40-APP 1 d281876d40app.htm 40-APP 40-APP

 

 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BEFORE THE

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

File No. 812-[        ]

 

 

Application for an Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act.

 

 

In the matter of

Columbia ETF Trust I

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

225 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

 

Please send all communications, notices and orders to:

 

Daniel J. Beckman

Columbia ETF Trust I

225 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

Ryan C. Larrenaga

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

225 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

Joseph D’Alessandro

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

485 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Page 1 of 35 sequentially numbered pages (including exhibits)


As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2021

EXPEDITED REVIEW REQUESTED UNDER 17 CFR 270.0-5(d)

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

In the Matter of

 

Columbia ETF Trust I

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

 

File No. 812-[        ]

   Application for an Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act.

 

I.

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION

In this application (“Application”), the undersigned applicants, Columbia ETF Trust I (the “Trust”), Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”), and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor,” and together with the Trust and the Adviser, “Applicants”), apply for and request an order of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”), for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the “Order”). Except as noted herein, the Order would be subject to the same terms and conditions contained in a previous order, as may be amended from time to time, issued by the Commission (the “Reference Order”), which terms and conditions are hereby incorporated by reference into this Order.1

Applicants request that the relief apply to the series of the Trust listed in Appendix A (the “Initial Fund”) and to any other existing or future registered open-end management investment company or series thereof that (a) is advised by the Adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser (any such entity included in the term “Adviser”), (b) offers exchange traded shares utilizing active management investment strategies as contemplated by the Reference Order and (c) complies with the terms and conditions of the Order and the terms and conditions of the Reference Order that are incorporated by reference herein (each such company or series and the Initial Fund, a “Fund”).2

No form having been specifically prescribed for this application, Applicants proceed under rule 0-2 under the Act.

 

 

 

1 

Fidelity Beach Street Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 33683 (November 14, 2019) (notice) and 33712 (December 10, 2019) (order). Applicants are not seeking relief under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the “Section 12(d)(1) Relief”), or relief under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act relating to the Section 12(d)(1) Relief, except as necessary to allow a Fund’s receipt of Representative ETFs included in its Tracking Basket solely for purposes of effecting transactions in Creation Units (as these terms are defined in the Reference Order), notwithstanding the limits of Rule 12d1-4(b)(3). Accordingly, to the extent the terms and conditions of the Reference Order relate to such relief, they are not incorporated by reference herein other than with respect to such limited exception.

2 

All entities that currently intend to rely on the Order are named as applicants. Any other entity that relies on the Order in the future will comply with the terms and conditions of the Order and the terms and conditions of the Reference Order that are incorporated by reference herein.

 

2


II.

THE APPLICANTS

A. The Trust

The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust and will consist of one or more series operating as a Fund. The Trust is registered with the Commission as an open-end management investment company under the Act.

B. The Adviser

The Adviser, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Minnesota with its principal office in Boston, Massachusetts, will be the investment adviser to the Initial Fund. The Adviser is, and any other Adviser will be, registered as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The Adviser or an affiliate has entered into a licensing agreement with Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (or its affiliates) to utilize its proprietary mathematical optimization process when creating Tracking Baskets, as described in the Reference Order.

Subject to approval by the Trust’s board of trustees, the Adviser will serve as the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser may enter into sub-advisory agreements with other investment advisers to act as sub-advisers with respect to the Fund (“Sub-Advisers”). Any Sub-Adviser to a Fund will be registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Advisers Act.

C. The Distributor

The Distributor is a Delaware corporation and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will act as the principal underwriter of shares of the Funds (“Shares”). Applicants request that the relief requested in this application apply to any distributor of Shares, whether affiliated or unaffiliated with the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Any distributor will comply with the terms and conditions of this application and be registered under the Exchange Act as a broker-dealer. The distributor will distribute Shares on an agency basis.

 

III.

REQUEST FOR RELIEF

Applicants agree that the Order will be subject to the same terms and conditions of the same relief under the Reference Order. For the reasons stated in the Reference Order, Applicants believe that:

 

 

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 6(c), the relief is appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act;

 

 

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 17(b), the proposed transactions are reasonable and fair and do not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned, are consistent with the policies of each registered investment company concerned and with the general purposes of the Act; and

 

 

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(J), the relief is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors.

