485APOS 1 fp0072435_485apos.htm

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 25, 2022

 

REGISTRATION NOS. 333-191476

811-22894

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

 

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [  ]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [  ]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 275 [X]
AND/OR  
   
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [  ]
AMENDMENT NO.  278 [X]

 

 

 

INVESTMENT MANAGERS SERIES TRUST II

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

235 West Galena Street

Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (626) 385-5777

 

Diane J. Drake

Mutual Fund Administration, LLC

2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226

Glendora, California 91740

 

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

COPIES TO:

 

Laurie Anne Dee

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800

Costa Mesa, California 92626

 

Morrison C. Warren, Esq.

Chapman and Cutler, LLP

320 South Canal Street

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

 

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

 

[  ]immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485; or
[  ]on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485; or
[  ]60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485;
[  ]on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485; or
[X]75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485; or
[  ]on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485; or
[  ]on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 485.

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

[  ]This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
 

 

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 it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer of sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion

Dated January 25, 2022

 

PROSPECTUS

 

AXS 2X Innovation ETF
(Ticker: TARK)

 

AXS Short China Internet ETF
(Ticker: SWEB)

 

 

 

__________, 2022

 

AXS 2X Innovation ETF (“TARK”) and AXS Short China Internet ETF (“SWEB” and collectively with TARK, the “Funds” and each individually, a “Fund”), are series of Investment Managers Series Trust II (the “Trust”), and each intend to list and principally trade its shares on [          ] (the “Exchange”). Shares of the Funds trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at or above the respective Fund’s net asset value.

 

The Funds are not suitable for all investors and is designed to be utilized only by sophisticated investors who understand the risks associated with the use of derivatives, are willing to assume a high degree of risk, and intend to actively monitor and manage their investments in the Fund.

 

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

TARK seeks daily leveraged investment results and SWEB seeks daily inverse investment results and are intended to be used as short-term trading vehicles. TARK attempts to provide the daily investment results that correspond to two times the performance of ARK Innovation ETF and SWEB attempts to provide the daily investment results that correspond to the inverse (or opposite) of the performance of KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF.

 
 

The Funds are not intended to be used by, and are not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Funds are very different from most mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

 

Investors should note that:

 

(1) TARK pursues a daily leveraged objective that is two times the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF, which means TARK is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because TARK magnifies the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

(2) SWEB pursues a daily investment objective that is inverse to the performance of the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF, a result opposite of most mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

 

(3) The Funds seek daily investment results that are subject to compounding and market volatility risk. The pursuit of a daily investment objective means that the return of the Funds for a period longer than a full trading day will be the product of a series of daily returns, with daily repositioned exposure, for each trading day during the relevant period. As a consequence, especially in periods of market volatility, the volatility of the underlying ETFs may affect the Funds’ return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying ETFs. Further, the return for investors that invest for periods less than a full trading day will not be the product of the return of the Fund's stated daily investment objective and the performance of underlying ETF for the full trading day. During periods of high volatility, the Funds may not perform as expected and the Funds may have losses when an investor may have expected gains if a Fund is held for a period that is different than one trading day.

 

The Funds are not suitable for all investors. The Funds are designed to be utilized only by sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Investors in the Funds should:

 

(a) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged or inverse investment results; and

 

(b) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments.

 

Investors who do not understand the Funds, or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments, should not buy the Funds.

 

There is no assurance that any Fund will achieve its daily inverse investment objective and an investment in a Fund could lose money. The Funds are not a complete investment program.

 

If the ARK Innovation ETF moves more than 50% on a given trading day in a direction adverse to TARK, TARK’s investors would lose all of their money. TARK’s investment adviser, AXS Investments, LLC, will attempt to position TARK’s portfolio to ensure that TARK does not gain or lose more than 90% of its net asset value on a given trading day. As a consequence, TARK’s portfolio should not be responsive to ARK Innovation ETF movements beyond 45% on a given trading day, whether that movement is favorable or adverse to TARK. For example, if the ARK Innovation ETF was to gain 50% on a given trading day, TARK should be limited to a gain of 90% for that day, which corresponds to 200% of an ARK Innovation ETF gain of 45%, rather than 200% of an ARK Innovation ETF gain of 50%

 
 

Table of Contents

 

AXS 2X Innovation ETF - Summary Information 1
AXS Short China Internet ETF  - Summary Information 17
Additional Information About the Funds’ Principal Investment Strategies 32
Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds 48
Management of the Funds 64
Buying and Selling Fund Shares 66
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 67
Distributor 69
Fund Service Providers 69
Additional Information 70
Financial Highlights 71
 
 

AXS 2X Innovation ETF

 

Important Information About the Fund

 

The AXS 2X Innovation ETF (the “Fund” or “TARK”) seeks daily leveraged investment results and is very different from most other exchange-traded funds. As a result, the Fund may be riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund’s objective is to magnify (200%) the daily performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. The return for investors that invest for periods longer or shorter than a trading day should not be expected to be 200% of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF for the period. The return of the Fund for a period longer than a trading day will be the result of each trading day’s compounded return over the period, which will very likely differ from 200% of the return of the ARK Innovation ETF for that period. Longer holding periods, higher volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF and leverage increase the impact of compounding on an investor’s returns. During periods of higher ARK Innovation ETF volatility, the volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF may affect the Fund’s return as much as, or more than, the return of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the ARK Innovation ETF’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the ARK Innovation ETF’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day if the ARK Innovation ETF loses more than 50% in one day.

 

Investment Objective

 

The AXS 2X Innovation ETF seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of 200% of the daily performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. The Fund does not seek to achieve its stated investment objective for a period of time different than a trading day.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example set forth below.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

Management Fees [____]%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.00%
Other Expenses(1) [____]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2) [____]%

 

(1)“Other Expenses” are estimates based on the expenses the Fund expects to incur for the current fiscal year.
(2)The cost of investing in swaps, including the embedded cost of the swap and the operating expenses of the referenced assets, is an indirect expense that is not included in the above fee table and is not reflected in the expense example. The total indirect cost of investing in swaps, including the embedded cost of the swap and the operating expenses of the referenced assets, is estimated to be [____]% for the fiscal year ending [____].
 1  

 

Example

 

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

 

This example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain at current levels. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that investors may pay to buy and sell Shares.

 

  1 Year 3 Years
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based on these assumptions, would be: $[____] $[____]

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. At the date of this prospectus, the Fund does not have an operating history and turnover data therefore is not available.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund that seeks to achieve on a daily basis, before fees and expenses, 200% performance of the ARK Innovation ETF for a single day, not for any other period, by entering into one or more swap agreements on the ARK Innovation ETF. A “single day” is measured from the time the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) to the time of the Fund’s next NAV calculation.

 

The Fund will enter into one or more swap agreements with major global financial institutions for a specified period ranging from a day to more than one year whereby the Fund and the global financial institution will agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on the ARK Innovation ETF. The gross return to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties is calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” e.g., the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount representing the ARK Innovation ETF. The Adviser attempts to consistently apply leverage to increase the Fund’s exposure to 200% of the ARK Innovation ETF, and expects to rebalance the Fund’s holdings daily to maintain such exposure.

 

Additionally, the Fund may invest between 40-80% of the Fund’s portfolio depending on the amount of collateral required by the Fund’s counterparties in (1) U.S. Government securities, such as bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury; (2) money market funds; (3) short term bond ETFs and/or (4) corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper and other short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses that are rated investment grade or of comparable quality (“Collateral Investments”).

 

The ARK Innovation ETF is an actively managed exchange traded fund that seeks long-term growth of capital by investing under normal circumstances primarily (at least 65% of its assets) in domestic and foreign equity securities of companies that are relevant to the ARK Innovation ETF’s investment theme of disruptive innovation. It is typically comprised of 35-55 companies.

 2  

 

This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to the underlying stock or other securities of the ARK Innovation ETF. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding the ARK Innovation ETF from the publicly available documents. In connection with the offering of the securities, neither the Fund, the Trust nor the Advisor has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the ARK Innovation ETF. Neither the Fund, the Trust nor the Advisor makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the ARK Innovation ETF is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of the ARK Innovation ETF (and therefore the price of the ARK Innovation ETF at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the ARK Innovation ETF could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.

 

Neither the Fund nor any of its affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

Principal Risks

 

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s use of derivatives may be considered aggressive and may expose the Fund to greater risks and larger losses or smaller gains than investing directly in the reference asset(s) underlying those derivatives.  A derivative refers to any financial instrument whose value is derived, at least in part, from the price of an underlying security, asset, rate or index. The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security, asset, rate or index. Gains or losses in a derivative may be magnified and may be much greater than the derivative’s original cost. 

 

·Swap Agreement Risk. The Fund expects to use swap agreements as a means to achieve its investment objective. Swap agreements are generally traded in over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets and have only recently become subject to regulation by the CFTC. CFTC rules, however, do not cover all types of swap agreements. Investors, therefore, may not receive the protection of CFTC regulation or the statutory scheme of the Commodity Exchange Act in connection with the Fund’s swap agreements. The lack of regulation in these markets could expose investors to significant losses under certain circumstances, including in the event of trading abuses or financial failure by participants.  Unlike in futures contracts, the counterparty to uncleared OTC swap agreements is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a clearing organization backed by a group of financial institutions. As a result, the Fund is subject to increased counterparty risk with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to uncleared swaps. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Fund could suffer significant losses on these contracts and the value of an investor’s investment in the Fund may decline.  OTC swaps of the type that may be utilized by the Fund are less liquid than futures contracts because they are not traded on an exchange, do not have uniform terms and conditions, and are generally entered into based upon the creditworthiness of the parties and the availability of credit support, such as collateral, and in general, are not transferable without the consent of the counterparty. Swaps are also subject to the risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the reference asset underlying the swap and the swap. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund’s gains and losses. Moreover, with respect to the use of swap agreements, if the ARK Innovation ETF has a dramatic intraday move that causes a material decline in the Fund’s net assets, the terms of a swap agreement between the Fund and its counterparty may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the transaction with the Fund. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve the desired exposure consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. This, in turn, may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, even if the ARK Innovation ETF reverses all or a portion of its intraday move by the end of the day. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.
 3  

 

Leverage Risk. Leverage increases the risk of a total loss of an investor’s investment, may increase the volatility of the Fund, and may magnify any differences between the performance of the Fund and the ARK Innovation ETF. Because the Fund includes a multiplier of two times (2x) the ARK Innovation ETF, a single day movement in the ARK Innovation ETF approaching 50% at any point in the day could result in the total loss of an investor’s investment if that movement is contrary to the investment objective of the Fund, even if the ARK Innovation ETF subsequently moves in an opposite direction, eliminating all or a portion of the earlier movement. This would be the case with any such single day movements in the ARK Innovation ETF, even if the ARK Innovation ETF maintains a level greater than zero at all times.

 

Compounding Risk. The Fund has a single day investment objective, and the Fund’s performance for any other period is the result of its return for each day compounded over the period. The performance of the Fund for periods longer than a single day will very likely differ in amount, and possibly even direction, from 200% of the daily return the ARK Innovation ETF for the same period, before accounting for fees and expenses. Compounding affects all investments, but has a more significant impact on a leveraged fund. This effect becomes more pronounced as the ARK Innovation ETF volatility and holding periods increase. Fund performance for a period longer than a single day can be estimated given any set of assumptions for the following factors: (a) the ARK Innovation ETF volatility; (b) the ARK Innovation ETF performance; (c) period of time; (d) financing rates associated with leveraged exposure; and (e) other Fund expenses. The chart below illustrates the impact of two principal factors — the ARK Innovation ETF volatility and the ARK Innovation ETF performance — on Fund performance. The chart shows estimated Fund returns for a number of combinations of the ARK Innovation ETF volatility and the ARK Innovation ETF performance over a one-year period. Actual volatility, the ARK Innovation ETF and Fund performance may differ significantly from the chart below. Performance shown in the chart assumes: (a) no Fund expenses; and (b) borrowing/lending rates (to obtain leveraged exposure) of zero percent. If Fund expenses and/or actual borrowing/ lending rates were reflected, the Fund’s performance would be different than shown.

 

Areas shaded red (or dark gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return less than 200% of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF and those shaded green (or light gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return more than 200% of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. The Fund’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown below as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Correlation Risk” below.

 4  

 

Estimated Fund Returns

 

One Year ARK Innovation ETF 200% One Year ARK Innovation ETF   Volatility Rate
Return Return   10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
-60% -120%   -84.2% -85.0% -87.5% -90.9% -94.1%
-50% -100%   -75.2% -76.5% -80.5% -85.8% -90.8%
-40% -80%   -64.4% -66.2% -72.0% -79.5% -86.8%
-30% -60%   -51.5% -54.0% -61.8% -72.1% -82.0%
-20% -40%   -36.6% -39.9% -50.2% -63.5% -76.5%
-10% -20%   -19.8% -23.9% -36.9% -53.8% -70.2%
0% 0%   -1.0% -6.1% -22.1% -43.0% -63.2%
10% 20%   19.8% 13.7% -5.8% -31.1% -55.5%
20% 40%   42.6% 35.3% 12.1% -18.0% -47.0%
30% 60%   67.3% 58.8% 31.6% -3.7% -37.8%
40% 80%   94.0% 84.1% 52.6% 11.7% -27.9%
50% 100%   122.8% 111.4% 75.2% 28.2% -17.2%
60% 120%   153.5% 140.5% 99.4% 45.9% -5.8%

 

The foregoing table is intended to isolate the effect of the ARK Innovation ETF volatility and the ARK Innovation ETF performance on the return of the Fund and is not a representation of actual returns. For example, the Fund may incorrectly be expected to achieve a 40% return on a yearly basis if the ARK Innovation ETF return were 20%, absent the effects of compounding. As the table shows, with the ARK Innovation ETF volatility of 50%, the Fund could be expected to return –5.8% under such a scenario. The Fund’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown above as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Principal Risks — Correlation Risk” below.

 

The ARK Innovation ETF’s annualized historical volatility rate for the period from [___] (the inception date of the ARK Innovation ETF) to December 31, 2021 was [___]%. The ARK Innovation ETF’s highest volatility rate for any one calendar year for the period from March 29, 2019 through December 31, 2020 was 40.01% and volatility for a shorter period of time may have been substantially higher. The ARK Innovation ETF’s annualized performance for the period from [____] to December 31, 2021 was [___]%. Historical ARK Innovation ETF volatility and performance are not indications of what the ARK Innovation ETF volatility and performance will be in the future. The volatility of ETFs or instruments that reflect the value of the ARK Innovation ETF, such as swaps, may differ from the volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

Correlation Risk. A number of factors may affect the Fund’s ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of correlation. Failure to achieve a high degree of correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, and the percentage change of the Fund’s NAV each day may differ, perhaps significantly in amount, and possibly even direction, from 200% of the percentage change of the ARK Innovation ETF on such day.

 

In order to achieve a high degree of correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF, the Fund seeks to rebalance its portfolio daily to keep exposure consistent with its investment objective. Being materially under- or overexposed to the ARK Innovation ETF may prevent the Fund from achieving a high degree of correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF and may expose the Fund to greater leverage risk. Market disruptions or closure, regulatory restrictions, market volatility, illiquidity in the markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests, and other factors will adversely affect the Fund’s ability to adjust exposure to requisite levels. The target amount of portfolio exposure is impacted dynamically by the ARK Innovation ETF’s movements, including intraday movements. Because of this, it is unlikely that the Fund will have perfect 200% exposure during the day or at the end of each day and the likelihood of being materially under- or overexposed is higher on days when the ARK Innovation ETF is volatile, particularly when the ARK Innovation ETF is volatile at or near the close of the trading day.

 5  

 

A number of other factors may also adversely affect the Fund’s correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF, including fees, expenses, transaction costs, financing costs associated with the use of derivatives, income items, valuation methodology, accounting standards and disruptions or illiquidity in the markets for the securities or financial instruments in which the Fund invests. The Fund may take or refrain from taking positions in order to improve tax efficiency, comply with regulatory restrictions, or for other reasons, each of which may negatively affect the Fund’s correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF. The Fund may also be subject to large movements of assets into and out of the Fund, potentially resulting in the Fund being under- or overexposed to the ARK Innovation ETF and may be impacted by reconstitutions of the ARK Innovation ETF and the ARK Innovation ETF rebalancing events. Additionally, the Fund’s underlying investments and/or reference assets may trade on markets that may not be open on the same day as the Fund, which may cause a difference between the changes in the daily performance of the Fund and changes in the level of the ARK Innovation ETF. Any of these factors could decrease correlation between the performance of the Fund and the ARK Innovation ETF and may hinder the Fund’s ability to meet its daily investment objective on or around that day.

 

Rebalancing Risk. If for any reason the Fund is unable to rebalance all or a portion of its portfolio, or if all or a portion of the portfolio is rebalanced incorrectly, the Fund’s investment exposure may not be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. In these instances, the Fund may have investment exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF that is significantly greater or less than its stated multiple. As a result, the Fund may be more exposed to leverage risk than if it had been properly rebalanced and may not achieve its investment objective.

 

Financial Technology Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in financial technology companies. Companies that are developing financial technologies that seek to disrupt or displace established financial institutions generally face competition from much larger and more established firms. Financial technology companies may not be able to capitalize on their disruptive technologies if they face political and/or legal attacks from competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. Laws generally vary by country, creating some challenges to achieving scale. A financial technology company may not currently derive any revenue, and there is no assurance that such company will derive any revenue from innovative technologies in the future. Additionally, financial technology companies may be adversely impacted by potential rapid product obsolescence, cybersecurity attacks, increased regulatory oversight and disruptions in the technology they depend on.

 

Disruptive Innovation Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in disruptive innovation companies. Companies that the adviser of the ARK Innovation ETF believes are capitalizing on disruptive innovation and developing technologies to displace older technologies or create new markets may not in fact do so. Companies that initially develop a novel technology may not be able to capitalize on the technology. Companies that develop disruptive technologies may face political or legal attacks from competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. These companies may also be exposed to risks applicable to sectors other than the disruptive innovation theme for which they are chosen, and the securities issued by these companies may underperform the securities of other companies that are primarily focused on a particular theme. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in a company that does not currently derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies, and there is no assurance that a company will derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies in the future. A disruptive innovation or technology may constitute a small portion of a company’s overall business. As a result, the success of a disruptive innovation or technology may not affect the value of the equity securities issued by the company.

 

Counterparty Risk. Investing in derivatives involves entering into contracts with third parties (i.e., counterparties). The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The Fund will be subject to credit risk (i.e., the risk that a counterparty is or is perceived to be unwilling or unable to make timely payments or otherwise meet its contractual obligations) with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to derivatives and repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or fails to perform its obligations, or if any collateral posted by the counterparty for the benefit of the Fund is insufficient or there are delays in the Fund’s ability to access such collateral, the value of an investment in the Fund may decline.

 6  

 

Communications Sector Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in companies in the communication sector. Communication companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advancement and the innovation of competitors. Companies in the communications sector may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Additionally, fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer tastes can drastically affect a communication company’s profitability. While all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain companies in the communications 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.

 

Consumer Discretionary Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in companies in the consumer discretionary sector. The consumer discretionary sector may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and interest rates, competition, consumers’ disposable income and consumer preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.

 

Health Care Sector Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in companies in the health care sector. The health care sector may be affected by government regulations and government health care programs, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, increases or decreases in the cost of medical products and services and product liability claims, among other factors. Many health care companies are: (i) heavily dependent on patent protection and intellectual property rights and the expiration of a patent may adversely affect their profitability; (ii) subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims; and (iii) subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Many health care products and services may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly, and delays or failure to receive such approvals may negatively impact the business of such companies. Additional or more stringent laws and regulations enacted in the future could have a material adverse effect on such companies in the health care sector. In addition, issuers in the health care sector include issuers having their principal activities in the biotechnology industry, medical laboratories and research, drug laboratories and research and drug manufacturers.

 

Biotechnology Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in biotechnology companies. A biotechnology company’s valuation can often be based largely on the potential or actual performance of a limited number of products and can accordingly be greatly affected if one of its products proves, among other things, unsafe, ineffective or unprofitable. Biotechnology companies are subject to regulation by, and the restrictions of, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state and local governments, and foreign regulatory authorities.

 

Pharmaceutical Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in pharmaceutical companies. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry can be significantly affected by, among other things, government approval of products and services, government regulation and reimbursement rates, product liability claims, patent expirations and protection and intense competition.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in companies in the information technology sector. The information technology sector includes companies engaged in internet software and services, technology hardware and storage peripherals, electronic equipment instruments and components, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Failure to introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base, or achieve general market acceptance for their products could have a material adverse effect on a company’s business. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on intellectual property and the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

 7  

 

Internet Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in Internet companies. Many Internet-related companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements, and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. Additionally, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business.

 

Semiconductor Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in semiconductor companies. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of semiconductor companies and, as product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, these companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital costs and may be heavily dependent on intellectual property rights. The semiconductor sector is highly cyclical, which may cause the operating results of many semiconductor companies to vary significantly. The stock prices of companies in the semiconductor sector have been and likely will continue to be extremely volatile.

 

Software Industry Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in software companies. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.

 

Cryptocurrency Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in securities which have exposure to cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as “virtual currencies” and “digital currencies”) are digital assets designed to act as a medium of exchange. Cryptocurrency is an emerging asset class. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin. The ARK Innovation ETF may have exposure to bitcoin indirectly through an investment in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (“GBTC”), a privately offered, open-end investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin. Cryptocurrency generally operates without central authority (such as a bank) and is not backed by any government, corporation, or other entity. Cryptocurrency is not generally accepted as legal tender. Regulation of cryptocurrency is still developing. Federal, state and/or foreign governments may restrict the development, use, or exchange of cryptocurrency. The market price of bitcoin has been subject to extreme fluctuations. The price of bitcoin could fall sharply (potentially to zero) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, issues impacting the bitcoin network, events involving entities that facilitate transactions in bitcoin, or changes in user preferences in favor of alternative cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, events that impact one cryptocurrency may lead to a decline in the value of other cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin. Cryptocurrency exchanges and other trading venues on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated. Therefore, cryptocurrency exchanges may be more exposed to fraud and failure than established, regulated exchanges for securities, derivatives and other currencies. Cryptocurrency exchanges may not have the same features as traditional exchanges to enhance the stability of trading on the exchange, such as measures designed to prevent sudden price swings such as “flash crashes.” As a result, the prices of cryptocurrencies on exchanges may be subject to more volatility than traditional assets traded on regulated exchanges. Cryptocurrency exchanges are also subject to cyber security risks. Cryptocurrency exchanges have experienced cyber security breaches in the past and may be breached in the future, which could result in the theft and/or loss of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and impact the value of bitcoin. Furthermore, cyber security events, legal or regulatory actions, fraud, and technical glitches, may cause a cryptocurrency exchange to shut down temporarily or permanently, which may also affect the value of bitcoin. The ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC exposes the Fund to all of the risks related to cryptocurrencies described above and also expose the Fund to risks related to GBTC directly. Shares of GBTC may trade at a significant premium or discount to NAV. To the extent GBTC trades at a discount to NAV, the value of the ARK Innovation ETF’s investment in GBTC would typically decrease. Similar to fiat currencies (i.e., a currency that is backed by a central bank or a national, supra-national or quasi-national organization), cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, are susceptible to theft, loss and destruction. If GBTC experiences theft, loss, or destruction of its bitcoin holdings, the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC could be harmed. Furthermore, because there is no guarantee that an active trading market for GBTC will exist at any time, the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC may also be subject to liquidity risk, which can impair the value of the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC. Investors in the Fund may experience losses if the value of the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC decline.

 8  

 

Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities the ARK Innovation ETF holds may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities the ARK Innovation ETF holds participate or factors relating to specific companies in which the ARK Innovation ETF invests. These can include stock movements, purchases or sales of securities by the ARK Innovation ETF, government policies, litigation and changes in interest rates, inflation, the financial condition of the securities’ issuer or perceptions of the issuer, or economic conditions in general or specific to the issuer. Equity securities may also be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market, and a decline in the broader market may affect the value of the ARK Innovation ETF’s equity investments.

 

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in stock of, warrants to purchase stock of, and other interests in SPACs or similar special purposes entities. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Investments in SPACs and similar entities are subject to a variety of risks beyond those associated with other equity securities. Because SPACs and similar entities do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC’s management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition. Until an acquisition or merger is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets, less a portion retained to cover expenses, in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. As a result, it is possible that an investment in a SPAC may lose value.

 

Internet Information Provider Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in Internet information provider companies. Companies. Internet information provider companies provide Internet navigation services and reference guide information and publish, provide or present proprietary advertising and/or third party content. Such companies often derive a large portion of their revenues from advertising, and a reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers could seriously harm their business. This business is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and is subject to changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. The research and development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and investment, as well as the accurate anticipation of technology, market trends and consumer needs. The number of people who access the Internet is increasing dramatically and a failure to attract and retain a substantial number of such users to a company’s products and services or to develop products and technologies that are more compatible with alternative devices, could adversely affect operating results. Concerns regarding a company’s products, services or processes that may compromise the privacy of users or other privacy related matters, even if unfounded, could damage a company’s reputation and adversely affect operating results.

 9  

 

Catalog and Mail Order House Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in Catalog and mail order house companies. Catalog and mail order house companies may be exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect operating results due to, among other factors: seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand and consumer spending patterns, or changes in consumer tastes with respect to products. Demand for products can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. The acquisition of certain types of inventory or components may require significant lead-time and prepayment and they may not be returnable. Failure to adequately predict customer demand or otherwise optimize and operate distribution centers could result in excess or insufficient inventory or distribution capacity, result in increased costs, impairment charges, or both. The business of catalog and mail order house companies can be highly seasonal and failure to stock or restock popular products in sufficient amounts during high demand periods could significantly affect revenue and future growth. Increased website traffic during peak periods could cause system interruptions which may reduce the volume of goods sold and the attractiveness of a company’s products and services.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in foreign securities can be riskier than U.S. securities investments. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. The prices of foreign securities and the prices of U.S. securities have, at times, moved in opposite directions. In addition, securities of foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security traded on U.S. exchanges could be affected by, among other things, increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign issuer or market. The ARK Innovation ETF normally will not hedge any foreign currency exposure.

 

Emerging Market Securities Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF’s investment in securities of emerging market issuers may present risks that are greater than or different from those associated with foreign securities due to less developed and liquid markets and such factors as increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the ARK Innovation ETF is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty’s legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries.

 

Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large-capitalization companies may be less able than smaller capitalization companies to adapt to changing market conditions. Large-capitalization companies may be more mature and subject to more limited growth potential compared with smaller capitalization companies. During different market cycles, the performance of large capitalization companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Company Risk. The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.

 10  

 

Micro-Capitalization Company Risk. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses). Their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.

 

Intraday Price Performance Risk. The intraday performance of shares of the Fund traded in the secondary market generally will be different from the performance of the Fund when measured from one NAV calculation-time to the next. When shares are bought intraday, the performance of the Fund’s Shares relative to the ARK Innovation ETF until the Fund’s next NAV calculation time will generally be greater than or less than the Fund’s stated multiple times the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

Liquidity Risk. In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to acquire or dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of the Adviser. Markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests may be disrupted by a number of events, including but not limited to economic crises, health crises, natural disasters, excessive volatility, new legislation, or regulatory changes inside or outside of the U.S. For example, regulation limiting the ability of certain financial institutions to invest in certain financial instruments would likely reduce the liquidity of those instruments. These situations may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high leveraged correlation with the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur high portfolio turnover to manage the Fund’s investment exposure. Additionally, active market trading of the Fund’s Shares may cause more frequent creation or redemption activities that could, in certain circumstances, increase the number of portfolio transactions. High levels of portfolio transactions increase brokerage and other transaction costs and may result in increased taxable capital gains. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund.

 

Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or Shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, had negative impacts, and in many cases severe impacts, on markets worldwide. While the development of vaccines has slowed the spread of the virus and allowed for the resumption of normal business activity in the United States, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures in an attempt to slow the spread. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund’s Shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund’s Shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value.

 

Volatility Risk. Volatility is the characteristic of a security or other asset, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The value of the Fund’s investments in swaps – and therefore the value of an investment in the Fund – could decline significantly and without warning, including to zero. If you are not prepared to accept significant and unexpected changes in the value of the Fund and the possibility that you could lose your entire investment in the Fund, you should not invest in the Fund.

 11  

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund’s digital information systems through “hacking” or malicious software coding, but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the Fund’s third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, or custodian, as applicable, or issuers in which the Fund invests, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Additionally, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

 

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. Only an authorized participant (“AP”) may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that act as APs on an agency basis (i.e. on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem, in either of these cases, Shares may trade at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value and possibly face delisting.

 

Active Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and its performance reflects investment decisions that the Adviser makes for the Fund. Such judgments about the Fund’s investments may prove to be incorrect. If the investments selected and the strategies employed by the Fund fail to produce the intended results, the Fund could underperform as compared to other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies, or could have negative returns.

 

Active Market Risk. Although the Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained. Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at or above the Fund’s net asset value. Securities, including the Shares, are subject to market fluctuations and liquidity constraints that may be caused by such factors as economic, political, or regulatory developments, changes in interest rates, and/or perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments.

 

Premium/Discount Risk. The market price of the Fund’s Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for Shares on the Exchange. The Adviser cannot predict whether Shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares will be closely related, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that Shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Adviser believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of Shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s Shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund’s Shares and their net asset value. Furthermore, the Fund may at times limit or suspend entirely the issuance of new Creation Units, which could have the effect of enhancing the premium or discount associated with the Fund’s Shares.

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Operational Risk. The Fund is exposed to operational risks arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address these risks.

 

Market Maker Risk. If the Fund has lower average daily trading volumes, it may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of Shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund’s net asset value and the price at which the Shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Shares. In addition, decisions by market makers or APs to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the Fund’s market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intra-day bid-ask spreads for Shares.

 

New Fund Risk. As of the date of this prospectus, the Fund has no operating history and currently has fewer assets than larger funds. Like other new funds, large inflows and outflows may impact the Fund’s market exposure for limited periods of time. This impact may be positive or negative, depending on the direction of market movement during the period affected.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is only limited as to the percentage of its assets which may be invested in the securities of any one issuer by the diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, experience increased volatility and be highly invested in certain issuers.

 

Trading Issues Risk. Trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange’s “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund’s assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

 

Collateral Investments Risk. The Fund’s use of Collateral Investments may include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, including bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, money market funds and corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper.

 

Some securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in which case the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. Government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund.

 13  

 

Money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear indirectly a proportional share of the fees and costs of the money market funds in which it invests. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of the money market fund. It is possible to lose money by investing in money market funds.

