Western-Southern Life Assurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. Western & Southern Financial Group Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company (“Western & Southern”). Western & Southern is located at 400 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Ms. Jill T. McGruder may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Advisor because she is a Director of the Advisor and an officer of affiliates of the Advisor. Mr. Moore may be deemed an affiliate of the Advisor because he is an officer of the Advisor. Ms. McGruder and Mr. Moore, by reason of these affiliations, may directly or indirectly receive benefits from the advisory fees paid to the Advisor.

A summary of the factors considered by the Board in connection with the initial approval of the investment advisory agreement for each Fund will be available in the Funds’ annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable, after each Fund commences operations.

Each Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not pay fees to the Advisor for the past three fiscal years.

Manager-of-Managers Structure

The SEC has granted an exemptive order that permits the Trust or the Advisor, under certain circumstances, to select or change unaffiliated sub-advisors, enter into new sub-advisory agreements or amend existing sub-advisory agreements without first obtaining shareholder approval (a “manager-of-managers structure”). The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, seeks to achieve its investment goal by using a “manager-of-managers” structure. Under a manager-of-managers structure, the Advisor acts as investment advisor, subject to direction from and oversight by the Board, to allocate and reallocate the Fund’s assets among sub-advisors, and to recommend that the Trustees hire, terminate or replace unaffiliated sub-advisors without shareholder approval. By reducing the number of shareholder meetings that may have to be held to approve new or additional sub-advisors for the Fund, the Trust anticipates that there will be substantial potential cost savings, as well as the opportunity to achieve certain management efficiencies, with respect to any Fund in which the manager-of-managers approach is chosen. Shareholders of a Fund will be notified of a change in its sub-advisor.

Fees Paid to the Advisor

For its services, the Advisor is entitled to receive an investment advisory fee from each Fund at an annualized rate, based on the average daily net assets of the Fund, as set forth below. Each Fund’s advisory fee is accrued daily and paid monthly, based on the Fund’s average net assets during the current month.


Fund						Investment Advisory Fee
Dividend Select ETF						0.55% on the first $1 billion; and 0.50% on assets over $1 billion
Strategic Income Opportunities ETF						0.55% on the first $250 million; 0.50% on the next $250 million; and 0.45% on assets over $500 million
US Large Cap Focused ETF						0.70% on the first $500 million; 0.65% on the next $300 million; 0.60% on the next $200 million; 0.50% on the next $1 billion; and 0.40% on assets over $2 billion
Ultra Short Income ETF						0.25% on all assets

Each Fund shall pay the expenses of its operation, including but not limited to (i) charges and expenses of outside pricing services, (ii) the charges and expenses of auditors; (iii) the charges and expenses of its custodian, transfer agent and administrative agent appointed by the Trust with respect to a Fund; (iv) brokers’ commissions, and issue and transfer taxes chargeable to a Fund in connection with securities transactions to which a Fund is a party; (v) insurance premiums, interest charges, dues and fees for membership in trade associations and all taxes and fees payable to federal, state or other governmental agencies; (vi) fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registrations of the Funds with the SEC,

state or blue sky securities agencies and foreign countries, if applicable; (vii) all expenses of meetings of Trustees and of shareholders of the Trust and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies; (viii) charges and expenses of legal counsel to the Trust and the Independent Trustees; (ix) compensation of the Independent Trustees of the Trust; (x) compliance fees and expenses; and (xi) interest on borrowed money, if any. The compensation and expenses of any officer, Trustee or employee of the Trust who is an affiliated person of the Advisor is paid by the Advisor.

Expense Limitation Agreement. Touchstone Advisors has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to ensure each Fund’s total annual operating expenses do not exceed the contractual limits set forth in the Fund’s Fees and Expenses table in the Summary section of the Prospectus. Expenses that are not waived or reimbursed by the Advisor include dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales; interest; taxes; brokerage commissions and other transaction costs; portfolio transaction and investment related expenses; other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; the cost of “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” if any, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business ("Excluded Expenses"). Each Fund bears the costs of these Excluded Expenses. Fee waivers or expense reimbursements are calculated and applied monthly, based on the Fund’s average net assets during the month. The terms of Touchstone Advisors’ expense limitation agreement provide that Touchstone Advisors is entitled to recoup, subject to approval by the Fund’s Board, such amounts waived or reimbursed for a period of up to three years from the date on which Touchstone Advisors reduced its compensation or assumed expenses for the Fund. No recoupment will occur unless the Fund’s operating expenses are below the expense limitation amount in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The Fund will make repayments to the Advisor only if such repayment does not cause the annual Fund operating expenses (after the repayment is taken into account) to exceed either (1) the expense cap in place when such amounts were waived or reimbursed or (2) the Fund’s current expense limitation.

Advisory Fees and Fee Waivers or Reimbursements. The Funds will report the paid advisory fees and received waivers or reimbursements after its first fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

The Advisor may pay certain broker-dealers, banks and other financial intermediaries, from its own resources, that support the sale of Fund shares or provide services to Fund shareholders or for participating in activities that are designed to make registered representatives and other professionals more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including each Fund, or for other activities such as participating in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems. The amounts of these payments could be significant, and may create an incentive for the financial intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the Fund to investors. Not all financial intermediaries receive such payments, and the amount of compensation may vary by intermediary. In some cases, such payments may be made by or funded from the resources of companies affiliated with the Advisor. These payments are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fee table sections of the Funds' prospectus and described above because they are not paid by the Funds.

[The Advisor recommends and the Funds utilize the Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund - Institutional Shares (the “Dreyfus Fund”) as the cash sweep vehicle for the excess cash of the Funds. [ ] receives a fee based on a percentage of average daily net assets of the Funds invested in the Dreyfus Fund from BNY Mellon Securities Corporation, the distributor of the Dreyfus Fund, for providing certain support services, including monitoring and due diligence. The payment of compensation by BNY Mellon Securities Corporation creates a conflict of interest because the Advisor is incentivized to recommend the Dreyfus Fund over other investment options for which it or its affiliates are not similarly compensated.]

THE SUB-ADVISOR AND PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The Advisor has selected a sub-advisor (the “Sub-Advisor”) to manage all or a portion of a Fund’s assets, as determined by the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor makes the investment decisions for the Fund assets allocated to it, and continuously reviews, supervises and administers a separate investment program, subject to the oversight of, and policies established by, the Board.

Each sub-advisory agreement provides that the Sub-Advisor shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

For its services, the Sub-Advisor receives a fee from the Advisor and with respect to each Fund that it sub-advises, as described in the prospectus. The Sub-Advisor’s fee with respect to each Fund is accrued daily and paid monthly, based on the Fund’s average net assets allocated to the Sub-Advisor during the current month.

The Advisor pays sub-advisory fees to the Sub-Advisor from its advisory fee. The compensation of any officer, director or employee of a Sub-Advisor who is rendering services to a Fund is paid by the Sub-Advisor. The Fund will report the paid sub-advisory fees after its first fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.

Sub-Advisor Control. Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. ("Fort Washington") is an SEC-registered investment adviser and serves as the Sub-Advisor to each Fund. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western & Southern and is therefore an affiliate of Touchstone Advisors. Ms. McGruder and Mr. Moore may be deemed to be an affiliate of Fort Washington.

Fort Washington manages the Funds using a team of investment professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of each Fund. The following charts list for each of the Funds’ portfolio managers (i) the number of their other managed accounts per investment category: (ii) the number of and total assets of such other investment accounts managed where the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, and (iii) their beneficial ownership in their managed Fund(s) as of March 31, 2022. Listed below the charts applicable to each Sub-Advisor's group of portfolio managers is (i) a description of each portfolio manager’s compensation structure as of March 31, 2022, and (ii) a description of any material conflicts that may arise in connection with each portfolio manager’s management of the Fund’s investments and the investments of the other accounts included in the chart and any material conflicts in allocation of investment opportunities between the Fund and other accounts managed by each portfolio manager as of March 31, 2022.

[to be updated by amendment]

Dividend Select ETF


Portfolio Manager/ Types of Accounts	Total Number of Other Accounts Managed	Total Other Assets (million)	Number of Other Accounts Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee	Total Other Assets Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee (million)
Austin R. Kummer, CFA
Registered Investment Companies	5	$1,886.2	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	3	$1,370.5	0	$0
Other Accounts	63	$5,744.4	0	$0
Brendan M. White, CFA
Registered Investment Companies	3	$1,390.1	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	1	$335.7	0	$0
Other Accounts	18	$1,629.9	0	$0
James E. Wilhelm, Jr.
Registered Investment Companies	3	$4,581.8	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	1	$557.3	0	$0
Other Accounts	18	$1,105.3	0	$0

Strategic Income Opportunities ETF


Portfolio Manager/ Types of Accounts	Total Number of Other Accounts Managed	Total Other Assets (million)	Number of Other Accounts Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee	Total Other Assets Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee (million)
Daniel J. Carter, CFA
Registered Investment Companies	4	$1,014.1	0	$—
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	4	$1,534.2	0	$—
Other Accounts	42	$4,346.4	0	$—
Austin R. Kummer, CFA
Registered Investment Companies	4	$1,014.1	0	$—
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	2	$1,263.3	0	$—
Other Accounts	56	$5,572.1	0	$—
Brendan M. White, CFA
Registered Investment Companies	0	0	0	$—
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	1	$292.0	0	$—
Other Accounts	17	$1,553.0	0	$—

US Large Cap Focused ETF


Portfolio Manager/ Types of Accounts	Total Number of Other Accounts Managed	Total Other Assets (million)	Number of Other Accounts Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee	Total Other Assets Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee (million)
James E. Wilhelm, Jr.
Registered Investment Companies	4	$2,160.9	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	1	$544.0	0	$0
Other Accounts	18	$974.6	0	$0

Ultra Short Income ETF


Portfolio Manager/ Types of Accounts	Total Number of Other Accounts Managed	Total Other Assets (million)	Number of Other Accounts Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee	Total Other Assets Managed subject to a Performance Based Advisory Fee (million)
Scott D. Weston
Registered Investment Companies	0	$0.0	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	0	$0.0	0	$0
Other Accounts	0	$2,425.5	0	$0
Brent A. Miller, CFA
Registered Investment Companies	0	$0.0	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	0	$0.0	0	$0
Other Accounts	0	$2,425.5	0	$0
Laura L. Mayfield
Registered Investment Companies	0	$0.0	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	0	$0.0	0	$0
Other Accounts	0	$2,425.5	0	$0

Fund Ownership. As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not commenced operations and the portfolio managers did not own shares of any Fund.

Conflicts of Interest. Actual or potential conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has management responsibilities to more than one account (including the Funds). This would include devotion of unequal time and attention to the management of the accounts, inability to allocate limited investment opportunities across a broad array of accounts and incentive to allocate opportunities to an account where the portfolio manager has a greater financial incentive, such as allocation opportunities for performance based accounts. Fort Washington has adopted policies and procedures it believes are reasonably designed to address such conflicts.

Compensation. All of Fort Washington’s portfolio managers receive a fixed base salary and annual performance bonuses. Bonuses are based primarily on the overall performance of Fort Washington as well as the pre-tax performance (relative to peers and appropriate benchmarks) of their respective asset category over a one-year and a three-year time horizon. Secondarily, portfolio managers are also assessed on their ability to retain clients and attract new clients. Additionally, a long-term retention plan was instituted in 2000, whereby certain investment professionals are periodically granted participation units with a 7-year cliff vesting schedule. The structure includes long-term vesting provisions. The percentage of compensation allocated to performance bonuses, asset-increase incentives and long-term incentive compensation is determined annually by the firm’s president and approved by the Board of Directors.

Fort Washington’s parent company also provides all personnel a defined benefit retirement plan, which provides a lifetime annuity upon retirement that is based on a percentage of final average pay and years of service under the plan.

Associates are also eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. The 401(k) company match is 50% of the first 4% of earnings saved. In years where Western & Southern Financial Group exceeds its business goals, the company may increase its match to as much as 50% of the first 6% earnings saved.

THE ADMINISTRATOR

The Advisor entered into an Administration Agreement with the Trust, whereby the Advisor is responsible for: supplying executive and regulatory compliance services; supervising the preparation of tax returns; coordinating the preparation of reports to shareholders and reports to, and filings with, the SEC and state securities authorities, as well as materials for meetings of the Board of Trustees; calculating the daily NAV per share; and maintaining the financial books and records of each Fund.

The Advisor’s annual administrative fee is:

0.145% on the first $20 billion of the aggregate average daily net assets;

0.11% on the next $10 billion of aggregate average daily net assets;

0.09% on the next $10 billion of aggregate average daily net assets; and

0.07% on the aggregate average daily net assets over $40 billion.

The fee is computed and allocated among the Touchstone Fund Complex on the basis of relative daily net assets.

The Advisor has engaged The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY Mellon") as the sub-administrative agent, custodian and transfer agent to the Trust. BNY Mellon provides sub-administrative, accounting, and transfer agent services to the Trust and is compensated directly by the Advisor, not the Trust with respect to the sub-administration fees only. (See “Transfer and Sub-Administrative Agent” in this SAI). BNY Mellon's mailing address is 6023 Airport Road, Oriskany, New York 13424.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

Foreside Fund Services, LLC ("Foreside" or the "Distributor"), located at 3 Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101, serves as the distributor (“Distributor”) in connection with the continuous offering of the Funds' shares. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA). The Trust offers shares of the Funds for sale through the Distributor in Creation Units, as described in the "Purchases and Redemptions" section below. The Distributor will not sell or redeem shares in quantities less than Creation Units. The Distributor will deliver a prospectus to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of Creation Unit orders placed and confirmations furnished by it. Pursuant to a written agreement, the Advisor pays from its own resources the Distributor for distribution-related services.