 

3


IV.

NAMES AND ADDRESSES

Pursuant to Rule 0-2(f) under the Act, Applicants state that their addresses are as indicated on the first page of this application. Applicants further state that all written or oral communications concerning this application should be directed to the persons listed on the first page.

 

V.

PROCEDURAL MATTERS, CONCLUSION AND SIGNATURES

Applicants file this Application in accordance with Rule 0-2 under the Act. In accordance with Rule 0-2(c) under the Act, Applicants state that all actions necessary to authorize the execution and filing of this Application have been taken, and the persons signing and filing this document are authorized to do so on behalf of Applicants pursuant to their corporate organizational documents, and in the case of the Trust, the attached resolutions. Applicants have also attached the verifications required by Rule 0-2(d) under the Act. In accordance with the requirements for a request for expedited review of this application, marked copies of two recent applications seeking the same relief as Applicants that are substantially identical as required by Rule 0-5(e) of the Act are attached as Exhibits B and C.

In accordance with Rule 0-5 under the Act, Applicants request that the Commission issue the requested Order without holding a hearing.

Based on the facts, analysis and conditions in the application, Applicants respectfully request that the Commission issue the Order under Sections 6(c), 17(b) and 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act granting the relief requested by this application.

 

Columbia ETF Trust I
By:  

/s/ Daniel J. Beckman

Daniel J. Beckman

President

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
By:  

/s/ Ryan C. Larrenaga

Ryan C. Larrenaga

Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Joseph D’Alessandro

Joseph D’Alessandro

Vice President and Assistant Secretary

 

4


AUTHORIZATION

RULE 0-2(c)

Columbia ETF Trust I

Daniel J. Beckman, President of Columbia ETF Trust I, is authorized to sign on behalf of Columbia ETF Trust I pursuant to the following resolutions adopted by the board of Columbia ETF Trust I at a meeting held on June 15, 2021:

RESOLVED: That the officers of Columbia ETF Trust I be, and each hereby is, authorized to prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an Application for an order of the SEC, that grants pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, and under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act, including any exhibits and amendments thereto, to operate actively-managed, exchange-traded funds that do not disclose portfolio holdings daily; and it is further

RESOLVED: That the officers of Columbia ETF Trust I, with the assistance and advice of Fund Counsel and Independent Legal Counsel or others as may be required, are hereby authorized to prepare, execute and file any and all amendments to such applications as may be necessary or appropriate; and it is further

RESOLVED: That such applications shall be executed by or on behalf of Columbia ETF Trust I by one or more of its officers, and that the officers of Columbia ETF Trust I, now or hereafter appointed, are hereby authorized to take any and all further actions that may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the foregoing resolutions with respect to the applications and the matters described therein.

 

5


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

Columbia ETF Trust I

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached application for an order for, and on behalf of, Columbia ETF Trust I; that he is the President of such entity; and that all actions taken by the trustees or other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument this 16th day of June, 2021, have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

Columbia ETF Trust I
By:  

/s/ Daniel J. Beckman

  Name: Daniel J. Beckman
  Title: President

 

6


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

 

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached application for an order for, and on behalf of, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC; that he is Vice President and Assistant Secretary of such entity; and that all actions taken by the directors or other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument this 16th day of June, 2021, have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
By:  

/s/ Ryan C. Larrenaga

  Name: Ryan C. Larrenaga
  Title: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

 

7


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

 

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached application for an order for, and on behalf of, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.; that he is Vice President and Assistant Secretary of such entity; and that all actions taken by the directors or other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument this 16th day of June, 2021, have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Joseph D’Alessandro

  Name: Joseph D’Alessandro
  Title: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

 

8


Exhibit A

Initial Fund

Columbia Seligman Semiconductor Technology ETF

Columbia Seligman Semiconductor Technology ETF seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests mainly in common stocks of U.S. companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of semiconductor, semiconductor equipment and related companies.

 

9


Exhibit B

First Marked Copy

File No. 812-15203

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BEFORE THE

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

File  No. 812-[        ]

First Amended and Restated Application for an Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act.