 

Corporate debt securities such as commercial paper generally are short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses. Corporate debt may be rated investment-grade or below investment-grade and may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Corporate debt securities carry both credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer of a corporate debt security is unable to pay interest or repay principal when it is due. Some corporate debt securities that are rated below investment-grade generally are considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities.

 

Debt Securities Risk. Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security’s expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security’s yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

 

Call Risk. Some debt securities may be redeemed, or “called,” at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund’s income.

 

Credit Risk. An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability or unwillingness to make such payments.

 

Valuation Risk. The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund’s ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

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The Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

 

Performance

 

As of the date of this prospectus, the Fund has not yet commenced operations and therefore does not have a performance history. Once available, the Fund’s performance information will be accessible on the Fund’s website at www.axsinvestments.com and will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

AXS Investments LLC (“AXS Investments” or the “Adviser”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

 

·[ ]

 

·[ ]

 

Each of the portfolio managers is primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and has served in such capacity since the Fund’s inception in 2022.

 

Purchase and Sale of Shares

 

The Fund issues and redeems Shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called “Creation Units.” Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Individual Shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since Shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund’s Shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund’s net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Recent information, including the Fund’s net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is available online at www.axsinvestments.com.

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Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income, returns of capital or capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 16  

 

AXS Short China Internet ETF

 

 

Important Information About the Fund

 

The AXS Short China Internet ETF (the “Fund” or “SWEB”) seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to the inverse (-1x) of the return of the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (the “China Internet ETF”) for a single day, not for any other time period. A “single day” is measured from the time the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) to the time of the Fund’s next NAV calculation. The return of the Fund for periods longer than a single day will be the result of its return for each day compounded over the period. The Fund’s returns for periods longer than a single day will very likely differ in amount, and possibly even direction, from the Fund’s stated multiple (-1x) times the return of the China Internet ETF for the same period. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the China Internet ETF’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the level of the China Internet ETF falls. Longer holding periods, higher volatility, and greater inverse exposure each exacerbate the impact of compounding on an investor’s returns. During periods of higher volatility, the volatility of the China Internet ETF may affect the Fund’s return as much as or more than the return of the China Internet ETF.

 

The Fund presents different risks than other types of funds. The Fund may not be suitable for all investors and should be used only by knowledgeable investors who understand the consequences of seeking daily inverse (-1x) investment results, including the impact of compounding on Fund performance. Investors in the Fund should actively manage and monitor their investments, as frequently as daily. An investor in the Fund could potentially lose the full principal value of their investment within a single day.

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to the inverse (-1x) of the daily performance of the China Internet ETF. The Fund does not seek to achieve its stated investment objective over a period of time greater than a single day.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). Investors may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example set forth below.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

Management Fees [____]%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.00%
Other Expenses(1) [____]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2) [____]%

 

(1)“Other Expenses” are estimates based on the expenses the Fund expects to incur for the current fiscal year.
(2)The cost of investing in swaps, including the embedded cost of the swap and the operating expenses of the referenced assets, is an indirect expense that is not included in the above fee table and is not reflected in the expense example. The total indirect cost of investing in swaps, including the embedded cost of the swap and the operating expenses of the referenced assets, is estimated to be [____]% for the fiscal year ending [____].
 17  

 

Example

 

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

 

This example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain at current levels. This example does not include the brokerage commissions that investors may pay to buy and sell Shares.

 

  1 Year 3 Years
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, your costs, based on these assumptions, would be: $[    ] $[    ]

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it purchases and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur additional transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the example, may affect the Fund’s performance. At the date of this prospectus, the Fund does not have an operating history and turnover data therefore is not available.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund is an actively-managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that seeks to achieve on a daily basis, before fees and expenses, the inverse (-1x) of the return of the China Internet ETF for a single day, not for any other period, by entering into one or more swap agreements on the China Internet ETF. A “single day” is measured from the time the Fund calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) to the time of the Fund’s next NAV calculation.

 

The Fund will enter into one or more swap agreements with major global financial institutions for a specified period ranging from a day to more than one year whereby the Fund and the global financial institution will agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on the China Internet ETF. The gross return to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties is calculated with respect to a "notional amount," e.g., the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount representing the China Internet ETF. The Advisor expects to rebalance the Fund’s holdings daily to maintain exposure that is opposite to that of the China Internet ETF.

 

Additionally, the Fund may invest between 40-80% of the Fund’s portfolio depending on the amount of collateral required by the Fund’s counterparties in (1) U.S. Government securities, such as bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury; (2) money market funds; (3) short term bond ETFs and/or (4) corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper and other short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses that are rated investment grade or of comparable quality (“Collateral Investments”).

 

KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF

 

The China Internet ETF is an index based exchange traded fund that seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the performance of the CSI Overseas China Internet Index (the “Underlying Index”). The Underlying Index is designed to measure the equity market performance of investable publicly traded “China-based companies” whose primary business or businesses are in the Internet and Internet-related sectors (“China Internet Companies”) (as defined below), and are listed outside of mainland China, as determined by the index provider, China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (“Index Provider”).

 18  

 

·The Index Provider defines China-based companies as those that: (i) are incorporated in mainland China; (ii) have their headquarters in mainland China; or (iii) derive at least 50% of its revenue from goods produced or sold, or services performed, in mainland China.

 

·China Internet Companies include, but are not limited to, companies that develop and market Internet software and/or provide Internet services; manufacture home entertainment software and educational software for home use; provide retail or commercial services primarily through the Internet; and develop and market mobile Internet software and/or provide mobile Internet services.

 

The Underlying Index may include China-related securities that are commonly referred to as “China A-Shares”, “China-B-Shares,” “China-H-Shares,” “China-N-Shares,” “P-Chips,” “Red Chips” and “S-Chips.” The Underlying Index excludes securities that during the past year had a daily average trading value of less than $3 million or a daily average market cap of less than $2 billion. Constituents of the Underlying Index are ranked by free-float market capitalization in U.S. Dollars and then weighted so that no constituent exceeds 10% at each rebalance.

 

The Underlying Index is rebalanced and reconstituted semi-annually.

 

This document relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to the underlying stock or other securities of the China Internet ETF. The Fund has derived all disclosures contained in this document regarding the China Internet ETF from the publicly available documents. In connection with the offering of the securities, neither the Fund, the Trust nor the Advisor has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the China Internet ETF. Neither the Fund, the Trust nor the Advisor makes any representation that such publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding the China Internet ETF is accurate or complete. Furthermore, the Fund cannot give any assurance that all events occurring prior to the date hereof (including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above) that would affect the trading price of the China Internet ETF (and therefore the price of the China Internet ETF at the time we price the securities) have been publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any such events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning the China Internet ETF could affect the value received with respect to the securities and therefore the value of the securities.

 

Neither the Fund nor any of its affiliates makes any representation to you as to the performance of the China Internet ETF.

 

Principal Risks

 

You could lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s use of derivatives, which may be considered aggressive and may expose the Fund to greater risks and larger losses or smaller gains than investing directly in the reference asset(s) underlying those derivatives.  A derivative refers to any financial instrument whose value is derived, at least in part, from the price of an underlying security, asset, rate or index. The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security, asset, rate or index. Gains or losses in a derivative may be magnified and may be much greater than the derivative’s original cost. 

 19  

 

·Swap Agreement Risk.  The Fund expects to use swap agreements as a means to achieve its investment objective. Swap agreements are generally traded in over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets and have only recently become subject to regulation by the CFTC. CFTC rules, however, do not cover all types of swap agreements. Investors, therefore, may not receive the protection of CFTC regulation or the statutory scheme of the Commodity Exchange Act in connection with the Fund’s swap agreements. The lack of regulation in these markets could expose investors to significant losses under certain circumstances, including in the event of trading abuses or financial failure by participants.  Unlike in futures contracts, the counterparty to uncleared OTC swap agreements is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a clearing organization backed by a group of financial institutions. As a result, the Fund is subject to increased counterparty risk with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to uncleared swaps. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Fund could suffer significant losses on these contracts and the value of an investor’s investment in the Fund may decline.  OTC swaps of the type that may be utilized by the Fund are less liquid than futures contracts because they are not traded on an exchange, do not have uniform terms and conditions, and are generally entered into based upon the creditworthiness of the parties and the availability of credit support, such as collateral, and in general, are not transferable without the consent of the counterparty. Swaps are also subject to the risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the reference asset underlying the swap and the swap. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund’s gains and losses. Moreover, with respect to the use of swap agreements, if the China Internet ETF has a dramatic intraday move that causes a material decline in the Fund’s net assets, the terms of a swap agreement between the Fund and its counterparty may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the transaction with the Fund. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve the desired exposure consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. This, in turn, may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, even if the China Internet ETF reverses all or a portion of its intraday move by the end of the day. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

 

Leverage Risk. Leverage increases the risk of a total loss of an investor’s investment, may increase the volatility of the Fund, and may magnify any differences between the performance of the Fund and the China Internet ETF.

 

Compounding Risk. The Fund has a single day investment objective, and the Fund’s performance for any other period is the result of its return for each day compounded over the period. The performance of the Fund for periods longer than a single day will very likely differ in amount, and possibly even direction, from the inverse (-1x) of the daily return of the China Internet ETF for the same period, before accounting for fees and expenses. Compounding affects all investments, but has a more significant impact on an inverse fund. This effect becomes more pronounced as the China Internet ETF volatility and holding periods increase. Fund performance for a period longer than a single day can be estimated given any set of assumptions for the following factors: (a) China Internet ETF volatility; (b) China Internet ETF performance; (c) period of time; (d) financing rates associated with inverse exposure; and (e) other Fund expenses. The chart below illustrates the impact of two principal factors — China Internet ETF volatility and China Internet ETF performance — on Fund performance. The chart shows estimated Fund returns for a number of combinations of China Internet ETF volatility and China Internet ETF performance over a one-year period. Actual volatility, China Internet ETF and Fund performance may differ significantly from the chart below. Performance shown in the chart assumes: (a) no Fund expenses; and (b) borrowing/lending rates (to obtain inverse exposure) of zero percent. If Fund expenses and/or actual borrowing/ lending rates were reflected, the Fund’s performance would be different than shown.

 20  

 

Areas shaded red (or dark gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return less than the inverse (-1x) of the China Internet ETF and those shaded green (or light gray) represent those scenarios where the Fund can be expected to return more than the inverse (-1x) of the performance of the China Internet ETF. The Fund’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown below as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Correlation Risk” below.

 

Estimated Fund Returns

 

One Year ARK Innovation ETF Inverse (-1x) One Year China Internet ETF   Volatility Rate
Return Return   10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
-60% 60%   147.5% 134.9% 94.7% 42.4% -8.0%
-50% 50%   98.0% 87.9% 55.8% 14.0% -26.4%
-40% 40%   65.0% 56.6% 29.8% -5.0% -38.7%
-30% 30%   41.4% 34.2% 11.3% -18.6% -47.4%
-20% 20%   23.8% 17.4% -2.6% -28.8% -54.0%
-10% 10%   10.0% 4.4% -13.5% -36.7% -59.1%
0% 0%   -1.0% -6.1% -22.1% -43.0% -63.2%
10% -10%   -10% -14.6% -29.2% -48.2% -66.6%
20% -20%   -17.5% -21.7% -35.1% -52.5% -69.3%
30% -30%   -23.8% -27.7% -40.1% -56.2% -71.7%
40% -40%   -29.3% -32.9% -44.4% -59.3% -73.7%
50% -50%   -34.0% -37.4% -48.1% -62.0% -75.5%
60% -60%   -38.1% -41.3% -51.3% -64.4% -77.0%

 

The foregoing table is intended to isolate the effect of China Internet ETF volatility and China Internet ETF performance on the return of the Fund and is not a representation of actual returns. For example, the Fund may incorrectly be expected to achieve a -20% return on a yearly basis if the China Internet ETF return were 20%, absent the effects of compounding. As the table shows, with China Internet ETF volatility of [ ]%, the Fund could be expected to return [ ]% under such a scenario. The Fund’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown above as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Principal Risks — Correlation Risk” below.

 

The China Internet ETF’s annualized historical volatility rate for the five- year period ended ___________, 2021 was _____%. The China Internet ETF’s highest ____ to ____ volatility rate during the five-year period was ____% (________). The China Internet ETF’s annualized total return performance for the five-year period ended ______, ___ was -______%. Historical China Internet ETF volatility and performance are not indications of what the China Internet ETF volatility and performance will be in the future. The volatility of U.S. exchange-traded securities or instruments that reflect the value of the China Internet ETF may differ from the volatility of the China Internet ETF.

 

Correlation Risk. A number of factors may affect the Fund’s ability to achieve a high degree of inverse correlation with the China Internet ETF, and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of inverse correlation. Failure to achieve a high degree of inverse correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, and the percentage change of the Fund’s NAV each day may differ, perhaps significantly in amount, and possibly even direction, from the inverse (-1x) of the percentage change of the China Internet ETF on such day.

 

In order to achieve a high degree of inverse correlation with the China Internet ETF, the Fund seeks to rebalance its portfolio daily to keep exposure consistent with its investment objective. Being materially under- or overexposed to the China Internet ETF may prevent the Fund from achieving a high degree of inverse correlation with the China Internet ETF and may expose the Fund to greater leverage risk. Market disruptions or closure, regulatory restrictions, market volatility, illiquidity in the markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests, and other factors will adversely affect the Fund’s ability to adjust exposure to requisite levels. The target amount of portfolio exposure is impacted dynamically by the China Internet ETF’s movements, including intraday movements. Because of this, it is unlikely that the Fund will have perfect inverse (-1x) exposure during the day or at the end of each day and the likelihood of being materially under- or overexposed is higher on days when the China Internet ETF is volatile, particularly when the China Internet ETF is volatile at or near the close of the trading day.

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A number of other factors may also adversely affect the Fund’s inverse correlation with the China Internet ETF, including fees, expenses, transaction costs, financing costs associated with the use of derivatives, income items, valuation methodology, accounting standards and disruptions or illiquidity in the markets for the securities or financial instruments in which the Fund invests. The Fund may take or refrain from taking positions in order to improve tax efficiency, comply with regulatory restrictions, or for other reasons, each of which may negatively affect the Fund’s correlation with the China Internet ETF. The Fund may also be subject to large movements of assets into and out of the Fund, potentially resulting in the Fund being under- or overexposed to the China Internet ETF and may be impacted by China Internet ETF reconstitutions and China Internet ETF rebalancing events. Additionally, the Fund’s underlying investments and/or reference assets may trade on markets that may not be open on the same day as the Fund, which may cause a difference between the changes in the daily performance of the Fund and changes in the level of the China Internet ETF. Any of these factors could decrease correlation between the performance of the Fund and the China Internet ETF and may hinder the Fund’s ability to meet its daily investment objective on or around that day.

 

Rebalancing Risk. If for any reason the Fund is unable to rebalance all or a portion of its portfolio, or if all or a portion of the portfolio is rebalanced incorrectly, the Fund’s investment exposure may not be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. In these instances, the Fund may have investment exposure to the China Internet ETF that is significantly greater or less than its stated multiple. As a result, the Fund may be more exposed to leverage risk than if it had been properly rebalanced and may not achieve its investment objective.

 

Counterparty Risk. Investing in derivatives involves entering into contracts with third parties (i.e., counterparties). The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The Fund will be subject to credit risk (i.e., the risk that a counterparty is or is perceived to be unwilling or unable to make timely payments or otherwise meet its contractual obligations) with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to derivatives and repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or fails to perform its obligations, or if any collateral posted by the counterparty for the benefit of the Fund is insufficient or there are delays in the Fund’s ability to access such collateral, the value of an investment in the Fund may decline.

 

Short Sale Exposure Risk. The Fund may seek inverse or “short” exposure through financial instruments, which would cause the Fund to be exposed to certain risks associated with selling short. These risks include, under certain market conditions, an increase in the volatility and decrease in the liquidity of the instruments underlying the short position, which may lower the Fund’s return, result in a loss, have the effect of limiting the Fund’s ability to obtain inverse exposure through financial instruments, or require the Fund to seek inverse exposure through alternative investment strategies that may be less desirable or more costly to implement. To the extent that, at any particular point in time, the instruments underlying the short position may be thinly traded or have a limited market, including due to regulatory action, the Fund may be unable to meet its investment objective due to a lack of available securities or counterparties. During such periods, the Fund’s ability to issue additional Creation Units may be adversely affected. Obtaining inverse exposure through these instruments may be considered an aggressive investment technique. Any income, dividends or payments by any assets underlying the Fund’s short positions, if any, would negatively impact the Fund.

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Inverse Correlation Risk. Short (inverse) positions are designed to profit from a decline in the price of a particular reference asset. Investors will lose money when the China Internet ETF rises, which is the opposite result from that of traditional funds. A single day or intraday increase in the level of the China Internet ETF may result in the total loss or almost total loss of an investor’s investment, even if the China Internet ETF subsequently moves lower. Inverse instruments may experience imperfect negative correlation between the price of the investment and the underlying security or index. The use of inverse instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested only in “long” positions.

 

China Risk. The China Internet ETF invests in Chinese companies. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the China Internet ETF’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the China Internet ETF. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized. In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the China Internet ETF. In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid. In addition, trade relations between the U.S. and China have recently been strained. Worsening trade relations between the two countries could adversely impact the China Internet ETF, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. Worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility of the China Internet ETF. Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.

 

Hong Kong Risk. The China Internet ETF may invest in companies located in Hong Kong. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Chine Internet ETF.

 

Internet Company Risk. The China ETF may invest in Internet companies. Many Internet-related companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements, and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. Additionally, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business.

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A-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China A-Shares. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFII or a RQFII and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. The China Internet ETF currently intends to gain exposure to A-Shares through the Stock Connect Programs. The China Internet ETF may also gain exposure to A-Shares by investing in investments that provide exposure to A-Shares, such as other investment companies, or Krane may acquire a QFII or RQFII license to invest in A-Shares for the Fund. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the China Internet ETF’s share price and subject the China Internet ETF to a greater risk of trading halts.

 

Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily and aggregate quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the China Internet ETF’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the China Internet ETF is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.

 

Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the China Internet ETF may not be able to exercise the rights of a shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the depository of the Chinese exchange becomes insolvent.

 

B-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China B-Shares. The China B-Share market is generally smaller, less liquid and has a smaller issuer base than the China A-Share market. The issuers that compose the B-Share market include a broad range of companies, including companies with large, medium and small capitalizations. Further, the B-Shares market may behave very differently from other portions of the Chinese equity markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.

 24  

 

H-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China H-Shares. H-Shares are foreign securities which, in addition to the risks described herein, are subject to the risk that the Hong Kong stock market may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese stock market. There may be little to no correlation between the performance of the Hong Kong stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market.

 

N-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China N-Shares. N-Shares are securities of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ. Because companies issuing N-Shares have business operations in China, they are subject to certain political and economic risks in China. The American stock market may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese stock market, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.

 

P-Chip Companies Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold P-Chips. P-Chip companies are often run by the private sector and have a majority of their business operations in mainland China. P-Chip shares are traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and may also be traded by foreigners. Because they are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, P-Chips are also subject to risks similar to those associated with investments in H Shares. They are also subject to risks affecting their jurisdiction of incorporation, including any legal or tax changes.

 

Red Chip Companies Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold Red Chips. Red Chip companies are controlled, either directly or indirectly, by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC. Red Chip shares are traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and may also be traded by foreigners. Because Red Chip companies are controlled by various PRC governmental authorities, investing in Red Chips involves risks that political changes, social instability, regulatory uncertainty, adverse diplomatic developments, asset expropriation or nationalization, or confiscatory taxation could adversely affect the performance of Red Chip companies. Red Chip companies may be less efficiently run and less profitable than other companies.

 

S-Chip Companies Risk. The China Internet ETF may invest in shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange (“S-Chips”). S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. They are subject to risks affecting their jurisdiction of incorporation, including any legal or tax changes. S-Chip companies may or may not be owned at least in part by a Chinese central, provincial or municipal government and be subject to the types of risks that come with such ownership described herein. There may be little or no correlation between the performance of the Singapore stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market.

 

Currency Risk. The China Internet ETF’s net asset value is determined on the basis of the U.S. dollar, therefore, the China Internet ETF may lose value if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. dollar, even if the local currency value of the China Internet ETF’s holdings goes up. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably, which may adversely affect the China Internet ETF. The China Internet ETF may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies for the purpose of purchasing portfolio investments. This may hinder the China Internet ETF’s performance, including because any delay could result in the China Internet ETF missing an investment opportunity and purchasing securities at a higher price than originally intended, or incurring cash drag.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. The China Internet ETF’s investments in foreign securities can be riskier than U.S. securities investments. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. The prices of foreign securities and the prices of U.S. securities have, at times, moved in opposite directions. In addition, securities of foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security traded on U.S. exchanges could be affected by, among other things, increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign issuer or market.

 25  

 

Emerging Market Securities Risk. The China Internet ETF’s investment in securities of emerging market issuers may present risks that are greater than or different from those associated with foreign securities due to less developed and liquid markets and such factors as increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the China Internet ETF is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty’s legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk. The China Internet ETF may invest in companies in the information technology sector. The information technology sector includes companies engaged in internet software and services, technology hardware and storage peripherals, electronic equipment instruments and components, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Failure to introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base, or achieve general market acceptance for their products could have a material adverse effect on a company’s business. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on intellectual property and the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

 

Consumer Discretionary Risk. China Internet ETF may invest in companies in the consumer discretionary sector. The consumer discretionary sector may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and interest rates, competition, consumers’ disposable income and consumer preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.

 

Large Capitalization Company Risk. Large-capitalization companies may be less able than smaller capitalization companies to adapt to changing market conditions. Large-capitalization companies may be more mature and subject to more limited growth potential compared with smaller capitalization companies. During different market cycles, the performance of large capitalization companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Company Risk. The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.

 

Intraday Price Performance Risk. The intraday performance of shares of the Fund traded in the secondary market generally will be different from the performance of the Fund when measured from one NAV calculation-time to the next. When shares are bought intraday, the performance of the Fund’s Shares relative to the China Internet ETF until the Fund’s next NAV calculation time will generally be greater than or less than the Fund’s stated multiple times the performance of the China Internet ETF.

 

Liquidity Risk. In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests, the Fund might not be able to acquire or dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of the Adviser. Markets for the financial instruments in which the Fund invests may be disrupted by a number of events, including but not limited to economic crises, health crises, natural disasters, excessive volatility, new legislation, or regulatory changes inside or outside of the U.S. For example, regulation limiting the ability of certain financial institutions to invest in certain financial instruments would likely reduce the liquidity of those instruments. These situations may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high leveraged correlation with the China Internet ETF.

 26  

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may incur high portfolio turnover to manage the Fund’s investment exposure. Additionally, active market trading of the Fund’s Shares may cause more frequent creation or redemption activities that could, in certain circumstances, increase the number of portfolio transactions. High levels of portfolio transactions increase brokerage and other transaction costs and may result in increased taxable capital gains. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund.

 

Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or Shares of the Fund in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Fund and its investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, had negative impacts, and in many cases severe impacts, on markets worldwide. While the development of vaccines has slowed the spread of the virus and allowed for the resumption of normal business activity in the United States, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures in an attempt to slow the spread. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Fund’s Shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Fund’s Shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value.

 

Volatility Risk. Volatility is the characteristic of a security or other asset, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The value of the Fund’s investments in swaps – and therefore the value of an investment in the Fund – could decline significantly and without warning, including to zero. If you are not prepared to accept significant and unexpected changes in the value of the Fund and the possibility that you could lose your entire investment in the Fund, you should not invest in the Fund.

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund is susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Fund to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund’s digital information systems through “hacking” or malicious software coding, but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the Fund’s third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, or custodian, as applicable, or issuers in which the Fund invests, can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. While the Fund has established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Additionally, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

 

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. Only an authorized participant (“AP”) may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that act as APs on an agency basis (i.e. on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem, in either of these cases, Shares may trade at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value and possibly face delisting.

 27  

 

Active Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and its performance reflects investment decisions that the Adviser makes for the Fund. Such judgments about the Fund’s investments may prove to be incorrect. If the investments selected and the strategies employed by the Fund fail to produce the intended results, the Fund could underperform as compared to other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies, or could have negative returns.

 

Active Market Risk. Although the Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained. Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at or above the Fund’s net asset value. Securities, including the Shares, are subject to market fluctuations and liquidity constraints that may be caused by such factors as economic, political, or regulatory developments, changes in interest rates, and/or perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Fund could decline in value or underperform other investments.

 

Premium/Discount Risk. The market price of the Fund’s Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Fund’s net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for Shares on the Exchange. The Adviser cannot predict whether Shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares will be closely related, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Fund trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that Shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Adviser believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of Shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s Shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Fund’s Shares and their net asset value. Furthermore, the Fund may at times limit or suspend entirely the issuance of new Creation Units, which could have the effect of enhancing the premium or discount associated with the Fund’s Shares.

 

Operational Risk. The Fund is exposed to operational risks arising from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address these risks.

 

Market Maker Risk. If the Fund has lower average daily trading volumes, it may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of Shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Fund’s net asset value and the price at which the Shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Shares. In addition, decisions by market makers or APs to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the Fund’s market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intra-day bid-ask spreads for Shares.

 

New Fund Risk. As of the date of this prospectus, the Fund has no operating history and currently has fewer assets than larger funds. Like other new funds, large inflows and outflows may impact the Fund’s market exposure for limited periods of time. This impact may be positive or negative, depending on the direction of market movement during the period affected.

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Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. As a result, the Fund is only limited as to the percentage of its assets which may be invested in the securities of any one issuer by the diversification requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Fund may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, experience increased volatility and be highly invested in certain issuers.

 

Trading Issues Risk. Trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange’s “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Fund may have difficulty maintaining its listing on the Exchange in the event the Fund’s assets are small, the Fund does not have enough shareholders, or if the Fund is unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

 

Collateral Investments Risk. The Fund’s use of Collateral Investments may include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, including bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, money market funds and corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper.

 

Some securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in which case the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. Although the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. Government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Fund.

 

Money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Fund to bear indirectly a proportional share of the fees and costs of the money market funds in which it invests. At the same time, the Fund will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of the money market fund. It is possible to lose money by investing in money market funds.

 

Corporate debt securities such as commercial paper generally are short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses. Corporate debt may be rated investment-grade or below investment-grade and may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Corporate debt securities carry both credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer of a corporate debt security is unable to pay interest or repay principal when it is due. Some corporate debt securities that are rated below investment-grade generally are considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities.

 

Debt Securities Risk. Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

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Call Risk. Some debt securities may be redeemed, or “called,” at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Fund is subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Fund would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Fund’s income.

 

Credit Risk. An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability or unwillingness to make such payments.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security’s expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security’s yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

 

Valuation Risk. The Fund may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that time. The Fund’s ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

 

The Shares will change in value, and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

 

Performance

 

As of the date of this prospectus, the Fund has not yet commenced operations and therefore does not have a performance history. Once available, the Fund’s performance information will be accessible on the Fund’s website at www.axsinvestments.com and will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.

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Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

AXS Investments LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The following persons serve as portfolio managers of the Fund.

 

·[   ]

 

·[   ]

 

Each of the portfolio managers is primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and has served in such capacity since the Fund’s inception in 2022.

 

Purchase and Sale of Shares

 

The Fund issues and redeems Shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in large blocks of shares called “Creation Units.” Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Individual Shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market through a broker-dealer. Since Shares of the Fund trade on securities exchanges in the secondary market at their market price rather than their net asset value, the Fund’s Shares may trade at a price greater than (premium) or less than (discount) the Fund’s net asset value. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Recent information, including the Fund’s net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is available online at www.axsinvestments.com.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income, returns of capital or capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

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Additional Information About the Funds’ Principal Investment Strategies

 

 

The AXS 2X Innovation ETF (“TARK”) and AXS Short China Internet ETF (“SWEB” and collectively with TARK, the “Funds” and each individually, a “Fund”) are series of Investment Managers Series Trust II (the “Trust”) and each is regulated as an “investment company” under the 1940 Act. The Funds’ investment objectives are non-fundamental and may be changed without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the respective Fund. Unless an investment policy is identified as being fundamental, all investment policies included in this prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) for the Funds are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) without shareholder approval. If there is a material change to a Fund’s investment objective or principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you. There is no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their investment objective.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Trust’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings is available in the SAI for the Funds, which is available at www.axsinvestments.com.

 

Additional Information Regarding the Funds’ Investment Objective

 

The Innovation seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of 200% of the daily performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. TARK does not seek to achieve its stated investment objective for a period of time different than a trading day.

 

SWEB is designed to seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to the inverse (-1x) of the daily performance of the China Internet ETF for a single day, not for any other period. SWEB does not seek to achieve its stated investment objective over a period of time greater than a single day.

 

The Funds’ investment objectives are non-fundamental, meaning that they may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, without the approval of Funds’ investors. The Funds reserve the right to substitute a different index or security for the underlying ETFs.

 

The Funds are not suitable for all investors. The Funds are designed to be utilized only by sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Such investors are expected to monitor and manage their portfolios frequently. Investors in the Funds should: (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage; (b) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results; and (c) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. Investors who do not understand the Funds or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments should not buy the Funds.

 

There is no assurance that the Funds will achieve their respective investment objective and an investment in the Funds could lose money.

 

Additional Information Regarding the Funds’ Principal Strategies

 

The AXS 2X Innovation ETF. TARK is an actively managed exchange traded fund that seeks to achieve on a daily basis, before fees and expenses, 200% performance of the ARK Innovation ETF for a single day, not for any other period, by entering into one or more swap agreements on the ARK Innovation ETF. A “single day” is measured from the time TARK calculates its net asset value (“NAV”) to the time of TARK’s next NAV calculation.

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TARK will enter into one or more swap agreements with major global financial institutions for a specified period ranging from a day to more than one year whereby the Fund and the global financial institution will agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on the ARK Innovation ETF. The gross return to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties is calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” e.g., the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount representing the ARK Innovation ETF. The Adviser attempts to consistently apply leverage to increase TARK’s exposure to 200% of the ARK Innovation ETF, and expects to rebalance TARK’s holdings daily to maintain such exposure.

 

The ARK Innovation ETF is an actively managed exchange traded fund that seeks long-term growth of capital by investing under normal circumstances primarily (at least 65% of its assets) in domestic and foreign equity securities of companies that are relevant to the ARK Innovation ETF’s investment theme of disruptive innovation. It is typically comprised of 35-55 companies.

 

Additionally, TARK may invest between 40-80% of the Fund’s portfolio depending on the amount of collateral required by the Fund’s counterparties in (1) U.S. Government securities, such as bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury; (2) money market funds; (3) short term bond ETFs and/or (4) corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper and other short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses that are rated investment grade or of comparable quality.