DISTRIBUTION PLANS

Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule”) provides that an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its shares only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. The Trustees have adopted a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan (“Rule 12b-1 Plan”) pursuant to which a Fund may pay certain expenses incurred in the distribution of its shares. The Rule 12b-1 Plan is not operational. The Distributor, as the Funds' principal underwriter, and Touchstone Advisors may have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Rule 12b-1 Plan or any related agreement. Pursuant to the Rule 12b-1 Plan, a Fund may pay a fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. No Rule 12b-1 fee is currently being charged to the Funds and there are currently no plans to impose these fees.

The Rule 12b-1 Plan was approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Funds. In approving the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the Trustees determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Rule 12b-1 Plan will benefit the Funds and their shareholders. In the event that 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because the Fund pays these fees out of assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees may cost you more than other types of sales charges and will increase the cost of your investment in the Fund.

The Distributor or other third parties are authorized to engage in advertising, the preparation and distribution of sales literature and other promotional activities on behalf of the Funds. In addition, the Rule 12b-1 Plan authorizes payments by the Funds to the Distributor or other third parties for the cost related to selling or servicing efforts, preparing, printing and distributing Funds' prospectuses, statements of additional information, and shareholder reports to investors.

BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS

Decisions to buy and sell securities for the Funds and the placing of the Funds’ securities transactions and negotiation of commission rates where applicable are made by the Sub-Advisor and are subject to oversight by the Advisor and the Board. In the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, the Sub-Advisor’s primary objective will be to obtain the most favorable price and execution for a Fund, taking into account such factors as the overall direct net economic result to a Fund (including commissions, which may not be the lowest available but ordinarily should not be higher than the generally prevailing competitive range), the financial strength and stability of the broker, the efficiency with which the transaction will be effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved and the availability of the broker or dealer to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future.

The Sub-Advisor is specifically authorized, subject to certain limitations, to pay a trading commission to a broker who provides research services that is higher than the amount of trading commission another broker would have charged for the same transaction. This excess commission recognizes the additional research services rendered by the broker, but only if the Sub-Advisor determines in good faith that the excess commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the research services provided and that a Fund derives or will derive a reasonably significant benefit from such research services.

Research services include securities and economic analyses, reports on issuers’ financial conditions and future business prospects, newsletters and opinions relating to interest trends, general advice on the relative merits of possible investment securities for the Funds and statistical services and information with respect to the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities. Although this information is useful to the Funds and the Sub-Advisor, it is not possible to place a dollar value on it. Research services furnished by brokers through whom a Fund effects securities transactions may be used by the sub-advisor in servicing all of its accounts and not all such services may be used by the Sub-Advisor in connection with a Fund.

The Funds have no obligation to deal with any broker or dealer in the execution of securities transactions. However, the Funds may execute securities transactions on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market conducted on an agency basis. A Fund will not execute any brokerage transactions in its portfolio securities with an affiliated broker if such transactions would be unfair or unreasonable to its shareholders. Over-the-counter transactions will be placed either directly with principal market makers or with broker-dealers. Although the Funds do not anticipate any ongoing arrangements with other brokerage firms, brokerage business may be transacted with other firms. Affiliated broker-dealers of the Trust will not receive reciprocal brokerage business as a result of the brokerage business transacted by the Funds with other brokers. The Funds may direct transactions to certain brokers in order to reduce brokerage commissions through commission recapture programs offered by Frank Russell Securities, Inc. and Cowen and Company LLC.

In certain instances, there may be securities that are suitable for a Fund as well as for the Sub-Advisor’s other clients. The Sub-Advisor makes investment decisions for a Fund and for its other clients to achieve their respective investment objectives. The Sub-Advisor may buy or sell a particular security for one client even though it is buying, selling, or holding the same security for another client. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment advisor, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the Sub-Advisor will allocate the securities among clients in a fair and equitable manner. This system may detrimentally affect the price of a security purchased, sold, or held by the Fund, but this detrimental effect may be offset by a Fund’s ability to participate in volume transactions, which could lead to better executions for the Fund.

PROXY VOTING

Each Fund has adopted the policies and procedures of its sub-advisor for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund, including procedures used when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders and those of the Sub-Advisor or its affiliates. A copy or summary of the Sub-Advisor's proxy voting policies is included in Appendix B. Information about how the Funds voted proxies relating to their portfolio securities during the most recent year ending June 30 is available by August 31st of that year without charge, upon request by calling [ ], on the Touchstone website at TouchstoneInvestments.com and on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. Each Fund’s N-PX will be available by August 31, 2023 on the SEC’s website at sec.gov and on the Touchstone website at TouchstoneInvestments.com, as the Funds have not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

CODE OF ETHICS

The Trust has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics apply to the personal investing activities of Trustees, officers, and certain employees (“access persons”). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes of Ethics are designed to prevent

unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code of Ethics, access persons are permitted to invest in securities (including securities that may be purchased or held by a Fund), but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. In addition, certain access persons are required to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private placements. Copies of these Codes of Ethics will be filed with the SEC, and are available to the public.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

A Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. High turnover may result in a Fund recognizing greater amounts of income and capital gains, which would increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders and increase the amount of commissions paid by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of a Fund’s portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period. The rate of portfolio turnover will depend upon market and other conditions, and will not be a limiting factor when the sub-advisor believes that portfolio changes are appropriate. A Fund may engage in active trading to achieve its investment goals and, as a result, may have substantial portfolio turnover.

Each Fund will report its portfolio turnover rate following its fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

A Fund’s portfolio holdings are disclosed on the Funds' website at [web address to be updated by amendment] prior to market open each day the Funds are open for business. In addition, disclosure of a Fund’s complete holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter in the Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-PORT. These reports, once available, will be free of charge on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The portfolio composition file (“PCF”), which contains portfolio holdings information, is also made available daily, including to the Funds' service providers to facilitate the provision of services to the Funds and to certain other entities as necessary for transactions in Creation Units. Such entities include: (i) National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) members; (ii) subscribers to various fee-based services, including entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Funds in the secondary market; (iii) investors that have entered into an “Authorized Participant Agreement” with the Distributor and the transfer agent or purchase Creation Units through a dealer that has entered into such an agreement (“Authorized Participants”); and (iv) certain personnel of service providers that are involved in portfolio management and providing administrative, operational, or other support to portfolio management including personnel of the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, and the Funds' transfer agent, distributor, sub-administrator, custodian, [IOPV calculation agent] and fund accountant who are involved in functions which may require such information to conduct business in the ordinary course.

In addition, the Funds' Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) may grant exceptions to permit additional disclosure of the complete portfolio holdings information to rating agencies and to the parties noted above, provided that (1) a Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so; (2) it is in the best interests of shareholders; (3) the recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement; and (4) the recipient is subject to a duty not to trade on the non-public information. In this regard, from time to time, rating and ranking organizations such as Standard & Poor’s® and Morningstar®, Inc. may request such information. The CCO shall report any disclosures made pursuant to this exception to the Board.

Employees of the Advisor and the Funds’ Sub-Advisor that are access persons under the Funds’ Code of Ethics have access to Fund holdings on a regular basis, but are subject to confidentiality requirements and trading prohibitions in the Code of Ethics. In addition, custodians of the Funds’ assets and the Funds’ accounting services agent, each of whose agreements contains a confidentiality provision (which includes a duty not to trade on non-public information), have access to the current Fund holdings on a daily basis.

The CCO is authorized to determine whether disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio securities is for a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interests of a Fund and its shareholders. Any conflict between the interests of shareholders and the interests of the Advisor, or any affiliates, will be reported to the Board, which will make a determination that is in the best interests of shareholders.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

Because the Funds are ETFs, individual Fund shares may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker-dealer and may not be purchased or redeemed directly with the Funds. When buying on or through the Exchanges, the price of Fund shares is based on a market price, which may be more or less than a Fund’s NAV. The Funds only sell and redeem shares at NAV with Authorized Participants in Creation Units.

The NAV of each Fund is calculated by [6:00 p.m.] Eastern time and determined once daily as of the close of the regular trading session on the Exchanges (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that such Exchange is open. Creation/redemption order cut-off times for the US Large Cap Focused ETF and Dividend Select ETF are [3:59:59 p.m.] Eastern time and for the Ultra Short Income ETF and Strategic Income Opportunities ETF are [12:59:59 p.m.] Eastern time and may be earlier on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (or applicable exchange or market on which a Fund’s investments are traded) announces an early closing time. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at market rates on the date of valuation (generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) as quoted by one or more sources.

The securities of each Fund are valued under the direction of the Advisor and under the general oversight of the Trustees. The Advisor or its delegates may use independent pricing services to obtain valuations of securities. The pricing services rely primarily on prices of actual market transactions as well as on trade quotations obtained from third parties. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. If market prices are unavailable or believed to be unreliable, the sub-administrative agent will initiate a process by which the Trust’s Fair Value Committee will make a good faith determination as to the “fair value” of the security using procedures approved by the Trustees. The pricing services may use a matrix system to determine valuations of fixed-income securities when market prices are not readily available. This system considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and developments relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations. The procedures used by any such pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the general oversight of the Trustees. Some Funds may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. Under certain circumstances these investments may be valued under the Fund’s fair value policies and procedures, such as when U.S. exchanges are open but a foreign exchange is closed.

Securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less may be valued by the amortized cost method, which involves valuing a security at its cost on the date of purchase and thereafter (absent unusual circumstances) assuming a constant amortization of maturity of any discount or premium, provided such amount approximates market value.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING SHARES

Organization and Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of Funds and shares of each Fund. Each share of a Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in that Fund with each other share. Upon liquidation, shares are entitled to a pro rata share in the net assets of the Fund, after taking into account additional distribution and shareholder servicing expenses, if any. Shareholders have no preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees of the Trust may create additional series of shares or separate classes of funds. All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any series or separate class and all assets in which such consideration is invested would belong to that series or separate class and would be subject to the liabilities related thereto. Share certificates representing shares will not be issued.

The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a Delaware statutory trust. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust states that neither the Trust nor the Trustees, nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind personally any shareholder, nor, except as specifically provided therein, to demand payment from any shareholder for anything, other than as agreed by the shareholder.

The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his or her own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties as a Trustee and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the selection of officers, agents, employees or investment advisors, shall not be liable for any neglect or wrongdoing of any such person. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.

Each whole share shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote. Shares issued by each Fund have no preemptive, conversion, or subscription rights. Voting rights are not cumulative. Each Fund, as a separate series of the Trust, votes separately on matters affecting only that Fund. As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders, but approval will be sought for certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election of Trustees under certain circumstances.

In addition, a Trustee may be removed with or without cause at any time by a written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the other Trustees, specifying the effective date of removal or at any meeting shareholders by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Outstanding Shares.

Derivative Claims of Shareholders. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust contains provisions regarding derivative claims of shareholders. Derivative actions will be processed in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Act (or successor provision(s)) and such other provisions as required under Delaware law.

Forum for Adjudication of Disputes. The Declaration of Trust provides that, in accordance with Section 3804(e) of the Delaware Act (or any successor provision), any suit, action or proceeding brought by or on behalf of any Shareholder or any person claiming any interest in any Shares against the Trust, any Series or Class, or the Trustees or officers of the Trust, shall be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware to the extent there is subject matter jurisdiction in such court for the claims asserted or, if not, then in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware. Accordingly, all Shareholders and other persons hereby: irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of such courts (and the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding; irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that they may make now or hereafter to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in such court; irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that they may make now or hereafter that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Book Entry Only System. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depository for the Funds' shares. Shares of a Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of the DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC.

DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (“DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities’ certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the Exchanges, and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).

Beneficial ownership of shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and persons holding interests through DTC

Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as “Beneficial Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by the DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares. The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability of certain investors to acquire beneficial interests in shares.

Conveyance of all notices, statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and the DTC, the DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the shares of the Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall inquire of each

such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant.

The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other communication, in such form,

number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Share distributions shall be made to the DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares. The DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants’ accounts with payments in amounts

proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in shares of the Fund as shown on the records of the DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants. The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such shares, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between the DTC and DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.

The DTC may decide to discontinue providing its service with respect to shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action to find a replacement for the DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITY HOLDERS

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

Authorized Participants beneficially owning more than 25% of the outstanding shares of a Fund are presumed to “control” the Fund. As a result, those persons or organizations could have the ability to influence an action taken by a Fund if such action requires a shareholder vote.

From time to time, Authorized Participants may be a beneficial and/or legal owner of a Fund, may be affiliated with an index provider, may be deemed to have control of a Fund and/or may be able to affect the outcome of matters presented for a vote of the shareholders of a Fund. Authorized Participants may execute an irrevocable proxy granting the Distributor or another affiliate of [____] power to vote or abstain from voting such Authorized Participant’s beneficially or legally owned Shares. In such cases, the [____] shall mirror vote (or abstain from voting) such shares in the same proportion as all other beneficial owners of a Fund.

PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS

The Trust issues and redeems shares of the Funds on any Business Day (as defined below) only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load but subject to the transaction fees described below, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form. The number of shares of a Fund that constitute a Creation Unit is as follows: 25,000 for the Dividend Select ETF, Strategic Income Opportunities ETF and US Large Cap Focused ETF and 50,000 for the Ultra Short Duration ETF. The Creation Unit size of a Fund may change, and an Authorized Participant will be notified of such change.

The Funds are open on every “Business Day,” which is any day a Fund's respective Exchange (either NYSE Arca or Cboe BZX) is open. NYSE Arca and Cboe BZX are generally open for trading Monday through Friday and are generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On days when the applicable Exchange or the bond markets close earlier than normal, the Funds may require orders to create or redeem Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day.

See “Purchase of Creation Units” and “Redemption of Creation Units” below for more information about transacting in the shares of the Funds. The Board reserves the right to declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding of each Fund, and may make a corresponding change in the number of shares constituting a Creation Unit, in the event that the per shares price in the secondary market rises (or declines) to an amount that falls outside the range deemed desirable by the Advisor or the Board or for any other reason.

Purchase of Creation Units

Creation Units may be purchased and redeemed only by or through a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC, which has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with the Distributor that allows such member or participant to place orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units (an “Authorized Participant”). Such Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of such Authorized Participant Agreement and on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions. Investors who are not Authorized Participants must make appropriate arrangements with an Authorized Participant to purchase or redeem Creation Units. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not be an Authorized Participant and that Creation Unit orders may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant, which may result in additional charges to such investor. A list of current Authorized Participants may be obtained from the Distributor.

Investors who are not Authorized Participants may purchase and sell shares of the Funds in any amount on the secondary market.

Because the portfolio securities of the Funds may trade on days that the Exchanges are closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Fund, investors may not be able to purchase or redeem Creation Units of a Fund, or buy or sell shares of the Funds on days when the NAV of a Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant non-U.S. markets.

The consideration for the purchase of Creation Units of the Funds consists of an in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the "Deposit Securities") (or cash for all or any portion of such Deposit Securities (“Deposit Cash”)) and the Cash Component, which is an amount equal to the difference between the aggregate NAV of a Creation Unit and the Deposit Securities. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component or the Deposit Cash and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit.”

The Custodian or the Administrator expects to make available through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) on each Business Day, prior to the opening of regular trading on the Exchanges, the list of names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security and the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the estimated amount of the Cash Component to be included in the current Fund Deposit for that Business Day. The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities may change pursuant to, among other matters, changes in the composition of a Fund’s portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time and when Custom Baskets (defined below) are used. Cash purchases of Creation Units will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases. The Authorized Participant will pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities as Deposit Cash plus or minus the same Cash Component. The means by which the Deposit Securities and Cash Component are to be delivered by the Authorized Participant to the Funds are set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement, except to the extent the Distributor and the Authorized Participant otherwise agree. Fund shares will be settled through the DTC system.

The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Cash to replace any Deposit Security, which shall be added to the Cash Component, including, without limitation, situations where the Deposit Security: (i) may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, (ii) may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC for corporate securities and municipal securities; (iii) may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as discussed below) or the investor for which it is acting; (iv) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, or (v) in certain other situations (collectively, “non-standard orders”). The Trust also reserves the right to: permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to the Advisor on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of a Fund Deposit, resulting from certain corporate actions.

To the extent that the Advisor, on behalf of a Fund, may need to convert subscriptions that are made in whole or in part in cash into a foreign currency prior to purchasing investments denominated in foreign currencies at the applicable exchange rate and subject to the applicable spread, Creation Unit purchasers bear the risk associated with changes in the currency exchange rate and security value between the time they place their order and the time that a Fund converts any cash received into foreign investments.

Placement of Purchase Orders

To initiate an order for a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit to the Distributor an irrevocable order in proper

form to purchase shares of a Fund on a Business Day generally before the time as of which that day’s NAV is calculated. For a purchase order to be processed based on the NAV calculated on a particular Business Day, the purchase order must be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust prior to the time as of which the applicable NAV is calculated and the order window, as established for the Fund, is closed (“Cutoff Time”). Investors who are not Authorized Participants and seek to place a

purchase order for a Creation Unit through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the Distributor by the Cutoff Time on such Business Day. Custom Baskets must be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust at least three hours prior to Cutoff Time.

The Authorized Participant Agreement sets forth the different methods whereby Authorized Participants can submit purchase orders. A purchase order is considered to be in “proper form” if a request in a form satisfactory to the Funds is (1) received by the Distributor from an Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another person before the Cutoff Time, and (2) all the procedures and other requirements applicable to the method used by the Authorized Participant to submit the purchase order, such as, in the case of purchase orders submitted through the applicable order portal, the completion of all required fields, and otherwise set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement are properly followed.

Creation Unit orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant through the applicable order portal, by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede transmissions between the Distributor and an Authorized Participant. Orders to create shares of a Fund that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) when the securities markets in a foreign market in which a Fund may invest are closed may not be accepted or may be charged the maximum transaction fee. A purchase order, if accepted by the respective Fund, will be processed based on the NAV as of the next Cutoff Time.

Acceptance of Orders for and Issuance of Creation Units

All questions as to whether an order has been submitted in proper form and the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by each Fund and the Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.

The Funds reserve the right to reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order for any reason, provided that such action does not result in a suspension of sales of Creation Units in contravention of Rule 6c-11 and the SEC’s positions thereunder. For example, a Fund may reject or revoke acceptance of a creation order, including, but not limited to, when (i) the order is not in proper form; (ii) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of a Fund; (iii) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the identity and number of shares specified; (iv) acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (v) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; (vi) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Authorized Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; or (vii) circumstances outside the control of the Funds, the Distributor and Touchstone Advisors make it impracticable to process purchase orders. The Distributor shall notify a prospective purchaser of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such purchaser of the rejection or revocation of acceptance of such order. The Funds, the Custodian, any subcustodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

Except as provided in the following paragraph, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the transfer of good title to a Fund of the Deposit Securities and the payment of the Cash Component, Deposit Cash and creation transaction fees have been completed. In this regard, the Custodian will require, prior to the issuance of a Creation Unit, that any sub-custodian confirm to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities have been delivered to the account of a Fund at the sub-custodian(s). If a Fund does not receive the foregoing by the time specified the Creation Unit may not be delivered or the purchase order may ultimately be rejected.

The Funds may issue Creation Units to an Authorized Participant, notwithstanding the fact that all Deposit Securities have not been received, in reliance on the undertaking of the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such Authorized Participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral having a value of up to 105% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities. The only collateral that is acceptable is cash in U.S. dollars. Such cash collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time on the contractual settlement date of the Creation Unit(s). The Funds may buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time, and the Authorized Participant will be liable for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such securities and the cash collateral. In addition, the cash collateral may be invested at the risk of the Authorized Participant, and any income on invested cash collateral will be paid to that Authorized Participant.

In certain cases, an Authorized Participant may create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Funds reserve the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the Authorized Participant that the creation and redemption transactions are for separate Beneficial Owners.

Once a Fund has accepted a purchase order, upon the next determination of the NAV of the shares, the Fund may confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The [Fund] will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order. Creation Units typically are settled on a “T+2 basis” (i.e., two Business Days after trade date), subject to certain exceptions. However, the Funds reserve the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2, including in order to accommodate non-U.S. market holiday schedules, closures and settlement cycles, and to account for different treatment among non-U.S. and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates.

Creation Transaction Fees

A standard creation transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed to offset transfer and other costs associated with the issuance of Creation Units, as applicable. The Funds may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. The standard creation transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant creates a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by the Authorized Participant on the applicable Business Day.

The Authorized Participant may also be required to pay a variable transaction fee (up to the maximum amount shown in the table below) to cover certain non-standard orders, whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions, brokerage, tax, foreign exchange, execution, market impact and other costs and expenses. Authorized Participants will also bear the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities, including any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses. With respect to creation orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the respective Fund and with respect to redemption orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the Redemption Securities from the respective Fund to their account or on their order. Investors who use the services of a broker or other financial intermediary may be charged a fee for such services.

The standard creation transaction fee and maximum variable transaction fee for a Creation Unit of each Fund are set forth below:


Standard Transaction Fee						Maximum Variable Transaction Fee*
[$500]						[__%]

* As a percentage of the Creation Unit(s) purchased.

The Advisor may adjust the transactions fees from time to time based on actual experience.

Redemptions of Creation Units

The consideration paid by the Funds for the redemption of Creation Units consists of an in-kind basket of a designated portfolio of securities (the "Fund Securities") (or cash for all or any portion of such Fund Securities (“Redemption Cash”)) and the Cash Component, which is an amount equal to the difference between the aggregate NAV of a Creation Unit and the Fund Securities. Together, the Fund Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Redemption.” Redemptions of shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and the Funds (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserve the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that a Fund cannot lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or cannot do so without first registering the Fund Security under such laws.

The composition of the Fund Securities may not be the same as the Deposit Securities. In addition, the identity and number of shares of the Fund Securities may change pursuant to, among other matters, changes in the composition of a Fund’s portfolio and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time and when Custom Baskets (defined below) are used. Cash redemptions of Creation Units will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. The Authorized Participant will receive the cash equivalent of the Fund Securities as Redemption Cash plus or minus the same Cash Component.

The means by which the Fund Securities and Cash Component are to be delivered to the Authorized Participant by the Funds are set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement, except to the extent the Distributor and the Authorized Participant otherwise agree. The delivery of Fund Shares will be settled through the DTC system.

To the extent that the Advisor or a Sub-Advisor, on behalf of the Funds, may need to sell investments denominated in foreign currencies prior to converting such proceeds into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rate and subject to the applicable spread for redemptions that are made in whole or in part for cash, those redeeming Creation Units will bear the risk associated with changes in the currency exchange rate and securities value between the time they place their redemption order and the time that a Fund converts any foreign currency-denominated investments into U.S. dollars.

Placement of Redemption Orders

To initiate a redemption order for a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit to the Distributor an irrevocable order in proper form to redeem shares of a Fund on a Business Day generally before the time as of which that day’s NAV is calculated. For a redemption order to be processed based on the NAV calculated on a particular Business Day, the order must be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust prior to the Cutoff Time. Investors who are not Authorized Participants and seek to place a redemption order for a Creation Unit through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the redemption order to the Distributor by the Cutoff Time on such Business Day. Custom Baskets must be received in proper form and accepted by the Trust at least three hours prior to Cutoff Time.

The Authorized Participant Agreement sets forth the different methods whereby Authorized Participants can submit redemption orders. A redemption request is considered to be in “proper form” if a request in a form satisfactory to the Fund is (1) received by the Distributor from an Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another person within the time period set above, and (2) all the procedures and other requirements applicable to the method used by the Authorized Participant to submit the redemption order, such as, in the case of redemption orders submitted through the applicable order portal, the completion of all required fields, and otherwise set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement are properly followed.

Creation Unit orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant through the applicable order portal, by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure, may impede transmissions between the Distributor and an Authorized Participant. Orders to redeem shares of a Fund that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) when the securities markets in a foreign market in which the Funds may invest are closed may be charged the maximum transaction fee. A redemption request, if accepted by the Trust, will be processed based on the NAV as of the next Cutoff Time.

Acceptance of Orders for and Redemption of Creation Units

All questions as to whether an order has been submitted in proper form and the requisite number of Fund Shares and transaction fees have been delivered shall be determined by the Funds and a Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.

The Funds reserve the absolute right to reject a redemption order if the order is not in proper form. In addition, the right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to a Fund (i) for any period during which the NYSE Arca or Cboe BZX is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE Arca or Cboe BZX is suspended or restricted, (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares of a Fund’s portfolio securities or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC. The Funds or Distributor will normally notify the Authorized Participant of such rejection, but neither shall be liable for any failure to give such notification.

Except as provided in the following paragraph, the payment by the Funds of the Fund Securities, including Redemption Cash, and Cash Component will not be issued until the transfer of the Creation Unit(s) and the applicable redemption transaction fees have been completed. If the Transfer Agent does not receive the redeeming investor’s shares through DTC’s facilities and the applicable redemption transaction fees by the required time, the redemption request may be rejected. Further, a redeeming Beneficial Owner or Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such Beneficial Owner must maintain appropriate security arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction where Fund Securities are customarily traded and will be delivered. If neither the redeeming Beneficial Owner nor the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such redeeming Beneficial Owner has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of Fund Securities in the applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction, and it is not possible to make such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of Fund Securities in such jurisdiction, the Trust in its sole discretion may determine to redeem Shares in Redemption Cash, and the redeeming Beneficial Owner will be required to receive its redemption proceeds as Redemption Cash.

To the extent contemplated by the Authorized Participant Agreement, in the event the Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the Creation Unit to be redeemed to the Funds' Transfer Agent, the Transfer Agent will nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible. Such undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant’s

delivery and maintenance of collateral consisting of cash having a value (marked to market daily) of up to 105%, which the Trust may change from time to time, of the value of the missing shares. The current procedures for collateralization of missing shares require, among other things, that any cash collateral shall be in the form of U.S. dollars in immediately available funds and shall be held by the Custodian and marked to market daily, and that the fees of the Custodian and any sub-custodians in respect of the delivery, maintenance and redelivery of the cash collateral shall be payable by the Authorized Participant. The Authorized Participant Agreement will permit the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, to purchase the missing shares and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Trust of purchasing such shares and the value of the collateral.