 

 

In the matter of

PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I

Putnam InvestmentColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

100 Federal225 Franklin Street

Boston, MAMassachusetts 02110

Foreside Fund Services, LLC

Three Canal Plaza

Suite 100

Portland, ME 04101

Please send all communications, notices and orders to:

 

Aaron Cooper   Jon S. Rand, Esq.
Robert T. Burns, Esq.   Stephanie A. Capistron, Esq.

Daniel J. Beckman

Columbia ETF Trust I

225 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

Ryan C. Larrenaga

Putnam InvestmentColumbia

Management Investment Advisers,

LLC

100 Federal225 Franklin Street

Boston, MAMassachusetts

02110

 

Joseph D’Alessandro

Columbia Management

Investment Distributors, Inc.

485 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

 

 

Dechert LLP

1095 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

Page 1 of 10[•] sequentially numbered pages (including exhibits)

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14June 16, 2021

 

 

10


EXPEDITED REVIEW REQUESTED UNDER 17 CFR 270.0-5(d)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

In the Matter of

 

PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I

Putnam InvestmentColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

Foreside Fund Services, LLC

File No. 812-15203[         ]

   First Amended and Restated Application for an Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act.

 

I.

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION

In this first amended and restated application (“Application”), the undersigned applicants, PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I (the “Trust”), Putnam InvestmentColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Putnam Management” or the “Adviser”), and Foreside Fund Services, LLCColumbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor,” and together with the Trust and Putnam Managementthe Adviser, “Applicants”), apply for and request an order of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”), for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the “Order”). Except as noted herein, the Order would be subject to the same terms and conditions contained in a previous order, as may be amended from time to time, issued by the Commission (theReference Order”), which terms and conditions are hereby incorporated by reference into this Order.3

Applicants request that the relief apply to the series of the Trust listed in Appendix A (the “Initial FundsFund”) and to any other existing or future registered open-end management investment company or series thereof that (a) is advised by Putnam Managementthe Adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Putnam Managementthe Adviser (any such entity included in the term “Adviser”), (b) offers exchange traded shares utilizing active management investment strategies as contemplated by the Reference Order and (c) complies with the terms and conditions of the Order and the terms and conditions of the Reference Order that are incorporated by reference herein (each such company or series and eachthe Initial Fund, a “Fund”).4

 

3 

Fidelity Beach Street Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 33683 (November 14, 2019) (notice) and 33712 (December 10, 2019) (order). Applicants are not seeking relief under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the “Section 12(d)(1) Relief”), andor relief under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act relating to the Section 12(d)(1) Relief, except as necessary to allow a Fund’s receipt of Representative ETFs included in its Tracking Basket solely for purposes of effecting transactions in Creation Units (as these terms are defined in the Reference Order), notwithstanding the limits of Rule 12d1-4(b)(3). Accordingly, to the extent the terms and conditions of the Reference Order relate to such relief, they are not incorporated by reference herein other than with respect to such limited exception.

4 

All entities that currently intend to rely on the Order are named as applicants. Any other entity that relies on the Order in the future will comply with the terms and conditions of the Order and of the terms and conditions of the Reference Order that are incorporated by reference herein.

 

2

11


No form having been specifically prescribed for this application, Applicants proceed under rule 0-2 under the Act.

 

II.

THE APPLICANTS

A. The Trust

The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust organized under the laws of Delaware and will consist of one or more series operating as a Fund. The Trust is registered under the Act with the Commission as an open-end management investment company under the Act.

B. The Adviser

Putnam ManagementThe Adviser, a limited liability company organized under the laws of DelawareMinnesota with its principal office in Boston, Massachusetts, will be the investment adviser to the Initial Funds. Putnam ManagementFund. The Adviser is, and any other Adviser will be, registered as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Putnam ManagementThe Adviser or an affiliate has initially entered into a licensing agreement with Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (or its affiliates) to utilize its proprietary mathematical optimization process when creating Tracking Baskets, as described in the Reference Order.

Subject to approval by the Trust’s board of trustees, the Adviser will serve as the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser may enter into sub-advisory agreements with other investment advisers to act as sub-advisers with respect to the Fund (“Sub-Advisers”). Any Sub-Adviser to a Fund will be registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Advisers Act.