 

THE AXS 2X Innovation ETF, Investment Managers Series Trust II, AND AXS Investments LLC ARE NOT AFFILIATED TO THE ARK ETF TRUST, THE ARK INNOVATION ETF, OR ARK INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC.

 

The AXS Short China Internet ETF. In seeking to achieve SWEB’s investment objective, the Adviser invests in a manner that is designed to correspond to the inverse (-1x) of the daily performance of the China Internet ETF. SWEB attempts to achieve its investment objective by investing a substantial amount of its assets in financial instruments that provide exposure to the China Internet ETF.

 

The Adviser does not invest the assets of SWEB in securities or financial instruments based on the Adviser’s view of the investment merit of a particular security, instrument, or company, other than for cash management purposes, nor does it conduct conventional investment research or analysis (other than in determining counterparty creditworthiness), or forecast market movement or trends, in managing the assets of SWEB. SWEB generally seeks to remain fully invested at all times in securities and/or financial instruments that, in combination, provide exposure to the China Internet ETF consistent with its investment objective, without regard to market conditions, trends, direction, or the financial condition of a particular issuer.

 

On a daily basis, SWEB will seek to position its portfolio so that SWEB’s investment exposure is consistent with its investment objective. In general, changes to the level of the China Internet ETF each day will determine whether SWEB’s portfolio needs to be repositioned. For example, if the China Internet ETF has fallen on a given day, net assets of SWEB should rise. As a result, SWEB’s exposure will need to be increased. Conversely, if the China Internet ETF has risen on a given day, net assets of the Fund should fall. As a result, SWEB’s exposure will need to be decreased.

 

The time and manner in which SWEB rebalances its portfolio may vary from day to day at the sole discretion of the Adviser depending upon market conditions and other circumstances. If for any reason SWEB is unable to rebalance all or a portion of its portfolio, or if all or a portion of the portfolio is rebalanced incorrectly, SWEB’s investment exposure may not be consistent with SWEB’s investment objective. In these instances, SWEB may have investment exposure to the China Internet ETF that is significantly greater or less than its stated multiple. As a result, the Fund may be more or less exposed to leverage risk than if it had been properly rebalanced and may not achieve its investment objective. In seeking to achieve SWEB’s investment objective, the Adviser uses a mathematical approach to investing. Using this approach, the Adviser determines the type, quantity and mix of investment positions that the Adviser believes, in combination, should produce daily returns consistent with the Fund’s objective.

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There can be no assurance that SWEB will achieve its investment objective or avoid substantial losses. SWEB does not seek to achieve its stated investment objective over a period of time greater than a single day because mathematical compounding prevents SWEB from achieving such results. Results for SWEB over periods of time greater than a single day should not be expected to be a simple inverse return of the China Internet ETF. SWEB’s returns will likely differ in amount and possibly even direction from the inverse (-1x) of the China Internet ETF over the same period. These differences can be significant. SWEB will lose money if the China Internet ETF’s performance is flat over time, and the Fund can lose money regardless of the performance of the China Internet ETF, as a result of daily rebalancing, fees, the China Internet ETF’s volatility, compounding and other factors. Daily compounding of SWEB’s investment returns can dramatically and adversely affect its longer-term performance, especially during periods of high volatility. Volatility has a negative impact on SWEB’s performance and may be at least as important to SWEB’s return for a period as the return of the China Internet ETF.

 

In addition to the investment financial instruments, SWEB will invest its remaining assets directly in Collateral Investments. The Collateral Investments may consist of high-quality securities, which include: (1) U.S. Government securities, such as bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury; (2) money market funds; and/or (3) corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper and other short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses that are rated investment grade or determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. For these purposes, “investment grade” is defined as investments with a rating at the time of purchase in one of the four highest categories of at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (e.g., BBB- or higher from S&P Global Ratings or Baa3 or higher from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.).

 

SWEB seeks to remain fully invested at all times in financial instruments and Collateral Investments that, in combination, provide exposure to the China Internet ETF consistent with its investment objective without regard to market conditions, trends or direction.

 

SWEB seeks to position its portfolio so that its exposure to the China Internet ETF is consistent with its investment objective. The time and manner in which SWEB rebalances its portfolio may vary from day to day depending upon market conditions and other circumstances at the discretion of the Adviser. The impact of the China Internet ETF’s movements each day will affect whether the Fund’s portfolio needs to be rebalanced and the amount of such rebalance.

 

The amount of exposure SWEB has to a specific combination of financial instruments may differ and may be changed without shareholder approval at any given time. The amount of SWEB’s exposure should be expected to change from time to time at the discretion of the Adviser based on market conditions and other factors. In addition, the Adviser has the power to change SWEB’s investment objective, benchmark, or investment strategy at any time, without shareholder approval, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

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The Underlying Index

 

The following China-related securities may be included in the Underlying Index and/or represent investments of the China Internet ETF:

 

·China A-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Chinese exchanges and denominated in domestic renminbi. China A-Shares are primarily purchased and sold in the domestic Chinese market. To the extent the Fund invests in China A-Shares, it expects to do so through the trading and clearing facilities of a participating exchange located outside of mainland China (“Stock Connect Programs”). A Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“RQFII”) or Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“QFII”) license may also be acquired to invest directly in China A-Shares.

 

·China B-Shares, which are shares of companies listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange but quoted and traded in foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong Dollars or U.S. Dollars), which were primarily created for trading by foreign investors.

 

·China H-Shares, which are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (“H-Shares”), where they are traded in Hong Kong dollars and may be traded by foreign investors.

 

·China N-Shares, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as NYSE or NASDAQ (“N-Shares”).

 

·P-Chips, which are shares of private sector companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlling private Chinese shareholders, which are incorporated outside of mainland China and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars.

 

·Red Chips, which are shares of companies with a majority of their business operations in mainland China and controlled by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC, whose shares are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong dollars.

 

·S-Chips, which are shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange. S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda.

 

THE AXS SHORT CHINA INTERNET ETF, Investment Managers Series Trust II, AND AXS Investments LLC ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH KRANE SHARES TRUST, THE KRANESHARES CSI CHINA INTERNET ETF, OR KRANE FUNDS ADVISORS, LLC.

 

Fund Investments

 

Principal Investments

 

Swap Agreements

 

Each Fund will enter into swap agreements to pursue its investment objective of delivering a specific multiple (e.g. 200% or -100%) return to its underlying ETF for a single day. The swap agreements may include as a reference asset investment vehicles that seek exposure to the underlying ETF.

 

Swap agreements are contracts entered into primarily with major financial institutions for a specified period ranging from a day to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the return (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross return to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties is calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” e.g., the return on or change in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of securities or an ETF representing a particular index. A Fund may use a combination of swaps on the underlying ETF and swaps on various investment vehicles that are designed to track the performance of the underlying ETF. The underlying investment vehicle may not track the performance of the underlying ETF due to embedded costs and other factors, which may increase a Fund’s correlation risk and impact a Fund’s ability to correlate with the underlying ETF.

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With respect to the use of swap agreements, if the underlying ETF has a dramatic intraday move that causes a material decline in net assets, the terms of a swap agreement between a Fund and its counterparty may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the transaction with the Fund. In that event, a Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve the desired exposure consistent with its investment objective. This, in turn, may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective, even if the reference asset reverses all or a portion of its intraday move by the end of the day. Any costs associated with using swap agreements may also have the effect of lowering the Fund’s return.

 

Non-Principal Investments

 

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

 

The Funds may invest in securities with maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or they may hold cash. The percentage of the Funds invested in such holdings varies and depends on several factors, including market conditions. For temporary defensive purposes and during periods of high cash inflows or outflows, the Funds may depart from their principal investment strategies and invest part or all of their assets in these securities, or they may hold cash. During such periods, the Funds may not be able to achieve their investment objectives. The Funds may adopt a defensive strategy when the portfolio managers believe securities in which the Funds normally invest have elevated risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances. For more information on eligible short-term investments, see the SAI.

 

U.S. Government Securities

 

The Funds may invest in short-term U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and securities issued or guaranteed by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

 

Additional Information Regarding Investment Techniques and Policies

 

AXS 2X Innovation ETF

 

The Effects of Fees and Expenses on the Return of the Fund for a Single Trading Day. To create the necessary exposure, TARK uses leveraged investment techniques, which necessarily incur brokerage and financing charges. In light of these charges and TARK’s operating expenses, the expected return of TARK over one trading day is equal to the gross expected return, which is the daily ARK Innovation ETF return multiplied by TARK’s daily leveraged investment objective, minus (i) financing charges incurred by the portfolio and (ii) daily operating expenses. For instance, if the ARK Innovation ETF returns 2% on a given day, the gross expected return of the Fund would be 4%, but the net expected return, which factors in the cost of financing the portfolio and the impact of operating expenses, would be lower. TARK will reposition its portfolio at the end of every trading day. Therefore, if an investor purchases TARK shares at close of the markets on a given trading day, the investor’s exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF would reflect 200% of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF during the following trading day, subject to the charges and expenses noted above.

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A Cautionary Note to Investors Regarding Dramatic ARK Innovation ETF Movement. TARK could lose an amount greater than its net assets in the event of a movement of the ARK Innovation ETF in excess of 50% in a direction adverse to TARK (meaning a decline in the value of the ARK Innovation ETF). The adviser will attempt to position TARK’s portfolio to ensure that TARK does not gain or lose more than 90% of its NAV on a given day. If the adviser successfully positions TARK’s portfolio to provide such limits, TARK’s portfolio and NAV will not be responsive to movements in the ARK Innovation ETF beyond 50% in a given day, whether that movement is favorable or adverse to TARK. For example, if ARK Innovation ETF were to gain 50%, TARK would be limited to a daily gain of 90%, which corresponds to 200% of an ARK Innovation ETF gain of 45%, rather than 100%, which is 200% of an ARK Innovation ETF gain of 50%. It may not be possible to limit the Fund’s losses, and shareholders should not expect such protection. The risk of total loss exists.

 

If the ARK Innovation ETF has a dramatic adverse move that causes a material decline in TARK’s net assets, the terms of TARK’s swap agreements may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the swap transaction. In that event, the Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve exposure consistent with TARK’s investment objective. This may prevent TARK from achieving its leveraged investment objective, even if the ARK Innovation ETF later reverses all or a portion the move, and result in significant losses.

 

Examples of the Impact of Daily Leverage and Compounding. Because TARK’s exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF is repositioned on a daily basis, for a holding period longer than one day, the pursuit of a daily investment objective will result in daily leveraged compounding for the Fund. This means that the return of ARK Innovation ETF over a period of time greater than one day multiplied by the Fund’s daily leveraged investment objective (e.g., 200%) generally will not equal TARK’s performance over that same period. As a consequence, investors should not plan to hold TARK unmonitored for periods longer than a single trading day. This deviation increases with higher volatility in ARK Innovation ETF and longer holding periods. Further, the return for investors that invest for periods less than a full trading day or for a period different than a trading day will not be the product of the return of TARK’s stated daily leveraged investment objective and the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF for the full trading day. The actual exposure will largely be a function of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF from the end of the prior trading day.

 

Consider the following examples:

 

Mary is considering investments in two Funds, Funds A and B. Fund A is an ETF which seeks (before fees and expenses) to match the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. Fund B is a leveraged ETF and seeks daily leveraged investment results (before fees and expenses) that correspond to 200% of the daily performance of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

On Day 1, the ARK Innovation ETF increases in value from $100 to $105, a gain of 5%. On Day 2, the ARK Innovation ETF declines from $105 back to $100, a loss of 4.76%. In the aggregate, the ARK Innovation ETF has not moved.

 

An investment in Fund A would be expected to gain 5% on Day 1 and lose 4.76% on Day 2, returning the investment its original value. The following example assumes a $100 investment in Fund A when the ARK Innovation ETF is also valued at $100:

 37  

 

Day ARK Innovation ETF Value ARK Innovation ETF Performance Value of Fund A Investment
  $100.00   $100.00
1 $105.00 5.00% $105.00
2 $100.00 -4.76% $100.00

 

The same $100 investment in Fund B would be expected to gain 10% on Day 1 (200% of 5%) but decline 9.52% on Day 2.

 

Day ARK Innovation ETF Performance 200% of ARK Innovation ETF Performance Value of Fund B Investment
      $100.00
1 5.00% 10.0% $110.00
2 -4.76% -9.52% $99.52

 

Although the percentage decline in Fund B is smaller on Day 2 than the percentage gain on Day 1, the loss is applied to a higher principal amount, so the investment in Fund B experiences a loss even when the aggregate index value for the two-day period has not declined. (These calculations do not include the charges for fund fees and expenses).

 

As you can see, an investment in Fund B has additional risks due to the effects of leverage and compounding.

 

An investor who purchases shares of TARK intra-day will generally receive more, or less, than 200% exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF from that point until the end of the trading day. The actual exposure will be largely a function of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF from the end of the prior trading day. If TARK’s shares are held for a period longer than a single trading day, TARK’s performance is likely to deviate from 200% of the return of the ARK Innovation ETF’s performance for the longer period. This deviation will increase with higher ARK Innovation ETF volatility and longer holding periods.

 

Examples of the Impact of Volatility. TARK rebalances its portfolio on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will typically cause the Fund to lose money if the ARK Innovation ETF experiences volatility. A volatility rate is a statistical measure of the magnitude of fluctuations in the ARK Innovation ETF’s returns over a defined period. For periods longer than a trading day, volatility in the performance of ARK Innovation ETF from day to day is the primary cause of any disparity between the Fund’s actual returns and the returns of the ARK Innovation ETF for such period. Volatility causes such disparity because it exacerbates the effects of compounding on TARK’s returns. In addition, the effects of volatility are magnified in TARK due to leverage. Consider the following three examples that demonstrate the effect of volatility on a hypothetical fund:

 

Example 1 – ARK Innovation ETF Experiences Low Volatility

 

Mary invests $10.00 in TARK at the close of trading on Day 1. During Day 2, the ARK Innovation ETF rises from 100 to 102, a 2% gain. Mary’s investment rises 4% to $10.40. Mary holds her investment through the close of trading on Day 3, during which the ARK Innovation ETF rises from 102 to 104, a gain of 1.96%. Mary’s investment rises to $10.81, a gain during Day 3 of 3.92%. For the two-day period since Mary invested in TARK, the ARK Innovation ETF gained 4% although Mary’s investment increased by 8.1%. Because the ARK Innovation ETF continued to trend upwards with low volatility, Mary’s return closely correlates to the 200% return of the return of the ARK Innovation ETF for the period.

 38  

 

Example 2 – ARK Innovation ETF Experiences High Volatility

 

Mary invests $10.00 in TARK after the close of trading on Day 1. During Day 2, the ARK Innovation ETF rises from 100 to 102, a 2% gain, and Mary’s investment rises 4% to $10.40. Mary continues to hold her investment through the end of Day 3, during which the ARK Innovation ETF declines from 102 to 98, a loss of 3.92%. Mary’s investment declines by 7.84%, from $10.40 to $9.58. For the two-day period since Mary invested in TARK, the ARK Innovation ETF lost 2% while Mary’s investment decreased from $10 to $9.58, a 4.2% loss. The volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF affected the correlation between the ARK Innovation ETF’s return for the two-day period and Mary’s return. In this situation, Mary lost more than two times the return of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 

Example 3 – Intra-day Investment with Volatility

 

The examples above assumed that Mary purchased TARK at the close of trading on Day 1 and sold her investment at the close of trading on a subsequent day. However, if she made an investment intra-day, she would have received a beta determined by the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF from the end of the prior trading day until her time of purchase on the next trading day. Consider the following example.

 

Mary invests $10.00 in the Fund at 11 a.m. on Day 2. From the close of trading on Day 1 until 11 a.m. on Day 2, the ARK Innovation ETF moved from 100 to 102, a 2% gain. In light of that gain, the Fund beta at the point at which Mary invests is 196%. During the remainder of Day 2, the ARK Innovation ETF rises from 102 to 110, a gain of 7.84%, and Mary’s investment rises 15.4% (which is the ARK Innovation ETF of 7.84% multiplied by the 196% beta that she received) to $11.54. Mary continues to hold her investment through the close of trading on Day 3, during which the ARK Innovation ETF declines from 110 to 90, a loss of 18.18%. Mary’s investment declines by 36.4%, from $11.54 to $7.34. For the period of Mary’s investment, the ARK Innovation ETF declined from 102 to 90, a loss of 11.76%, while Mary’s investment decreased from $10.00 to $7.34, a 27% loss. The volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF affected the correlation between the ARK Innovation ETF’s return for period and Mary’s return. In this situation, Mary lost more than two times the return of the ARK Innovation ETF. Mary was also hurt because she missed the first 2% move of the ARK Innovation ETF and had a beta of 196% for the remainder of Day 2.

 

Market Volatility. TARK seeks to provide a return which is a multiple of the daily performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. TARK does not attempt to, and should not be expected to, provide returns which are a multiple of the return of the ARK Innovation ETF for periods other than a single day. TARK rebalances its portfolio on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses.

 

Daily rebalancing will impair TARK’s performance if the ARK Innovation ETF experiences volatility. For instance, TARK would be expected to lose 4% (as shown in Table 1 below) if the ARK Innovation ETF provided no return over a one-year period and experienced annualized volatility of 20%. TARK would be expected to lose 12% (as shown in Table 1 below) if the ARK Innovation ETF provided no return over a one-year period and had annualized volatility of 20%. If the ARK Innovation ETF’s annualized volatility were to rise to 40%, the hypothetical loss for a one-year period for the Fund widens to approximately 15% while the loss for the Fund rises to 45%.

 

Table 1

 

Volatility Range TARK Loss
10% -1%
20% -4%
30% -9%
40% -15%
50% -23%
60% -33%
70% -47%
80% -55%
90% -76%
100% -84%
 39  

 

Note that at higher volatility levels, there is a chance of a complete loss of Fund assets even if the ARK Innovation ETF is flat. For instance, if annualized volatility of ARK Innovation ETF were 90%, TARK based on the ARK Innovation ETF would be expected to lose 76%.

 

Table 2 shows the annualized historical volatility rate for ARK Innovation ETF over the five year period ended December 31, 2021. Since market volatility has negative implications for funds which rebalance daily, investors should be sure to monitor and manage their investments in TARK particularly in volatile markets. The negative implications of volatility in Table 1 can be combined with the recent volatility in Table 2 to give investors some sense of the risks of holding the Fund for longer periods over the past five years. Historical volatility and performance are not likely indicative of future volatility and performance.

 

Table 2 – Historic Volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF

 

  5-Year Historical Volatility Rate
ARK Innovation ETF 31.37%

 

The Projected Returns of Funds for Intra-Day Purchases. Because TARK rebalances its portfolio once daily, an investor who purchases shares during a day will likely have more, or less, than 200% leveraged investment exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF. The exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF received by an investor who purchases the Fund intra-day will differ from TARK’s stated daily leveraged investment objective (e.g., 200%) by an amount determined by the movement of the ARK Innovation ETF from its value at the end of the prior day. If the ARK Innovation ETF moves in a direction favorable to TARK between the close of the market on one trading day through the time on the next trading day when the investor purchases TARK shares, the investor will receive less exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF than the stated fund daily leveraged investment objective (e.g., 200%). Conversely, if the ARK Innovation ETF moves in a direction adverse to TARK, the investor will receive more exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF than the stated fund daily leveraged investment objective (e.g., 200%).

 

Table 3 below indicates the exposure to the ARK Innovation ETF that an intra-day purchase of TARK would be expected to provide based upon the movement in the value of the ARK Innovation ETF from the close of the market on the prior trading day. Such exposure holds until a subsequent sale on that same trading day or until the close of the market on that trading day. For instance, if the ARK Innovation ETF has moved 5% in a direction favorable to TARK, the investor would receive exposure to the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF from that point until the investor sells later that day or the end of the day equal to approximately 191% of the investor’s investment.

 40  

 

Conversely, if the ARK Innovation ETF has moved 5% in a direction unfavorable to the Fund, an investor at that point would receive exposure to the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF from that point until the investor sells later that day or the end of the day equal to approximately 211% of the investor’s investment.

 

The table includes a range of ARK Innovation ETF moves from 20% to -20% for TARK. Movement of the ARK Innovation ETF beyond the range noted below will result in exposure further from TARK’s daily leveraged investment objective.

 

Table 3

 

ARK Innovation ETF TARK
-20% 267%
-15% 243%
-10% 225%
-5% 211%
0% 200%
5% 191%
10% 183%
15% 177%
20% 171%

 

The Projected Returns of TARK for Periods Other Than a Single Trading Day. TARK seeks leveraged investment results on a daily basis — from the close of regular trading on one trading day to the close on the next trading day — which should not be equated with seeking a leveraged investment objective for any other period. For instance, if the ARK Innovation ETF gains 10% for a week, TARK should not be expected to provide a return of 20% for the week even if it meets its daily leveraged investment objective throughout the week. This is true because of the financing charges noted above but also because the pursuit of daily goals may result in daily leveraged compounding, which means that the return of the ARK Innovation ETF over a period of time greater than one day multiplied by TARK’s daily leveraged investment objective or inverse daily leveraged investment objective (e.g., 200%) will not generally equal TARK’s performance over that same period. In addition, the effects of compounding become greater the longer Shares are held beyond a single trading day.

 

The following tables set out a range of hypothetical daily performances during a given 10 trading days of ARK Innovation ETF and demonstrate how changes in the ARK Innovation ETF impact TARK’s hypothetical performance for a trading day and cumulatively up to, and including, the entire 10 trading day period. The charts are based on a hypothetical $100 investment in the Fund over a 10-trading day period and do not reflect fees or expenses of any kind.

 

Table 5 – The ARK Innovation ETF Lacks a Clear Trend

 

ARK Innovation ETF TARK
  Value Daily Performance Cumulative Performance NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance
  100     $100.00    
Day 1 105 5.00% 5.00% $110.00 10.00% 10.00%
Day 2 110 4.76% 10.00% $120.48 9.52% 20.47%
Day 3 100 -9.09% 0.00% $ 98.57 -18.18% -1.43%
Day 4 90 -10.00% -10.00% $ 78.86 -20.00% -21.14%
Day 5 85 -5.56% -15.00% $ 70.10 -11.12% -29.91%
Day 6 100 17.65% 0.00% $ 94.83 35.30% -5.17%
Day 7 95 -5.00% -5.00% $ 85.35 -10.00% -14.65%
Day 8 100 5.26% 0.00% $ 94.34 10.52% -5.68%
Day 9 105 5.00% 5.00% $103.77 10.00% 3.76%
Day 10 100 -4.76% 0.00% $ 93.89 -9.52% -6.12%
 41  

 

The cumulative performance of the ARK Innovation ETF in Table 5 is 0% for 10 trading days. The hypothetical return of TARK for the 10-trading day period is -6.12%. The volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF’s performance and lack of a clear trend results in performance for TARK for the period which bears little relationship to the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF for the 10-trading day period.

 

Table 6 – The ARK Innovation ETF Rises in a Clear Trend

 

ARK Innovation ETF TARK
  Value Daily Performance Cumulative Performance NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance
  100     $100.00    
Day 1 102 2.00% 2.00% $104.00 4.00% 4.00%
Day 2 104 1.96% 4.00% $108.08 3.92% 8.08%
Day 3 106 1.92% 6.00% $112.24 3.84% 12.23%
Day 4 108 1.89% 8.00% $116.47 3.78% 16.47%
Day5 110 1.85% 10.00% $120.78 3.70% 20.78%
Day 6 112 1.82% 12.00% $125.18 3.64% 25.17%
Day 7 114 1.79% 14.00% $129.65 3.58% 29.66%
Day 8 116 1.75% 16.00% $134.20 3.50% 34.19%
Day 9 118 1.72% 18.00% $138.82 3.44% 38.81%
Day 10 120 1.69% 20.00% $143.53 3.38% 43.50%

 

The cumulative performance of the ARK Innovation ETF in Table 6 is 20% for 10 trading days. The hypothetical return of TARK for the 10-trading day period is 43.50%. In this case, because of the positive hypothetical ARK Innovation ETF trend, TARK’s hypothetical gain is greater than 200% of the hypothetical ARK Innovation ETF gain for the 10-trading day period.

 

Table 7 – The ARK Innovation ETF Declines in a Clear Trend

 

ARK Innovation ETF TARK
  Value Daily Performance Cumulative Performance NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance
  100     $100.00    
Day 1 98 -2.00% -2.00% $ 96.00 -4.00% -4.00%
Day 2 96 -2.04% -4.00% $ 92.08 -4.08% -7.92%
Day 3 94 -2.08% -6.00% $ 88.24 -4.16% -11.75%
Day 4 92 -2.13% -8.00% $ 84.49 -4.26% -15.51%
Day 5 90 -2.17% -10.00% $ 80.82 -4.34% -19.17%
Day 6 88 -2.22% -12.00% $ 77.22 -4.44% -22.76%
Day 7 86 -2.27% -14.00% $ 73.71 -4.54% -26.27%
Day 8 84 -2.33% -16.00% $ 70.29 -4.66% -29.71%
Day 9 82 -2.38% -18.00% $ 66.94 -4.76% -33.05%
Day 10 80 -2.44% -20.00% $ 63.67 -4.88% -36.32%
 42  

 

The cumulative performance of the ARK Innovation ETF in Table 7 is -20% for 10 trading days. The hypothetical return of TARK for the 10-trading day period is 36.32%. In this case, because of the negative hypothetical ARK Innovation ETF trend, TARK’s hypothetical decline is less than 200% of the hypothetical ARK Innovation ETF decline for the 10-trading day period.

 

AXS Short China Internet ETF

 

The Effects of Fees and Expenses on the Return of the Fund for a Single Trading Day. To create the necessary exposure, SWEB uses investment techniques to provide an inverse (or opposite) daily return, which necessarily incur brokerage and financing charges. In light of these charges and SWEB’s operating expenses, the expected return of SWEB over one trading day is equal to the gross expected return, which is the daily China Internet ETF return multiplied by SWEB’s daily leveraged investment objective, minus (i) financing charges incurred by the portfolio and (ii) daily operating expenses. For instance, if the China Internet ETF returns 2% on a given day, the gross expected return of the Fund would be -2%, but the net expected return, which factors in the cost of financing the portfolio and the impact of operating expenses, would be lower. SWEB will reposition its portfolio at the end of every trading day. Therefore, if an investor purchases SWEB shares at close of the markets on a given trading day, the investor’s exposure to the China Internet ETF would reflect -100% of the performance of the China Internet ETF during the following trading day, subject to the charges and expenses noted above.

 

Consider the following examples:

 

Mary is considering investments in two funds, Funds A and B. Fund A is an ETF which seeks (before fees and expenses) to match the performance of the China Internet ETF. Similar to SWEB, Fund B is an ETF that seeks daily investment results (before fees and expenses) that correspond to -100% of the daily performance of the China Internet ETF.

 

On Day 1, the China Internet ETF’s NAV increases in value from $100 to $105, a gain of 5%. On Day 2, the China Internet ETF’s NAV decreases in value from $105 back to $100, a loss of 4.76%. In the aggregate, the value of the China Internet ETF has not moved.

 

An investment in the China Internet ETF would be expected to gain 5% on Day 1 and lose 4.76% on Day 2, returning the investment to its original value. The same $100 investment in the SWEB would be expected to lose 5% on Day 1 (-100% of 5%) but gain 4.76% on Day 2.

 

Day China Internet ETF Performance SWEB Performance Value of SWEB Investment
      $100.00
1 5.00% -5.00% $95.00
2 -4.76% 4.76% $99.52

 

In the case of the SWEB, although the percentage decrease on Day 2 is sufficient to bring the value of the China Internet ETF back to its starting point, because the inverse of that percentage is applied to a lower principal amount on Day 2, the SWEB has a loss.

 

(These calculations do not include the charges for fund fees and expenses.) As you can see, an investment in the SWEB has additional risks than the China Internet ETF due to the effects of compounding on the SWEB.

 

An investor who purchases shares of the SWEB intra-day will generally receive more, or less, than -100% exposure to the China Internet ETF from that point until the end of the trading day. The actual exposure will be largely a function of the performance of the China Internet ETF from the end of the prior trading day. If the SWEB shares are held for a period longer than a single trading day, the SWEB’s performance is likely to deviate from -100% of the return of the China Internet ETF’s performance for the longer period. This deviation will increase with higher China Internet ETF volatility and longer holding periods.

 43  

 

Examples of the Impact of Volatility. SWEB rebalances its portfolio on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will typically cause SWEB to lose money if the China Internet ETF experiences volatility. Volatility rate is a statistical measure of the magnitude of fluctuations in returns over a defined period. For periods longer than a trading day, volatility in the performance of the China Internet ETF from day to day is the primary cause of any disparity between SWEB’s actual returns and the returns of the China Internet ETF for such period. Volatility causes such disparity because it exacerbates the effects of compounding on SWEB ’s returns.

 

Consider the following three examples that demonstrate the effect of volatility on a hypothetical fund seeking an -100% correlation with a hypothetical fund:

 

Example 1 – China Internet ETF Experiences Volatility with Trend

 

Mary invests $10.00 in the SWEB at the close of trading on Day 1. During Day 2, the China Internet ETF’s NAV decrease by 2%. Mary’s investment in the SWEB rises 2% to $10.20. Mary holds her investment through the close of trading on Day 3, during which the China Internet ETF’s NAV decrease an additional 2.04%. The NAV of Mary’s investment in the SWEB rises to $10.41, a gain during Day 3 of 2.04%. For the two day period since Mary invested in SWEB, the China Internet ETF’s NAV lost 4% although Mary’s investment in the SWEB increased by 4.1%. Because the China Internet ETF continued to trend downwards, Mary’s return closely correlates to -100% of the return of the China Internet ETF for the period.

 

Example 2 – China Internet ETF Experiences Volatility with Trend Reversal

 

Mary invests $10.00 in the SWEB after the close of trading on Day 1. During Day 2, the China Internet ETF’s NAV decreases by 2%, and Mary’s investment in the SWEB rises by 2% to $10.20. Mary continues to hold her investment in the SWEB through the end of Day 3, during which the China Internet ETF’s NAV increases by 4.08%. Mary’s investment in the SWEB declines by 4.08%, from $10.20 to $9.78. For the two day period since Mary invested in the SWEB, the China Internet ETF’s NAV gained 2% while Mary’s investment in the SWEB decreased from $10 to $9.78, a 2.20% loss. The volatility of the China Internet ETF and the trend reversal affected the correlation between the China Internet ETF’s return for the two day period and Mary’s return. In this situation, Mary lost more than -100% the return of the China Internet ETF.