Once a Fund has accepted a redemption order, upon the next determination of the NAV of the shares, the Fund may confirm the redemption of a Creation Unit, against receipt of Shares, at such NAV. The [Fund] will then transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order. Deliveries of redemption proceeds by a Fund typically are settled on a “T+2”basis” (i.e., two Business Days after trade date), but may be made up to seven days later, particularly in stressed market conditions. Further, the Funds reserve the right to settle redemption transactions on another basis to accommodate non-U.S. market holiday schedules (see below for further information), closures and settlement cycles, to account for different treatment among non-U.S. and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and dividend ex-dates (i.e., the last date the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security sold), and in certain other circumstances.

In certain cases, an Authorized Participant may create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis or require a representation from the Authorized Participant that the creation and redemption transactions are for separate Beneficial Owners.

Redemption Transaction Fees

A standard redemption transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed to offset transfer and other costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units, as applicable. The Funds may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. The standard redemption transaction fee is charged to the Authorized Participant on the day such Authorized Participant redeems a Creation Unit, and is the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by an Authorized Participant on the applicable Business Day.

The standard redemption transaction fee and maximum variable transaction fee for a Creation Unit are set forth below:


Standard Transaction Fee						Maximum Variable Transaction Fee*
[$500]						2%

* As a percentage of the Creation Unit(s) redeemed.

The Advisor or Sub-Advisor may adjust the transactions fees from time to time based on actual experience.

Custom Baskets

The baskets of securities comprising a Fund Deposit and a Fund Redemption may be representative of a Fund’s portfolio holdings, or a Fund may utilize Custom Baskets provided that certain conditions are met.

A “Custom Basket” is (i) a basket that is composed of a non-representative selection of a Fund’s portfolio holdings, or (ii) a representative basket that is different from the initial basket used in transactions on the same business day, and (iii) a basket that contains bespoke cash and/or security substitutions, including for a single Authorized Participant. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the construction and acceptance of baskets, including heightened requirements for Custom Baskets. Such policies and procedures provide detailed parameters for the construction and acceptance of Custom Baskets that are deemed to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, establish processes for revisions to, or deviations from, such parameters, and specify the titles and roles of the employees of the Advisor who are required to review each Custom Basket for compliance with those parameters.

In connection with the construction and acceptance of Custom Baskets, the Advisor may consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (1) whether the securities, assets and other positions comprising a basket are consistent with a Fund’s investment objective, policies and disclosure; (2) whether the securities, assets and other positions can legally and readily be acquired, transferred and held by the Fund and/or Authorized Participant(s), as applicable; (3) whether to utilize cash, either in lieu of securities or other instruments or as a cash balancing amount; and (4) whether the use of Custom Baskets may reduce costs, increase (tax) efficiency and improve trading. Although the policies and procedures are designed to mitigate against potential overreaching by an Authorized Participant, there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be effective.

DISTRIBUTIONS

A Fund’s dividends and other distributions are taxable to shareholders (other than retirement plans and other tax-exempt investors). Dividend payments are made through DTC participants and Indirect Participants to beneficial owners then of record with proceeds received from the Fund. No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Trust. Financial intermediaries may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of Fund shares for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their financial intermediary to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Financial intermediaries may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and net capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

Please see “ Federal Income Taxes” below for more information on the federal income tax consequences of dividends and other distributions made by the Funds.

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Funds and their shareholders. This discussion is for general information only and does not purport to consider all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that might be relevant to beneficial owners of shares of the Funds. Therefore, the summary discussion that follows may not be considered to be individual tax advice and may not be relied upon by any shareholder. The summary is based upon current provisions of the Code, applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations (the “Regulations”), and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to change, which change could be retroactive, and may affect the conclusions expressed herein. The summary applies only to beneficial owners of a Fund’s shares in whose hands such shares are capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, and may not apply to certain types of beneficial owners of a Fund’s shares, including, but not limited to insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, shareholders holding a Fund’s shares through tax-advantaged accounts (such as an individual retirement account (an “IRA”), a 401(k) plan account, or other qualified retirement account), financial institutions, pass-through entities, broker-dealers, entities that are not organized under the laws of the United States or a political subdivision thereof, persons who are neither a citizen nor resident of the United States, shareholders holding a Fund’s shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, and shareholders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax. Persons who may be subject to tax in more than one country should consult the provisions of any applicable tax treaty to determine the potential tax consequences to them.

No Fund has requested nor will any Fund request an advance ruling from the IRS as to the federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the following discussion applicable to shareholders of a Fund addresses only some of the federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in such Fund.

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of the ownership, purchase and disposition of an investment in a Fund including, but not limited to, the applicability of state, local, foreign and other tax laws affecting the particular shareholder and to possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.

General. For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is treated as a separate corporation. Each Fund has elected, and intends to continue to qualify for, taxation as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Code. By qualifying as a RIC, a Fund (but not the shareholders) will not be subject to federal income tax on that portion of its investment company taxable income and realized net capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders.

Shareholders should be aware that investments made by a Fund, some of which are described below, may involve complex tax rules some of which may result in income or gain recognition by the Fund without the concurrent receipt of cash. Although each Fund seeks to avoid significant noncash income, such noncash income could be recognized by a Fund, in which case it

may distribute cash derived from other sources in order to meet the minimum distribution requirements described below. Cash to make the required minimum distributions may be obtained from sales proceeds of securities held by a Fund (even if such sales are not advantageous) or, if permitted by its governing documents and other regulatory restrictions, through borrowing the amounts required to be distributed.

Qualification As A Regulated Investment Company. Qualification as a RIC under the Code requires, among other things, that each Fund: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and (ii) net income from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (together with (i), the “Qualifying Income Requirement”); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year: (i) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is comprised of cash, cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with those other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of its total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or the securities (other than the securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers controlled by it and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (together with (i) the “Diversification Requirement”); and (c) distribute for each taxable year at least the sum of (i) 90% of its investment company taxable income (which includes dividends, taxable interest, taxable original issue discount income, market discount income, income from securities lending, net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss, certain net realized foreign currency exchange gains, and any other taxable income other than “net capital gain” as defined below and is reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid; and (ii) 90% of its tax-exempt interest, if any, net of certain expenses allocable thereto (“net tax-exempt interest”).

Each Fund may use “equalization payments” in determining the portion of its net investment income and net realized capital gains that have been distributed. A Fund that elects to use equalization payments will allocate a portion of its investment income and capital gains to the amounts paid in redemption of Fund shares, and such income and gains will be deemed to have been distributed by the Fund for purposes of the distribution requirements described above. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of income and gains that the Fund is required to distribute to shareholders in order for the fund to avoid federal income tax and excise tax and also may defer the recognition of taxable income by shareholders. This process does not affect the tax treatment of redeeming shareholders and, since the amount of any undistributed income and/or gains will be reflected in the value of the Fund’s shares, the total return on a shareholder’s investment will not be reduced as a result of the Fund’s distribution policy. The IRS has not published any guidance concerning the methods to be used in allocating investment income and capital gain to redemptions of shares. In the event that the IRS determines that a Fund is using an improper method of allocation and has under-distributed its net investment income or net realized capital gains for any taxable year, such Fund may be liable for additional federal income or excise tax or may jeopardize its treatment as a RIC.

The U.S. Treasury Department is authorized to promulgate regulations under which gains from foreign currencies (and options, futures, and forward contracts on foreign currency) would constitute qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Requirement only if such gains are directly related to the principal business of a Fund of investing in stock or securities or options and futures with respect to stock or securities. To date, the U.S. Treasury Department has not issued such regulations.

As a RIC, a Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders in any taxable year for which it distributes, in compliance with the Code’s timing and other requirements at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest. Each Fund may retain for investment all or a portion of its net capital gain (i.e., the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss). If a Fund retains any investment company taxable income or net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If a Fund retains any net capital gain, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who will be (i) required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount; and (ii) entitled to credit their proportionate shares of tax paid by such Fund against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of the shares owned by a shareholder of a Fund will be increased by the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and decreased by the federal income tax paid by such Fund on that amount of capital gain.

The Qualifying Income Requirement and Diversification Requirement that must be met under the Code in order for a Fund to qualify as a RIC, as described above, may limit the extent to which it will be able to engage in derivative transactions. Rules

governing the federal income tax aspects of derivatives, including swap agreements, are not entirely clear in certain respects, particularly in light of two IRS revenue rulings issued in 2006. Revenue Ruling 2006-1 held that income from a derivative contract with respect to a commodity index is not qualifying income for a RIC. Subsequently, the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2006-31 in which it stated that the holding in Revenue Ruling 2006-1 “was not intended to preclude a conclusion that the income from certain instruments (such as certain structured notes) that create a commodity exposure for the holder is qualifying income.” Accordingly, the Qualifying Income Requirement may limit each Fund’s ability to invest in commodity-related derivative transactions and other derivative transactions. Each Fund will account for any investments in commodity derivative transactions in a manner it deems to be appropriate; the IRS, however, might not accept such treatment. If the IRS did not accept such treatment, the status of such Fund as a RIC might be jeopardized.

In general, for purposes of the Qualifying Income Requirement described above, income derived from a partnership is treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the RIC. However, all of the net income of a RIC derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (defined as a partnership (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that meets certain qualifying income requirements but derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in clause (i) of the Qualifying Income Requirement described above) will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes if they meet the passive income requirement under Section 7704(c)(2) of the Code. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

For purposes of the Diversification Requirement described above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

If a Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income Requirement or the Diversification Requirement in any taxable year, such Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures to satisfy the Diversification Requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. If the applicable relief provisions are not available or cannot be met, such Fund will fail to qualify as a RIC and will be subject to federal income tax in the same manner as an ordinary corporation at a tax rate of 21% and all distributions from earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) to its shareholders will be taxable as ordinary dividend income eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders and for qualified dividend income treatment for non-corporate shareholders.

Excise Tax. If a Fund fails to distribute by December 31 of each calendar year an amount equal to the sum of (1) at least 98% of its taxable ordinary income (excluding capital gains and losses) for such year, (2) at least 98.2% of the excess of its capital gains over its capital losses (as adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the twelve month period ending on October 31 of such year, and (3) all taxable ordinary income and the excess of capital gains over capital losses for the prior year that were not distributed during such year and on which it did not pay federal income tax, such Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax (the “Excise Tax”) on the undistributed amounts. A distribution will be treated as paid on December 31 of the calendar year if it is declared by a Fund in October, November, or December of that year to shareholders of record on a date in such month and paid by it during January of the following year. Such distributions will be taxable to shareholders (other than those not subject to federal income tax) in the calendar year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions are received. Each Fund generally intends to actually distribute or be deemed to have distributed substantially all of its net income and gain, if any, by the end of each calendar year in compliance with these requirements so that it will generally not be required to pay the Excise Tax. A Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate its investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid the Excise Tax liability at a time when its Advisor might not otherwise have chosen to do so. Liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of a Fund to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a RIC. However, no assurances can be given that a Fund will not be subject to the Excise Tax and, in fact, in certain instances if warranted, a Fund may choose to pay the Excise Tax as opposed to making an additional distribution.

Capital Loss Carryforwards. For capital losses realized with respect to a tax year of a Fund that exceeds the Fund's capital gains for such years, the Fund may carry such excess capital losses forward indefinitely. The excess of a Fund’s net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gain is treated as short-term capital losses arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year and the excess of a Fund’s net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gain is treated as long-term capital losses arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. If carried forward capital losses offset future capital gains, such future capital gains are not subject to Fund-level federal income taxation, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. A Fund cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses.

Original Issue Discount And Market Discount. A Fund may acquire debt securities that are treated as having original issue discount ("OID") (generally a debt obligation with a purchase price less than its principal amount, such as a zero coupon bond). Generally, a Fund will be required to include the OID in income over the term of the debt security, even though it will not receive cash payments for such OID until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having OID which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income. Inflation-protected bonds generally can be expected to produce OID income as their principal amounts are adjusted upward for inflation. The IRS may treat a portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities as a dividend for federal income tax purposes.

A debt security acquired in the secondary market by a Fund may be treated as having market discount if acquired at a price below redemption value or adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount. The Fund’s market discount accrues ratably, on a daily basis, over the period from the date of acquisition to the date of maturity even though the Fund will not receive cash. Absent an election by a Fund to include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on its disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount.

In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though a Fund holding such securities receives no interest payments in cash on such securities during the year.

Each Fund generally will be required to make distributions to shareholders representing the income accruing on the securities, described above, that is currently includable in income, even though cash representing such income may not have been received by such Fund. Cash to pay these distributions may be obtained from sales proceeds of securities held by a Fund (even if such sales are not advantageous) or, if permitted by such Fund’s governing documents, through borrowing the amounts required to be distributed. In the event a Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would have in the absence of such transactions.

Options, Futures, And Forward Contracts. The writing (selling) and purchasing of options and futures contracts and entering into forward currency contracts, involves complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses a Fund realizes in connection with such transactions.