 

 

C. The Distributor

The Distributor is a Delaware limited liability companycorporation and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will act as the principal underwriter of shares of the Funds (“Shares”). Applicants request that the relief requested in this application apply to any distributor of Shares, whether affiliated or unaffiliated with the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Any distributor will comply with the terms and conditions of this application and be registered under the Exchange Act as a broker-dealer. The distributor will distribute Shares on an agency basis.

 

III.

REQUEST FOR RELIEF

Applicants agree that the Order will be subject to the same terms and conditions of the same relief under the Reference Order. For the reasons stated in the Reference Order, Applicants believe that:

 

 

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 6(c), the relief is appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act;

 

 

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 17(b), the proposed transactions are reasonable and fair and do not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned, are consistent with the policies of each registered investment company concerned and with the general purposes of the Act; and

 

3

 

12


 

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(J), the relief is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors.

 

IV.

NAMES AND ADDRESSES

Pursuant to Rule 0-2(f) under the Act, Applicants state that their addresses are as indicated on the first page of this application. Applicants further state that all written or oral communications concerning this application should be directed to the persons listed on the first page.

 

V.

PROCEDURAL MATTERS, CONCLUSION AND SIGNATURES

Applicants file this Application in accordance with Rule 0-2 under the Act.

In accordance with Rule 0-2(c) under the Act, Applicants state that all actions necessary to authorize the execution and filing of this Application have been taken, and the persons signing and filing this document are authorized to do so on behalf of Applicants pursuant to their corporate organizational documents, and in the case of the Trust, the attached resolutions. Applicants have also have attached the verifications required by Rule 0-2(d) under the Act. In accordance with the requirements for a request for expedited review of this application, marked copies of two recent applications seeking the same relief as Applicants that are substantially identical as required by Rule 0-5(e) of the Act are attached as Exhibits B and C.

In accordance with Rule 0-5 under the Act, Applicants request that the Commission issue the requested Order without holding a hearing.

Based on the facts, analysis and conditions in the application, Applicants respectfully request that the Commission issue anthe Order under Sections 6(c), 17(b) and 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act granting the relief requested by this application.

 

4

13


PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I
By:  

/s/ Daniel J. Beckman

Daniel J. Beckman

President

By:  

/s/ Aaron Cooper

Aaron Cooper

President

Putnam InvestmentColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
By:  

/s/ Ryan C. Larrenaga

Ryan C. Larrenaga

Vice President and Assistant Secretary

By:  

/s/ Robert T. Burns

Robert T. Burns

General Counsel

Foreside Fund Services, LLCColumbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Joseph D’Alessandro

Joseph D’Alessandro

Vice President and Assistant Secretary

By:  

/s/ Mark Fairbanks

Mark Fairbanks

Vice-President

 

5

14


AUTHORIZATION

RULE 0-2(c)

PUTNAMColumbia ETF Trust I

In accordance with Rule 0-2(c) under the Act, Aaron CooperDaniel J. Beckman, President of PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I, is authorized to sign on behalf of PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I pursuant to the following resolutions adopted by the board of Trustees of PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I at a meeting held on January 26June  15, 2021:

RESOLVED: That the Board hereby approves, ratifies and confirms the that the President and Counsel are authorized in the name and on behalf of the Trust to execute and file or cause to be filed with theofficers of Columbia ETF Trust I be, and each hereby is, authorized to prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) an Application for an order underof the SEC, that grants pursuant to Section 6(c) of the 1940Investment Company Act forof 1940, as amended (the “Act”), an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the 1940 Act and Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, and under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the 1940 Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the 1940 Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the 1940 Act, including any exhibits and amendments thereto, to operate actively-managed, exchange-traded funds that do not disclose portfolio holdings daily; and it is further

RESOLVED: That the officers of Columbia ETF Trust I, with the assistance and advice of Fund Counsel and Independent Legal Counsel or others as may be required, are hereby authorized to prepare, execute and file any and all amendments to such applications as may be necessary or appropriate; and it is further

FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Board hereby approves, ratifies and confirms that the President and Counsel aresuch applications shall be executed by or on behalf of Columbia ETF Trust I by one or more of its officers, and that the officers of Columbia ETF Trust I, now or hereafter appointed, are hereby authorized and empower to take any and all suchfurther actions asthat may be necessary or appropriate to effect the transactions referred to ineffectuate the foregoing resolutions with respect to the applications and the matters described therein.