 

Example 3 – Intra-day Investment with Volatility and Trend Reversal

 

The examples above assumed that Mary purchased the SWEB at the close of trading on Day 1 and sold her investment at the close of trading on a subsequent day. However, if she made an investment intra-day, she would have received a notional exposure to the China Internet ETF determined by the performance of the China Internet ETF from the end of the prior trading day until her time of purchase on the next trading day. Consider the following example.

 

Mary invests $10.00 in the SWEB at 11 a.m. on Day 2. From the close of trading on Day 1 until 11 a.m. on Day 2, the China Internet ETF’s NAV decreased by 2%. In light of that loss, the SWEB’s notional exposure to the China Internet ETF at the point at which Mary invests is -96%. From 11 a.m. when Mary purchased the SWEB to 2 p.m. on Day 2, the China Internet ETF’s NAV decreases by 8.16%, and Mary’s investment in the SWEB rises 7.83% (which is the China Internet ETF gain of 8.16% multiplied by the 96% notional exposure to the China Internet ETF that she received) to $10.78. Mary continues to hold her investment in the SWEB through the close of trading on Day 2, during which the China Internet ETF’s NAV increases by 22.22%. Mary’s investment in the SWEB declines by 18.2%, from $10.78 to $8.82. For the period of Mary’s investment in the SWEB, the China Internet ETF’s NAV increased by 12.25%, while Mary’s investment in the SWEB decreased from $10.00 to $8.82, an 11.8% loss. The volatility of the China Internet ETF affected the correlation between the China Internet ETF’s return for the period and Mary’s return. In this situation, Mary lost less than -100% of the return of the China Internet ETF. Mary’s investment was also affected because she missed the first 2% move of the China Internet ETF and had a notional exposure to the China Internet ETF of -96% for the remainder of Day 2.

 44  

 

SWEB is designed to be utilized only by sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Such investors are expected to monitor and manage their portfolios frequently. Investors in SWEB should: (a) understand the consequences of seeking daily investment results, (b) understand the risks of shorting and investing in swap agreements, and (c) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. Investors who do not understand SWEB or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments should not buy SWEB. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and an investment in the Fund could lose money. No single Fund is a complete investment program.

 

Market Volatility. SWEB seeks to provide a return which is -100% of the daily performance of the China Internet ETF. SWEB does not attempt to, and should not be expected to, provide returns which are -100% of the return of the China Internet ETF for periods other than a single day. The Fund rebalances its portfolio on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses.

 

Daily rebalancing will impair the Fund ’s performance if the China Internet ETF experiences volatility. For instance, SWEB would be expected to lose 4% (as shown in Table 1 below) if the China Internet ETF provided no return over a one year period and experienced annualized volatility of 20%. If the China Internet ETF’s annualized volatility were to rise to 40%, the hypothetical loss for a one year period for the Inverse Fund widens to approximately 18%.

 

Table 7

 

Volatility Range SWEB Loss
10% -1%
20% -4%
30% -11%
40% -18%
50% -22%
60% -32%
70% -39%
80% -47%
90% -54%
100% -63%

 

Note that at higher volatility levels, there is a chance of a significant loss of Fund assets even if the value of the China Internet ETF is flat. For instance, if annualized volatility of the China Internet ETF were 100%, the Fund would be expected to lose more than 60% of its value, even if the China Internet ETF returned 0% for the year. Volatility rate is a statistical measure of the magnitude of fluctuations in returns.

 

Table 8 shows the annualized historical volatility rate for the China Internet ETF since its inception on January 16, 2018.

 

Since market volatility has negative implications for the Fund which rebalances daily, investors should be sure to monitor and manage their investments in the Fund particularly in volatile markets. The negative implications of volatility in Table 1 can be combined with the recent volatility ranges in Table 2 to give investors some sense of the risks of holding the Fund for longer periods over the period since inception of the China Internet ETF. Historical volatility and performance for the China Internet ETF are not likely indicative of future volatility and performance.

 45  

 

Table 8 – Historic Volatility of the China Internet ETF

 

  Historical Volatility Rate
China Internet ETF [ ]

 

The Projected Returns of the Fund for Intra-Day Purchases. Because SWEB rebalances its portfolio once daily, an investor who purchases shares during a day will likely have more, or less, than -100% investment exposure to the China Internet ETF. The exposure to the China Internet ETF received by an investor who purchases SWEB intra-day will differ from SWEB ’s stated daily investment objective (i.e., -100%) by an amount determined by the movement of the China Internet ETF from its value at the end of the prior day. If the China Internet ETF moves in a direction favorable to the Fund between the close of the market on one trading day through the time on the next trading day when the investor purchases SWEB shares, the investor will receive less inverse exposure to the China Internet ETF than the stated fund daily investment objective (i.e., -100%).

 

Conversely, if the China Internet ETF moves in a direction adverse to SWEB , the investor will receive more inverse exposure to the China Internet ETF than the stated fund daily inverse investment objective (i.e., -100%).

 

Table 9 below indicates the exposure to the China Internet ETF that an intra-day purchase of the SWEB would be expected to provide based upon the movement in the value of the China Internet ETF from the close of the market on the prior trading day. Such exposure holds until a subsequent sale on that same trading day or until the close of the market on that trading day. For instance, if the China Internet ETF has moved 2% in a direction favorable to SWEB Fund, the investor would receive inverse exposure to the performance of the China Internet ETF from that point until the investor sells later that day or the end of the day equal to approximately 96% of the investor’s investment.

 

Conversely, if the China Internet ETF has moved 2% in a direction unfavorable to the SWEB, an investor at that point would receive inverse exposure to the performance of the China Internet ETF from that point until the investor sells later that day or the end of the day equal to approximately -104% of the investor’s investment.

 

The table below includes a range of hypothetical China Internet ETF moves from 5% to – 5% and the corresponding exposure for the SWEB. Movement of the China Internet ETF beyond the range noted below will result in exposure further from the SWEB’s daily investment objective

 

Table 9

 

China Internet ETF SWEB
-5% -90%
-4% -92%
-3% -94%
-2% -96%
-1% -98%
0% -100%
1% -102%
2% -104%
3% -106%
4% -108%
5% -110%
 46  

 

The Projected Returns of the Fund for Periods Other Than a Single Trading Day. SWEB seeks investment results on a daily basis — from the close of regular trading on one trading day to the close on the next trading day — which should not be equated with seeking an investment objective for any other period. For instance, if the China Internet ETF gains 10% for a week, SWEB should not be expected to provide a return of -10% for the week even if it meets its daily investment objective throughout the week. This is true because of the financing charges noted above but also because the pursuit of daily investment objectives may result in daily compounding, which means that the return of the China Internet ETF over a period of time greater than one day multiplied by SWEB ’s daily inverse investment objective (-100%) will not generally equal SWEB ’s performance over that same period. In addition, the effects of compounding become greater the longer Shares are held beyond a single trading day.

 

The following tables set out a range of hypothetical daily performances during a given 10 trading days of the SWEB compared to the China Internet ETF and demonstrate how changes in the China Internet ETF’s hypothetical performance would compare to the performance of the SWEB for a trading day and cumulatively up to, and including, the entire 10 trading day period. The charts are based on a hypothetical $100 investment in the hypothetical funds over a 10 trading day period and do not reflect fees or expenses of any kind.

 

Table 10 – The China Internet ETF Lacks a Clear Trend

 

China Internet ETF SWEB
  NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance
  $100.00     $100.00    
Day 1 $105.00 5.00% 5.00% $ 95.0 -5.00% -5.00%
Day 2 $110.00 4.76% 10.00% $ 90.4 -4.76% -9.53%
Day 3 $100.00 -9.09% 0.00% $ 98.6 9.09% -1.31%
Day 4 $90.00 -10.00% -10.00% $108.55 10.00% 8.55%
Day 5 $85.00 -5.56% -15.00% $114.58 5.56% 14.58%
Day 6 $100.00 17.65% 0.00% $ 94.3 -17.65% -5.65%
Day 7 $95.00 -5.00% -5.00% $ 99.0 5.00% -0.94%
Day 8 $100.00 5.26% 0.00% $ 93.8 -5.26% -6.16%
Day 9 $105.00 5.00% 5.00% $ 89.1 -5.00% -10.86%
Day 10 $100.00 -4.76% 0.00% $ 93.3 4.76% -6.62%

 

The cumulative performance of the hypothetical China Internet ETF in Table 10 is 0% for 10 trading days. The return of the SWEB for the 10 trading day period is -6.62%. The volatility of the China Internet ETF’s performance and lack of a clear trend results in performance for the SWEB for the period which bears little relationship to the performance of the China Internet ETF for the 10 trading day period.

 

Table 11 – The China Internet ETF Rises in a Clear Trend

 

China Internet ETF SWEB
  NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance
  $100.00     $100.00    
Day 1 $102.00 2.00% 2.00% $ 98.0 -2.00% -2.00%
Day 2 $104.00 1.96% 4.00% $ 96.0 -1.96% -3.93%
Day 3 $106.00 1.92% 6.00% $ 94.2 -1.92% -5.78%
Day 4 $108.00 1.89% 8.00% $ 92.4 -1.89% -7.57%
Day 5 $110.00 1.85% 10.00% $ 90.7 -1.85% -9.28%
Day 6 $112.00 1.82% 12.00% $ 89.0 -1.82% -10.94%
Day 7 $114.00 1.79% 14.00% $ 87.4 -1.79% -12.54%
Day 8 $116.00 1.75% 16.00% $ 85.9 -1.75% -14.08%
Day 9 $118.00 1.72% 18.00% $ 84.4 -1.72% -15.56%
Day 10 $120.00 1.69% 20.00% $ 83.0 -1.69% -16.91%

 47  

 

The cumulative performance of the hypothetical China Internet ETF in Table 11 is 20% for 10 trading days. The return of the SWEB for the 10 trading day period is -16.91%. In this case, because of the positive hypothetical China Internet ETF trend, the SWEB’s decline is less than -100% of the hypothetical China Internet ETF gain for the 10 trading day period.

 

Table 12 – The China Internet ETF Declines in a Clear Trend

 

China Internet ETF SWEB
  NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance NAV Daily Performance Cumulative Performance
  $100.00     $100.00    
Day 1 $98.00 -2.00% -2.00% $102.00 2.00% 2.00%
Day 2 $96.00 -2.04% -4.00% $104.08 2.04% 4.08%
Day 3 $94.00 -2.08% -6.00% $106.24 2.08% 6.24%
Day 4 $92.00 -2.13% -8.00% $108.50 2.13% 8.50%
Day 5 $90.00 -2.17% -10.00% $110.85 2.17% 10.85%
Day 6 $88.00 -2.22% -12.00% $113.31 2.22% 13.31%
Day 7 $86.00 -2.27% -14.00% $115.88 2.27% 15.88%
Day 8 $84.00 -2.33% -16.00% $118.58 2.33% 18.58%
Day 9 $82.00 -2.38% -18.00% $121.40 2.38% 21.40%
Day 10 $80.00 -2.44% -20.00% $124.36 2.44% 24.36%

 

The cumulative performance of the China Internet ETF in Table 12 is -20% for 10 trading days. The return of the SWEB for the 10 trading day period is 24.36%. In this case, because of the negative China Internet ETF trend, the SWEB’s gain is greater than 100% of the hypothetical China Internet ETF decline for the 10 trading day period.

 

Temporary Investments: To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Funds may invest 100% of their total assets, without limitation, in high-quality short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include: shares of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and U.S. Government securities. While the Funds are in a defensive position, the Funds may not achieve their investment objectives. Furthermore, to the extent that the Funds invest in money market mutual funds for cash positions, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Funds pay their pro-rata portion of such money market funds' advisory fees and operational fees. The Funds may also invest a substantial portion of their assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies.

 

Additional Risks of Investing in the Funds

 

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in the Funds involves risk, including the risk that you may lose all or part of your investment. There can be no assurance that the Funds will meet their stated objectives. Before you invest, you should consider the following supplemental disclosure pertaining to the Principal Risks set forth above as well as additional Non-Principal Risks set forth below in this prospectus.

 48  

 

Principal Risks

 

Derivatives Risk. The Funds expect to invest in and will have investment exposure to various forms of derivatives, which may be considered aggressive and may expose the Funds to greater risks and larger losses or smaller gains than investing directly in the reference asset(s) underlying those derivatives.  A derivative refers to any financial instrument whose value is derived, at least in part, from the price of an underlying security, asset, rate or index. The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security, asset, rate or index. Gains or losses in a derivative may be magnified and may be much greater than the derivative’s original cost. 

 

·Swap Agreement Risk.  The Funds expect to use swap agreements as a means to achieve their investment objectives. Swap agreements are generally traded in OTC markets and have only recently become subject to regulation by the CFTC. CFTC rules, however, do not cover all types of swap agreements. Investors, therefore, may not receive the protection of CFTC regulation or the statutory scheme of the Commodity Exchange Act in connection with the Funds’ swap agreements. The lack of regulation in these markets could expose investors to significant losses under certain circumstances, including in the event of trading abuses or financial failure by participants.  Unlike in futures contracts, the counterparty to uncleared OTC swap agreements is generally a single bank or other financial institution, rather than a clearing organization backed by a group of financial institutions. As a result, the Funds are subject to increased counterparty risk with respect to the amount they expect to receive from counterparties to uncleared swaps. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations due to financial difficulties, the Funds could suffer significant losses on these contracts and the value of an investor’s investment in the Funds may decline.  OTC swaps of the type that may be utilized by the Funds are less liquid than futures contracts because they are not traded on an exchange, do not have uniform terms and conditions, and are generally entered into based upon the creditworthiness of the parties and the availability of credit support, such as collateral, and in general, are not transferable without the consent of the counterparty. Swaps are also subject to the risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the reference asset underlying the swap and the swap. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify a Fund’s gains and losses. Moreover, with respect to the use of swap agreements, if an underlying ETF has a dramatic intraday move that causes a material decline in a Fund’s net assets, the terms of a swap agreement between a Fund and its counterparty may permit the counterparty to immediately close out the transaction with the Fund. In that event, a Fund may be unable to enter into another swap agreement or invest in other derivatives to achieve the desired exposure consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. This, in turn, may prevent a Fund from achieving its investment objective, even if the underlying ETF reverses all or a portion of its intraday move by the end of the day. As a result, the value of an investment in the Fund may change quickly and without warning.

 

Leverage Risk. Leverage increases the risk of a total loss of an investor’s investment, may increase the volatility of a Fund, and may magnify any differences between the performance of a Fund and the underlying ETF. Because TARK includes a multiplier of two times (2x) the ARK Innovation ETF, a single day movement in the ARK Innovation ETF approaching 50% at any point in the day could result in the total loss of an investor’s investment if that movement is contrary to the investment objective of the Fund, even if the ARK Innovation ETF subsequently moves in an opposite direction, eliminating all or a portion of the earlier movement. This would be the case with any such single day movements in the ARK Innovation ETF, even if the ARK Innovation ETF maintains a level greater than zero at all times.

 

Compounding Risk. The Funds have a single day investment objective, and the Funds’ performance for any other period is the result of its return for each day compounded over the period. The performance of the Funds for periods longer than a single day will very likely differ in amount, and possibly even direction, from their stated multiple (e.g. 200% or -100%) of the daily return of their underlying ETF for the same period, before accounting for fees and expenses. Compounding affects all investments, but has a more significant impact on a leveraged fund. This effect becomes more pronounced as underlying ETF volatility and holding periods increase. The Funds performance for a period longer than a single day can be estimated given any set of assumptions for the following factors: (a) underlying ETF volatility; (b) underlying ETF performance; (c) period of time; (d) financing rates associated with leveraged exposure; and (e) other Fund expenses. The charts below illustrates the impact of two principal factors — underlying ETF volatility and underlying ETF performance — on Fund performance. The charts shows estimated returns for each Fund for a number of combinations of underlying ETF volatility and underlying ETF performance over a one-year period. Actual volatility, underlying ETF and Fund performance may differ significantly from the charts below. Performance shown in the charts assumes: (a) no Fund expenses; and (b) borrowing/lending rates (to obtain leveraged exposure) of zero percent. If Fund expenses and/or actual borrowing/ lending rates were reflected, the Funds’ performance would be different than shown.

 49  

 

Areas shaded red (or dark gray) represent those scenarios where TARK can be expected to return less than 200% of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF and those shaded green (or light gray) represent those scenarios where TARK can be expected to return more than 200% of the performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. TARK’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown below as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Correlation Risk” below.

 

Estimated Fund Returns

 

One Year ARK Innovation  ETF 200% One Year ARK Innovation ETF   Volatility Rate
Return Return   10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
-60% -120%   -84.2% -85.0% -87.5% -90.9% -94.1%
-50% -100%   -75.2% -76.5% -80.5% -85.8% -90.8%
-40% -80%   -64.4% -66.2% -72.0% -79.5% -86.8%
-30% -60%   -51.5% -54.0% -61.8% -72.1% -82.0%
-20% -40%   -36.6% -39.9% -50.2% -63.5% -76.5%
-10% -20%   -19.8% -23.9% -36.9% -53.8% -70.2%
0% 0%   -1.0% -6.1% -22.1% -43.0% -63.2%
10% 20%   19.8% 13.7% -5.8% -31.1% -55.5%
20% 40%   42.6% 35.3% 12.1% -18.0% -47.0%
30% 60%   67.3% 58.8% 31.6% -3.7% -37.8%
40% 80%   94.0% 84.1% 52.6% 11.7% -27.9%
50% 100%   122.8% 111.4% 75.2% 28.2% -17.2%
60% 120%   153.5% 140.5% 99.4% 45.9% -5.8%

 

The foregoing table is intended to isolate the effect of the ARK Innovation ETF volatility and the ARK Innovation ETF performance on the return of TARK and is not a representation of actual returns. For example, TARK may incorrectly be expected to achieve a 40% return on a yearly basis if the ARK Innovation ETF return were 20%, absent the effects of compounding. As the table shows, with the ARK Innovation ETF volatility of 50%, TARK could be expected to return –5.8% under such a scenario. TARK’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown above as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Principal Risks — Correlation Risk” below.

 

The ARK Innovation ETF’s annualized historical volatility rate for the period from [___] (the inception date of the ARK Innovation ETF) to December 31, 2021 was [___]%. The ARK Innovation ETF’s highest volatility rate for any one calendar year for the period from March 29, 2019 through December 31, 2020 was 40.01% and volatility for a shorter period of time may have been substantially higher. The ARK Innovation ETF’s annualized performance for the period from [____] to December 31, 2021 was [___]%. Historical ARK Innovation ETF volatility and performance are not indications of what the ARK Innovation ETF volatility and performance will be in the future. The volatility of ETFs or instruments that reflect the value of the ARK Innovation ETF, such as swaps, may differ from the volatility of the ARK Innovation ETF.

 50  

 

Areas shaded red (or dark gray) represent those scenarios where SWEB can be expected to return less than the inverse (-1x) of the China Internet ETF and those shaded green (or light gray) represent those scenarios where SWEB can be expected to return more than the inverse (-1x) of the performance of the China Internet ETF. SWEB’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown below as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Correlation Risk” below

 

Estimated Fund Returns

 

One Year China Internet ETF Inverse (-1x) One Year China Internet ETF   Volatility Rate
Return Return   10% 25% 50% 75% 100%
-60% 60%   147.5% 134.9% 94.7% 42.4% -8.0%
-50% 50%   98.0% 87.9% 55.8% 14.0% -26.4%
-40% 40%   65.0% 56.6% 29.8% -5.0% -38.7%
-30% 30%   41.4% 34.2% 11.3% -18.6% -47.4%
-20% 20%   23.8% 17.4% -2.6% -28.8% -54.0%
-10% 10%   10.0% 4.4% -13.5% -36.7% -59.1%
0% 0%   -1.0% -6.1% -22.1% -43.0% -63.2%
10% -10%   -10% -14.6% -29.2% -48.2% -66.6%
20% -20%   -17.5% -21.7% -35.1% -52.5% -69.3%
30% -30%   -23.8% -27.7% -40.1% -56.2% -71.7%
40% -40%   -29.3% -32.9% -44.4% -59.3% -73.7%
50% -50%   -34.0% -37.4% -48.1% -62.0% -75.5%
60% -60%   -38.1% -41.3% -51.3% -64.4% -77.0%

 

The foregoing table is intended to isolate the effect of China Internet ETF volatility and China Internet ETF performance on the return of SWEB and is not a representation of actual returns. For example, SWEB may incorrectly be expected to achieve a -20% return on a yearly basis if the China Internet ETF return were 20%, absent the effects of compounding. As the table shows, with China Internet ETF volatility of [ ]%, SWEB could be expected to return [ ]% under such a scenario. SWEB’s actual returns may be significantly better or worse than the returns shown above as a result of any of the factors discussed above or in “Principal Risks — Correlation Risk” below.

 51  

 

The China Internet ETF’s annualized historical volatility rate for the five- year period ended ___________, 2021 was _____%. The China Internet ETF’s highest ____ to ____ volatility rate during the five-year period was ____% (________). The China Internet ETF’s annualized total return performance for the five-year period ended ______, ___ was -______%. Historical China Internet ETF volatility and performance are not indications of what the China Internet ETF volatility and performance will be in the future. The volatility of U.S. exchange-traded securities or instruments that reflect the value of the China Internet ETF may differ from the volatility of the China Internet ETF.

 

Correlation Risk. A number of factors may affect the Funds’ ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with the underlying ETFs, and there is no guarantee that the Funds will achieve a high degree of correlation. Failure to achieve a high degree of correlation may prevent the Funds from achieving their investment objectives, and the percentage change of the Funds’ NAV each day may differ, perhaps significantly in amount, and possibly even direction, from their stated multiple (e.g. 200% or -100%) of the percentage change of the underlying ETF on such day.

 

In order to achieve a high degree of correlation with the underlying ETF, the Funds seek to rebalance their portfolios daily to keep exposure consistent with its investment objective. Being materially under- or overexposed to an underlying ETF may prevent the Funds from achieving a high degree of correlation with the underlying ETF and may expose the Funds to greater leverage risk. Market disruptions or closure, regulatory restrictions, market volatility, illiquidity in the markets for the financial instruments in which the Funds invest, and other factors will adversely affect the Funds’ ability to adjust exposure to requisite levels. The target amount of portfolio exposure is impacted dynamically by the underlying ETF’s movements, including intraday movements. Because of this, it is unlikely that the Funds will have perfect exposure (e.g. 200% or -100%) during the day or at the end of each day and the likelihood of being materially under- or overexposed is higher on days when the underlying ETF is volatile, particularly when the underlying ETF is volatile at or near the close of the trading day.

 

A number of other factors may also adversely affect the Funds’ correlation with its underlying ETF, including fees, expenses, transaction costs, financing costs associated with the use of derivatives, income items, valuation methodology, accounting standards and disruptions or illiquidity in the markets for the securities or financial instruments in which the Funds invest. The Funds may take or refrain from taking positions in order to improve tax efficiency, comply with regulatory restrictions, or for other reasons, each of which may negatively affect the Funds’ correlation with an underlying ETF. The Funds may also be subject to large movements of assets into and out of the Funds, potentially resulting in the Funds being under- or overexposed to an underlying ETF. Additionally, the Funds’ underlying investments and/or reference assets may trade on markets that may not be open on the same day as the Funds, which may cause a difference between the changes in the daily performance of the Funds and changes in the level of the underlying ETF. Any of these factors could decrease correlation between the performance of the Funds and the underlying ETF and may hinder the Funds’ ability to meet its daily investment objective on or around that day.

 

Rebalancing Risk. If for any reason the Funds are unable to rebalance all or a portion of its portfolio, or if all or a portion of the portfolio is rebalanced incorrectly, the Funds’ investment exposure may not be consistent with the Funds’ investment objectives. In these instances, a Fund may have investment exposure to the underlying ETF that is significantly greater or less than its stated multiple. As a result, the Funds may be more exposed to leverage risk than if they had been properly rebalanced and may not achieve its investment objective.

 

Financial Technology Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in financial technology companies. Companies that are developing financial technologies that seek to disrupt or displace established financial institutions generally face competition from much larger and more established firms. Financial technology companies may not be able to capitalize on their disruptive technologies if they face political and/or legal attacks from competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. Laws generally vary by country, creating some challenges to achieving scale. A financial technology company may not currently derive any revenue, and there is no assurance that such company will derive any revenue from innovative technologies in the future. Additionally, financial technology companies may be adversely impacted by potential rapid product obsolescence, cybersecurity attacks, increased regulatory oversight and disruptions in the technology they depend on.

 52  

 

Disruptive Innovation Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in disruptive innovation companies. Companies that the adviser of the ARK Innovation ETF believes are capitalizing on disruptive innovation and developing technologies to displace older technologies or create new markets may not in fact do so. Companies that initially develop a novel technology may not be able to capitalize on the technology. Companies that develop disruptive technologies may face political or legal attacks from competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. These companies may also be exposed to risks applicable to sectors other than the disruptive innovation theme for which they are chosen, and the securities issued by these companies may underperform the securities of other companies that are primarily focused on a particular theme. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in a company that does not currently derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies, and there is no assurance that a company will derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies in the future. A disruptive innovation or technology may constitute a small portion of a company’s overall business. As a result, the success of a disruptive innovation or technology may not affect the value of the equity securities issued by the company.

 

Counterparty Risk. Investing in derivatives involves entering into contracts with third parties (i.e., counterparties). The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The Fund will be subject to credit risk (i.e., the risk that a counterparty is or is perceived to be unwilling or unable to make timely payments or otherwise meet its contractual obligations) with respect to the amount it expects to receive from counterparties to derivatives and repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or fails to perform its obligations, or if any collateral posted by the counterparty for the benefit of the Fund is insufficient or there are delays in the Fund’s ability to access such collateral, the value of an investment in the Fund may decline.

 

Communications Sector Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in companies in the communication sector. Communication companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advancement and the innovation of competitors. Companies in the communications sector may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Additionally, fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer tastes can drastically affect a communication company’s profitability. While all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain companies in the communications 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.

 

Consumer Discretionary Risk. The underlying ETFs may invest in companies in the consumer discretionary sector. The consumer discretionary sector may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and interest rates, competition, consumers’ disposable income and consumer preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.

 

Health Care Sector Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in companies in the health care sector. The health care sector may be affected by government regulations and government health care programs, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, increases or decreases in the cost of medical products and services and product liability claims, among other factors. Many health care companies are: (i) heavily dependent on patent protection and intellectual property rights and the expiration of a patent may adversely affect their profitability; (ii) subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims; and (iii) subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Many health care products and services may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly, and delays or failure to receive such approvals may negatively impact the business of such companies. Additional or more stringent laws and regulations enacted in the future could have a material adverse effect on such companies in the health care sector. In addition, issuers in the health care sector include issuers having their principal activities in the biotechnology industry, medical laboratories and research, drug laboratories and research and drug manufacturers.

 53  

 

Biotechnology Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in biotechnology companies. A biotechnology company’s valuation can often be based largely on the potential or actual performance of a limited number of products and can accordingly be greatly affected if one of its products proves, among other things, unsafe, ineffective or unprofitable. Biotechnology companies are subject to regulation by, and the restrictions of, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state and local governments, and foreign regulatory authorities.

 

Pharmaceutical Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in pharmaceutical companies. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry can be significantly affected by, among other things, government approval of products and services, government regulation and reimbursement rates, product liability claims, patent expirations and protection and intense competition.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk. The underlying ETFs may invest in companies in the information technology sector. The information technology sector includes companies engaged in internet software and services, technology hardware and storage peripherals, electronic equipment instruments and components, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Failure to introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base, or achieve general market acceptance for their products could have a material adverse effect on a company’s business. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on intellectual property and the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

 

Internet Company Risk. The underlying ETFs may invest in Internet companies. Many Internet-related companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements, and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. Additionally, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business.

 

Semiconductor Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in semiconductor companies. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of semiconductor companies and, as product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, these companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital costs and may be heavily dependent on intellectual property rights. The semiconductor sector is highly cyclical, which may cause the operating results of many semiconductor companies to vary significantly. The stock prices of companies in the semiconductor sector have been and likely will continue to be extremely volatile.

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Software Industry Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in software companies. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.

 

Cryptocurrency Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in securities which have exposure to cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as “virtual currencies” and “digital currencies”) are digital assets designed to act as a medium of exchange. Cryptocurrency is an emerging asset class. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin. The ARK Innovation ETF may have exposure to bitcoin indirectly through an investment in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (“GBTC”), a privately offered, open-end investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin. Cryptocurrency generally operates without central authority (such as a bank) and is not backed by any government, corporation, or other entity. Cryptocurrency is not generally accepted as legal tender. Regulation of cryptocurrency is still developing. Federal, state and/or foreign governments may restrict the development, use, or exchange of cryptocurrency. The market price of bitcoin has been subject to extreme fluctuations. The price of bitcoin could fall sharply (potentially to zero) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, issues impacting the bitcoin network, events involving entities that facilitate transactions in bitcoin, or changes in user preferences in favor of alternative cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, events that impact one cryptocurrency may lead to a decline in the value of other cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin. Cryptocurrency exchanges and other trading venues on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated. Therefore, cryptocurrency exchanges may be more exposed to fraud and failure than established, regulated exchanges for securities, derivatives and other currencies. Cryptocurrency exchanges may not have the same features as traditional exchanges to enhance the stability of trading on the exchange, such as measures designed to prevent sudden price swings such as “flash crashes.” As a result, the prices of cryptocurrencies on exchanges may be subject to more volatility than traditional assets traded on regulated exchanges. Cryptocurrency exchanges are also subject to cyber security risks. Cryptocurrency exchanges have experienced cyber security breaches in the past and may be breached in the future, which could result in the theft and/or loss of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and impact the value of bitcoin. Furthermore, cyber security events, legal or regulatory actions, fraud, and technical glitches, may cause a cryptocurrency exchange to shut down temporarily or permanently, which may also affect the value of bitcoin. The ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC exposes the Fund to all of the risks related to cryptocurrencies described above and also expose the Fund to risks related to GBTC directly. Shares of GBTC may trade at a significant premium or discount to NAV. To the extent GBTC trades at a discount to NAV, the value of the ARK Innovation ETF’s investment in GBTC would typically decrease. Similar to fiat currencies (i.e., a currency that is backed by a central bank or a national, supra-national or quasi-national organization), cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, are susceptible to theft, loss and destruction. If GBTC experiences theft, loss, or destruction of its bitcoin holdings, the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC could be harmed. Furthermore, because there is no guarantee that an active trading market for GBTC will exist at any time, the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC may also be subject to liquidity risk, which can impair the value of the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC. Investors in the Fund may experience losses if the value of the ARK Innovation ETF’s investments in GBTC decline.