Gains and losses on the sale, lapse, or other termination of options and futures contracts, options thereon and certain forward contracts (except certain foreign currency options, forward contracts and futures contracts) will generally be treated as capital gains and losses. Some regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency contracts, and certain non-equity options (such as certain listed options or options on broad based securities indexes) held by a Fund (“Section 1256 contracts”), other than contracts on which it has made a “mixed-straddle election”, will be required to be “marked-to-market” for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having been sold at their market value on the last day of such Fund’s taxable year. These provisions may require a Fund to recognize income or gains without a concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss recognized on actual or deemed sales of Section 1256 contracts will be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss as described below. Transactions that qualify as designated hedges are exempt from the mark-to-market rule, but may require a Fund to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts, foreign currency contracts and certain options to the extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by it.

The tax provisions described above applicable to options, futures and forward contracts may affect the amount, timing, and character of a Fund’s distributions to its shareholders. For example, the Section 1256 rules described above may operate to increase the amount a Fund must distribute to satisfy the minimum distribution requirement for the portion treated as short-term capital gain which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income, and to increase the net capital gain it recognizes, without, in either case, increasing the cash available to it. A Fund may elect to exclude certain transactions from the operation of Section 1256, although doing so may have the effect of increasing the relative proportion of net short-term capital gain (taxable as ordinary income) and thus increasing the amount of dividends it must distribute. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax.

When a covered call or put option written (sold) by a Fund expires such Fund will realize a short-term capital gain equal to the amount of the premium it received for writing the option. When a Fund terminates its obligations under such an option by entering into a closing transaction, it will realize a short-term capital gain (or loss), depending on whether the cost of the closing transaction is less than (or exceeds) the premium received when it wrote the option. When a covered call option written by a Fund is exercised, such Fund will be treated as having sold the underlying security, producing long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending upon the holding period of the underlying security and whether the sum of the option price received upon the exercise plus the premium received when it wrote the option is more or less than the basis of the underlying security.

Straddles. Section 1092 deals with the taxation of straddles which also may affect the taxation of options in which a Fund may invest. Offsetting positions held by a Fund involving certain derivative instruments, such as options, futures and forward currency contracts, may be considered, for federal income tax purposes, to constitute “straddles.” Straddles are defined to include offsetting positions in actively traded personal property. In certain circumstances, the rules governing straddles override or modify the provisions of Section 1256, described above. If a Fund is treated as entering into a straddle and at least one (but not all) of its positions in derivative contracts comprising a part of such straddle is governed by Section 1256, then such straddle could be characterized as a “mixed straddle.” A Fund may make one or more elections with respect to mixed straddles. Depending on which election is made, if any, the results with respect to a Fund may differ. Generally, to the extent the straddle rules apply to positions established by a Fund, losses realized by it may be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in any offsetting positions. Moreover, as a result of the straddle rules, short-term capital loss on straddle positions may be characterized as long-term capital loss, and long-term capital gain may be characterized as short-term capital gain. In addition, the existence of a straddle may affect the holding period of the offsetting positions and cause such sales to be subject to the “wash sale” and “short sale” rules. As a result, the straddle rules could cause distributions that would otherwise constitute “qualified dividend income” to fail to satisfy the applicable holding period requirements, described below, and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income. Further, a Fund may be required to capitalize, rather than deduct currently, any interest expense and carrying charges applicable to a position that is part of a straddle. Because the application of the straddle rules may affect the character and timing of gains and losses from affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to the situation where a Fund had not engaged in such transactions.

In circumstances where a Fund has invested in certain pass-through entities, the amount of long-term capital gain that it may recognize from certain derivative transactions with respect to interests in such pass-through entities is limited under the Code’s constructive ownership rules. The amount of long-term capital gain is limited to the amount of such gain a Fund would have had if it directly invested in the pass-through entity during the term of the derivative contract. Any gain in excess of this amount is treated as ordinary income. An interest charge is imposed on the amount of gain that is treated as ordinary income.

Swaps And Derivatives. As a result of entering into swap or derivative agreements, a Fund may make or receive periodic net payments. A Fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap or derivative is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or derivative or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap or derivative will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund has been a party to a swap or derivative for more than one year). With respect to certain types of swaps or derivatives, a Fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or derivatives or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps or derivatives to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss.

Rules governing the tax aspects of swap or derivative agreements are not entirely clear in certain respects, in particular whether income generated is Qualifying Income. Accordingly, while each Fund intends to account for such transactions in a manner it deems appropriate, the IRS might not accept such treatment. If the IRS did not accept such treatment, the status of the Fund as a RIC might be adversely affected. The Funds intend to monitor developments in this area. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for each Fund to qualify as a RIC may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in swap agreements and certain derivatives.

Constructive Sales. Certain rules may affect the timing and character of gain if a Fund engages in transactions that reduce or eliminate its risk of loss with respect to appreciated financial positions. If a Fund enters into certain transactions (including a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract, a futures or forward contract, or other transactions identified in U.S. Treasury regulations) in property while holding an appreciated financial position in substantially identical property, it will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the appreciated financial position and will be taxed on any gain (but not loss) from the constructive sale. The character of gain from a constructive sale will depend upon a Fund’s holding period in the appreciated financial position. Loss from a constructive sale would be recognized when the position was subsequently disposed of, and its character would depend on a Fund’s holding period and the application of various loss deferral provisions of the Code.

In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself a short sale, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially identical property by a Fund will be deemed a constructive sale. The foregoing will not apply, however, to a Fund’s transaction during any taxable year that otherwise would be treated as a constructive sale if the transaction is closed within 30 days after the end of that year and such Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged for 60 days after that closing (i.e., at no time during that 60-day period is such Fund’s risk of loss regarding the position reduced by reason of certain specified transactions

with respect to substantially identical or related property, such as having an option to sell, being contractually obligated to sell, making a short sale or granting an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities).

Wash Sales. A Fund may in certain circumstances be impacted by special rules relating to “wash sales.” In general, the wash sale rules prevent the recognition of a loss by a Fund from the disposition of stock or securities at a loss in a case in which identical or substantially identical stock or securities (or an option to acquire such property) is or has been acquired by it within 30 days before or 30 days after the sale.

Short Sales. A Fund may make short sales of securities. Short sales may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to its shareholders. Short sales also may be subject to the “Constructive Sales” rules, discussed above.

Tax Credit Bonds. If a Fund holds (directly or indirectly) one or more “tax credit bonds” (defined below) on one or more specified dates during a Fund’s taxable year, and it satisfies the minimum distribution requirement, it may elect for U.S. federal income tax purposes to pass through to shareholders tax credits otherwise allowable to it for that year with respect to such tax credit bonds. A tax credit bond is defined in the Code as a “qualified tax credit bond” (which includes a qualified forestry conservation bond, a new clean renewable energy bond, a qualified energy conservation bond, or a qualified zone academy bond, each of which must meet certain requirements specified in the Code), a “build America bond” (which includes certain qualified bonds issued before January 1, 2011) or certain other bonds specified in the Code. New tax credit bonds may not be issued after December 31, 2017. If a Fund were to make an election, a shareholder of such Fund would be required to include in gross income an amount equal to such shareholder’s proportionate share of the interest income attributable to such credits and would be entitled to claim as a tax credit an amount equal to a proportionate share of such credits. Certain limitations may apply on the extent to which the credit may be claimed.

Other Regulated Investment Companies. Generally, the character of the income or capital gains that a Fund receives from another investment company will pass through to the Fund’s shareholders as long as the Fund and the other investment company each qualify as RICs under the Code. However, to the extent that another investment company that qualifies as a RIC realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, a Fund will not be able to recognize its share of those losses until it disposes of shares of such investment company. Moreover, even when a Fund does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss. As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gains that a Fund will be required to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests, rather than investing in shares of the investment companies. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from a Fund (e.g., long-term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies. A Fund may invest in a non-U.S. corporation, which could be treated as a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) or become a PFIC under the Code. A PFIC is generally defined as a foreign corporation that meets either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income for its taxable year is income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains); or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, such passive income. If a Fund acquires any equity interest in a PFIC, such Fund could be subject to federal income tax and interest charges on “excess distributions” received with respect to such PFIC stock or on any gain from the sale of such PFIC stock (collectively “PFIC income”), even if such Fund distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in such Fund’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. A Fund’s distributions of PFIC income will be taxable as ordinary income even though, absent the application of the PFIC rules, some portion of the distributions may have been classified as capital gain.

A Fund will not be permitted to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for taxes and interest charges incurred with respect to a PFIC. Payment of this tax would therefore reduce a Fund’s economic return from its investment in PFIC shares. To the extent a Fund invests in a PFIC, it may elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), then instead of the tax and interest obligation described above on excess distributions, such Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain. As a result of a QEF election, a Fund would likely have to distribute to its shareholders an amount equal to the QEF’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain to satisfy the Code’s minimum distribution requirement described herein and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, even if the QEF did not distribute those earnings and gain to such Fund. In most instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements in making the election.

A Fund may elect to “mark-to-market” its stock in any PFIC. “Marking-to-market,” in this context, means including in ordinary income each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the PFIC stock over such Fund’s adjusted basis therein as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, a Fund also may deduct (as an ordinary, not capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in the PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock it included in income for prior taxable years under the election. A Fund’s adjusted basis in its PFIC stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder. In either case, a Fund may be required to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash.

Foreign Currency Transactions. Foreign currency gains and losses realized by a Fund in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt instruments, certain options, futures contracts, forward contracts, and similar instruments relating to foreign currency, foreign currencies, and foreign currency-denominated payables and receivables are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income or loss and may affect the amount and timing of recognition of such Fund’s income. In some cases elections may be available that would alter this treatment, but such elections could be detrimental to a Fund by creating current recognition of income without the concurrent recognition of cash. If a foreign currency loss treated as an ordinary loss under Section 988 were to exceed a Fund’s investment company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss) for a taxable year the resulting loss would not be deductible by it or its shareholders in future years. The foreign currency income or loss will also increase or decrease a Fund’s investment company income distributable to its shareholders.

Foreign Taxation. Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign withholding and other taxes. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of a Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, or if a Fund is a qualified fund of funds (i.e., a RIC that invests at least 50% of its total assets in other RICs at the close of each quarter of its taxable year) and the Fund meets the distribution requirements described above, such Fund may file an election (the “pass-through election”) with the IRS pursuant to which shareholders of the Fund would be required to (i) include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) their pro rata shares of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, or in the case of a qualified fund of funds, such taxes paid by an underlying fund that has made the pass-through election, even though not actually received by such shareholders; and (ii) treat such respective pro rata portions as foreign income taxes paid by them. Each Fund will furnish its shareholders with a written statement providing the amount of foreign taxes paid by the Fund that will “pass-through” for the year, if any.

Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder’s U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of a Fund’s income will flow through to shareholders. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. Shareholders may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund. Various limitations, including a minimum holding period requirement, apply to limit the credit and deduction for foreign taxes for purposes of regular federal income tax and alternative minimum tax.

REITs. A Fund may invest in REITs. Investments in REIT equity securities may require a Fund to accrue and distribute taxable income without the concurrent receipt of cash. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, a Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. A Fund’s investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in its receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings; if such Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital to its shareholders for federal income tax purposes.

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, qualified REIT dividends (i.e., REIT dividends other than capital gain dividends and portions of REIT dividends designated as qualified dividend income) are eligible for a 20% federal income tax deduction in the case of individuals, trusts and estates. A Fund that receives qualified REIT dividends may elect to pass the special character of this income through to its shareholders. To be eligible to treat distributions from a Fund as qualified REIT dividends, a shareholder must hold shares of the Fund for more than 45 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the shares become ex dividend with respect to such dividend and the shareholder must not be under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. If a Fund does not elect to pass the special character of this income through to shareholders or if a shareholder does not satisfy the above holding period requirements, the shareholder will not be entitled to the 20% deduction for the shareholder's share of the Fund's qualified REIT dividend income) while direct investors in REITs may be entitled to the deduction.

A Fund may invest in REITs that hold residual interests in REMICs or taxable mortgage pools ("TMPs"), or such REITs may themselves constitute TMPs. Under an IRS notice, and U.S. Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of a Fund’s income from a REIT that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a REMIC or a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC, such as the Funds, will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest or invested in the TMP directly. Tax exempt-shareholders, including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan and other tax-exempt entities should consider this before investing in a Fund. See “Tax-Exempt Shareholders.”

MLPs. A Fund may invest to a limited degree in MLPs that are treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. Net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership is included in the sources of income that satisfy the Qualifying Income Requirement. However, under the Diversification Requirement, no more than 25% of the value of a RIC’s total assets at the end of each fiscal quarter may be invested in securities of qualified publicly traded partnerships. If an MLP in which a Fund invests is taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be taxable on its allocable share of the MLP’s income regardless of whether the Fund receives any distribution from the MLP. Thus, the Fund may be required to sell other securities in order to satisfy the distribution requirements to qualify as a RIC and to avoid federal income tax and the Excise Tax. Distributions to a Fund from an MLP that is taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital to the extent of the Fund’s basis in its interest in the MLP. If a Fund’s basis is reduced to zero, distributions will generally constitute capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, certain income from investments in MLPs that is included in the "combined qualified business income amount” is treated as “qualified business income” that is eligible for a 20% federal income tax deduction in the case of individuals, trusts and estates. The Code currently does not contain a provision permitting a RIC to pass the special character of this income through to its shareholders. As a result, direct investors in MLPs may be entitled to this deduction while investors that invest in a Fund that invests in MLPs will not.