 

6

15


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

PUTNAMColumbia ETF Trust I

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned states, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached application dated April 14, 2021 for an order for, and on behalf of Putnam, Columbia ETF Trust I; that he is the Sole TrusteePresident of such entity; and that all actionactions taken by the trustees or other persons necessary to authorize the undersigneddeponent to execute and file such instrument hasthis 16th day of June, 2021, have been taken. The undersignedDeponent further statessays that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

PutnamColumbia ETF Trust I
By:  

/s/ Aaron CooperDaniel J. Beckman

  Aaron CooperName: Daniel J. Beckman
  Title: President

 

7

16


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

PUTNAM INVESTMENTColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned states, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached application dated April 14, 2021 for an order for, and on behalf of Putnam Investment, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC; that he is the General CounselVice President and Assistant Secretary of such entity; and that all actionactions taken by the directors or other persons necessary to authorize the undersigneddeponent to execute and file such instrument hasthis 16th day of June, 2021, have been taken. The undersignedDeponent further statessays that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

Putnam InvestmentColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
By:  

/s/ Robert T. BurnsRyan C. Larrenaga

  Robert T. BurnsName: Ryan C. Larrenaga
  General CounselTitle: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

 

8

17


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

FORESIDE FUND SERVICES, LLC

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned states, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached application dated April 14, 2021 for an order for, and on behalf of Foreside Fund Services, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.; that he is the Vice-PresidentVice President and Assistant Secretary of such entity; and that all actionactions taken by the directors or other persons necessary to authorize the undersigneddeponent to execute and file such instrument hasthis 16th day of June, 2021, have been taken. The undersignedDeponent further statessays that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLCColumbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Mark FairbanksJoseph D’Alessandro

 

Name: Joseph D’AlessandroMark Fairbanks

Vice-President

  Title: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

 

9

18


Exhibit A

Initial FundsFund

Putnam Focused Large Cap GrowthColumbia Seligman Semiconductor Technology ETF

Putnam Focused Large Cap GrowthColumbia Seligman Semiconductor Technology ETF seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests mainly in common stocks of large U.S. companies, with a focus on growth stocks. Under normal circumstancesmarket conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of the fund’sits net assets in companies of a size similar to those in the Russell 1000 Growth Index(including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of semiconductor, semiconductor equipment and related companies.

Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF

Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF seeks capital growth and current income. The fund invests mainly in common stocks of U.S. companies, with a focus on value stocks that offer the potential for capital growth, current income, or both. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of the fund’s net assets in large-cap companies, which for purposes of this policy, are of a size similar to those in the Russell 1000 Value Index.

Putnam Sustainable Future ETF

Putnam Sustainable Future ETF seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests mainly in common stocks of U.S. companies of any size, with a focus on companies whose products and services provide solutions that directly contribute to sustainable social, environmental and economic development.

Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF

Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests mainly in common stocks of U.S. companies of any size, with a focus on companies that exhibit a commitment to sustainable business practices.

10

 

19


Exhibit C

Second Marked Copy

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BEFORE THE

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

File No. 812-[        ]

 

 

Second Amended and Restated Application for an Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, and under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act.

 

 

In the matter of

Columbia ETF Trust I

Invesco CapitalColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

InvescoColumbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

225 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust

 

 

Please send all communications regarding this Application, notices and orders to:

Adam Henkel, Esq.

Invesco Capital Management LLC

3500 Lacey Road, Suite 700

Downers Grove, IL 60515

adam.henkel@invesco.com

 

20


With a copy to:

 

Eric S. Purple, Esq.    Alan P. Goldberg
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young LLP    Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young LLP
2000 K Street, N.W., Suite 700    191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1601
Washington, DC 20006    Chicago, IL 60606

Daniel J. Beckman

Columbia ETF Trust I

225 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

Ryan C. Larrenaga

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

225 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

Joseph D’Alessandro

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

485 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Page 1 of 11[•] sequentially numbered pages (including exhibits)

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30June 16, 20202021

 

21


EXPEDITED REVIEW REQUESTED UNDER 17 CFR 270.0-5(d)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

In the Matter of

 

Columbia ETF Trust I

Invesco CapitalColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

InvescoColumbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust

File No. 812-15141

[         ]

   Second Amended and Restated Application for an Order under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, and under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act.