 

Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities the underlying ETFs hold may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities the underlying ETFs hold participate or factors relating to specific companies in which the underlying ETFs invest. These can include stock movements, purchases or sales of securities by the underlying ETFs, government policies, litigation and changes in interest rates, inflation, the financial condition of the securities’ issuer or perceptions of the issuer, or economic conditions in general or specific to the issuer. Equity securities may also be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market, and a decline in the broader market may affect the value of the underlying ETF’s equity investments.

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Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in stock of, warrants to purchase stock of, and other interests in SPACs or similar special purposes entities. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Investments in SPACs and similar entities are subject to a variety of risks beyond those associated with other equity securities. Because SPACs and similar entities do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC’s management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition. Until an acquisition or merger is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets, less a portion retained to cover expenses, in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. As a result, it is possible that an investment in a SPAC may lose value.

 

Internet Information Provider Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in Internet information provider companies. Companies. Internet information provider companies provide Internet navigation services and reference guide information and publish, provide or present proprietary advertising and/or third party content. Such companies often derive a large portion of their revenues from advertising, and a reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers could seriously harm their business. This business is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and is subject to changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. The research and development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and investment, as well as the accurate anticipation of technology, market trends and consumer needs. The number of people who access the Internet is increasing dramatically and a failure to attract and retain a substantial number of such users to a company’s products and services or to develop products and technologies that are more compatible with alternative devices, could adversely affect operating results. Concerns regarding a company’s products, services or processes that may compromise the privacy of users or other privacy related matters, even if unfounded, could damage a company’s reputation and adversely affect operating results.

 

Catalog and Mail Order House Company Risk. The ARK Innovation ETF may invest in Catalog and mail order house companies. Catalog and mail order house companies may be exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect operating results due to, among other factors: seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand and consumer spending patterns, or changes in consumer tastes with respect to products. Demand for products can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. The acquisition of certain types of inventory or components may require significant lead-time and prepayment and they may not be returnable. Failure to adequately predict customer demand or otherwise optimize and operate distribution centers could result in excess or insufficient inventory or distribution capacity, result in increased costs, impairment charges, or both. The business of catalog and mail order house companies can be highly seasonal and failure to stock or restock popular products in sufficient amounts during high demand periods could significantly affect revenue and future growth. Increased website traffic during peak periods could cause system interruptions which may reduce the volume of goods sold and the attractiveness of a company’s products and services.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. The underlying ETF’s investment in foreign securities can be riskier than U.S. securities investments. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. The prices of foreign securities and the prices of U.S. securities have, at times, moved in opposite directions. In addition, securities of foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security traded on U.S. exchanges could be affected by, among other things, increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign issuer or market. The ARK Innovation ETF normally will not hedge any foreign currency exposure.

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Emerging Market Securities Risk. The underlying ETFs’ investment in securities of emerging market issuers may present risks that are greater than or different from those associated with foreign securities due to less developed and liquid markets and such factors as increased economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties. Certain emerging market countries may be subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore, material information related to an investment may not be available or reliable. In addition, the underlying ETFs are limited in their ability to exercise their legal rights or enforce a counterparty’s legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries.

 

Inverse Correlation Risk. Short (inverse) positions are designed to profit from a decline in the price of a particular reference asset. Investors in SWEB will lose money when the China Internet ETF rises, which is the opposite result from that of traditional funds. A single day or intraday increase in the level of the China Internet ETF may result in the total loss or almost total loss of an investor’s investment, even if the China Internet ETF subsequently moves lower. Like leveraged funds, inverse funds may be considered to be aggressive. Inverse positions may also be leveraged. Such instruments may experience imperfect negative correlation between the price of the investment and the underlying security or index. The use of inverse instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested only in “long” positions.

 

China Risk. The China Internet ETF invests in Chinese companies. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions in China and surrounding Asian countries. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. In addition, the Chinese economy is export-driven and highly reliant on trading with key partners. A downturn in the economies of China’s primary trading partners could slow or eliminate the growth of the Chinese economy and adversely impact the Fund’s investments. The Chinese government strictly regulates the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations and sets monetary policy. The Chinese government may introduce new laws and regulations that could have an adverse effect on the Fund. Although China has begun the process of privatizing certain sectors of its economy, privatized entities may lose money and/or be re-nationalized. In the Chinese securities markets, a small number of issuers may represent a large portion of the entire market. The Chinese securities markets are subject to more frequent trading halts, low trading volume and price volatility. Recent developments in relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions, or even the threat of such developments, could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s export industry and a commensurately negative impact on the China Internet ETF. In recent years, Chinese entities have incurred significant levels of debt and Chinese financial institutions currently hold relatively large amounts of non-performing debt. Thus, there exists a possibility that widespread defaults could occur, which could trigger a financial crisis, freeze Chinese debt and finance markets and make Chinese securities illiquid. In addition, trade relations between the U.S. and China have recently been strained. Worsening trade relations between the two countries could adversely impact the China Internet ETF, particularly to the extent that the Chinese government restricts foreign investments in on-shore Chinese companies or the U.S. government restricts investments by U.S. investors in China. Worsening trade relations may also result in market volatility and volatility of the China Internet ETF. Disclosure and regulatory standards in emerging market countries, such as China, are in many respects less stringent than U.S. standards. There is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers.

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Hong Kong Risk. The China Internet ETF may invest in companies located in Hong Kong. The economy of Hong Kong has few natural resources and any fluctuation or shortage in the commodity markets could have a significant adverse effect on the Hong Kong economy. Hong Kong is also heavily dependent on international trade and finance. Additionally, the continuation and success of the current political, economic, legal and social policies of Hong Kong is dependent on and subject to the control of the Chinese government. China may change its policies regarding Hong Kong at any time. Any such change may adversely affect market conditions and the performance of Chinese and Hong Kong issuers and, thus, the value of securities in the Chine Internet ETF.

 

A-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China A-Shares. A-Shares are issued by companies incorporated in mainland China and are traded on Chinese exchanges. Investments in A-Shares are made available to domestic Chinese investors and certain foreign investors, including those who have been approved as a QFII or a RQFII and through the Stock Connect Programs, which currently include the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and China-Japan Stock Connect. Investments by foreign investors in A-Shares are subject to various restrictions, regulations and limits. The China Internet ETF currently intends to gain exposure to A-Shares through the Stock Connect Programs. The China Internet ETF may also gain exposure to A-Shares by investing in investments that provide exposure to A-Shares, such as other investment companies, or Krane may acquire a QFII or RQFII license to invest in A-Shares for the Fund. Investments in A-Shares are heavily regulated and the recoupment and repatriation of assets invested in A-Shares is subject to restrictions by the Chinese government. A-Shares may be subject to frequent and widespread trading halts and may become illiquid. This could cause volatility in the China Internet ETF’s share price and subject the China Internet ETF to a greater risk of trading halts.

 

Stock Connect Program Risk. The Stock Connect Programs are subject to daily and aggregate quota limitations, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security on the same trading day, which may restrict the China Internet ETF’s ability to invest in A-Shares through the Programs and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when the participating exchanges located outside of mainland China are not active, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when the China Internet ETF is unable to add to or exit its positions. Only certain China A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through the Stock Connect Programs. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through the Stock Connect Programs. Because the Stock Connect Programs are still evolving, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is still relatively unknown. Further, regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the program. There is no guarantee that the participating exchanges will continue to support the Stock Connect Programs in the future.

 

Investments in China A-Shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of either exchange and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. Because of the way in which China A-Shares are held in the Stock Connect Programs, the China Internet ETF may not be able to exercise the rights of a shareholder and may be limited in its ability to pursue claims against the issuer of a security, and may suffer losses in the event the depository of the Chinese exchange becomes insolvent.

 

B-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China B-Shares. The China B-Share market is generally smaller, less liquid and has a smaller issuer base than the China A-Share market. The issuers that compose the B-Share market include a broad range of companies, including companies with large, medium and small capitalizations. Further, the B-Shares market may behave very differently from other portions of the Chinese equity markets, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.

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H-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China H-Shares. H-Shares are foreign securities which, in addition to the risks described herein, are subject to the risk that the Hong Kong stock market may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese stock market. There may be little to no correlation between the performance of the Hong Kong stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market.

 

N-Shares Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold China N-Shares. N-Shares are securities of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on an American stock exchange, such as the NYSE or NASDAQ. Because companies issuing N-Shares have business operations in China, they are subject to certain political and economic risks in China. The American stock market may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese stock market, and there may be little to no correlation between the performance of the two.

 

P-Chip Companies Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold P-Chips. P-Chip companies are often run by the private sector and have a majority of their business operations in mainland China. P-Chip shares are traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and may also be traded by foreigners. Because they are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, P-Chips are also subject to risks similar to those associated with investments in H Shares. They are also subject to risks affecting their jurisdiction of incorporation, including any legal or tax changes.

 

Red Chip Companies Risk. The China Internet ETF may hold Red Chips. Red Chip companies are controlled, either directly or indirectly, by the central, provincial or municipal governments of the PRC. Red Chip shares are traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and may also be traded by foreigners. Because Red Chip companies are controlled by various PRC governmental authorities, investing in Red Chips involves risks that political changes, social instability, regulatory uncertainty, adverse diplomatic developments, asset expropriation or nationalization, or confiscatory taxation could adversely affect the performance of Red Chip companies. Red Chip companies may be less efficiently run and less profitable than other companies.

 

S-Chip Companies Risk. The China Internet ETF may invest in shares of companies with business operations in mainland China and listed on the Singapore Exchange (“S-Chips”). S-Chip shares are issued by companies incorporated anywhere, but many are registered in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda. They are subject to risks affecting their jurisdiction of incorporation, including any legal or tax changes. S-Chip companies may or may not be owned at least in part by a Chinese central, provincial or municipal government and be subject to the types of risks that come with such ownership described herein. There may be little or no correlation between the performance of the Singapore stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market.

 

Currency Risk. The China Internet ETF’s net asset value is determined on the basis of the U.S. dollar, therefore, the China Internet ETF may lose value if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. dollar, even if the local currency value of the China Internet ETF’s holdings goes up. Currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably, which may adversely affect the China Internet ETF. The China Internet ETF may also be subject to delays in converting or transferring U.S. dollars to foreign currencies for the purpose of purchasing portfolio investments. This may hinder the China Internet ETF’s performance, including because any delay could result in the China Internet ETF missing an investment opportunity and purchasing securities at a higher price than originally intended, or incurring cash drag.

 

Large Capitalization Stock Risk. Large-capitalization companies may be less able than smaller capitalization companies to adapt to changing market conditions. Large-capitalization companies may be more mature and subject to more limited growth potential compared with smaller capitalization companies. During different market cycles, the performance of large capitalization companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk. The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.

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Micro-Capitalization Stock Risk. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses). Their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.

 

Intraday Price Performance Risk. The intraday performance of shares of the Funds traded in the secondary market generally will be different from the performance of the Funds when measured from one NAV calculation-time to the next. When shares are bought intraday, the performance of the Funds’ Shares relative to the underlying ETF until the Funds’ next NAV calculation time will generally be greater than or less than the Funds’ stated multiple times the performance of the underlying ETF.

 

Liquidity Risk. In certain circumstances, such as the disruption of the orderly markets for the financial instruments in which the Funds invest, the Funds might not be able to acquire or dispose of certain holdings quickly or at prices that represent true market value in the judgment of the Adviser. Markets for the financial instruments in which the Funds invest may be disrupted by a number of events, including but not limited to economic crises, health crises, natural disasters, excessive volatility, new legislation, or regulatory changes inside or outside of the U.S. For example, regulation limiting the ability of certain financial institutions to invest in certain financial instruments would likely reduce the liquidity of those instruments. These situations may prevent a Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high leveraged correlation with its underlying ETF.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Funds may incur high portfolio turnover to manage the Funds’ investment exposure. Additionally, active market trading of the Funds’ Shares may cause more frequent creation or redemption activities that could, in certain circumstances, increase the number of portfolio transactions. High levels of portfolio transactions increase brokerage and other transaction costs and may result in increased taxable capital gains. Each of these factors could have a negative impact on the performance of the Funds.

 

Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that a particular security, or Shares of the Funds in general, may fall in value. Securities are subject to market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic, political, regulatory or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Funds could decline in value or underperform other investments. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, spread of infectious diseases or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant negative impact on the Funds and their investments. For example, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, had negative impacts, and in many cases severe impacts, on markets worldwide. While the development of vaccines has slowed the spread of the virus and allowed for the resumption of normal business activity in the United States, many countries continue to impose lockdown measures in an attempt to slow the spread. Additionally, there is no guarantee that vaccines will be effective against emerging variants of the disease. As this global pandemic illustrated, such events may affect certain geographic regions, countries, sectors and industries more significantly than others. These events also adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the Funds’ portfolio securities or other instruments and could result in disruptions in the trading markets. Any of such circumstances could have a materially negative impact on the value of the Funds’ Shares and result in increased market volatility. During any such events, the Funds’ Shares may trade at increased premiums or discounts to their net asset value.

 

Volatility Risk. Volatility is the characteristic of a security or other asset, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. The value of the Fund’s investments in swaps – and therefore the value of an investment in the Fund – could decline significantly and without warning, including to zero. If you are not prepared to accept significant and unexpected changes in the value of the Fund and the possibility that you could lose your entire investment in the Fund, you should not invest in the Fund.

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Cyber Security Risk. The Funds are susceptible to operational risks through breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Funds to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Such events could cause the Funds to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures and/or financial loss. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Funds’ digital information systems through “hacking” or malicious software coding, but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks through efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users. In addition, cyber security breaches of the Funds’ third-party service providers, such as its administrator, transfer agent, or custodian, as applicable, or issuers in which the Funds invest, can also subject the Funds to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. While the Funds have established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Additionally, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially because the Funds do not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers or third-party service providers.

 

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk. Only an AP may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Funds. The Funds have a limited number of institutions that act as APs on an agency basis (i.e. on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that these institutions exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders with respect to the Funds and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem, in either of these cases, Shares may trade at a discount to the Funds’ net asset value and possibly face delisting.

 

Active Management Risk. The Funds are actively-managed and their performance reflects investment decisions that the Adviser makes for the Funds. Such judgments about the Funds’ investments may prove to be incorrect. If the investments selected and the strategies employed by the Funds fail to produce the intended results, the Funds could underperform as compared to other funds with similar investment objectives and/or strategies, or could have negative returns.

 

Active Market Risk. Although the Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained. Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at or above the respective Fund’s net asset value. Securities, including the Shares, are subject to market fluctuations and liquidity constraints that may be caused by such factors as economic, political, or regulatory developments, changes in interest rates, and/or perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of the Funds could decline in value or underperform other investments.

 

Premium/Discount Risk. The market price of the Funds’ Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in the Funds’ net asset value as well as the relative supply of and demand for Shares on the Exchange. The Adviser cannot predict whether Shares will trade below, at or above their net asset value because the Shares trade on the Exchange at market prices and not at net asset value. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for Shares will be closely related, but not identical, to the same forces influencing the prices of the holdings of the Funds trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. However, given that Shares can only be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units, and only to and from broker-dealers and large institutional investors that have entered into participation agreements (unlike shares of closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their net asset value), the Adviser believes that large discounts or premiums to the net asset value of Shares should not be sustained. During stressed market conditions, the market for the Funds’ Shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the market for the Funds’ underlying portfolio holdings, which could in turn lead to differences between the market price of the Funds’ Shares and their net asset value. Furthermore, the Funds may at times limit or suspend entirely the issuance of new Creation Units, which could have the effect of enhancing the premium or discount associated with the Funds’ Shares.

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Operational Risk. The Funds are exposed to operational risks 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 systems failures. The Funds and the Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do not address every possible risk and may be inadequate to address these risks.

 

Credit Risk. An issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make dividend, interest and/or principal payments when due. In addition, the value of a debt security may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability or unwillingness to make such payments.

 

Market Maker Risk. If the Funds have lower average daily trading volumes, they may rely on a small number of third-party market makers to provide a market for the purchase and sale of Shares. Any trading halt or other problem relating to the trading activity of these market makers could result in a dramatic change in the spread between the Funds’ net asset values and the price at which the Shares are trading on the Exchange, which could result in a decrease in value of the Shares. In addition, decisions by market makers or APs to reduce their role or step away from these activities in times of market stress could inhibit the effectiveness of the arbitrage process in maintaining the relationship between the underlying values of the Funds’ portfolio securities and the Funds’ market price. This reduced effectiveness could result in Shares trading at a discount to net asset value and also in greater than normal intra-day bid-ask spreads for Shares.

 

New Fund Risk. As of the date of this prospectus, the Funds have no operating history and currently have fewer assets than larger funds. Like other new funds, large inflows and outflows may impact the Funds’ market exposure for limited periods of time. This impact may be positive or negative, depending on the direction of market movement during the period affected.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Funds are classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. As a result, the Funds are only limited as to the percentage of their assets which may be invested in the securities of any one issuer by the diversification requirements imposed by the Code. The Funds may invest a relatively high percentage of their assets in a limited number of issuers. As a result, the Funds may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, experience increased volatility and be highly invested in certain issuers.

 

Trading Issues Risk. Trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange’s “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Funds will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. The Funds may have difficulty maintaining their listing on the Exchange in the event the Funds’ assets are small, the Funds do not have enough shareholders, or if the Funds are unable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders.

 

Collateral Investments Risk. The Funds’ use of Collateral Investments may include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, including bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, money market funds and corporate debt securities, such as commercial paper.

 

Some securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in which case the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. Although the Funds may hold securities that carry U.S. Government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to shares of the Funds.

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Money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Funds to bear indirectly a proportional share of the fees and costs of the money market funds in which they invests. At the same time, the Funds will continue to pay their own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of the money market fund. It is possible to lose money by investing in money market funds.

 

Corporate debt securities such as commercial paper generally are short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by businesses. Corporate debt may be rated investment-grade or below investment-grade and may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Corporate debt securities carry both credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the risk that the Funds could lose money if the issuer of a corporate debt security is unable to pay interest or repay principal when it is due. Some corporate debt securities that are rated below investment-grade generally are considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities.

 

Debt Securities Risk. Investments in debt securities subject the holder to the credit risk of the issuer. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or other obligor of a security will not be able or willing to make payments of interest and principal when due. Generally, the value of debt securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Funds may decline. If the principal on a debt security is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Debt securities generally do not trade on a securities exchange making them generally less liquid and more difficult to value than common stock.

 

Call Risk. Some debt securities may be redeemed, or “called,” at the option of the issuer before their stated maturity date. In general, an issuer will call its debt securities if they can be refinanced by issuing new debt securities which bear a lower interest rate. The Funds are subject to the possibility that during periods of falling interest rates an issuer will call its high yielding debt securities. The Funds would then be forced to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, likely resulting in a decline in the Funds’ income.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the debt securities in the Funds’ portfolio will decline because of rising market interest rates. Interest rate risk is generally lower for shorter term debt securities and higher for longer-term debt securities. The Funds may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. Duration is a reasonably accurate measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a common measure of interest rate risk. Duration measures a debt security’s expected life on a present value basis, taking into account the debt security’s yield, interest payments and final maturity. In general, duration represents the expected percentage change in the value of a security for an immediate 1% change in interest rates. For example, the price of a debt security with a three-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 3% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates. Therefore, prices of debt securities with shorter durations tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than debt securities with longer durations. As the value of a debt security changes over time, so will its duration.

 

Valuation Risk. The Funds may hold securities or other assets that may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur because the asset or security does not trade on a centralized exchange, or in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” assets or securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Funds could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Funds would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Funds at that time. The Funds’ ability to value investments may be impacted by technological issues or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

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Non-Principal Risks

 

Inflation Risk. Inflation may reduce the intrinsic value of increases in the value of the Funds. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the value of the Funds’ assets can decline as can the value of the Funds’ distributions.

 

Legislation and Litigation Risk. Legislation or litigation that affects the value of securities held by the Funds may reduce the value of the Funds. From time to time, various legislative initiatives are proposed that may have a negative impact on certain securities in which the Funds invest. In addition, litigation regarding any of the securities owned by the Funds may negatively impact the value of the Shares. Such legislation or litigation may cause the Funds to lose value or may result in higher portfolio turnover if the Adviser determines to sell such a holding.

 

Security Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause a security held by the Funds to be more volatile than the market generally. The value of an individual security or particular type of security may be more volatile than the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of the market as a whole.

 

Management of the Funds

 

 

The Funds are series of Investment Managers Series Trust II, an investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Funds are treated as separate funds with their own investment objectives and policies. The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. The Board is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Trust. The Board elects the Trust’s officers and approves all significant agreements, including those with the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, custodian and fund administrative and accounting agent.

 

Investment Adviser

 

AXS Investments LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as the Fund’s adviser pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”).

 

In its capacity as Adviser, AXS Investments manages the Funds’ investments subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser also arranges for transfer agency, custody, fund administration, distribution and all other services necessary for the Fund to operate. Further, the Adviser continuously reviews, supervises, and administers the Funds’ investment program.

 

The principal office of the Adviser is located at 181 Westchester Ave, Suite 402, Port Chester, New York 10573. The telephone number of the Fund is [(866) 984-2510].

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The individual members of the team responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolios are listed below.

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·[ ]

 

· [ ]

 

For additional information concerning AXS Investments, including a description of the services provided to the Funds, please see the statement of additional information for the Funds. Additional information regarding the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of Shares may also be found in the statement of additional information.

 

Manager of Managers Structure 

 

The Fund and the Adviser have received an exemptive order from the SEC to operate under a manager of managers structure that permits the Adviser, with the approval of the Board, to appoint and replace sub-advisers, enter into sub-advisory agreements, and materially amend and terminate sub-advisory agreements on behalf of the Fund without shareholder approval (the “Manager of Managers Structure”). Under the Manager of Managers Structure, the Adviser has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, for overseeing the Fund’s sub-adviser(s) and recommending to the Board the hiring, termination, or replacement of any such sub-adviser(s). The exemptive order does not apply to any sub-adviser that is affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser.

 

The Manager of Managers Structure enables the Fund to operate with greater efficiency and without incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approvals for matters relating to sub-advisers or sub-advisory agreements. The Manager of Managers Structure does not permit an increase in the overall management and advisory fees payable by the Fund without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified of any changes made to sub-advisers or sub-advisory agreements within 90 days of the changes.

 

Management Fee

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund the Adviser manages each Fund’s assets and operations of the Fund.

 

For each Fund, the Adviser is paid an annual management fee of [ ]% of the respective Fund’s average daily net assets and is responsible for each Fund’s expenses, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, but excluding fee payments under the Investment Management Agreement, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, if any, brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement on behalf of the Funds will be available in the Fund’s [Annual] Report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended [    ].

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Buying and Selling Fund Shares

 

 

Fund shares are listed for trading on the Exchange. When you buy or sell the Funds’ shares on the secondary market, you will pay or receive the market price. You may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. The shares of the Funds will trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to varying degrees from the daily NAV of such shares. A “Business Day” with respect to the Funds is any day on which the Exchange is open for business. The Exchange is generally open Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

Each Fund’s NAV is calculated as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the normal close of regular trading on the NYSE, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If for example, the NYSE closes at 1:00 p.m. New York time, the Funds’ NAVs would still be determined as of 4:00 p.m. New York time. In this example, portfolio securities traded on the NYSE would be valued at their closing prices unless the Trust’s Valuation Committee determines that a “fair value” adjustment is appropriate due to subsequent events. The NAV is determined by dividing the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses), by the total number of outstanding shares. A Fund’s NAV may be calculated earlier if permitted by the SEC. The NYSE is closed on weekends and most U.S. national holidays. However, foreign securities listed primarily on non-U.S. markets may trade on weekends or other days on which the Fund does not value its shares, which may significantly affect a Fund’s NAV on those days.

 

Each Fund’s securities generally are valued at market price. Securities are valued at fair value when market quotations are not readily available. The Board has adopted procedures to be followed when a Fund must utilize fair value pricing, including when reliable market quotations are not readily available, when a Fund’s pricing service does not provide a valuation (or provides a valuation that, in the judgment of the Advisor, does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Advisor, events have rendered the market value unreliable (see, for example, the discussion of fair value pricing of foreign securities in the paragraph below). Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on the judgment of the Advisor and the Board (or a committee thereof), and may result in a different price being used in the calculation of a Fund’s NAV from quoted or published prices for the same securities. Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. There can be no assurance that a Fund will obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it sells the security.

 

In certain circumstances, a Fund employs fair value pricing to ensure greater accuracy in determining daily NAV and to prevent dilution by frequent traders or market timers who seek to exploit temporary market anomalies. Fair value pricing may be applied to foreign securities held by a Fund upon the occurrence of an event after the close of trading on non-U.S. markets but before the close of trading on the NYSE when a Fund’s NAV is determined. If the event may result in a material adjustment to the price of a Fund’s foreign securities once non-U.S. markets open on the following business day (such as, for example, a significant surge or decline in the U.S. market), a Fund may value such foreign securities at fair value, taking into account the effect of such event, in order to calculate the Fund’s NAV.

 

Other types of portfolio securities that a Fund may fair value include, but are not limited to: (1) investments that are illiquid or traded infrequently, including “restricted” securities and private placements for which there is no public market; (2) investments for which, in the judgment of the Advisor, the market price is stale; (3) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (4) securities for which trading has been halted or suspended; and (5) fixed income securities for which there is not a current market value quotation.

 

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares

The Funds do not impose any restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions of Creation Units; however, the Funds reserve the right to reject or limit purchases at any time as described in the SAI. When considering that no restriction or policy was necessary, the Board evaluated the risks posed by arbitrage and market timing activities, such as whether frequent purchases and redemptions would interfere with the efficient implementation of the Funds’ investment strategies, or whether they would cause a Fund to experience increased transaction costs. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of the Funds are issued and redeemed only in large quantities of shares known as Creation Units available only from the Funds directly to Authorized Participants, and that most trading in the Funds occurs on the Exchange at prevailing market prices and does not involve the Funds directly. Given this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that trading due to arbitrage opportunities or market timing by shareholders would result in negative impact to the Funds or their shareholders. In addition, frequent trading of shares of the Funds done by Authorized Participants and arbitrageurs is critical to ensuring that the market price remains at or close to NAV.

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Availability of Information

Each Business Day, the following information will be available at www.axsinvestments.com with respect to each Fund: (i) information for each portfolio holding that will form the basis of the next calculation of a Fund’s net asset value per share; (ii) a Fund’s net asset value per share, market price, and premium or discount, each as of the end of the prior Business Day; (iii) a table showing the number of days a Fund’s shares traded at a premium or discount during the most recently completed calendar year and the most recently completed calendar quarter since that year; (iv) a line graph showing Fund share premiums or discounts for the most recently completed calendar year and the most recently completed calendar quarter since that year; (v) a Fund’s median bid-ask spread over the last thirty calendar days; and (vi) if during the past year a Fund’s premium or discount was greater than 2% for more than seven consecutive trading days, a statement that a Fund’s premium or discount, as applicable, was greater than 2% and a discussion of the factors that are reasonably believed to have materially contributed to the premium or discount.

 

Dividends, Distributions and Taxes

 

 

Fund Distributions

The Funds pay out dividends from their net investment income annually and distributes their net capital gains, if any, to investors at least annually.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Service

Brokers may make available to their customers who own shares of the Funds the Depository Trust Company book-entry dividend reinvestment service. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and capital gains will automatically be reinvested in additional whole shares of the respective Fund purchased on the secondary market. Without this service, investors would receive their distributions in cash. To determine whether the dividend reinvestment service is available and whether there is a commission or other charge for using this service, consult your broker. Brokers may require a Fund’s shareholders to adhere to specific procedures and timetables.

 

Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following discussion is very general and does not address investors subject to special rules, such as investors who hold Fund shares through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged account. The Statement of Information contains further information about taxes. Because each Shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax advisor about your investment in a Fund.

 

You will generally have to pay federal income taxes, as well as any state or local taxes, on distributions received from a Fund, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. If you sell Fund shares, it is generally considered a taxable event. Distributions of net investment income, other than “qualified dividend income,” and distributions of net short-term capital gains, are taxable for federal income tax purposes at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions from a Fund’s net capital gain (i.e., the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss) are taxable for federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares.

 

Dividends paid by a Fund (but none of a Fund’s capital gain distributions) may qualify in part for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Distributions of investment income that a Fund reports as “qualified dividend income” may be eligible to be taxed to non-corporate shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain if derived from the Fund’s qualified dividend income and if certain other requirements are satisfied. “Qualified dividend income” generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a Fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market.

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You may want to avoid buying shares of a Fund just before it declares a distribution (on or before the record date), because such a distribution will be taxable to you even though it may effectively be a return of a portion of your investment.

 

Although distributions are generally taxable when received, dividends declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record as of a date in such month and paid during the following January are treated as if received on December 31 of the calendar year when the dividends were declared.

 

Information on the federal income tax status of dividends and distributions is provided annually.

 

Dividends and distributions from a Fund and net gain from sales of Fund shares will generally be taken into account in determining a shareholder’s “net investment income” for purposes of the Medicare contribution tax applicable to certain individuals, estates and trusts.

 

If you do not provide your Fund with your correct taxpayer identification number and any required certifications, you will be subject to backup withholding on your dividends and other distributions. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%.

 

Dividends and certain other payments made by a Fund to a non-U.S. shareholder are subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be determined in accordance with any applicable treaty). Dividends that are reported by a Fund as “interest-related dividends” or “short-term capital gain dividends” are generally exempt from such withholding. In general, a Fund may report interest-related dividends to the extent of its net income derived from U.S.-source interest and a Fund may report short-term capital gain dividends to the extent its net short-term capital gain for the taxable year exceeds its net long-term capital loss. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax described in this paragraph.

 

Under legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA,” unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund distributions payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the United States and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.

 

Some of a Fund’s investment income may be subject to foreign income taxes that are withheld at the country of origin. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes, but there can be no assurance that a Fund will qualify for treaty benefits.

 

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of any cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.

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Any gain or loss realized upon a creation of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the securities exchanged therefor as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Similarly, any gain or loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized Participant holds the shares of a Fund comprising the Creation Units as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of a Fund comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise, will generally be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for 6 months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).

 

Each Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the shares of the Fund so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in any securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. Each Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If a Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the shares of the Fund so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

 

Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction.

 

Distributor

 

 

IMST Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as the distributor of Creation Units for the Funds on an agency basis. The Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in Shares.

 

The Trust has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with its Rule 12b-1 plan, the Funds are authorized to pay an amount up to ___% of their average daily net assets each year to reimburse the Distributor for amounts expended to finance activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Creation Units or the provision of investor services. The Distributor may also use this amount to compensate securities dealers or other persons that are APs for providing distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional services. The Funds do not and have no current intention of paying 12b-1 fees. However, in the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid out of a Fund’s assets, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than certain other types of sales charges.