Distributions. Distributions paid out of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined at the end of the year), whether reinvested in additional shares or paid in cash, are generally taxable and must be reported by each shareholder who is required to file a federal income tax return. Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as computed for federal income tax purposes, will first be treated as a return of capital up to the amount of a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her Fund shares and then as capital gain.

For federal income tax purposes, distributions of net investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income, and distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned (or is treated as owning) for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions designated by a Fund as “capital gain dividends” (distributions from the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital losses) will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain regardless of the length of time they have held their shares of such Fund. Such dividends do not qualify as dividends for purposes of the dividends received deduction or for qualified dividend income purposes as described below.

Distributions of “qualified dividend income” received by non-corporate shareholders of a Fund may be eligible for the long-term capital gain rate. A Fund’s distribution will be treated as qualified dividend income and therefore eligible for the long-term capital gain rate to the extent the Fund receives dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met. A corporate shareholder of a Fund may be eligible for the dividends received deduction on such Fund’s distributions attributable to dividends received by such Fund from domestic corporations, which, if received directly by the corporate shareholder, would qualify for such a deduction. For eligible corporate shareholders, the dividends received deduction may be subject to certain reductions, and a distribution by a Fund attributable to dividends of a domestic corporation will be eligible for the deduction only if certain holding period and other requirements are met.

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of shares of a Fund) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds a threshold amount.

Each Fund will furnish a statement to shareholders providing the federal income tax status of its dividends and distributions including the portion of such dividends, if any, that qualifies as long-term capital gain.

Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions, and certain prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified retirement plans.

Shareholders are urged and advised to consult their own tax advisors for more information.

Purchases of Fund Shares. Prior to purchasing shares in a Fund, the impact of dividends or distributions which are expected to be or have been declared, but not paid, should be carefully considered. Any dividend or distribution declared shortly after a purchase of shares of a Fund prior to the record date will have the effect of reducing the per share NAV by the per share amount of the dividend or distribution, and to the extent the distribution consists of the Fund’s taxable income, the purchasing shareholder will be taxed on the taxable portion of the dividend or distribution received even though some or all of the amount distributed is effectively a return of capital.

Sales or Exchanges. Upon the disposition of shares of a Fund (whether by sale or exchange), a shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. The capital gain will be long-term if the shares were held for more than 12 months and short-term if held for 12 months or less. Any loss realized on a disposition will be disallowed under the “wash sale” rules to the extent that the shares disposed of by the shareholder are replaced by the shareholder (including through dividend reinvestment) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder on a disposition of shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of capital gain dividends received by the shareholder and disallowed to the extent of any distributions of exempt-interest dividends received by the shareholder with respect to such shares unless the Fund declared exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. Capital losses are generally deductible only against capital gains except that individuals may deduct up to $3,000 of capital losses against ordinary income.

The 3.8% Medicare contribution tax (described above) will apply to gains from the sale or exchange of a Fund’s shares.

Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units. A person who purchases a Creation Unit by exchanging securities in-kind generally will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and any net amount of cash received by the Authorized Participant in the exchange and (ii) the sum of the purchaser's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered and any net amount of cash paid for the Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units and receives securities in-kind from a Fund will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the redeemer's basis in the Creation Units, and the aggregate market value of the securities received and any net cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an in-kind exchange of securities for Creation Units or an exchange of Creation Units for securities cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales," or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. Persons effecting in-kind creations or redemptions should consult their own tax adviser with respect to these matters. The Funds have the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Fund shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Code, a Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Funds also have the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determinations.

Backup Withholding. Each Fund (or a financial intermediary, such as a broker, through which a shareholder holds Fund shares) generally is required to withhold, and remit to the U.S. Treasury, subject to certain exemptions, an amount equal to 24% of all distributions and redemption proceeds paid or credited to a shareholder of such Fund if (i) [[the shareholder fails to furnish such Fund with the correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) certified under penalties of perjury]], (ii) the shareholder fails to provide a certified statement that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (iii) the IRS or a broker has notified such Fund that the number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report interest or dividend income. If the backup withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions or proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

State And Local Taxes. State and local laws often differ from federal income tax laws with respect to the treatment of specific items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit. Shareholders are urged and advised to consult their own tax advisors for more information.

Non-U.S. Shareholders. Distributions made to non-U.S. shareholders attributable to net investment income generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding at a 30% rate (or such lower rate provided under an applicable income tax treaty). However, a Fund or broker will generally not be required to withhold tax on any amounts paid to a non-U.S. investor with respect to dividends attributable to “qualified short-term gain” (i.e., the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) designated as such by the Fund and dividends attributable to certain U.S. source interest income that would not be subject to federal withholding tax if earned directly by a non-U.S. person, provided such amounts are properly designated by the Fund. A Fund may choose not to designate such amounts.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a distribution described above is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by a non-U.S. shareholder within the United States (or, if an income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States), federal income tax withholding and exemptions attributable to foreign persons will not apply and such distribution will be subject to the federal income tax, reporting and withholding requirements generally applicable to U.S. persons described above.

Under U.S. federal tax law, a non-U.S. shareholder is not, in general, subject to federal income tax or withholding tax on capital gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of a Fund or on capital gain dividends, provided that the Fund obtains a properly completed and signed certificate of foreign status, unless (i) such gains or distributions are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by the non-U.S. shareholder within the United States (or, if an income tax treaty applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States of the non-U.S. shareholder); (ii) in the case of an individual non-U.S. shareholder, the shareholder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale and certain other conditions are met; or (iii) the shares of the Fund constitute U.S. real property interests (USRPIs), as described below.

Special rules apply to foreign persons who receive distributions from a Fund that are attributable to gains from “United States real property interests” (“USRPIs”). The Code defines USRPIs to include direct holdings of U.S. real property and any interest (other than an interest solely as a creditor) in a “United States real property holding corporation” or former United States real property holding corporation. The Code defines a United States real property holding corporation as any corporation whose USRPIs make up 50% or more of the fair market value of its USRPIs, its interests in real property located outside the United States, plus any other assets it uses in a trade or business. In general, if a Fund is a United States real property holding corporation (determined without regard to certain exceptions), distributions by the Fund that are attributable to (a) gains realized on the disposition of USRPIs by the Fund and (b) distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier RIC or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands will retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of the foreign persons and will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a non-U.S. shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., ordinary income or USRPI gain) will vary depending on the extent of the non-U.S. shareholder’s current and past ownership of a Fund.

In addition, if a Fund is a United States real property holding corporation or former United States real property holding corporation, the Fund may be required to withhold U.S. tax upon a redemption of shares by a greater-than-5% shareholder that is a foreign person, and that shareholder would be required to file a U.S. income tax return for the year of the disposition of the USRPI and pay any additional tax due on the gain. However, no such withholding is generally required with respect to amounts paid in redemption of shares of a fund if the fund is a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, or, in certain other limited cases, if a fund (whether or not domestically controlled) holds substantial investments in RICs that are domestically controlled qualified investment entities.

Subject to the additional rules described herein, federal income tax withholding will apply to distributions attributable to dividends and other investment income distributed by the Funds. The federal income tax withholding rate may be reduced (and, in some cases, eliminated) under an applicable tax treaty between the United States and the non-U.S. shareholder’s country of residence or incorporation. In order to qualify for treaty benefits, a non-U.S. shareholder must comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its foreign status (generally by providing a Fund with a properly completed Form W-8BEN).

Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, the "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" or "FATCA") generally require a Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders. If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA, a Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on Fund dividends and distributions. A

Fund may disclose the information that it receives from (or concerning) its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA, related intergovernmental agreements or other applicable law or regulation. Each investor is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the investor’s own situation, including investments through an intermediary.

Foreign Bank And Financial Accounts And Foreign Financial Assets Reporting Requirements. A shareholder that owns directly or indirectly more than 50% by vote or value of a Fund, is urged and advised to consult its own tax advisor regarding its filing obligations with respect to FinCen Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts.

Tax-Exempt Shareholders. A tax-exempt shareholder could realize unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).

It is possible that a tax-exempt shareholder of a Fund will also recognize UBTI if such Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” (as described above) derived from direct or indirect investments in REMIC residual interests or TMPs. Furthermore, any investment in a residual interest of a CMO that has elected to be treated as a REMIC can create complex tax consequences, especially if a Fund has state or local governments or other tax-exempt organizations as shareholders.

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or in TMPs.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders are urged and advised to consult their own tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Shareholders are urged and advised to consult their own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in a Fund including, but not limited to, the applicability of state, local, foreign and other tax laws affecting the particular shareholder and to possible effects of changes in federal or other tax laws.

CUSTODIAN

The Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY Mellon"), 100 Colonial Center Parkway, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, is the Trust’s custodian. BNY Mellon acts as the Trust’s depository, safe keeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses money as instructed and maintains records in connection with its duties.

TRANSFER AGENT

The Trust’s transfer agent is BNY Mellon, 6023 Airport Road, Oriskany, New York 13424. BNY Mellon provides the Trust with transfer agency services, which include Creation Unit order processing. For providing transfer agent services to the Trust, BNY Mellon receives a monthly fee from each Fund, plus out-of-pocket expenses.

SUB-ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

The Advisor provides administrative services to the Trust under an Administration Agreement and has sub-contracted certain accounting and administrative services to BNY Mellon. The sub-administrative services sub-contracted to BNY Mellon include accounting and pricing services, SEC filings, providing executive and administrative services and providing reports for meetings of the Board. The Advisor pays BNY Mellon a sub-administrative fee out of its administrative fee.

LEGAL COUNSEL

K&L Gates LLP, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as counsel to the Trust.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The firm of [ ], 221 E. 4th Street, Suite 2900, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, has been selected as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. [ ] will perform an annual audit of the Trust’s financial statements and advise the Trust as to certain accounting matters.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Funds have not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore no financial information is yet available. The Funds' first audited financial statements will be as of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.

APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard &Poor’s® (“S&P”) are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of debt obligations. A description of the ratings assigned by Moody’s and S&P are provided below. These ratings represent the opinions of these rating services as to the quality of the securities that they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. An advisor attempts to discern variations in credit rankings of the rating services and to anticipate changes in credit ranking. However, subsequent to purchase by a fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum rating required for purchase by the fund. In that event, an advisor will consider whether it is in the best interest of a fund to continue to hold the securities.

Moody’s credit ratings are current opinions of the relative future credit risk of entities, credit commitments, or debt or debt-like securities. Moody’s defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual, financial obligations as they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default. Credit ratings do not address any other risk, including but not limited to: liquidity risk, market value risk, or price volatility. Credit ratings are not statements of current or historical fact. Credit ratings do not constitute investment or financial advice, and credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, sell, or hold particular securities. Credit ratings do not comment on the suitability of an investment for any particular investor. Moody’s issues its credit ratings with the expectation and understanding that each investor will make its own study and evaluation of each security that is under consideration for purchase, holding, or sale.

An S&P issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P’s view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

(1) This Appendix A may contain information obtained from third parties, including ratings from credit ratings agencies such as S&P. Reproduction and distribution of third party content in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the related third party. Third party content providers do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any information, including ratings, and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of such content. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS GIVE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, COMPENSATORY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, LEGAL FEES, OR LOSSES (INCLUDING LOST INCOME OR PROFITS AND OPPORTUNITY COSTS OR LOSSES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE) IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THEIR CONTENT, INCLUDING RATINGS. Credit ratings are statements of opinions and are not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities. They do not address the suitability of securities or the suitability of securities for investment purposes, and should not be relied on as investment advice. they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

Short-Term Credit Ratings

Moody’s

Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

“P-1” - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

“P-2” - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

“P-3” - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

“NP” - Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider.

S&P

S&P’s short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days-including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating.

The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P for short-term issues:

“A-1” - Obligations are rated in the highest category and indicate that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

“A-2” - Obligations are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

“A-3” - Obligations exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B” - Obligations are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

“C” - Obligations are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“D” - Obligations are in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - Country risk considerations are a standard part of S&P’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

Long-Term Credit Ratings

Moody’s

Moody’s long-term ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings use Moody’s Global Scale and reflect both the likelihood of default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default.

The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

“Aaa” - Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

“Aa” - Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

“A” - Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

“Baa” - Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

“Ba” - Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

“B” - Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

“Caa” - Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

“Ca” - Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

“C” - Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

S&P

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P’s analysis of the following considerations:

•Likelihood of payment — capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

•Nature of and provisions of the obligation;

•Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P for long-term issues:

“AAA” - An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

“AA” - An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

“A” - An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

“BBB” - An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC,” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

“BB” - An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B” - An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB,” but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“CCC” - An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“CC” - An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

“C” - A “C” rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the “C” rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument’s terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.

“D” - An obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days, irrespective of any grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par.

Plus (+) or minus (-) - The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

“NR” - This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Municipal Note Ratings

Moody’s

Moody’s uses three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) and are divided into three levels - “MIG 1” through “MIG 3”. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated “SG”, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.

The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for these short-term obligations:

“MIG 1” - This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

“MIG 2” - This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

“MIG 3” - This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

“SG” - This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned; a long- or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” rating scale.

When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated “NR”, e.g., “Aaa/NR” or “NR/VMIG 1”.

VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.

“VMIG 1” - This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

“VMIG 2” - This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

“VMIG 3” - This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

“SG” - This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

S&P

An S&P U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P’s opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P’s analysis will review the following considerations:

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

•Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Note rating symbols are as follows:

“SP-1” - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service are given a plus (+) designation.