I. SUMMARY OF APPLICATION

I. SUMMARY OF APPLICATION

In this second amended and restated application, Invesco Capital Management LLC (“Invesco”), Invesco (“Application”), the undersigned applicants, Columbia ETF Trust I (the “Trust”), Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”), and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (the “Active Trust”), Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust (the “Commodity Trust,” and together with the Active Trust, the “Trusts,” and the Trusts, together with Invesco and the Distributor, the and the Adviser,Applicants”), apply for and request an order of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, and under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the “Order”). Except as noted herein, the Order would be subject to the same terms and conditions contained in a previous order, as may be amended from time to time (“Reference Order”), issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (theCommissionReference Order”), which terms and conditions are hereby incorporated by reference into this Order.5

 

5 

Fidelity Beach Street Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 33683 (November 14, 2019) (notice) and 33712 (December 10, 2019) (order). Applicants are not seeking relief under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act (the “Section 12(d)(1) Relief”), andor relief under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act relating to the Section 12(d)(1) Relief, as granted inexcept as necessary to allow a Fund’s receipt of Representative ETFs included in its Tracking Basket solely for purposes of effecting transactions in Creation Units (as these terms are defined in the Reference Order), notwithstanding the limits of Rule 12d1-4(b)(3). Accordingly, to the extent the terms and conditions of the Reference Order relate to such relief, they are not incorporated by reference herein. other than with respect to such limited exception.

 

22


Applicants request that the relief appliesapply to the series of the TrustsTrust listed in Appendix A (the “Initial Fund”) and to any other existing or future registered open-end management investment company or series thereof that (a) is advised by Invescothe Adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Invescothe Adviser (any such entity included in the term “Adviser”), (b) offers exchange traded shares utilizing active management investment strategies as contemplated by the Reference Order and (c) complies with the terms and conditions of the Order and the terms and conditions of the Reference Order that are incorporated by reference herein (each such company or series and anythe Initial Fund, a “Fund”).6

Page 2 of 11

 

 

6 

All entities that currently intend to rely on the Order are named as applicants. Any other entity that relies on the Order in the future will comply with the terms and conditions of the Order and the terms and conditions of the Reference Order that are incorporated by reference herein.

 

23


No form having been specifically prescribed for this application, Applicants proceed under rule 0-2 under the Act.

II. APPLICANTS

 

  AII.

THE TrustsAPPLICANTS

A. The Trust

EachThe Trust is a statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of DelawareMassachusetts business trust and will consist of one or more series operating as a Fund. EachThe Trust is registered with the Commission as an open-end management investment company under the Act.

 

  B.

The Adviser

B. The Adviser

Invesco The Adviser, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Minnesota with its principal office in Boston, Massachusetts, will be the investment adviser to the Initial Fund. Invesco is a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business in Downers Grove, Illinois. InvescoThe Adviser is, and any other Adviser will be, registered as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Invesco has initiallyThe Adviser or an affiliate has entered into a licensing agreement with Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC (or its affiliates) to utilize its proprietary mathematical optimization process when creating Tracking Baskets, as described in the Reference Order.

Subject to approval by the Trusts’ BoardsTrust’s board of trustees, anthe Adviser will serve as the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser may enter into sub-advisory agreements with other investment advisers to act as sub-advisers with respect to Fundsthe Fund (“Sub-Advisers”). Any Sub-Adviser to a Fund will be registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Advisers Act.

C. The Distributor

 

  C.

The Distributor

The Distributor is a Delaware corporation and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will act as the principal underwriter of shares of the Funds (“Shares”). Applicants request that the relief requested in this application apply to any distributor of Shares, whether affiliated or unaffiliated with the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser. Any distributor will comply with the terms and conditions of this application and be registered under the Exchange Act as a broker-dealer. The distributor will distribute Shares on an agency basis.

 

24


III.