 

FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

 

Co-Administrators. UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”), 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC (“MFAC”), 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740 (collectively the “Co-Administrators”), act as co-administrators for the Funds. Pursuant to the Co-Administration Agreement, the Co-Administrators receive a fee for administration services based on each Fund’s average daily net assets, which is paid by the Advisor.

 

Transfer Agent. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Funds’ transfer agent. The transfer agent provides record keeping and shareholder services.

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Custodian. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Funds’ custodian. The custodian holds the securities, cash and other assets of the Fund.

 

Fund Accounting Agent. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the fund accounting agent for the Funds. The fund accounting agent calculates each Fund’s daily NAV.

 

Legal Counsel. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (“Morgan Lewis”), 600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800, Costa Mesa, California 92626, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and to the Independent Trustees. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 South Canal Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Advisor.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. [AUDITOR AND ADDRESS], serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm and is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of each Fund.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

 

Investments by Other Registered Investment Companies

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Funds are treated as a registered investment company. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies, including shares of the Funds. Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act permits registered investment companies to invest in exchange-traded funds offered by the Trust, including the Funds, beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain terms and conditions, including that such registered investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust.

 

Continuous Offering

The method by which Creation Units are purchased and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by each Fund on an ongoing basis, at any point a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the Prospectus delivery 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 transfer agent, breaks them down into individual shares, and sells such 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 categorization as an underwriter.

 

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares of the Funds, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares of the Funds, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available with respect to 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 ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with shares of the Funds that are part of an unsold allotment within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a prospectus delivery obligation with respect to shares of the Funds are reminded that under Rule 153 under the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that the Funds’ Prospectus is available on the SEC’s electronic filing system. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.

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Financial Highlights

 

The Funds are new and have no performance history as of the date of this prospectus. Financial information therefore is not available.

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AXS 2X Innovation ETF

AXS Short China Internet ETF
Each a series of Investment Managers Series Trust II

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

 

Statement of Additional Information (SAI)

The SAI provides additional details about the investments and techniques of the Funds and certain other additional information. A current SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. This means that the SAI is legally considered a part of this Prospectus even though it is not physically within this Prospectus.

 

Shareholder Reports

Additional information about the Funds’ investments will be available in the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Funds’ annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during its most recent fiscal year.

 

The Funds’ SAI is available and annual and semi-annual reports will be available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website at www.axsinvestments.com. You can also obtain a free copy of the Funds’ SAI or annual and semi-annual reports, request other information, or inquire about the Funds by contacting a broker that sells shares of the Funds or by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-866-984-2510 or by writing to the applicable Fund at:

 

AXS Investments

P.O. Box 2175

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Reports and other information about the Fund are also available:

·Free of charge, on the SEC’s EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov; or
·For a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

SEC File #: 333-191476
811-22894

 

 

The information in this Statement of Additional Information 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 Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer of sale is not permitted.

 

Preliminary Statement of Additional Information

Dated January 25, 2022

Subject to Completion

 

Statement of Additional Information

_____________, 2022

 

AXS 2X Innovation ETF
(Ticker: TARK)

 

AXS Short China Internet ETF
(Ticker: SWEB)

 

Each a series of Investment Managers Series Trust II

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, and it should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated _________, 2022, of AXS 2X Innovation ETF (“TARK”) and AXS Short China Internet ETF (“SWEB” and collectively with the TARK, the “Funds”), each a series of Investment Managers Series Trust II (the “Trust”). AXS Investments LLC (the “Advisor”) is the investment advisor to the Funds. The Funds’ shares are principally listed for trading on the [                    ]. A copy of the Funds’ Prospectus may be obtained by contacting the Funds at the address or telephone number specified below.

 

AXS Funds

P.O. Box 2175

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

(1-866-984-2510)

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

The Trust and The FundS 1
Investment Strategies, Policies and Risks 1
Investment Restrictions 10
Management of the FundS 11
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage 20
Portfolio Turnover 21
Proxy Voting Policy 21
Portfolio Holdings Information 22
Determination of Net Asset Value 22
BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM 23
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES IN CREATION UNITS 24
Federal Income Tax Matters 31
Dividends and Distributions 37
General Information 38
Financial Statements 39
Appendix A Description of Securities Ratings 40
APPENDIX B PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 44
 
 

The Trust and The Funds

 

The Trust is an open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 20, 2013. The Trust currently consists of several other series of shares of beneficial interest. This SAI relates only to the Funds and not to the other series of the Trust.

 

The Trust is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end management investment company. Such a registration does not involve supervision of the management or policies of the Fund. The Prospectus of the Funds and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee.

 

Each Fund is a non-diversified fund, which means it is not subject to the diversification requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of one issuer (and in not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer), excluding cash, Government securities, and securities of other investment companies. Although the Funds are not required to comply with the above requirement, the Funds intend to diversify their assets to the extent necessary to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

Each Fund offers and issues shares at their net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of shares (each, a “Creation Unit”). The Funds generally offer and issue shares in exchange for a basket of securities designated by each Fund (“Deposit Securities”) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (“Cash Component”). The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount (“Deposit Cash”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The shares of the Funds are listed on the [ ] (the “Exchange”) and trade on the respective Exchange at market prices. These prices may differ from the shares’ NAV per share. The shares of the Funds are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and generally in exchange for portfolio securities designated by the Funds and a specified cash payment.

 

Investment Strategies, Policies and Risks

 

The discussion below supplements information contained in the Funds’ Prospectus pertaining to the investment policies of the Fund.

 

An investment in the Funds also should be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in swaps, securities and other assets, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the Funds’ portfolio holdings and thus in the value of Shares). Each Fund’s portfolio holdings are susceptible to general market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and investor emotions and perceptions change. Investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding governmental, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, weather and climate conditions, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Swaps.

The Funds may enter into total return swaps, which may be used either as economically similar substitutes for owning the reference asset specified in the swap, such as the securities that comprise a given market index, particular securities or commodities, or other assets or indicators. They also may be used as a means of obtaining exposure in markets where the reference asset is unavailable or it may otherwise be impossible or impracticable for the Funds to own that asset. “Total return” refers to the payment (or receipt) of the total return on the underlying reference asset, which is then exchanged for the receipt (or payment) of an interest rate. Total return swaps provide the Funds with the additional flexibility of gaining exposure to a market or sector index in a potentially more economical way.

 

Most swaps entered into by the Funds calculate and settle the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis” with a single payment. Consequently, the Funds’ current obligations (or rights) under a swap will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). Other swaps may require initial premium (discount) payments as well as periodic payments (receipts) related to the interest leg of the swap or to the default of the reference entity. The Fund’s obligations under most swaps will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Funds by the counterparty to the swap) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating or earmarking cash or other assets determined to be liquid. However, typically no payments will be made until the settlement date.

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Fixed Income Investments and Cash Equivalents.

Fixed income Investments and cash equivalents held by the Funds may include, without limitation, the types of investments set forth below.

 

(1) The Funds may invest in U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest, which are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities include securities that are issued or guaranteed by the United States Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. government, or by various instrumentalities that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the United States. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some of the U.S. government agencies that issue or guarantee securities include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Farmers Home Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Maritime Administration, the Small Business Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority. An instrumentality of the U.S. government is a government agency organized under federal charter with government supervision. Instrumentalities issuing or guaranteeing securities include, among others, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Banks, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Federal National Mortgage Association. In the case of those U.S. government securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event that the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.

 

(2) The Funds may invest in certificates of deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return, and are normally negotiable. If such certificates of deposit are non-negotiable, they will be considered illiquid securities and be subject to the Funds’ 15% restriction on investments in illiquid securities. Pursuant to the certificate of deposit, the issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Under current FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $250,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Funds may not be fully insured. The Funds may only invest in certificates of deposit issued by U.S. banks with at least $1 billion in assets.

 

(3) The Funds may invest in bankers’ acceptances, which are short-term credit instruments used to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then “accepted” by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of interest for a specific maturity.

 

(4 ) The Funds may invest in bank time deposits, which are monies kept on deposit with banks or savings and loan associations for a stated period of time at a fixed rate of interest. There may be penalties for the early withdrawal of such time deposits, in which case the yields of these investments will be reduced.

 

(5) The Funds may invest in commercial paper, which are short-term unsecured promissory notes, including variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their current operations. Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Funds and a corporation. There is no secondary market for the notes. However, they are redeemable by the Funds at any time. Each Fund’s portfolio managers will consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios) and will continuously monitor the corporation’s ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Fund’s liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. The Funds may invest in commercial paper only if it has received the highest rating from at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, judged by AXS Investments to be of comparable quality.

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(6) The Funds may invest in shares of money market funds, as consistent with its investment objective and policies. Shares of money market funds are subject to management fees and other expenses of those funds. Therefore, investments in money market funds will cause the Funds to bear proportionately the costs incurred by the money market fund’s operations. At the same time, the Funds will continue to pay its own management fees and expenses with respect to all of its assets, including any portion invested in the shares of other investment companies. It is possible for the Funds to lose money by investing in money market fund.

 

(7) The Funds may invest in corporate debt securities, as consistent with its investment objective and policies. Corporate debt may be rated investment-grade or below investment-grade and may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Some corporate debt securities that are rated below investment-grade generally are considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities. The Funds could lose money if the issuer of a corporate debt security is unable to pay interest or repay principal when it is due.

 

Cash Reserves.

In seeking to achieve its investment objective, as a cash reserve, for liquidity purposes, or as cover for positions it has taken, the Funds may invest all or part of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, which include, but are not limited to, short-term money market instruments, U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, or repurchase agreements secured by U.S. government securities.

 

Illiquid Investments.

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, a Fund may not acquire any “illiquid investment” if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An “illiquid investment” is any investment that 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 investment. Illiquid investments include repurchase agreements with a notice or demand period of more than seven days, certain stripped mortgage-backed securities, certain municipal leases, certain OTC derivative instruments, securities and other financial instruments that are not readily marketable, and restricted securities unless, based upon a review of the relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations, those investments are determined not to be illiquid. The Trust has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4, and the Board of Trustees has approved the designation of the Adviser to administer the Trust’s liquidity risk management program and related procedures. In determining whether an investment is an illiquid investment, the Adviser will take into account actual or estimated daily transaction volume of an investment, group of related investments or asset class and other relevant market, trading, and investment-specific considerations. In addition, in determining the liquidity of an investment, the Adviser must determine whether trading varying portions of a position in a particular portfolio investment or asset class, in sizes that a Fund would reasonably anticipate trading, is reasonably expected to significantly affect its liquidity, and if so, a Fund must take this determination into account when classifying the liquidity of that investment or asset class.

 

In addition to actual or estimated daily transaction volume of an investment, group of related investments or asset class and other relevant market, trading, and investment-specific considerations, the following factors, among others, will generally impact the classification of an investment as an “illiquid investment”: (i) any investment that is placed on the Adviser’s restricted trading list; and (ii) any investment that is delisted or for which there is a trading halt at the close of the trading day on the primary listing exchange at the time of classification (and in respect of which no active secondary market exists). Investments purchased by a Fund that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to these and other events and circumstances. If one or more investments in a Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed the 15% limitation in illiquid investments. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause a Fund to exceed this limit, the Fund must take steps to bring its illiquid investments that are assets to or below 15% of its net assets within a reasonable period of time. This requirement would not force a Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.

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Portfolio Turnover

Each Fund buys and sells portfolio securities in the normal course of its investment activities. The proportion of a Fund’s investment portfolio that is bought and sold during a year is known as the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate. A turnover rate of 100% would occur, for example, if a Fund bought and sold securities valued at 100% of its net assets within one year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in the payment by a Fund of increased brokerage costs, expenses and taxes. As of the date of this prospectus, the Funds do not have an operating history and therefore turnover data is not available.

 

Other Investment Risks

 

Overview.

An investment in the Funds should be made with an understanding of the risks that an investment in the Funds shares entails, including the risk that the financial condition of the issuers of the equity securities or the general condition of the securities market may worsen and the value of the securities and therefore the value of the Funds may decline. The Funds may not be an appropriate investment for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risks involved generally with such an investment. The past market and earnings performance of any of the securities included in the Funds is not predictive of their future performance.

 

Borrowing and Leverage Risk.

The Funds may borrow money for cash management purposes or investment purposes. Borrowing for investment is a form of leverage. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique which increases investment risk, but also increases investment opportunity. Because substantially all of the Funds’ assets will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowings may be fixed, the NAV per share of the Funds will fluctuate more when the Funds are leveraging its investments than would otherwise be the case. Moreover, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the returns on the borrowed funds. Under adverse conditions, the Funds might have to sell portfolio securities to meet interest or principal payments at a time when investment considerations would not favor such sales. Consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act, each Fund must maintain continuous asset coverage (total assets, including assets acquired with borrowed funds, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of all amounts borrowed. If at any time the value of a Fund’s assets should fail to meet this 300% coverage test, the Fund, within three days (not including weekends and holidays), will reduce the amount of the Fund’s borrowings to the extent necessary to meet this 300% coverage requirement. Maintenance of this percentage limitation may result in the sale of portfolio securities at a time when investment considerations would not favor such sale. Obligations under futures contracts and swap agreements that are similarly covered will not be considered “senior securities” and, therefore, will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement.

 

Counterparty Credit Risk.

The Funds will not enter into any uncleared swap (i.e., not cleared by a central counterparty) unless the Adviser believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The counterparty to an uncleared swap will typically be a major global financial institution. The Funds will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the Funds enter into derivatives contracts and other transactions such as repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. The Funds’ ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions will depend on the willingness and ability of their counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Funds may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Funds. The Funds may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If a Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual provisions, including if the Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution) experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral, and may result in the suspension of payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, a Fund may be subject to “bail-in” risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution’s authority, the financial institution’s liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of its securities and, if a Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, the Fund may also be similarly impacted.

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Upon entering into a cleared swap, a Fund is required to deposit with its Futures Commission Merchant (“FCM”) an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to a small percentage of the notional amount (this amount is subject to change by the FCM or clearing house through which the trade is cleared). This amount, known as “initial margin,” is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the cleared swap and is returned to a Fund upon termination of the swap, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin” to and from the broker will be made daily as the price of the swap fluctuates, making the long and short position in the swap contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking-to-market.” The premium (discount) payments are built into the daily price of the swap and thus are amortized through the variation margin. The variation margin payment also includes the daily portion of the periodic payment stream.

 

A party to a cleared swap is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the FCM through which it holds its position. Credit risk of market participants with respect to cleared swaps is concentrated in a few clearing houses, and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system. An FCM is generally obligated to segregate all Fund received from customers with respect to cleared swap positions from the FCM’s proprietary assets. However, all funds and other property received by an FCM from its customers are generally held by the FCM on a commingled basis in an omnibus account, and the FCM may invest those funds in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. The assets of a Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the Fund’s FCM, because the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the FCM’s customers for a relevant account class. Also, the FCM is required to transfer to the clearing house the amount of margin required by the clearing house for cleared swaps positions, which amounts are generally held in an omnibus account at the clearing house for all customers of the FCM. Regulations promulgated by the CFTC require that the FCM notify the clearing house of the amount of initial margin provided by the FCM to the clearing house that is attributable to each customer. However, if the FCM does not provide accurate reporting, a Fund is subject to the risk that a clearing house will use the Fund’s assets held in an omnibus account at the clearing house to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing house. In addition, if an FCM does not comply with the applicable regulations or its agreement with the Fund, or in the event of fraud or misappropriation of customer assets by an FCM, the Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the FCM with respect to the margin held by the FCM.

 

Cybersecurity Risk

Investment companies, such as a Fund, and its service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber attacks. Cyber attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cybersecurity breaches. Cyber attacks affecting a Fund or the Advisor, a Fund’s custodian or transfer agent, or intermediaries or other third-party service providers may adversely impact a Fund. For instance, cyber attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential company information, impede trading, subject a Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and cause reputational damage. A Fund may also incur additional costs for cybersecurity risk management purposes. While the Funds and their service providers have established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to prevent or reduce the impact of cybersecurity attacks, such plans and systems have inherent limitations due in part to the ever-changing nature of technology and cybersecurity attack tactics, and there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, the Funds cannot control any cybersecurity plans or systems implemented by their service providers.

 

Derivatives Risk.

The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. Among the risks presented are market risk, credit risk, management risk and liquidity risk. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the underlying asset, index or rate, which may be magnified by certain features of the derivatives. In addition, when a Fund invests in certain derivative securities, including, but not limited to, when-issued securities, forward commitments, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, a Fund is effectively leveraging its investments, which could result in exaggerated changes in the net asset value of a Fund’s shares and can result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested. The success of the Advisor’s derivatives strategies will depend on its ability to assess and predict the impact of market or economic developments on the underlying asset, index or rate and the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. Liquidity risk exists when a security cannot be purchased or sold at the time desired, or cannot be purchased or sold without adversely affecting the price. Certain specific risks associated with an investment in derivatives may include: market risk, credit risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk, legal risk and systemic or “interconnection” risk, as specified below.

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Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the underlying assets may go up or down. Adverse movements in the value of an underlying asset can expose a Fund to losses. Market risk is the primary risk associated with derivative transactions. Derivative instruments may include elements of leverage and, accordingly, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instrument in relation to the underlying asset may be magnified. The successful use of derivative instruments depends upon a variety of factors, particularly the portfolio manager’s ability to predict movements of the securities, currencies and commodities markets, which may require different skills than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. There can be no assurance that any particular strategy adopted will succeed. A decision to engage in a derivative transaction will reflect the portfolio managers’ judgment that the derivative transaction will provide value to a Fund and its shareholders and is consistent with a Fund’s objective, investment limitations and operating policies. In making such a judgment, the portfolio managers will analyze the benefits and risks of the derivative transactions and weigh them in the context of a Fund’s overall investments and investment objective.

 

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the failure of a counterparty to comply with the terms of a derivative instrument. Specifically, the FCM or the clearing house could fail to perform its obligations, causing significant losses to a Fund. For example, a Fund could lose margin payments it has deposited with an FCM as well as any gains owed but not paid to the Fund, if the FCM or clearing house becomes insolvent or otherwise fails to perform its obligations. Credit risk of market participants with respect to derivatives that are centrally cleared is concentrated in a few clearing houses and it is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system. Under current CFTC regulations, a FCM maintains customers’ assets in a bulk segregated account. If a FCM fails to do so, or is unable to satisfy a substantial deficit in a customer account, its other customers may be subject to risk of loss of their funds in the event of that FCM’s bankruptcy. In that event, in the case of futures and options on futures, the FCM’s customers are entitled to recover, even in respect of property specifically traceable to them, only a proportional share of all property available for distribution to all of that FCM’s customers. In addition, if the FCM does not comply with the applicable regulations, or in the event of a fraud or misappropriation of customer assets by the FCM, a Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the FCM with respect to the margin held by the FCM. FCMs are also required to transfer to the clearing house the amount of margin required by the clearing house, which amount is generally held in an omnibus account at the clearing house for all customers of the FCM.

 

Correlation Risk. Correlation risk is the risk that there might be an imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of a derivative instrument and price movements of investments being hedged. When a derivative transaction is used to completely hedge another position, changes in the market value of the combined position (the derivative instrument plus the position being hedged) result from an imperfect correlation between the price movements of the two instruments. With a perfect hedge, the value of the combined position remains unchanged with any change in the price of the underlying asset. With an imperfect hedge, the value of the derivative instrument and its hedge are not perfectly correlated. For example, if the value of a derivative instrument used in a short hedge (such as writing a call option, buying a put option or selling a futures contract) increased by less than the decline in value of the hedged investments, the hedge would not be perfectly correlated. This might occur due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded. The effectiveness of hedges using instruments on indices will depend, in part, on the degree of correlation between price movements in the underlying ETF and the price movements in the investments being hedged.

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Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that a derivative instrument cannot be sold, closed out or replaced quickly at or very close to its fundamental value. Generally, exchange contracts are very liquid because the exchange clearing house is the counterparty of every contract. OTC transactions are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since they often can only be closed out with the other party to the transaction. A Fund might be required by applicable regulatory requirements to maintain assets as “cover,” maintain segregated accounts and/or make margin payments when it takes positions in derivative instruments involving obligations to third parties (i.e., instruments other than purchase options). If a Fund is unable to close out its positions in such instruments, it might be required to continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the position expires, matures or is closed out. These requirements might impair a Fund’s ability to sell a security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require that a Fund sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time. A Fund’s ability to sell or close out a position in an instrument prior to expiration or maturity depends upon the existence of a liquid secondary market or, in the absence of such a market, the ability and willingness of the counterparty to enter into a transaction closing out the position. Due to liquidity risk, there is no assurance that any derivatives position can be sold or closed out at a time and price that is favorable to the Fund.

 

Legal Risk. Legal risk is the risk of loss caused by the unenforceability of a party’s obligations under the derivative. While a party seeking price certainty agrees to surrender the potential upside in exchange for downside protection, the party taking the risk is looking for a positive payoff. Despite this voluntary assumption of risk, a counterparty that has lost money in a derivative transaction may try to avoid payment by exploiting various legal uncertainties about certain derivative products.

 

Systemic or “Interconnection” Risk. Systemic or “interconnection” risk is the risk that a disruption in the financial markets will cause difficulties for all market participants. In other words, a disruption in one market will spill over into other markets, perhaps creating a chain reaction. Much of the OTC derivatives market takes place among the OTC dealers themselves, thus creating a large interconnected web of financial obligations. This interconnectedness raises the possibility that a default by one large dealer could create losses for other dealers and destabilize the entire market for OTC derivative instruments.

 

Government Regulation of Derivatives Risk.

It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including swap agreements, may limit or prevent a Fund from using such instruments as a part of its investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent a Fund from being able to achieve its investment objective. It is impossible to predict fully the effects of legislation and regulation in this area, but the effects could be substantial and adverse.

 

The regulation of derivatives in the U.S., the EU and other jurisdictions is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. Recent legislative and regulatory reforms, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, have resulted in new regulation of derivatives, including clearing, margin reporting, recordkeeping and registration requirements for certain types of derivatives. Because these requirements are new and evolving, and certain of the rules are not yet final, their ultimate impact remains unclear. New regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund’s ability to engage in swap transactions (for example, by making certain types of swap transactions no longer available to the Fund) and/or increase the costs of such swap transactions (for example, by increasing margin or capital requirements), and a Fund may as a result be unable to execute its investment strategies in a manner that the Adviser might otherwise choose. There is a possibility of future regulatory changes altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in a Fund or the ability of a Fund to continue to implement its investment strategies.

 

Also, as described above, in the event of a counterparty’s (or its affiliate’s) insolvency, a Fund’s ability to exercise remedies could be stayed or eliminated under special resolution regimes adopted in the United States, the EU and various other jurisdictions. Such regimes provide government authorities with broad authority to intervene when a financial institution is experiencing financial difficulty and may prohibit the Fund from exercising termination rights based on the financial institution’s insolvency. In particular, in the EU, governmental authorities could reduce, eliminate or convert to equity the liabilities to a Fund of a counterparty experiencing financial difficulties (sometimes referred to as a “bail in”).

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In addition, the SEC recently finalized new Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act providing for the regulation of registered investment companies’ use of derivatives and certain related instruments. Compliance with Rule 18f-4 will not be required until approximately the middle of 2022. The new rule, among other things, limits derivatives exposure through one of two value-at-risk tests and eliminates the asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments arising from the SEC’s Release 10666 and ensuing staff guidance. Limited derivatives users (as determined by Rule 18f-4) are not, however, subject to the full requirements under the rule.

 

These and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, further restrict a Fund’s ability to engage in, or increase the cost to a Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to a Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. The implementation of the clearing requirement for certain swaps has increased the costs of derivatives transactions for a Fund, since a Fund has to pay fees to its clearing members and are typically required to post more margin for cleared derivatives than they have historically posted for bilateral derivatives. The costs of derivatives transactions may increase further as clearing members raise their fees to cover the costs of additional capital requirements and other regulatory changes applicable to the clearing members. Certain aspects of these regulations are still being implemented, so their potential impact on the Funds and the financial system are not yet known. While the regulations and central clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk (i.e., the risk that the interdependence of large derivatives dealers could cause them to suffer liquidity, solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that the mechanisms imposed under the regulations will achieve that result, and in the meantime, as noted above, central clearing, minimum margin requirements and related requirements expose the Funds to new kinds of risks and costs.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk.

Illiquid securities may be difficult to dispose of at the price at which the Funds have valued the securities and at the times when the Funds believe it is desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid securities generally is more volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that a Fund recovers upon the sale of such securities. Illiquid securities are also more difficult to value, especially in challenging markets. Investment of a Fund’s assets in illiquid securities may restrict the Fund’s ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquid securities may be particularly acute in situations in which a Fund’s operations require cash and could result in a Fund incurring losses on the sale of illiquid or restricted securities.

 

Listing Standards Risk.

Each Fund is required by the respective Exchange to comply with certain listing standards (which includes certain investment parameters) in order to maintain its listing on such Exchange. Compliance with these listing standards may compel the Funds to sell securities at an inopportune time or for a price other than the security’s then-current market value. The sale of securities in such circumstances could limit a Fund’s profit or require a Fund to incur a loss, and as a result, a Fund’s performance could be impacted.

 

Market Conditions

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 events related to the sub-prime mortgage crisis in 2008; 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; steep declines in oil prices; dramatic changes in currency exchange rates; China's economic slowdown; and circumstances such as pandemics or epidemics in one or more countries or regions. 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. Such events may cause significant declines in the values and liquidity of many securities and other instruments. It is impossible to predict whether such conditions will recur. Because such situations may be widespread, it may be difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of such events.

 

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

 8 

 

Regulatory Margin Risk.

In recent years, regulators across the globe, including the CFTC and the U.S. banking regulators, have adopted margin requirements applicable to uncleared swaps. While the Funds are not directly subject to these requirements, where the Funds’ counterparties are subject to the requirements, uncleared swaps between the Funds and those counterparties are required to be marked-to-market on a daily basis, and collateral is required to be exchanged to account for any changes in the value of such swaps. The rules impose a number of requirements as to these exchanges of margin, including as to the timing of transfers, the type of collateral (and valuations for such collateral) and other matters that may be different than what a Fund would agree with its counterparty in the absence of such regulation. In all events, where a Fund is required to post collateral to its swap counterparty, such collateral will be posted to an independent bank custodian, where access to the collateral by the swap counterparty will generally not be permitted unless the Fund is in default on its obligations to the swap counterparty.

 

In addition to the variation margin requirements, regulators have adopted “initial” margin requirements applicable to uncleared swaps. Where applicable, these rules require parties to an uncleared swap to post, to a custodian that is independent from the parties to the swap, collateral (in addition to any “variation margin” collateral noted above) in an amount that is either (i) specified in a schedule in the rules or (ii) calculated by the regulated party in accordance with a model that has been approved by that party’s regulator(s). At this time, the initial margin rules do not apply to the Funds’ swap trading relationships. However, the rules are being implemented on a phased basis, and in the near future, the rules may apply to the Funds. In the event that the rules apply, they would impose significant costs on the Funds’ ability to engage in uncleared swaps and, as such, could adversely affect the Adviser’s ability to manage the Funds, may impair the Funds’ ability to achieve their investment objective and/or may result in reduced returns to the Funds’ investors.

 

Termination and Default Risk.

Certain of the Funds’ swap agreements contain termination provisions that, among other things, require the Funds to maintain a pre-determined level of net assets, and/or provide limits regarding the decline of the Funds’ net asset value over specific periods of time, which may or may not be exclusive of redemptions. If a Fund were to trigger such provisions and have open derivative positions, at that time counterparties to the swaps could elect to terminate such agreements and request immediate payment in an amount equal to the net liability positions, if any, under the relevant agreement.

 

U.S. Government Securities.

U.S. government securities are subject to interest rate risk but generally do not involve the credit risks associated with investments in other types of debt securities. As a result, the yields available from U.S. government securities are generally lower than the yields available from other debt securities. U.S. government securities are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and the payment of principal when held to maturity. While securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. federal government agencies (such as Ginnie Mae) are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, securities issued by government sponsored entities (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are solely the obligation of the issuer and generally do not carry any guarantee from the U.S. government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to its government sponsored entities or any other agency if not obligated by law to do so.

 

Special Considerations

 

Tracking and Correlation

Several factors may affect a Fund’s ability to achieve a high degree of correlation with its underlying ETF. Among these factors are: (i) the Fund’s fees and expenses, including brokerage (which may be increased by high portfolio turnover) and the costs associated with the use of derivatives; (ii) an imperfect correlation between the performance of instruments held by the Fund, such as swaps, and the performance of the underlying ETF; (iii) bid-ask spreads (the effect of which may be increased by portfolio turnover); (iv) holding instruments traded in a market that has become illiquid or disrupted; (v) the Fund’s share prices being rounded to the nearest cent; (vi) changes to the underlying ETF that are not disseminated in advance; (vii) the need to conform the Fund’s portfolio holdings to comply with investment restrictions or policies or regulatory or tax law requirements; limit-up or limit-down trading halts on options or futures contracts which may prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options or futures contracts; (viii) early and unanticipated closings of the markets on which the holdings of the Fund trade, resulting in the inability of the Fund to execute intended portfolio transactions; and (ix) fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

 9 

 

Also, because each Fund engages in daily rebalancing to position its portfolio so that its exposure to the underlying ETF is consistent with the Fund’s daily investment objective, disparities between estimated and actual purchases and redemptions of the Funds may cause the Funds to be under- or overexposed to its benchmark. This may result in greater tracking and correlation error.

 

Furthermore, each Fund has an investment objective to seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses, that correspond to specified multiple (e.g. 200% or -100%) of the daily performance of its underlying ETF for a single day, not for any other period. A “single day” is measured from the time a Fund calculates its NAV to the time of the Fund’s next NAV calculation. In addition, while a close correlation of a Fund its underlying ETF may be achieved on any single day, a Fund’s performance for any other period is the result of its return for each day compounded over the period. This usually will differ in amount and possibly even direction from specified multiple (e.g. 200% or -100%) of the daily return of the underlying ETF for the same period, before accounting for fees and expenses, as further described in the Funds’ Prospectus.

 

Leverage

The Funds intend intend to use, on a regular basis, leveraged investment techniques in pursuing their investment objectives. Leverage exists when a Fund achieves the right to a return on a capital base that exceeds the Fund’s assets. Utilization of leverage involves special risks and should be considered to be speculative. Specifically, leverage creates the potential for greater gains to Fund shareholders during favorable market conditions and the risk of magnified losses during adverse market conditions. Leverage is likely to cause higher volatility of the NAVs of the Fund’s Shares. Leverage may also involve the creation of a liability that does not entail any interest costs or the creation of a liability that requires a Fund to pay interest which would decrease a Fund’s total return to shareholders. If a Fund achieves its investment objectives, during adverse market conditions, shareholders should experience a loss greater than they would have incurred had the Fund not been leveraged.