“SP-2” - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

“SP-3” - The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

APPENDIX B — PROXY VOTING POLICIES

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

6/14/2021

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc., (the “Adviser”) shall vote proxies related to securities held by our clients for which we have authority and serve as the discretionary investment adviser in the best interest of our clients. All references in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are limited solely to clients for which we have agreed to vote such proxies. A client may reserve to itself the right to vote proxies.

The Adviser’s authority to vote the proxies of certain clients is established by advisory contracts or comparable documents. In addition to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts.

The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), requires us to act solely in the best interest of our clients at all times. We have adopted and implemented these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, which we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act.

We have delegated certain responsibilities under these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to a third party, provided that we retain final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting. If we so delegate our responsibilities, we shall monitor the delegate’s compliance with these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

We (and our employees) and/or an independent third party provider shall vote in a prudent and timely fashion, only after careful evaluation of the issue(s) presented on the ballot.

We review our process to assess the extent, if any, to which there may be a material conflict between the interests of our clients on the one hand and our interests (including those of our affiliates, directors, officers, employees and other similar persons) on the other hand (a “potential conflict”). If we determine that a potential conflict may exist, it must be reported to our Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee shall determine whether a potential conflict exists and is authorized to resolve any such conflict in a manner that is in the collective best interests of our clients (excluding any client that may have a potential conflict). We will use commercially reasonable efforts to determine whether a potential conflict may exist.

We may abstain from voting a client proxy if we conclude that the effect on shareholders’ economic interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant.

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 28. EXHIBITS:


(a)			Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 1, 2022 is filed herewith.

(b)			By-Laws of the Trust dated February 1, 2022 are filed herewith.

(c)			Instruments defining rights of security holders with respect to the Registrant are contained in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, which are incorporated by reference to Exhibits (a) and (b) of Item 28 of Part C herewith.

(d)(1)			Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Touchstone Advisors, Inc. to be filed by amendment.

(d)(2)			Sub-Advisory Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. to be filed by amendment.

(e)			Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Foreside Fund Services LLC to be filed by amendment.

(f)			Not applicable.

(g)			Custodian Agreement between the Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon to be filed by amendment.

(h)(1)			Allocation Agreement for allocation of Fidelity Bond coverage to be filed by amendment.

(h)(2)			Sub-Administration and Accounting Agreement between Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon to be filed by amendment.

(h)(3)			Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon to be filed by amendment.

(h)(4)			Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Touchstone Advisors, Inc. to be filed by amendment.

(h)(5)			Expense Limitation Agreement to be filed by amendment.

(h)(6)			Interfund Lending Agreement to be filed by amendment.

(h)(7)			Securities Lending Agreement to be filed by amendment.

(i)			Legal opinion to be filed by amendment.

(j)			Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to be filed by amendment.

(k)			Not applicable.

(l)			Not applicable.

(m)			Rule 12b-1 Plan is filed herewith.


(n)			Not applicable.

(o)			Reserved.

(p)(1)			Code of Ethics for Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Touchstone Funds is filed herewith.

(p)(2)			Code of Ethics for Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. is filed herewith.

(q)			Power of Attorney is filed herewith.

ITEM 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE TRUST.

Not applicable.

ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION.

The Registrant is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is operated pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated February 1, 2022, that permits the Registrant to indemnify its trustees and officers under certain circumstances. Such indemnification, however, is subject to the limitations imposed by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Registrant’s Declaration of Trust provides that officers and trustees of the Trust shall be indemnified by the Trust against liabilities and expenses of defense in proceedings against them by reason of the fact that they each serve as an officer or trustee of the Trust.

Under Article IX, Section 2 of the Trust's Declaration of Trust:

a.Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in subsection (b) below;

i.every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or an officer, employee or agent of the Trust or is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (“Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with: (A) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof; and (B) any liabilities and expenses, including, without limitation, the cost of credit monitoring, incurred by the indemnified representative as a result of the indemnified representative, while acting in an indemnified capacity, having provided personally identifiable information, including, without limitation, birthdates, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers or passport numbers, to a regulator or counterparty by or with whom the Trust, or its series, is regulated or engages in business to satisfy a legal or procedural requirement of such regulator or counterparty, including, without limitation, know-your-customer or anti-money laundering requirements, and the security of such personally identifiable information is compromised and used to the detriment of the indemnified representative.

ii.as used herein, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, investigative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened, and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include, without limitation, attorney’s fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities whatsoever.

b.To the extent required under the 1940 Act, but only to such extent, no indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person;

i.who shall have been finally adjudicated by a court or other body before which the proceeding was brought to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties expressly set forth herein; or

ii.in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i) above resulting in a payment by a Trustee or officer, unless there has been a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties expressly set forth herein: (A) by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition;

(B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither Interested persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); or (C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry).

c.The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of a Covered Person.

d.To the extent that any determination is required to be made as to whether a Covered Person engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not provided as described herein, or as to whether there is reason to believe that a Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, the person or persons making the determination shall afford the Covered Person a rebuttable presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in such conduct and that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

e.To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit, proceeding or other matter of the character described in subsection (a) of this Section 2 shall be paid by the Trust and each Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him or her to the Trust or applicable Series if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 2; provided, however, that any such advancement will be made in accordance with any conditions required by the Commission. The advancement of any expenses pursuant to this Section 2(e) shall under no circumstances be considered a “loan” under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended from time to time, or for any other reason.

f.Any repeal or modification of this Article IX or adoption or modification of any other provision of this Declaration of Trust inconsistent with this Article shall be prospective only to the extent that such repeal or modification would, if applied retrospectively, adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person or indemnification or right to advancement of expenses available to any Covered Person with respect to any act or omission that occurred prior to such repeal, modification or adoption.

g.Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which any Covered Person or other person may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law or prevent the Trust from entering into any contract to provide indemnification to any Covered Person or other person. Without limiting the foregoing, the Trust may, in connection with any transaction permitted by the Trust's Declaration of Trust, including the acquisition of assets subject to liabilities or a merger or consolidation pursuant hereto, assume the obligation to indemnify any person including a Covered Person or otherwise contract to provide such indemnification, and such indemnification shall not be subject to the terms of this Article IX unless otherwise required under applicable law.

ITEM 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND SUB-ADVISOR

A. TOUCHSTONE ADVISORS, INC. (the “Advisor”) is a registered investment advisor that provides investment advisory services to the Touchstone ETF Trust, Touchstone Strategic Trust, Touchstone Variable Series Trust and Touchstone Funds Group Trust (the "Touchstone Fund Complex"). The following list sets forth the business and other connections of the directors and executive officers of the Advisor. Unless otherwise noted, the address of the corporations listed below is 303 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

*The address is 400 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

(1)Jill T. McGruder — Director, Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)President and Chief Executive Officer — IFS Financial Services, Inc.

(b)President — Integrity Life Insurance Co.

(c)President — National Integrity Life Insurance Co.

(d)Trustee — Touchstone Fund Complex

(e)Senior Vice President — Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc.*

(f)Senior Vice President — W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.*

(g)Director — Touchstone Securities, Inc.

(h)Director — IFS Financial Services, Inc., Integrity Life Insurance Company, National Integrity Life Insurance Company, W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc.*, W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.*

(2)Donald J. Wuebbling — Director - Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)Director — Touchstone Securities, Inc., W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc.*, Eagle Realty Investments, Inc.*, Integrity Life Insurance Company*, National Integrity Life Insurance Company*, Eagle Realty Group, LLC*, IFS Financial Services, Inc., Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc., W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.*, Columbus Life Insurance Company, Eagle Realty Capital Partners, LLC, Gerber Life Insurance Company, The Lafayette Life Insurance Company, Western & Southern Agency, Inc.

(3)Jay J. Johnson — Vice President, Corporate Finance and Treasurer - Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)Vice President, Corporate Finance and Treasurer - Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company*, Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc.*, The Western & Southern Life Insurance Company*, Western-Southern Life Assurance Company.*, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc., IFS Financial Services, Inc., W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc.*, Touchstone Securities, Inc., Columbus Life Insurance Company*, Eagle Realty Group, LLC*, Eagle Realty Investments, Inc.*, Integrity Life Insurance Company, National Integrity Life Insurance Company, The Lafayette Life Insurance Company, Gerber Life Insurance Company, Western & Southern Agency, Inc., W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.

(4)Terrie A. Wiedenheft — Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer - Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer - IFS Financial Services, Inc.

(b)Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.*

(c)Chief Financial Officer - Touchstone Securities, Inc.

(d)Senior Vice President - Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

(e)Vice President, Commission Accounting and Finance - Integrity Life Insurance Company, National Integrity Life Insurance Company

(f)Treasurer and Controller - Touchstone Fund Complex

(5)James N. Clark — Director - Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)Director — Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company*, Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc.*, Western & Southern Life Assurance Company*

(b)Director — Eagle Realty Group, LLC*, Eagle Realty Investments, Inc.*, Touchstone Securities, Inc., W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc.*, IFS Financial Services

(6)Sarah S. Herron — Secretary — Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)Secretary — Touchstone Securities, Inc.

(b)Corporate Secretary — W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.*

(c)Assistant General Counsel — Investments & Regulations — Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc.*

(7)Timothy S. Stearns — Chief Compliance Officer — Touchstone Advisors, Inc., Touchstone Fund Complex, Touchstone Securities, Inc.

(a) Vice President - W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.*

(8)Timothy D. Paulin — Senior Vice President, Investment Research and Product Management — Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)Vice President — Touchstone Fund Complex

(9)Jonathan D. Niemeyer - Director, Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)Board of Directors, Bethesda, Inc., Cincinnati Art Museum, Association of Life Insurance Counsel

(b)Sr. Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc., Western-Southern Life Assurance Company, Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company

(c)Director, Eagle Realty Capital Partners, LLC, Gerber Life Agency, LLC, IFS Financial Services, Inc., Integrity Life Insurance Company, National Integrity Life Insurance Company, Touchstone Securities, Inc., W&S Brokerage Services, Inc., W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc., Western & Southern Agency, Inc.

(d)Director, Sr. Vice President, Gerber Life Insurance Company

(10) E. Blake Moore, Jr. - President & Chief Executive Officer, Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

(a)President & Chief Executive Officer of Touchstone Securities, Inc.

(b)Senior Vice President of Western-Southern Life Assurance Company, Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc., Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company, The Western & Southern Life Insurance Company

(c)President and Trustee - Touchstone Fund Complex

B. FORT WASHINGTON INVESTMENT ADVISORS, INC. (“Fort Washington”) is a registered investment adviser that provides sub-advisory services to the Funds. Fort Washington also serves as the sub-advisor to certain series of Touchstone Funds Group Trust, Touchstone Strategic Trust and Touchstone Variable Series Trust. Fort Washington also provides

investment advice to institutional and individual clients. The address of Fort Washington is 303 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

The following list sets forth the business and other connections of the directors and executive officers of Fort Washington.

*The address is 400 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

(1) Maribeth S. Rahe, President & Chief Executive Officer

(a) Life Trustee, New York Landmarks Conservancy; Life Trustee, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center; Board Member, Chair, Audit Committee, Member, Compensation Committee, Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.; Vice Chair, Executive/Finance Committee, Cincinnati Arts Association; Member, Advisory Board and Partner-In-Action Committee, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur; Member Advisory Board, Williams College of Business, Xavier University; Fund Advisory Board, Finance/Budget Committee, Cintrifuse; Board Member, Member Audit Committee, Chair Capital Markets Committee, First Financial Bank; Board Member, Marketing Committee, Greater Cincinnati Foundation; Member, Former President, Women’s Capital Club; Member, Former Executive Committee, Cincinnati Women’s Executive Committee; Member, Former President, Executive Committee Commonwealth Club

(b) President & CEO of Tristate Ventures, LLC*

(d) President, W&S Investment Holdings, LLC

(e) President & CEO of Fort Washington Capital Partners, LLC

(2) Nicholas P. Sargen, Director

(3) John F. Barrett, Director

(a) Chairman of Board & CEO, The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, Western-Southern Life Assurance Company, Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc., Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company

(b) Director & Chairman, Columbus Life Insurance Company, Integrity Life Insurance Company, National Integrity Life Insurance Company, The Lafayette Life Insurance Company, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Gerber Life Insurance Company

(d) President & Trustee, Western & Southern Financial Fund

(e) Board Member, Cintas Corporation

(f) Board Member, Americans for the Arts; Member & Executive Committee, Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC); REDI Cincinnati; Member, Cincinnati Business Committee; Co-Chairman, Greater Cincinnati Scholarship Association; Member, Cincinnati Equity Fund; Honorary Trustee, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation; former Chairman, Medical Center Fund, UC; Advisory Board, Barrett Cancer Center; former Vice Chairman, UC Foundation Capital Campaign; Honorary Chairman, UC Presidential Bicentennial Commission; Member, Business Roundtable; Former Director, American Council of Life Insurers; former member, Financial Services Roundtable

(4) Brendan M. White, Senior Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Director

(5) James Vance, Senior Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Director

(6) Michele Hawkins, Chief Compliance Officer & Managing Director

(a) Advisory Board Member, Xavier University Cintas Institute for Business Ethics & Social Responsibility, Schwab Compliance Solutions

(7) Jay V. Johnson, Vice President and Treasurer

(8) Martin W. Flesher, Managing Director of Business Development and Client Service

(9) Jonathan D. Niemeyer, Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

(a) Board of Directors, Bethesda, Inc., Cincinnati Art Museum, Association of Life Insurance Counsel

(b) Director, Sr. Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, Columbus Life Insurance Company, Eagle Realty Group, LLC, Eagle Realty Investments, Inc., Touchstone Advisors, Inc., The Lafayette Life Insurance Company

(c) Sr. Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc., Western-Southern Life Assurance Company, Western & Southern Mutual Holding Company

(d) Director, Sr. Vice President, Gerber Life Insurance Company

(10) Donald J. Wuebbling, Director

(a) Director — Touchstone Advisors, Inc., Touchstone Securities, Inc., W&S Financial Group Distributors, Inc.*, Eagle Realty Investments, Inc.*, Integrity Life Insurance Company*, National Integrity Life Insurance Company*, Eagle Realty Group, LLC*, IFS Financial Services, Inc., W&S Brokerage Services, Inc.*, Columbus Life Insurance Company, Eagle Realty Capital Partners, LLC, Gerber Life Insurance Company, The Lafayette Life Insurance Company, Western & Southern Agency, Inc.