REQUEST FOR RELIEF

III. REQUEST FOR RELIEF

Applicants agree that the relief requested under the Order will be subject to the same terms and conditions of the same relief under the Reference Order. For the reasons stated in the Reference Order, Applicants believe that:

Page 3 of 11

 

25


   

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 6(c), the relief is appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act; and

 

   

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 17(b), the proposed transactions are reasonable and fair and do not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned, are consistent with the policies of each registered investment company concerned and with the general purposes of the Act.; and

 

   

With respect to the relief requested pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(J), the relief is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors.

IV. NAMES AND ADDRESSES

 

IV.

NAMES AND ADDRESSES

Pursuant to Rule 0-2(f) under the Act, Applicants state that their addresses are as indicated on the first page of this application. Applicants further state that all written or oral communications concerning this application should be directed to the persons listed on the first page.

V. PROCEDURAL MATTERS, CONCLUSION AND SIGNATURES

V. PROCEDURAL MATTERS, CONCLUSION AND SIGNATURES

Applicants file this Application in accordance with Rule 0-2 under the Act. Applicants have attached the required verifications to the second amended and restated application.

In accordance with Rule 0-2(c) under the Act, Applicants state that all actions necessary to authorize the execution and filing of this second amended and restated Application have been taken, and the persons signing and filing this document are authorized to do so on behalf of the Applicants pursuant to their corporate organizational documents, and in the case of the Trust, the attached resolutions. Applicants have attached copies of the resolutions relating to the respective authorizations.also attached the verifications required by Rule 0-2(d) under the Act. In accordance with the requirements for a request for expedited review of this application, marked copies of two recent applications seeking the same relief as Applicants that are substantially identical as required by Rule 0-5(e) of the Act are attached as Exhibits B and C.

In accordance with Rule 0-5 under the Act, Applicants request that the Commission issue the requested Order without holding a hearing.

Based on the facts, analysis and conditions in the application, Applicants respectfully request that the Commission issue the Order under Sections 6(c) and, 17(b) and 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act granting the relief requested by this application.

 

26


Columbia ETF Trust I
By:    

/s/ Daniel J. Beckman

    Daniel J. Beckman
    President
  Invesco CapitalColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
  By:  

/s/ Adam HenkelRyan C. Larrenaga

    Ryan C. Larrenaga
    Vice President and Assistant Secretary
    Name: Adam Henkel
    Title: Secretary and Head of Legal, US ETFsColumbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
  Invesco Distributors, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Joseph D’Alessandro

  Joseph D’Alessandro
  Vice President and Assistant Secretary
  By:  

/s/ Jeffrey H. Kupor

    Name: Jeffrey H. Kupor

Page 4 of 11

 

27


Title: Secretary and Senior Vice President
Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust
By:  

/s/ Adam Henkel

  Name: Adam Henkel
  Title: Secretary
Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust
By:  

/s/ Adam Henkel

  Name: Adam Henkel
  Title: Secretary

Page 5 of 11

 

28


AUTHORIZATION

RULE 0-2(c)

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded FundColumbia ETF Trust I

Daniel J. Beckman, President of Columbia ETF Trust I, is authorized to sign on behalf of Columbia ETF Trust I pursuant to the following resolutions adopted by the board of Columbia ETF Trust I at a meeting held on June 15, 2021:

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust

In accordance with Rule 0-2(c) under the Act, Adam Henkel, Secretary of Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust, is authorized to sign on behalf of Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust pursuant to the following resolutions adopted by the Boards of Trustees of Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust on December 12, 2019:

RESOLVED,: That the Board of Trustees of each of Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust (the “Trusts”) hereby authorizes in the name and on behalf of the Trusts the preparation, execution and filing officers of Columbia ETF Trust I be, and each hereby is, authorized to prepare and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) of an Application for an order of Exemption underthe SEC, that grants pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), for an exemption from Sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 under the Act, and under Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act, with such changes as may be recommended by the Trusts’ counsel and any amendments or supplements thereto, if the same shall be necessary and appropriateincluding any exhibits and amendments thereto, to operate actively-managed, exchange-traded funds that do not disclose portfolio holdings daily; and it is further

RESOLVED,: That the officers of the Trusts be, and each hereby is, authorized and directed to take such additional actions, and to execute and deliver on behalf of the Trusts such other documents or instruments as they deemColumbia ETF Trust I, with the assistance and advice of Fund Counsel and Independent Legal Counsel or others as may be required, are hereby authorized to prepare, execute and file any and all amendments to such applications as may be necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the above resolution, their authority therefore to be conclusively evidenced by the taking of any such actions or the execution or delivery of any such document; and it is further

RESOLVED, that upon issuance of any Order of Exemption by the SEC in accordance with the terms and conditions of the above described Application, the Trusts are authorized to act in accordance with the provisions of the Order or Exemption.