 

Investment Restrictions

 

Each Fund has adopted the following restrictions as fundamental policies, which may not be changed without the favorable “vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the “vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of a Fund means the vote of the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Each Fund’s investment objective is a non-fundamental policy and may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

The Funds may not:

 

1.Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except that (i) the Funds may borrow from banks in amounts not exceeding one-third of its net assets (including the amount borrowed); and (ii) this restriction shall not prohibit the Funds from engaging in options transactions or short sales or investing in financial futures, swaps, when-issued or delayed delivery securities, or reverse repurchase agreements;

 

2.Act as underwriter, except to the extent the Funds may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of securities in its investment portfolio;
 10 

 

3.Invest 25% or more of its total assets, calculated at the time of purchase in any one industry (other than securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities);

 

4.Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate or real estate limited partnerships (although the Funds may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate, such as REITs);

 

5.Make loans of money, except (a) for purchases of debt securities consistent with the investment policies of the Funds, (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements or, (c) through the loan of portfolio securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Funds’ net assets; or

 

6.Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This limitation shall not prevent the Funds from purchasing, selling or entering into futures contracts, or acquiring securities or other instruments and options thereon backed by, or related to, physical commodities.

 

The Funds observe the following restriction as a matter of operating but not fundamental policy, pursuant to positions taken by federal regulatory authorities:

 

Each Fund may not invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the securities.

 

Except with respect to borrowing, if a percentage or rating restriction on investment or use of assets set forth herein or in the Prospectus is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentage resulting from any cause other than actions by a Fund will not be considered a violation.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Trustees and Officers 

The overall management of the business and affairs of the Trust is vested with its Board of Trustees. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the agreements with the Advisor, co-administrators, distributor, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of the Trust are delegated to its officers, except that the Advisor is responsible for making day-to-day investment decisions in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, and policies, all of which are subject to general supervision by the Board.

 

The Trustees and officers of the Trust, their years of birth and positions with the Trust, term of office with the Trust and length of time served, their business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held during the past five years are listed in the table below. Unless noted otherwise, each person has held the position listed for a minimum of five years. Thomas Knipper, Kathleen K. Shkuda, Larry D. Tashjian and John P. Zader are all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (collectively, the “Independent Trustees”).

 

Name, Address, Year of Birth and Position(s) held with Trust Term of Officec and Length of Time Served Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years and Other Affiliations Number of Portfolios in the Fund Complex Overseen by Trusteed Other Directorships Held by Trustee During the Past Five Yearse
“Independent” Trustees:      

Thomas Knipper, CPA a

(born 1957)

Trustee

Since September 2013 Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Ameritas Investment Partners, a registered investment advisor (1995 – present). 12 None.

Kathleen K. Shkuda a

(born 1951)

Trustee

Since September 2013 Zigzag Consulting, a financial services consulting firm (2008 – present); Director, Managed Accounts, Merrill Lynch (2007 – 2008). 12 None.
 11 

 

Name, Address, Year of Birth and Position(s) held with Trust Term of Officec and Length of Time Served Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years and Other Affiliations Number of Portfolios in the Fund Complex Overseen by Trusteed Other Directorships Held by Trustee During the Past Five Yearse

Larry D. Tashjian a

(born 1953)

Trustee and Chairman of the Board

Since September 2013 Principal, CAM Capital Advisors, a family office (2001 – present). 12 General Finance Corporation.

John P. Zader a

(born 1961)

Trustee

Since September 2013 Retired (June 2014 – present); CEO, UMB Fund Services, Inc., a mutual fund and hedge fund service provider, and the transfer agent, fund accountant, and co-administrator for the Fund (December 2006 – June 2014); President, Investment Managers Series Trust (December 2007 – June 2014). 12 Investment Managers Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 52 portfolios); 361 Social Infrastructure Fund, a closed-end investment company.
Interested Trustees:      

Eric M. Banhazl b†

(born 1957)

Trustee

Since September 2013 Chairman, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – present); Chairman (2016 – present), and President (2006 – 2015), Mutual Fund Administration, LLC, co-administrator for the Fund. 12 Investment Managers Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 52 portfolios); 361 Social Infrastructure Fund, a closed-end investment company.

Terrance P. Gallagher a*

(born 1958)

Trustee and President

Since July 2019 President, Investment Managers Series Trust II (September 2013 – present); Executive Vice President, UMB Fund Services, Inc. (2007 – present); and Director of Compliance, Unified Fund Services Inc. (now Huntington Fund Services), a mutual fund service provider (2004 – 2007). 12 Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund, Agility Multi-Asset Income Fund, Corbin Multi-Strategy Fund, Aspiriant Risk-Managed Real Asset Fund, Aspiriant Risk-Managed Capital Appreciation Fund, Infinity Core Alternative Fund, Infinity Long/Short Equity Fund, LLC, Keystone Private Income Fund, Relative Value Fund and Variant Alternative Income Fund,  each a closed-end investment company.  
Officers of the Trust:    

Rita Dam b

(born 1966)

Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

 

Since September 2013 Co-Chief Executive Officer (2016 – present), and Vice President (2006 – 2015), Mutual Fund Administration, LLC; Co-President, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – present); Treasurer, 361 Social Infrastructure Fund (December 2019 – present). N/A N/A

Joy Ausili b

(born 1966)

Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Since January 2016 Co-President, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – present); Co-Chief Executive Officer (2016 – present), and Vice President (2006 – 2015), Mutual Fund Administration, LLC; Co-President, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – present); Vice President and Assistant Secretary, 361 Social Infrastructure Fund (December 2019 – present); Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, Investment Managers Series Trust (December 2007 – March 2016). N/A N/A
 12 

 

Name, Address, Year of Birth and Position(s) held with Trust Term of Officec and Length of Time Served Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years and Other Affiliations Number of Portfolios in the Fund Complex Overseen by Trusteed Other Directorships Held by Trustee During the Past Five Yearse

Diane Drake b

(born 1967)

Secretary

Since January 2016 Senior Counsel, Mutual Fund Administration, LLC (October 2015 – present); Secretary, 361 Social Infrastructure Fund (December 2019 – present); Chief Compliance Officer, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – 2019). N/A N/A

Martin Dziura b

(born 1959)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since September 2013

Principal, Dziura Compliance Consulting, LLC (October 2014 - present); Managing Director, Cipperman Compliance Services (2010 – September 2014); Chief Compliance Officer, Hanlon Investment Management

(2009 – 2010); Vice President − Compliance, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2000 − 2009).

N/A N/A

 

aAddress for certain Trustees and certain officers: 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212.
bAddress for Mr. Banhazl, Ms. Ausili, Ms. Dam and Ms. Drake: 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740.
Address for Mr. Dziura: 309 Woodridge Lane, Media, Pennsylvania 19063.
cTrustees and officers serve until their successors have been duly elected.
dThe Trust is comprised of [ ] series managed by unaffiliated investment advisors. Each Trustee serves as Trustee of each series of the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the series managed by the same investment advisor. The Fund’s investment advisor also serves as investment advisor to the [AXS Astoria Inflation Sensitive ETF, AXS All Terrain Opportunity Fund, AXS Alternative Growth Fund, AXS Alternative Value Fund, AXS Chesapeake Strategy Fund, AXS Managed Futures Strategy Fund, AXS Market Neutral Fund, AXS Merger Fud, AXS Multi-Strategy Alternatives Fund, AXS Sustainable Income Fund, AXS Thomson Reuters Private Equity Return Tracker Fund, and AXS Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Return Tracker Fund, which are offered in separate prospectuses. The Fund does not hold itself out as related to any other series within the Trust, for purposes of investment and investor services.
e“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
Mr. Banhazl is an “interested person” of the Trust by virtue of his position with Mutual Fund Administration, LLC and Foothill Capital Management, LLC.
*Mr. Gallagher is an “interested person” of the Trust by virtue of his position with UMB Fund Services, Inc.

 

Compensation 

Each Independent Trustee receives from the Trust a quarterly retainer of $14,500, $4,000 for each special in-person meeting attended and $1,500 for each special telephonic meeting attended. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan. No other entity affiliated with the Trust pays any compensation to the Trustees.

 

The Trustees may elect to defer payment of their compensation from the Fund pursuant to the Trust’s non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan for Trustees which permits the Trustees to defer receipt of all or part of their compensation from the Trust. Amounts deferred are deemed invested in shares of one or more series of the Trust, as selected by the Trustee from time to time. A Trustee’s deferred compensation account will be paid in cash at such times as elected by the Trustee, subject to certain mandatory payment provisions in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Deferral and payment elections under the Deferred Compensation Plan are subject to strict requirements for modification.

 13 

 

  Independent Trustees
  Thomas Knipper, Independent Trustee and Audit Committee Chair Kathleen K. Shkuda, Independent Trustee and Valuation Committee Chair Larry D. Tashjian, Independent Trustee, Chairman John P Zader, Independent Trustee Nominating Committee Chair
AXS 2X Innovation ETF 1 [$2,250] [$2,250] [$2,250] [$2,250]
AXS Short China Internet ETF 1 [$2,250] [$2,250] [$2,250] [$2,250]
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund’s Expenses None None None None
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement None None None None
Total Compensation from Fund and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees1,2 [$27,000] [$27,000] [$27,000] [$27,000]

 

1Estimated annual compensation for the first year.
2There are currently numerous portfolios comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the series managed by the same investment advisor. The Fund’s investment advisor also serves as investment advisor to the [AXS Astoria Inflation Sensitive ETF, AXS All Terrain Opportunity Fund, AXS Alternative Growth Fund, AXS Alternative Value Fund, AXS Chesapeake Strategy Fund, AXS Managed Futures Strategy Fund, AXS Market Neutral Fund, AXS Merger Fund, AXS Multi-Strategy Alternatives Fund, AXS Sustainable Income Fund, AXS Thomson Reuters Private Equity Return Tracker Fund, and AXS Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Return Tracker Fund], which are offered in separate prospectuses. The Fund does not hold itself out as related to any other series within the Trust, for purposes of investment and investor services.

 

Messers. Banhazl and Gallagher are not compensated for their services as Trustees because of their affiliation with the Trust. Officers of the Trust are not compensated by the Fund for their services.

 

Additional Information Concerning the Board and the Trustees 

The current Trustees were selected in September 2013 (July 2019 for Mr. Gallagher) with a view towards establishing a Board that would have the broad experience needed to oversee a registered investment company comprised of multiple series employing a variety of different investment strategies. As a group, the Board has extensive experience in many different aspects of the financial services and asset management industries.

 

The Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following factors, among others: character and integrity; willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; as to each Trustee other than Mr. Banhazl, Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Zader (at that time), satisfying the criteria for not being classified as an “interested person” of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act; as to Mr. Banhazl and Mr. Gallagher, their positions with Mutual Fund Administration, LLC, and UMB Fund Services, Inc., respectively, the Trust’s co-administrators. In addition, the Trustees have the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills relevant to the operations of the Trust:

 

·Mr. Knipper has substantial experience with respect to the operation, administration and compliance programs of mutual funds and as a senior executive with a registered investment advisor.

 

·Ms. Shkuda has substantial experience in the investment management industry, including as a consultant with respect to operations and marketing of investment managers and distribution of mutual funds and other investment products.

 

·Mr. Tashjian has extensive leadership experience in the investment management industry, including as a principal and a chief executive officer of a registered investment advisor.

 

·Mr. Banhazl has significant experience serving in senior executive and board positions for mutual funds and with respect to the organization and operation of mutual funds and multiple series trusts similar to the Trust.
 14 

 

·Mr. Zader has substantial experience serving in senior executive positions at mutual fund administrative service providers.

 

·Mr. Gallagher has substantial experience serving in senior executive positions at mutual fund administrative service providers.

 

In its periodic self-assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers 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 Fund. The summaries set forth above as to the qualifications, attributes and skills of the Trustees are required by the registration form adopted by the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and do not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board as a whole than would otherwise be the case.

 

The Board of Trustees has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating, Governance and Regulatory Review Committee (the “Nominating Committee”), and the Valuation Committee.

 

·The function of the Audit Committee, with respect to each series of the Trust, is to review the scope and results of the series’ annual audit and any matters bearing on the audit or the series’ financial statements and to assist the Board’s oversight of the integrity of the series’ pricing and financial reporting. The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees and is chaired by Mr. Knipper. It does not include any Interested Trustees. The Audit Committee is expected to meet at least twice a year with respect to each series of the Trust.

 

The Audit Committee also serves as the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (“QLCC”) for the Trust for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by an issuer who appear and practice before the SEC on behalf of the issuer.

 

·The Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing matters pertaining to composition, committees, and operations of the Board, as well as assisting the Board in overseeing matters related to certain regulatory issues. The Nominating Committee meets from time to time as needed. The Nominating Committee will consider trustee nominees properly recommended by the Trust’s shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send nominations that include, among other things, biographical data and the qualifications of the proposed nominee to the Trust’s Secretary. The Independent Trustees comprise the Nominating Committee, and the Committee is chaired by Mr. Zader.

 

·The function of the Valuation Committee is to recommend to the Board for its approval methodologies for valuing securities held by any series of the Trust for which current and reliable market quotations are not readily available; monitor prices determined by officers of the Trust pursuant to such methodologies; and approve fair valued security prices that are not determined pursuant to an approved methodology. The actions of the Valuation Committee are subsequently reviewed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of all the Trustees and is chaired by Ms. Shkuda, but action may be taken by any one of the Trustees. The Valuation Committee meets as needed.

 

Independent Trustees comprise 67% of the Board and Larry Tashjian, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chairperson of the Board. The Chairperson serves as a key point person for dealings between the Trust’s management and the other Independent Trustees. As noted above, through the committees of the Board the Independent Trustees consider and address important matters involving each series of the Trust, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that its organization and leadership structure are appropriate in light of its fiduciary and oversight obligations, the special obligations of the Independent Trustees, and the relationship between the Interested Trustees and the Trust’s co-administrators. The Board also believes that its structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from management.

 15 

 

Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Fund in the interests of shareholders, the Board among other things oversees risk management of the Fund’s investment programs and business affairs directly and through the Audit Committee. The Board has emphasized to the Advisor the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management programs and procedures.

 

The Fund faces a number of risks, such as investment risk, valuation risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Fund. Under the overall supervision of the Board, the Advisor, and other service providers to the Fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”), the Advisor’s management, and other service providers (such as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm) make periodic reports to the Board or to the Audit Committee with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund’s investment objective, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations.

 

Fund Shares Beneficially Owned by Trustees

Certain information regarding ownership by the Trustees of the Fund and other series of the Trust, as of December 31, 2021, is set forth in the following table.

 

Name of Trustee Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund ($) Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies ($)
Larry Tashjian, Independent Trustee None [None]
Kathy Shkuda, Independent Trustee None [None]
Thomas Knipper, Independent Trustee None [None]
John P. Zader, Independent Trustee None [$10,001 - $50,000]
Eric M. Banhazl, Interested Trustee None [Over $100,000]
Terrance P. Gallagher, Interested Trustee None [None]

 

Control Persons, Principal Shareholders, and Management Ownership 

A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund or acknowledges the existence of control. 1 Shareholders with a controlling interest could affect the outcome of voting or the direction of management of the applicable Fund.

 

The principal shareholders are holders of record of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the indicated classes of a Fund, including the listed shareholders that are financial intermediaries.1

 

As of ___________, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group did not own more than 1% of the outstanding shares of either Fund. Furthermore, neither the Independent Trustees, nor members of their immediate families, own securities beneficially or of record in the Advisor, the Funds’ distributor, IMST Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), or any of their respective affiliates.

 

The Advisor 

AXS Investments LLC (the “Advisor” or “AXS”), located at 181 Westchester Avenue, Suite 402, Port Chester, New York 10573, acts as investment advisor to the Funds pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor provides the Funds with investment advice, makes recommendations with respect to the selection and management of Funds’ assets, performs diligence on, investment performance and adherence to compliance procedures, and oversees the investments. The Advisor also continuously monitors compliance with the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and restrictions. Subject to such policies as the Board of Trustees may determine, the Advisor is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Fund. AXS Investments LLC is wholly owned by AXS Holdings LLC. AXS Holdings LLC is ultimately controlled by Gregory Bassuk.

 16 

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, AXS oversees the investment of Funds’ assets and is responsible for paying all expenses of the Funds, excluding the fee payments under the Advisory Agreement, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio transactions, distribution and service fees payable pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan, if any, and extraordinary expenses.

 

The Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for an initial two-year period. After the initial two-year period, the Advisory Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Funds from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Funds’ outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Funds, upon giving the Advisor 60 days’ notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Funds’ shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Advisor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreement provides that the Advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the Advisory Agreement, except for a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, or for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by the Advisor of its duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

In consideration of the services to be provided by the Advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is entitled to receive from the Funds an investment advisory fee computed daily and paid twice a month based on an annual rate equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets specified in the Prospectus.

 

Portfolio Managers 

Set forth below is the following information as of _____________ with respect to each portfolio manager who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolio, as identified in the Prospectus: (i) other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, (ii) a description of the portfolio manager’s compensation structure and (iii) the dollar range of the portfolio manager’s investments in the Fund.

 

  Registered Investment Companies Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Other Accounts
Portfolio Managers Number of Accounts Total Assets
(in millions)
Number of Accounts Total Assets
(in millions)
Number of Accounts Total Assets
(in millions)
[ ]            
[ ]            

 

  Number of Accounts with Advisory Fee Based on Performance
  Registered Investment Companies Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Other Accounts
Portfolio Managers Number of Accounts Total Assets
(in millions)
Number of Accounts Total Assets
(in millions)
Number of Accounts Total Assets
(in millions)
[ ]            
[ ]            

  

Material Conflicts of Interest. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. Where conflicts of interest arise between the Funds and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, the Advisor will proceed in a manner that ensures that the Funds will not be treated less favorably than the other accounts. There may be instances where similar portfolio transactions may be executed for the same security for numerous accounts managed by the portfolio manager. In such instances, securities will be allocated in accordance with the Advisor’s trade allocation policy.

 17 

 

Compensation. The portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and are compensated with [    ].

 

Ownership of the Fund by Portfolio Managers. As of [   ], 2022, the portfolio managers do not own any shares of the Fund.

 

  Dollar Range of Securities in the Funds (A: None, B: $1-$10,000, C: $10,001-$50,000, D: $50,001-$100,000, E: $100,001 - $500,000, F: $500,001 - $1,000,000, G: Over $1,000,000)
Name of Portfolio Manager TARK SWEB
[ ]    
[ ]    

 

Manager of Managers Structure 

AXS and the Trust have received an exemptive order from the SEC which allows AXS to operate the Funds under a “manager of managers” structure (the “Order”). The Order permits AXS, subject to the approval of the Board, to hire or replace sub-advisors and modify any existing or future agreement with such sub-advisors without obtaining shareholder approval.

 

Service Providers 

Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement (the “Co-Administration Agreement”), UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”), 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC (“MFAC”), 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740 (collectively the “Co-Administrators”), act as co-administrators for the Funds. The Co-Administrators provide certain administrative services to the Funds, including, among other responsibilities, coordinating the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billing of, the Funds’ independent contractors and agents; preparing for signature by an officer of the Trust of all documents required to be filed for compliance with applicable laws and regulations including those of the securities laws of various states; arranging for the computation of performance data, including net asset value and yield; arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Funds; and providing, at their own expense, office facilities, equipment and personnel necessary to carry out their duties. In this capacity, the Co-Administrators do not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Funds, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Fund shares. The Co-Administration Agreement provides that neither Co-Administrator shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust or its series, except for losses resulting from a Co-Administrator’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the Co-Administration Agreement, the Funds pay the Co-Administrators a fee for administration services. The fee is payable monthly based on each Fund’s average daily net assets. Because the Funds are newly formed funds and have yet to commence operations, the Funds have not paid any fees to the Co-Administrators as of the date of this SAI.

 

Transfer Agent. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Funds’ transfer agent. The transfer agent provides record keeping and shareholder services.

 

Custodian. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Funds’ custodian. The custodian holds the securities, cash and other assets of the Funds.

 

Fund Accounting Agent. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the fund accounting agent for the Funds. The fund accounting agent calculates each Fund’s daily NAV.

 

Legal Counsel. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (“Morgan Lewis”), 600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800, Costa Mesa, California 92626, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and to the Independent Trustees. Chapman and Cutler LLP, 320 South Canal Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as legal counsel to the Advisor.

 18 

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. _____________ (“_____________”), ____________________, is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds. Its services include auditing each Fund’s financial statements and the performance of related tax services.

 

Distributor and the Distribution Agreement 

IMST Distributors, LLC is the distributor (also known as the principal underwriter) of the shares of the Funds and is located at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust, the Advisor, or any other service provider for the Funds.

 

Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust dated January 1, 2013 (the “Distribution Agreement”), the Distributor acts as the agent of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Trust.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Funds. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Funds and/or the Advisor, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Funds.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of a Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Funds for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Advisor pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect with respect to the Funds only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Funds’ outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Funds on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, should any amounts be retained by the Distributor, such amounts would not be held for profit by the Distributor, but instead would be used solely for distribution-related expenditures.

 

Rule 12b-1 Plan 

The Trust has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “12b-1 Plan”) that provides for Fund assets to be used for the payment for distribution services. The Funds may reimburse the Distributor up to a maximum annual rate of [ ]% of its average daily net assets. The Funds do not currently pay, and the Funds have no current intention to pay 12b-1 fees.

 19 

 

In the event 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, under the 12b-1 Plan, and as required by Rule 12b-1, the Trustees will receive and review after the end of each calendar quarter a written report provided by the Distributor of the amounts expended under the 12b-1 Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. With the exception of the Distributor and its affiliates, no “interested person” of the Trust (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) and no Trustee of the Trust has a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan or any related agreement.

 

Marketing and Support Payments 

The Advisor, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Funds or its shareholders, may provide cash payments or other compensation to certain financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Funds. These payments are in addition to other fees described in the Funds’ Prospectus and this SAI, and are generally provided for shareholder services or marketing support. Payments for marketing support are typically for inclusion of the Funds on sales lists, including electronic sales platforms. Investors may wish to take these payments into account when considering and evaluating recommendations to purchase shares of the Funds.

 

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor determines which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Funds and which broker-dealers are eligible to execute the Funds’ portfolio transactions. The purchases and sales of securities in the over-the-counter market will generally be executed by using a broker for the transaction.

 

Purchases of portfolio securities for the Funds also may be made directly from issuers or from underwriters. Where possible, purchase and sale transactions will be effected through dealers (including banks) that specialize in the types of securities which the Funds will be holding unless better executions are available elsewhere. Dealers and underwriters usually act as principals for their own accounts. Purchases from underwriters will include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and purchases from dealers will include the spread between the bid and the asked price. If the execution and price offered by more than one dealer or underwriter are comparable, the order may be allocated to a dealer or underwriter that has provided research or other services as discussed below.

 

In placing portfolio transactions, the Advisor will use reasonable efforts to choose broker-dealers capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable price and execution available. The full range and quality of services available will be considered in making these determinations, such as the size of the order, the difficulty of execution, the operational facilities of the broker-dealer involved, the risk in positioning the block of securities, and other factors. In those instances where it is reasonably determined that more than one broker-dealer can offer the services needed to obtain the most favorable price and execution available, consideration may be given to those broker-dealers which furnish or supply research and statistical information to the Advisor that they may lawfully and appropriately use in their investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Advisor considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by it under its Advisory Agreement with the Funds, to be useful in varying degrees, but of indeterminable value.

 

While it is the Funds’ general policy to seek to obtain the most favorable price and execution available in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Funds, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services as defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to the Funds or to the Advisor, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Funds and may be useful to the Advisor in advising other clients. In negotiating commissions with a broker or evaluating the spread to be paid to a dealer, a Fund may therefore pay a higher commission or spread than would be the case if no weight were given to the furnishing of these supplemental services, provided that the amount of such commission or spread has been determined in good faith by the Advisor to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer. The standard of reasonableness is to be measured in light of the Advisor’s overall responsibilities to the Funds.

 

Investment decisions for the Funds are made independently from those of other client accounts that may be managed or advised by the Advisor. Nevertheless, it is possible that at times, identical securities will be acceptable for both the Funds and one or more of such client accounts. In such event, the position of the Funds and such client accounts in the same issuer may vary and the holding period may likewise vary. However, to the extent any of these client accounts seek to acquire the same security as the Funds at the same time, the Funds may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires, or it may have to pay a higher price or obtain a lower yield for such security. Similarly, the Funds may not be able to obtain as high a price for, or as large an execution of, an order to sell any particular security at the same time as the Advisor’s other client accounts.

 20 

 

The Funds do not effect securities transactions through brokers in accordance with any formula, nor do they effect securities transactions through brokers for selling shares of the Funds. However, broker-dealers who execute brokerage transactions may effect purchase of shares of the Funds for their customers. The brokers may also supply the Funds with research, statistical and other services.

 

Holdings of Securities of the Funds’ Regular Brokers and Dealers 

From time to time, a Fund may acquire and hold securities issued by its “regular brokers or dealers” or the parents of those brokers or dealers. “Regular brokers or dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year, (i) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Fund’s portfolio transactions, (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of the portfolio transactions of the Fund, or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Fund’s shares. Any securities of any “regular brokers and dealers” held by the Funds during a fiscal year will be disclosed by the Funds after the end of such fiscal year.

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

Although the Funds generally will not invest for short-term trading purposes, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the length of time they have been held when, in the opinion of the Advisor, as applicable, investment considerations warrant such action. Portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing (1) the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by (2) the monthly average of the value of portfolio securities owned during the fiscal year. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all the securities in a Fund’s portfolio, with the exception of securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, were sold and either repurchased or replaced within one year. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) generally leads to higher transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions. To the extent net short-term capital gains are realized, any distributions resulting from such gains will generally be taxed at ordinary income tax rates for federal income tax purposes. Because the Funds have not yet commenced investment operations, no portfolio turnover information is available at this time

 

Proxy Voting Policy

 

The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Trust Policies”) on behalf of the Trust, which delegates the responsibility for voting the Funds’ proxies to the Advisor, as applicable, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Trust Policies require that the Advisor vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds. The Trust Policies also require the Advisor to present to the Board, at least annually, the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Advisor’s Policies”) and a record of each proxy voted by the Advisor on behalf of the Funds, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Advisor as involving a conflict of interest. See Appendix B for the Advisor’s Proxy Policies and Procedures and the Trust Policies. The Trust Policies and Advisor’s Policies are intended to serve as guidelines and to further the economic value of each security held by a Fund. The Trust’s CCO will review the Trust Policies annually. Each proxy will be considered individually, taking into account the relevant circumstances at the time of each vote.

 

If a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Advisor’s interests and Fund’s interests, the Advisor will resolve the conflict by following the policy guidelines or the recommendation of an independent third party.

 

Each Fund is required to annually file Form N-PX, which lists the Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30 of each year. Once filed, a Fund’s proxy voting record will be available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-833-AXS-ALTS (1-833-297-2587) and on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

 21 

 

Portfolio Holdings Information

 

The Trust's Board has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Funds’ security holdings. Each Fund’s entire portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day the Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news services including publicly available internet web sites. In addition, the composition of the in-kind creation basket and the in-kind redemption basket is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the applicable Exchange via the NSCC.

 

Greater than daily access to information concerning a Fund’s portfolio holdings will be permitted (i) to certain personnel of service providers to the Fund involved in portfolio management and providing administrative, operational, risk management, or other support to portfolio management, and (ii) to other personnel of the Fund’s service providers who deal directly with, or assist in, functions related to investment management, administration, custody and fund accounting, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course, agreements with the Fund, and the terms of the Trust’s current registration statement. From time to time, and in the ordinary course of business, such information may also be disclosed (i) to other entities that provide services to the Fund, including pricing information vendors, and third parties that deliver analytical, statistical or consulting services to the Fund and (ii) generally after it has been disseminated to the NSCC.

 

Each Fund will disclose its complete portfolio holdings in public filings with the SEC on a quarterly basis, based on the Fund’s fiscal year-end, within 60 days of the end of the quarter, and will provide that information to shareholders, as required by federal securities laws and regulations thereunder.

 

No person is authorized to disclose any of the Funds’ portfolio holdings or other investment positions (whether in writing, by fax, by e-mail, orally, or by other means) except in accordance with this policy. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board reviews the implementation of this policy on a periodic basis.

 

Determination of Net Asset Value

 

The NAVs of each Fund’s shares will fluctuate and are determined as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the normal close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NAVs may be calculated earlier if permitted by the SEC. The NYSE annually announces the days on which it will not be open for trading. The most recent announcement indicates that the NYSE will not be open for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. However, the NYSE may close on days not included in that announcement.

 

The NAV is computed by dividing (a) the difference between the value of the Fund’s securities, cash and other assets and the amount of the Fund’s expenses and liabilities (by b) the number of shares outstanding. The NAV takes into account all of the expenses and fees of that class of the Fund, including management fees and administration fees, which are accrued daily.

 

Net Assets = NAV
Shares Outstanding

 

Generally, a Fund’s investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of a market value, at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor and the Trust’s Valuation Committee pursuant to procedures approved by or under the direction of the Board. Pursuant to those procedures, the Board considers, among other things: 1) the last sale price on the securities exchange, if any, on which a security is primarily traded; 2) the mean between the bid and ask prices; 3) price quotations from an approved pricing service (which use information provided by market makers or estimates of market value based on similar securities), and 4) other factors as necessary to determine a fair value under certain circumstances.

 22 

 

Each Fund’s securities which are traded on securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any reported sales, at the mean between the last available bid and ask prices.

 

Pricing services generally value debt securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but such securities may be held or transactions may be conducted in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots often trade at lower prices than institutional round lots.

 

Securities that are traded on more than one exchange are valued on the exchange determined by the Advisor to be the primary market. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (“NASDAQ”), National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has not been any sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and ask prices. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ National Market System shall be valued at the most recent trade price.

 

Stocks that are “thinly traded” or events occurring when a foreign market is closed but the NYSE is open (for example, the value of a security held by a Fund has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded) may create a situation in which a market quote would not be readily available. When a market quote is not readily available, the security’s value is based on “fair value” as determined by procedures adopted by the Board. The Board will periodically review the reliability of the Funds’ fair value methodology. Each Fund may hold portfolio securities such as those traded on foreign securities exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund’s shares are not priced. Therefore, the value of a Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem shares.