(11) David T. Henderson, Sr. Vice President, Chief Actuary, Risk and Data Officer

(12) Jeffrey L. Stainton, Secretary

(13) Gerald J. Ulland, Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director, Private Client Group

(14) Bradley J. Hunkler, Senior Vice President

(15) Stephen A. Baker, Managing Director & Deputy Head of Private Equity

(a)Board of Trustees, CH Mack, Inc.

(b)Vice President, Buckeye Venture Partners, LLC

(16) Daniel J. Carter, Managing Director & Sr. Portfolio Manager

(17) Michael R. Maeder, Managing Director & Deputy Head of Private Equity

(18) Julia Ossipov-Grodsky, Managing Director, Private Equity

(19) Scott D. Weston, Managing Director & Sr. Portfolio Manager

(a)Financial Advisory Board & Foundation Board Member, Mariemont School District

(20) James E. Wilhelm, Jr., Managing Director & Head of Public Equity

(a)Board Member, Xavier Student Investment Fund

ITEM 32. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS:

(a)Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the "Distributor") serves as principal underwriter for certain series of the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

(1) ABS Long/Short Strategies Fund

(2) Absolute Shares Trust

(3) Adaptive Core ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(4) AdvisorShares Trust

(5) AFA Multi-Manager Credit Fund

(6) AGF Investments Trust

(7) AIM ETF Products Trust

(8) Alexis Practical Tactical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(9) Alpha Intelligent – Large Cap Growth ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(10) Alpha Intelligent – Large Cap Value ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(11) AlphaCentric Prime Meridian Income Fund

(12) American Century ETF Trust

(13) American Customer Satisfaction ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(14) Amplify ETF Trust

(15) Applied Finance Core Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(16) Applied Finance Explorer Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(17) Applied Finance Select Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(18) ARK ETF Trust

(19) ASYMmetric ETFs Trust

(20) Bluestone Community Development Fund

(21) BondBloxx ETF Trust

(22) Braddock Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

(23) Bridgeway Funds, Inc.

(24) Brinker Capital Destinations Trust

(25) Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc.

(26) Build Funds Trust

(27) Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund

(28) Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund

(29) Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund

(30) Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund

(31) Calamos Global Total Return Fund

(32) Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund

(33) Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund

(34) Cboe Vest Bitcoin Managed Volatility Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(35) Cboe Vest S&P 500® Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(36) Cboe Vest US Large Cap 10% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(37) Cboe Vest US Large Cap 10% Buffer VI Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(38) Cboe Vest US Large Cap 20% Buffer Strategies Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(39) Cboe Vest US Large Cap 20% Buffer VI Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(40) Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund

(41) Changebridge Capital Long/Short ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(42) Changebridge Capital Sustainable Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(43) Clifford Capital Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(44) Clifford Capital Partners Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(45) Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund

(46) Cliffwater Enhanced Lending Fund

(47) Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

(48) Convergence Long/Short Equity ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers

(49) CornerCap Group of Funds

(50) CrossingBridge Pre-Merger SPAC ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers

(51) Curasset Capital Management Core Bond Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(52) Curasset Capital Management Limited Term Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(53) Davis Fundamental ETF Trust

(54) Defiance Digital Revolution ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(55) Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(56) Defiance Nasdaq Junior Biotechnology ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(57) Defiance Next Gen Altered Experience ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(58) Defiance Next Gen Big Data ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(59) Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(60) Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(61) Defiance Next Gen SPAC Derived ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(62) Defiance Quantum ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(63) Direxion Shares ETF Trust

(64) Dividend Performers ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(65) DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund

(66) DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund

(67) Eaton Vance NextShares Trust

(68) Eaton Vance NextShares Trust II

(69) EIP Investment Trust

(70) Ellington Income Opportunities Fund

(71) Esoterica Thematic ETF Trust

(72) ETF Opportunities Trust

(73) Evanston Alternative Opportunities Fund

(74) Exchange Listed Funds Trust

(75) Fiera Capital Series Trust

(76) FlexShares Trust

(77) FOMO ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(78) Forum Funds

(79) Forum Funds II

(80) Friess Brandywine Blue Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series

(81) Friess Brandywine Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series

(82) Friess Small Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series

(83) Goose Hollow Tactical Allocation ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(84) Grayscale Future of Finance ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(85) Grizzle Growth ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(86) Guinness Atkinson Funds

(87) Harbor ETF Trust

(88) Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(89) Infusive US Trust

(90) Innovator ETFs Trust

(91) Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC

(92) Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC

(93) John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust

(94) Kelly Strategic ETF Trust

(95) LifeGoal Conservative Wealth Builder ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust II

(96) LifeGoal Home Down Payment ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust II

(97) LifeGoal Wealth Builder ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust II

(98) Mairs & Power Funds Trust

(99) Mairs & Power Minnesota Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers

(100)Manor Investment Funds

(101)Milliman Variable Insurance Trust

(102)Mindful Conservative ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(103)Moerus Worldwide Value Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV

(104)Mohr Growth ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(105)Morgan Creek - Exos Active SPAC Arbitrage ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(106)Morgan Creek - Exos SPAC Originated ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(107)Morningstar Funds Trust

(108)OSI ETF Trust

(109)OTG Latin American Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(110)Overlay Shares Core Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(111)Overlay Shares Foreign Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(112)Overlay Shares Hedged Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(113)Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(114)Overlay Shares Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(115)Overlay Shares Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(116)Overlay Shares Small Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(117)Palmer Square Opportunistic Income Fund

(118)Partners Group Private Income Opportunities, LLC

(119)PENN Capital Funds Trust

(120)Performance Trust Mutual Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers

(121)Perkins Discovery Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(122)Philotimo Focused Growth and Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(123)Plan Investment Fund, Inc.

(124)PMC Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers

(125)Point Bridge GOP Stock Tracker ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(126)Preferred-Plus ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(127)Putnam ETF Trust

(128)Quaker Investment Trust

(129)Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(130)Rareview Inflation/Deflation ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(131)Rareview Systematic Equity ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(132)Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(133)REMS Real Estate Value-Opportunity Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(134)Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds

(135)Revere Sector Opportunity ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(136)Reverse Cap Weighted U.S. Large Cap ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

(137)Reynolds Funds, Inc.

(138)RiverNorth Volition America Patriot ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(139)RMB Investors Trust

(140)Robinson Opportunistic Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

(141)Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

(142)Roundhill Ball Metaverse ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(143)Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports & Digital Entertainment ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(144)Roundhill IO Digital Infrastructure ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(145)Roundhill MEME ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(146)Roundhill MVP ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(147)Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(148)Roundhill Streaming Services & Technology ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(149)Rule One Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(150)Salient MF Trust

(151)Securian AM Balanced Stabilization Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

(152)Securian AM Equity Stabilization Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

(153)Securian AM Real Asset Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

(154)SHP ETF Trust

(155)Six Circles Trust

(156)Sound Shore Fund, Inc.

(157)Spear Alpha ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(158)Strategy Shares

(159)Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(160)Syntax ETF Trust

(161)The B.A.D. ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(162)The Chartwell Funds

(163)The Community Development Fund

(164)The De-SPAC ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(165)The Finite Solar Finance Fund

(166)The NextGen Trend and Defend ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(167)The Private Shares Fund (f/k/a SharesPost 100 Fund)

(168)The Short De-SPAC ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(169)The SPAC and New Issue ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(170)Third Avenue Trust

(171)Third Avenue Variable Series Trust

(172)Tidal ETF Trust

(173)TIFF Investment Program

(174)Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan

(175)Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan

(176)Timothy Plan International ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan

(177)Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan

(178)Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Core Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan

(179)Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan

(180)Total Fund Solution

(181)Transamerica ETF Trust

(182)TrueShares ESG Active Opportunities ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(183)TrueShares Low Volatility Equity Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(184)TrueShares Structured Outcome (April) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(185)TrueShares Structured Outcome (August) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(186)TrueShares Structured Outcome (December) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(187)TrueShares Structured Outcome (February) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(188)TrueShares Structured Outcome (January) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(189)TrueShares Structured Outcome (July) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(190)TrueShares Structured Outcome (June) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(191)TrueShares Structured Outcome (March) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(192)TrueShares Structured Outcome (May) ETF, Listed Funds Trust

(193)TrueShares Structured Outcome (November) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(194)TrueShares Structured Outcome (October) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(195)TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(196)TrueShares Technology, AI & Deep Learning ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust

(197)Tuttle Capital Short Innovation ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust

(198)U.S. Global Investors Funds

(199)Union Street Partners Value Fund, Series of World Funds Trust

(200)Variant Alternative Income Fund

(201)Variant Impact Fund

(202)VictoryShares Developed Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(203)VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(204)VictoryShares Emerging Market High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(205)VictoryShares International High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(206)VictoryShares International Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(207)VictoryShares NASDAQ Next 50 ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(208)VictoryShares Protect America ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(209)VictoryShares Top Veteran Employers ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(210)VictoryShares US 500 Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(211)VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(212)VictoryShares US Discovery Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(213)VictoryShares US EQ Income Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(214)VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(215)VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(216)VictoryShares US Small Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(217)VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(218)VictoryShares USAA Core Intermediate-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(219)VictoryShares USAA Core Short-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(220)VictoryShares USAA MSCI Emerging Markets Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(221)VictoryShares USAA MSCI International Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(222)VictoryShares USAA MSCI USA Small Cap Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(223)VictoryShares USAA MSCI USA Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

(224)Walthausen Funds

(225)West Loop Realty Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

(226)WisdomTree Trust

(227)WST Investment Trust

(228)XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Term Trust

(b)The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.


Name	Address	Position with Underwriter	Position with Registrant
Richard J. Berthy	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 0410	President, Treasurer and Manager	None
Mark A. Fairbanks	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 0410	Vice President	None
Teresa Cowan	111 E. Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200, Milwaukee, WI 53202	Vice President	None


Nanette K. Chern	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 0410	Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer	None
Kelly B. Whetstone	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 0410	Secretary	None

(c)Not applicable.

ITEM 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

Books or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder, are maintained as follows:

(a)With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1); (2)(a) and (b); (3); (6); (8); (12) and 31a-1(d), the required books and records will be maintained at the offices of Registrant’s Custodian:

The Bank of New York Mellon

201 Washington Street, 34th Floor

Boston, MA 02108

(b)With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1), (4); (2)(C) and (D); (4); (5); (6); (8); (9); (10); (11); and 31a-1(f), the required books and records are maintained at the offices of the Registrant’s Administrator and Sub-Administrator.

Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

303 Broadway, Suite 1100

Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Bank of New York Mellon

4400 Computer Drive

Westborough, MA 01581

The Bank of New York Mellon

201 Washington Street, 34th Floor

Boston, MA 02108

(c)With respect to Rules 31a-1(b)(5), (6), (9) and (10) and 31a-1(f), the required books and records are maintained at the principal offices of the Registrant’s Advisor and Sub-Advisors:

All Funds:

Touchstone Advisors, Inc.

303 Broadway, Suite 1100

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

303 Broadway, Suite 1200

Cincinnati, OH 45202

ITEM 34. MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Not applicable.

ITEM 35. UNDERTAKINGS

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Cincinnati and State of Ohio, on the 8th day of April, 2022.

TOUCHSTONE ETF TRUST


			/s/ E. Blake Moore, Jr.
			E. Blake Moore, Jr., President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacity on the date indicated.

Trustee

April 8, 2022

Karen Carnahan

Trustee

April 8, 2022

William C. Gale

Trustee

April 8, 2022

Susan J. Hickenlooper

Trustee

April 8, 2022

Susan M. King

Trustee

April 8, 2022

Kevin A. Robie

Trustee

April 8, 2022

William H. Zimmer III

Trustee

April 8, 2022

Jill T. McGruder

/s/E. Blake Moore, Jr.

President and Trustee

April 8, 2022

E. Blake Moore, Jr.

/s/Terrie A. Wiedenheft

Controller, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

April 8, 2022

Terrie A. Wiedenheft

*By:

/s/Terrie A. Wiedenheft

April 8, 2022

Terrie A. Wiedenheft

(Attorney-in-Fact Pursuant to Power of Attorney filed herewith)

EXHIBIT INDEX


(a)			Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 1, 2022

(b)			By-Laws of the Trust dated February 1, 2022

(m)			Registrant's Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1

(p)(1)			Code of Ethics for Touchstone Advisors, Inc. and Touchstone Funds

(p)(2)			Code of Ethics for Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

(q)			Power of Attorney