 

29


By:   /s/ Adam Henkel
  Name: Adam Henkel
  Title: Secretary

Page 6 of 11

RESOLVED: That such applications shall be executed by or on behalf of Columbia ETF Trust I by one or more of its officers, and that the officers of Columbia ETF Trust I, now or hereafter appointed, are hereby authorized to take any and all further actions that may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the foregoing resolutions with respect to the applications and the matters described therein.

 

30


Verification

Invesco Capital Management LLC

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached second amended and restated application for an order for, and on behalf of, Invesco Capital Management LLC; that he is Secretary and Head of Legal, US ETFs of such company; and that all actions taken by the directors or other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument this 30th day of September, 2020, have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

By:  

/s/ Adam Henkel

  Name: Adam Henkel
  Title: Secretary and Head of Legal, US ETFs

Page 7 of 11

 

31


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

Invesco Distributors, Inc.

Columbia ETF Trust I

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached second amended and restated application for an order for, and on behalf of, Invesco Distributors, Inc.Columbia ETF Trust I; that he is Secretary and Senior Vicethe President of such companyentity; and that all actions taken by the trustees or other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument this 3016 th day of SeptemberJune, 20202021, have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

    Columbia ETF Trust I
By:   By:  

/s/ Jeffrey H. KuporDaniel J. Beckman

    Name: Jeffrey H. KuporDaniel J. Beckman
    Title: Secretary and Senior Vice President

Page 8 of 11

 

32


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

 

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached second amended and restated application for an order for, and on behalf of, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund TrustColumbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC; that he is theVice President and Assistant Secretary of such entity; and that all actions taken by the trusteesdirectors or other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument this 3016 th day of SeptemberJune, 20202021, have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

    Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
By:   By:  

/s/ Adam HenkelRyan C. Larrenaga

    Name: Adam HenkelRyan C. Larrenaga
    Title: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Page 9 of 11

 

33


VERIFICATION

RULE 0-2(d)

 

Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust

Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.

Verification of Application

In accordance with Rule 0-2(d) under the Act, the undersigned, being duly sworn, deposes and says that he has duly executed the attached second amended and restated application for an order for, and on behalf of, Invesco Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust; that he is theColumbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.; that he is Vice President and Assistant Secretary of such entity; and that all actions taken by the trusteesdirectors or other persons necessary to authorize deponent to execute and file such instrument this 3016 th day of SeptemberJune, 20202021, have been taken. Deponent further says that he is familiar with such instrument, and the contents thereof, and that the facts therein set forth are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief.

 

 

    Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
By:   By:  

/s/ Adam HenkelJoseph D’Alessandro

    Name: Adam HenkelJoseph D’Alessandro
    Title: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Page 10 of 11

 

34


APPENDIXExhibit A

Initial Fund

Invesco NTA Growth & IncomeColumbia Seligman Semiconductor Technology ETF

Columbia Seligman Semiconductor Technology ETF seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests mainly in common stocks of U.S. companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of semiconductor, semiconductor equipment and related companies.

Investment Objective: Total return through growth of capital and current income.

Principal Investment Strategy: Under normal market conditions, the Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in income-producing equity securities. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers of all capitalization sizes; however, a substantial number of the issuers in which the Fund will invest will be large-capitalization issuers.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in exchange-traded real estate investment trusts and up to 25% of its net assets in exchange-traded American depositary receipts. The Fund can invest in U.S. exchange-listed futures contracts that trade contemporaneously with the Fund’s shares.

The Fund will emphasize a value style of investing, which focuses on undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations.

Page 11 of 11

 

35