 

Short-term debt obligations with remaining maturities in excess of 60 days are valued at current market prices, as discussed above. Short-term securities with 60 days or less remaining to maturity are, unless conditions indicate otherwise, are amortized to maturity based on their cost to a Fund if acquired within 60 days of maturity or, if already held by a Fund on the 60th day, based on the value determined on the 61st day.

 

All other assets of the Funds are valued in such manner as the Board in good faith deems appropriate to reflect as their fair value.

 

BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM

 

Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depositary for the Funds’ shares. Shares of the Funds are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Except in limited circumstances set forth below, certificates will not be issued for shares.

 

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

 

Beneficial ownership of shares of a Fund is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants, and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in shares of a Fund (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as "Beneficial Owners") is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of shares of a Fund. The Trust recognizes DTC or its nominee as the record owner of all shares of the Funds for all purposes. Beneficial Owners of shares of the Funds are not entitled to have such shares registered in their names, and will not receive or be entitled to physical delivery of share certificates. Each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and any DTC Participant and/or Indirect Participant through which such Beneficial Owner holds its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder of shares of the Funds.

 23 

 

Conveyance of all notices, statements, and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. DTC will make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee a listing of shares of the Funds held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall obtain from each such DTC Participant the number of Beneficial Owners holding shares of the Funds, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement, or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

 

Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all shares of the Funds. 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 the Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of shares of a Fund 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 the Fund's shares, or for maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.

 

DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to a Fund at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Fund and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, a Fund shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of shares of the Fund, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the applicable Exchange.

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES IN CREATION UNITS

 

Each Fund issues and redeems its shares on a continuous basis, at NAV, only in a large specified number of shares called a “Creation Unit,” either principally in-kind for securities designated by the Fund together with the deposit of a specified cash payment or in cash for the value of such securities. The NAV of a Fund’s shares is determined once each Business Day (defined below), as described below under “Determination of Net Asset Value.” A Creation Unit is an aggregation of 25,000 Shares. The Creation Unit size may change. Authorized Participants will be notified of such change.

 

Purchase (Creation)

The Trust issues and sells shares of a Fund only: (i) in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees), at their NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day, in proper form pursuant to the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement (“Participant Agreement”); or (ii) pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Service (defined below). A Fund will not issue fractional Creation Units. A Business Day is, generally, any day on which the NYSE is open for business.

 

Fund Deposit

The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of a Fund generally consists of either (i) the in-kind deposit of the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below, or (ii) the cash value of the Deposit Cash and the Cash Component. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for cash, a Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser. These additional costs may be recoverable from the purchaser of Creation Units.

 24 

 

Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit,” which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. The “Cash Component” is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares of a Fund (per Creation Unit) and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined below).

 

Each Fund, through NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, to be included in the current standard Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund. Such standard Fund Deposit is subject to any applicable adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, is made available.

 

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities or the amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, required for the Fund Deposit for the Fund may be changed from time to time with a view to the investment objective of a Fund. The composition of the Deposit Securities may also change in response to corporate action events and adjustments to the weighting or composition of a Fund’s portfolio.

 

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, in 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 or the Federal Reserve System for U.S. Treasury securities; (iii) may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined 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, “custom orders”). The Trust also reserves the right to (i) permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash; and (ii) include or remove Deposit Securities from the basket in anticipation of or implementation of changes to a Fund’s portfolio.

 

Cash Purchase Method

The Trust may at its discretion permit full or partial cash purchases of Creation Units of a Fund. When full or partial cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases thereof. In the case of a full or partial cash purchase, the Authorized Participant must pay the cash equivalent of the Deposit Securities it would otherwise be required to provide through an in-kind purchase, plus the same Cash Component required to be paid by an in-kind purchaser together with a creation transaction fee and non-standard charges, as may be applicable.

 

Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units

To be eligible to place orders with the Transfer Agent to purchase a Creation Unit of a Fund, an entity must be (i) a “Participating Party”, i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the “Clearing Process”), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”). In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an “Authorized Participant”) must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Distributor, and that has been accepted by the Transfer Agent and the Trust, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (defined below) and any other applicable fees, taxes, and additional variable charge. The Adviser may retain all or a portion of the creation transaction fee to the extent the Adviser bears the expenses that otherwise would be borne by the Trust in connection with the purchase of a Creation Unit, which the creation transaction fee is designed to cover.

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All orders to purchase shares of a Fund directly from a Fund, including custom orders, must be placed for one or more Creation Units in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the “Order Placement Date.”

 

An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, (e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase shares directly from a Fund in Creation Units have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants may have international capabilities.

 

On days when the NYSE closes earlier than normal, a Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which a Fund’s investments are primarily traded is closed, a Fund will also generally not accept orders on such day(s). Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Transfer Agent pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement and in accordance with the AP Handbook or applicable order form. The Transfer Agent will notify the Custodian of such order. The Custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate local sub-custodian(s). Those placing orders through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the Transfer Agent by the applicable cut-off time on such Business Day. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Transfer Agent or an Authorized Participant.

 

Fund Deposits must be delivered by an Authorized Participant through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S. government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities), through a subcustody agent (for foreign securities) and/or through such other arrangements allowed by the Trust or its agents. With respect to foreign Deposit Securities, the Custodian shall cause the subcustodian of a Fund to maintain an account into which the Authorized Participant shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, such Deposit Securities (or Deposit Cash for all or a part of such securities, as permitted or required), with any appropriate adjustments as advised by the Trust. Foreign Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local subcustodian. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, to the account of a Fund or its agents by no later than the Settlement Date. The “Settlement Date” for a Fund is generally the second Business Day after the Order Placement Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash to be delivered, as applicable, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities or cash, as applicable, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash represented by the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than the Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, are not received by the Custodian in a timely manner by the Settlement Date, the creation order may be cancelled and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using the Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund.

 

The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited by 3:00 p.m. Eastern time, with the Custodian on the Settlement Date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on the Settlement Date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to a Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. A creation request is considered to be in “proper form” if all procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, AP Handbook, order form, and this SAI are properly followed.

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Issuance of a Creation Unit

Except as provided herein, Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities or payment of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the subcustodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian or subcustodians, the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the second Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Transfer Agent. However, a Fund reserves the right to settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than the second Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Transfer Agent in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is 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 Authorized Participant shall be liable to a Fund for losses, if any, resulting from unsettled orders.

 

Creation Units may be purchased in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the shares of the Fund on the date the order is placed in proper form since in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) an additional amount of cash equal to a percentage of the market value as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the “Additional Cash Deposit”), which shall be maintained in a separate non-interest bearing collateral account. The Authorized Participant must deposit with the Custodian the Additional Cash Deposit, as applicable, by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement on the Settlement Date. If a Fund or its agents do not receive the Additional Cash Deposit in the appropriate amount, by such time, then the order may be deemed rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to the applicable percentage, as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. The Trust may use such Additional Cash Deposit to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Trust for all costs, expenses, dividends, income, and taxes associated with missing Deposit Securities, including the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Transfer Agent plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a creation transaction fee as set forth below under “Creation Transaction Fee” may be charged and an additional variable charge may also apply. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

 

Acceptance of Orders of Creation Units

The Trust reserves the absolute right to reject an order for Creation Units transmitted to it by the Transfer Agent in respect of a Fund including, without limitation, if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (c) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (d) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust or the rights of beneficial owners; (g) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; or (h) circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units.

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Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, the Custodian, a sub-custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of the creator of a Creation Unit of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Distributor shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units.

 

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

Creation Transaction Fee

A fixed purchase (i.e., creation) transaction fee may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase of Creation Units (“Creation Order Costs”). The standard creation transaction fee for each Fund is currently $100, regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction. The Funds may adjust the creation transaction fee from time to time. The creation transaction fee may be waived on certain orders if the Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the Creation Order Costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Advisor, has agreed to pay such fee.

 

In addition, a variable fee may be imposed for cash purchases, non-standard orders, or partial cash purchases of Creation Units. The variable fee is primarily designed to cover non-standard charges, e.g., brokerage, taxes, foreign exchange, execution, market impact, and other costs and expenses, related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. The Funds may determine not to charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders, e.g., for creation orders that facilitate the rebalance of a Fund’s portfolio in a more efficient manner than could have been achieved without such order.

 

Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services which may include an amount for the creation transaction fee and non-standard charges. Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust. The Adviser may retain all or a portion of the Transaction Fee to the extent the Adviser bears the expenses that otherwise would be borne by the Trust in connection with the issuance of a Creation Unit, which the Transaction Fee is designed to cover.

 

Risks of Purchasing Creation Units

There are certain legal risks unique to investors purchasing Creation Units directly from a Fund. Because each Fund’s shares may be issued on an ongoing basis, a “distribution” of shares could be occurring at any time. Certain activities that a shareholder performs as a dealer could, depending on the circumstances, result in the shareholder being deemed a participant in the distribution in a manner that could render the shareholder a statutory underwriter and subject to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act of 1933. For example, a shareholder could be deemed a statutory underwriter if it purchases Creation Units from a Fund, breaks them down into the constituent shares, and sells those shares directly to customers, or if a shareholder chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary-market demand for shares. Whether a person is an underwriter depends upon all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to that person’s activities, and the examples mentioned here should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could cause you to be deemed an underwriter.

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Dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary-market transactions), and thus dealing with a Fund's shares as part of an "unsold allotment" within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act.

 

Redemption

Shares of a Fund may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by a Fund through the Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. EXCEPT UPON REORGANIZATION, MERGER, CONVERSION OR LIQUIDATION OF THE FUND, THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Investors must accumulate enough shares of a Fund in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.

 

With respect to a Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available prior to the opening of business on the NYSE (currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the list of the names and share quantities of securities designated by a Fund that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day (“Redemption Securities”). Redemption Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities. The identity and number of shares of the Redemption Securities or the Cash Redemption Amount (defined below) may be changed from time to time with a view to the investment objective of the Fund.

 

Redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit are paid either in-kind or in cash, or combination thereof, as determined by the Trust. With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will consist of Redemption Securities plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares of the Fund being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Redemption Securities (the “Cash Redemption Amount”), less any fixed redemption transaction fee as set forth below and any applicable additional variable charge as set forth below. In the event that the Redemption Securities have a value greater than the NAV of the shares of a Fund, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the Trust’s discretion, an Authorized Participant may receive the corresponding cash value of the securities in lieu of the in-kind securities value representing one or more Redemption Securities.

 

Cash Redemption Method

Although the Trust does not ordinarily permit full or partial cash redemptions of Creation Units of a Fund, when full or partial cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions thereof. In the case of full or partial cash redemptions, the Authorized Participant receives the cash equivalent of the Redemption Securities it would otherwise receive through an in-kind redemption, plus the same Cash Redemption Amount to be paid to an in-kind redeemer.

 

Redemption Transaction Fee

A fixed redemption transaction fee may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units (“Redemption Order Costs”). The standard redemption transaction fee for a Fund is [$______] regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in the transaction. Each Fund may adjust the redemption transaction fee from time to time. The redemption transaction fee may be waived on certain orders if the Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the Redemption Order Costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee.

 

In addition, a variable fee, payable to a Fund, may be imposed for cash redemptions, non-standard orders, or partial cash redemptions for the Fund. The variable fee is primarily designed to cover non-standard charges, e.g., brokerage, taxes, foreign exchange, execution, market impact, and other costs and expenses, related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. A Fund may determine not to charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders, e.g., for redemption orders that facilitate the rebalance of a Fund's portfolio in a more tax efficient manner than could be achieved without such order.

 

Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services, which may include an amount for the redemption transaction fees and non-standard charges. Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Redemption Securities to the account of the Trust. The non-standard charges are payable to a Fund as it incurs costs in connection with the redemption of Creation Units, the receipt of Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount and other transactions costs. The Adviser may retain all or a portion of the redemption transaction fee to the extent the Adviser bears the expenses that otherwise would be borne by the Trust in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit, which the redemption transaction fee is designed to cover.

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Procedures for Redemption of Creation Units

Orders to redeem Creation Units must be submitted in proper form to the Transfer Agent prior to the time as set forth in the Participant Agreement. A redemption request is considered to be in “proper form” if (i) an Authorized Participant has transferred or caused to be transferred to the Trust’s Transfer Agent the Creation Unit(s) being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the time as set forth in the Participant Agreement and (ii) a request in form satisfactory to the Trust is received by the Transfer Agent from the Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time periods specified in the Participant Agreement. If the Transfer Agent does not receive the investor’s shares of a Fund through DTC’s facilities by the times and pursuant to the other terms and conditions set forth in the Participant Agreement, the redemption request shall be rejected, unless, to the extent contemplated by the Participant Agreement, collateral is posted in an amount equal to a percentage of the value of the missing shares of a Fund as specified in the Participant Agreement (and marked to market daily).

 

The Authorized Participant must transmit the request for redemption, in the form required by the Trust, to the Transfer Agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement, and that, therefore, requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed a Participant Agreement. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such Authorized Participant. Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an Authorized Participant and transfer of the shares of a Fund to the Trust’s Transfer Agent; such investors should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not Authorized Participants.

 

Additional Redemption Procedures

In connection with taking delivery of shares of Redemption Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Redemption Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Redemption Securities will be delivered. Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within two Business Days of the trade date. However, due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, the different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and dividend ex-dates (that is 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, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds may take longer than two Business Days after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. If neither the redeeming shareholder nor the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such redeeming shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Redemption Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities in such jurisdiction, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming shareholders will be required to receive redemption proceeds in cash.

 

If it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities, the Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such shares in cash, and the redeeming investor will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that a Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its shares based on the NAV of shares of a Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the Trust’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Redemption Securities). A Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Redemption Securities but does not differ in NAV.

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Pursuant to the Participant Agreement, an Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to make certain representations to the Trust regarding the Authorized Participant’s ability to tender for redemption the requisite number of shares of a Fund. The Trust reserves the right to verify these representations at its discretion, but will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from a Fund in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in a Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.

 

Redemptions of shares for Redemption Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable 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 the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Redemption Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Redemption Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Redemption Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the shares of a Fund to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” (“QIB”) as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Redemption Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status in order to receive Redemption Securities.

 

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

 

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to a Fund (1) for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the securities owned by the Fund or determination of the NAV of the shares of the Fund is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

 

Federal Income Tax Matters

 

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal (and, where noted, state and local) income tax considerations affecting the Funds and their shareholders. The discussion is very general. Current and prospective shareholders are therefore urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the specific federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Funds. The summary is based on the laws in effect on the date of this SAI and existing judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

 

Each Fund is treated as a separate entity from other series of the Trust for federal income tax purposes. The Funds have elected to be, and intend to qualify each year for treatment as, a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code by complying with all applicable requirements of the Code, including, among other things, requirements as to the sources of the Funds’ income, diversification of the Funds’ assets and timing of Fund distributions. To so qualify, each Fund must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (i.e., partnerships that are traded on an established securities market or tradable on a secondary market, other than partnerships that derive 90% of their income from interest, dividends, capital gains, and other traditionally permitted mutual fund income) (collectively, “qualifying income”); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s assets is represented by cash, securities of other regulated investment companies, U.S. government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund’s assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, in the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or in the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships”; and (c) distribute an amount equal to the sum of at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and 90% of its net tax-exempt income, if any, for the tax year (including, for purposes of satisfying this distribution requirement, certain distributions made by a Fund after the close of its taxable year that are treated as made during such taxable year).

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As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its taxable investment income and capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders provided that it satisfies a minimum distribution requirement. In order to also avoid liability for a non-deductible federal excise tax, the Fund must distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) 98.2% of the excess of its realized capital gains over its realized capital losses for the 12-month period generally ending on October 31 during such year and (iii) any amounts from the prior calendar year that were not distributed and on which a Fund paid no federal income tax. A Fund will be subject to income tax at the regular corporate tax rate on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders. The Funds’ policy is to distribute to its shareholders all investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and any net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) for each fiscal year in a manner that complies with the distribution requirements of the Code, so that the Funds will not be subject to any federal income or excise taxes.

 

If, for any taxable year, a Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company or were to fail to meet certain minimum distribution requirements under the Code, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, a Fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net capital gain, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividend income for federal income tax purposes. However, such dividends would be eligible, subject to any generally applicable limitations, (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. Moreover, if a Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, it would be required to pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. Under certain circumstances, a Fund may be able to cure a failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, but in order to do so the Fund might incur significant Fund-level taxes and might be forced to dispose of certain assets. If a Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund would generally be required to recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

 

Shareholders generally will be subject to federal income taxes on distributions made by a Fund whether paid in cash or additional shares. Distributions of net investment income (including interest, dividend income and net short-term capital gain in excess of any net long-term capital loss, less certain expenses), other than qualified dividend income, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of qualified dividend income, generally will be taxed to non-corporate shareholders at the federal income tax rates applicable to net capital gain, provided a Fund reports the amount distributed as qualified dividend income.

 

In general, dividends may be reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund. Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from a Fund’s investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund and its shareholders. If 95% or more of a Fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, the Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

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A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs generally do not qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.

 

Dividends paid by the Fund may qualify in part for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders, provided the Fund reports the amount distributed as a qualifying dividend and certain holding period and other requirements under the Code are satisfied. The reported amount, however, cannot exceed the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends received by a Fund for its taxable year. Eligibility for qualified dividend income treatment and the dividends-received deduction may be reduced or eliminated if, among other things, (i) the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property or (ii) certain holding period requirements are not satisfied at both the Fund and shareholder levels. In addition, qualified dividend income treatment is not available if a shareholder elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest.

 

If a Fund receives a dividend (other than a capital gain dividend) in respect of any share of REIT stock with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend, then Fund dividends attributable to that REIT dividend income (as reduced by certain Fund expenses) may be reported by the Fund as eligible for the 20% deduction for “qualified REIT dividends” generally available to noncorporate shareholders under the Code. In order to qualify for this deduction, noncorporate shareholders must meet minimum holding period requirements with respect to their Fund shares.

 

Distributions of net capital gain, if any, that a Fund reports as capital gain dividends will be taxable to non-corporate shareholders as long-term capital gain without regard to how long a shareholder has held shares of the Fund. The Fund may retain certain amounts of capital gains and designate them as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amounts so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on those undistributed amounts against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their federal income tax basis in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amounts of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits.

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a Fund is permitted to carry forward indefinitely a net capital loss from any taxable year to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to a Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to shareholders. Generally, a Fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain circumstances, a Fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year in which they were actually incurred.

 

Distributions in excess of earnings and profits will, as to each shareholder, be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in his or her Fund shares. A distribution treated as a return of capital will reduce the shareholder’s basis in his or her shares, which will result in an increase in the amount of gain (or a decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the shareholder for tax purposes on a later sale of such shares. After the shareholder’s basis is reduced to zero, any distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as a capital gain, assuming the shareholder holds his or her shares as capital assets.

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A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital gains (among other categories of income) are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.

 

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions are subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of Fund shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder’s net investment income.

 

Distributions are generally taxable when received. However, distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid the following January are taxable for federal income tax purposes as if received on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared. Distributions are includable in alternative minimum taxable income in computing a shareholder's liability for the federal alternative minimum tax, which is imposed on individual taxpayers under the Code. In addition, certain distributions made after the close of a taxable year of a Fund may be “spilled back” and treated for certain purposes as paid by the Fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a regulated investment company’s undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such “spilled back” dividends are treated as paid by the regulated investment company when they are actually paid.

 

A redemption of Fund shares may result in recognition of a taxable gain or loss. The gain or loss will generally be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year, and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for one year or less. Any loss realized upon a redemption or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gains during such six-month period. Any loss realized upon a redemption may be disallowed under certain wash sale rules to the extent shares of the same Fund or substantially identical stock or securities are purchased (through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the redemption.

 

If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to a Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not exempted. The fact that a loss is so reportable does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper.

 

A Fund’s entry into a short sale transaction could be treated as the constructive sale of an appreciated financial position, causing the Fund to realize gain, but not loss, on the position.

 

If a Fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the Fund must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, a Fund must distribute, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including such accrued income to shareholders to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, a Fund may have to sell portfolio securities (potentially under disadvantageous circumstances) to generate cash, or may have to undertake leverage by borrowing cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements. Dispositions of portfolio securities may result in additional gains and additional distribution requirements.

 

If a Fund invests in a market discount bond, it will be required to treat any gain recognized on the disposition of such market discount bond as ordinary income (instead of capital gain) to the extent of the accrued market discount, unless the Fund elects to include the market discount in income as it accrues as discussed above. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond).

 34 

 

A Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to its investments in those countries, which would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. So long as a Fund qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company and incurs “qualified foreign taxes,” if more than 50% of its net assets at the close of its taxable year consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, which for this purpose may include obligations of foreign governmental issuers, the Fund may elect to "pass through" to its shareholders the amount of such foreign taxes paid. If this election is made, information with respect to the amount of the foreign income taxes that are allocated to the Fund's shareholders will be provided to them and any shareholder subject to tax on dividends will be required (i) to include in ordinary gross income (in addition to the amount of the taxable dividends actually received) his/her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid that are attributable to such dividends; and (ii) either to deduct his/her proportionate share of such foreign taxes in computing his/her taxable income or to claim that amount as a foreign tax credit (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. income taxes.

 

Shareholders who do not itemize deductions for U.S. federal income tax purposes will not be able to deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by a Fund, although such shareholders will be required to include their shares of such taxes in gross income if a Fund makes the election described above. Qualified foreign taxes generally include taxes that would be treated as income taxes under U.S. tax regulations but do not include most other taxes, such as stamp taxes, securities transaction taxes, and similar taxes. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability.

 

If a Fund makes the election to pass through qualified foreign taxes and a shareholder chooses to take a credit for the foreign taxes deemed paid by such shareholder, the amount of the credit that may be claimed in any year may not exceed the same proportion of the U.S. tax against which such credit is taken that the shareholder’s taxable income from foreign sources (but not in excess of the shareholder’s entire taxable income) bears to his entire taxable income. For this purpose, long-term and short-term capital gains a Fund realizes and distributes to shareholders will generally not be treated as income from foreign sources in their hands, nor will distributions of certain foreign currency gains subject to Section 988 of the Code or of any other income realized by a Fund that is deemed, under the Code, to be U.S. source income in the hands of a Fund. This foreign tax credit limitation may also be applied separately to certain specific categories of foreign-source income and the related foreign taxes. As a result of these rules, which may have different effects depending upon each shareholder’s particular tax situation, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund. Shareholders who are not liable for U.S. federal income taxes, including tax-exempt shareholders, will ordinarily not benefit from this election. If a Fund does make the election, it will provide required tax information to shareholders. A Fund generally may deduct any foreign taxes that are not passed through to its shareholders in computing its income available for distribution to shareholders to satisfy applicable tax distribution requirements. Under certain circumstances, if a Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of the Fund’s shares could be affected, or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund’s foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.

 

Foreign exchange gains or losses realized by a Fund in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains or losses to be treated as ordinary gain or loss and may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.

 

A Fund may purchase the securities of certain foreign companies treated as passive foreign investment companies for federal income tax purposes (“PFICs”). PFICs may be the only or primary means by which a Fund may invest in some countries. If a Fund invests in equity securities of PFICs, it may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" or gain from the disposition of such securities even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend to shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on a Fund with respect to deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains. Capital gains on the sale of such holdings will be deemed to be ordinary income regardless of how long such PFICs are held. A “qualified electing fund” election or a “mark to market” election may generally be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections could require a Fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies, as described above) without the concurrent receipt of cash. In order to satisfy the distribution requirements and avoid a tax on the Fund, a Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund. In order for a Fund to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to a PFIC, the PFIC would have to agree to provide certain tax information to the Fund on an annual basis, which it might not agree to do. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in PFICs to limit its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments. A Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in PFICs to limit its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments.

 35 

 

If a sufficient percentage of the interests in a foreign issuer are held by a Fund, independently or together with certain other U.S. persons, that issuer may be treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” (a “CFC”) with respect to a Fund, in which case a Fund will be required to take into account each year, as ordinary income, its share of certain portions of that issuer’s income, whether or not such amounts are distributed. A Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities (potentially resulting in the recognition of taxable gain or loss, and potentially under disadvantageous circumstances) to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to meet its distribution requirements and avoid Fund-level taxes. In addition, some Fund gains on the disposition of interests in such an issuer may be treated as ordinary income. A Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in issuers that could be treated as CFCs in order to limit its tax liability or maximize its after-tax return from these investments.

 

In addition, if a Fund owned 10% or more of the voting power of a foreign entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the last tax year of the foreign entity beginning before January 1, 2018, the Fund may have been required to include in its income its share of certain deferred foreign income of that foreign entity. Under those circumstances, a Fund may be able to make an election for such amounts to be included in income over eight years. Any income included under this rule may have to be distributed to satisfy the distribution requirements referred to above even though the Fund may receive no corresponding cash amounts, and even though shareholders derived no economic benefit from the foreign entity’s deferred income.

 

Non-U.S. persons are subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a “United States real property interest” (a “USRPI”). Gain on such a disposition is sometimes referred to as “FIRPTA gain.” The Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of “FIRPTA gain” if certain requirements are met. If the look-through rule applies, certain distributions attributable to income received by the Fund, e.g., from REITs, may be treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing distributions to be subject to U.S. withholding tax at rates of up to 21%, and require non-U.S. shareholders to file nonresident U.S. income tax returns.

 

A Fund is required to withhold (as “backup withholding”) a portion of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges or repurchases of Fund shares, paid to shareholders who have not complied with certain IRS regulations. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. In order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders, other than certain exempt entities, must certify on IRS Forms W-9 or on certain other documents, that the Social Security Numbers or other Taxpayer Identification Numbers they provide are their correct numbers and that they are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding. A Fund may nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a broker that a number provided is incorrect or that backup withholding is applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend income.

 

Ordinary dividends and certain other payments made by a Fund to non-U.S. shareholders are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate (or a lower rate as may be determined in accordance with any applicable treaty). In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or similar form certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty. The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder who provides an IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. shareholder were a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to additional “branch profits tax” imposed at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate).

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The 30% withholding tax described in the preceding paragraph generally will not apply to distributions of net capital gain, to redemption proceeds, or to dividends that the Fund reports as (a) interest-related dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund’s “qualified net interest income,” or (b) short-term capital gain dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from a Fund’s “qualified short-term gain.” “Qualified net interest income” is a Fund’s net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. “Qualified short-term gain” generally means the excess of the net short-term capital gain of the Fund for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. In order to qualify for an exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form). Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to this 30% withholding tax.

 

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to a Fund’s dividends payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the United States and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

 

This discussion and the related discussion in the Prospectus have been prepared by management of the Funds, and counsel to the Trust has expressed no opinion in respect thereof.

 

Shareholders and prospective shareholders of the Funds should consult their own tax advisors concerning the effect of owning shares of the Fund in light of their particular tax situations.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Funds will receive income in the form of dividends and interest earned on its investments in securities. This income, less the expenses incurred in their operations, is the Funds’ net investment income, substantially all of which will be declared as dividends to the Funds’ shareholders.

 

The amount of income dividend payments by each Fund is dependent upon the amount of net investment income received by the Fund from its portfolio holdings, is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the Board. The Funds do not pay “interest” or guarantee any fixed rate of return on an investment in its shares.

 

The Funds also may derive capital gains or losses in connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities. Any net gain a Fund may realize from transactions involving investments held for less than the period required for long-term capital gain or loss recognition or otherwise producing short-term capital gains and losses (taking into account any available carryover of capital losses), although a distribution from capital gains, will be distributed to shareholders with and as a part of the income dividends paid by a Fund and will generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. If during any year a Fund realizes a net gain on transactions involving investments held for more than the period required for long-term capital gain or loss recognition or otherwise producing long-term capital gains and losses, a Fund will have a net long-term capital gain. After deduction of the amount of any net short-term capital loss, the balance (to the extent not offset by any capital losses available to be carried over) generally will be distributed and treated as long-term capital gains in the hands of the shareholders regardless of the length of time a Fund’s shares may have been held by the shareholders. For more information concerning applicable capital gains tax rates, see your tax advisor.

 

Any dividend or distribution paid by a Fund reduces the Fund’s NAV on the date paid by the amount of the dividend or distribution per share. Accordingly, a dividend or distribution paid shortly after a purchase of shares by a shareholder will generally be taxable, even if it effectively represents a partial return of the shareholder’s capital.

 

Dividends and other distributions will be made in the form of additional shares of the Funds unless the shareholder has otherwise indicated. Investors have the right to change their elections with respect to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions by notifying the Transfer Agent in writing, but any such change will be effective only as to dividends and other distributions for which the record date is seven or more business days after the Transfer Agent has received the written request.

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The Funds’ investments in partnerships, if any, including in qualified publicly traded partnerships, may result in that Fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.

 

General Information

 

Investment Managers Series Trust II is an open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 20, 2013. The Trust has a number of outstanding series of shares of beneficial interest, each of which represents interests in a separate portfolio of securities.

 

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to create additional series of shares, to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of each series, including the Funds, and to divide or combine the shares of any series into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest in the series. The assets belonging to a series are charged with the liabilities in respect of that series and all expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to that series only. Therefore, any creditor of any series may look only to the assets belonging to that series to satisfy the creditor’s debt. Any general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which are not readily identifiable as pertaining to any particular series are allocated and charged by the Trustees to and among the existing series in the sole discretion of the Trustees. Each share of the Funds represents an interest in the Funds proportionately equal to the interest of each other share. Upon a Fund’s liquidation, all shareholders would share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.

 

The Trust may offer more than one class of shares of any series. Each share of a series or class represents an equal proportionate interest in that series or class with each other share of that series or class.

 

The shares of each series or class participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets of the particular series or class. Expenses of the Trust which are not attributable to a specific series or class are allocated among all the series in a manner believed by management of the Trust to be fair and equitable. Shares issued do not have pre-emptive or conversion rights. Shares when issued are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held. Shares of each series or class generally vote together, except when required under federal securities laws to vote separately on matters that only affect a particular series or class, such as the approval of distribution plans for a particular class.

 

The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders but will hold special meetings of shareholders of a series or class when, in the judgment of the Board, it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote. Shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to communicate with other shareholders in connection with requesting a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of removing one or more trustees. Shareholders also have, in certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more trustees without a meeting. No material amendment may be made to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each portfolio affected by the amendment.

 

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust provides that, at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust or of any series or class, a shareholder servicing agent may vote any shares as to which such shareholder servicing agent is the agent of record for shareholders who are not represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, proportionately in accordance with the votes cast by holders of all shares of that portfolio otherwise represented at the meeting in person or by proxy as to which such shareholder servicing agent is the agent of record. Any shares so voted by a shareholder servicing agent will be deemed represented at the meeting for purposes of quorum requirements. Any series or class may be terminated (i) upon the merger or consolidation with, or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets to, another entity, if approved by the vote of the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares, except that if the Board recommends such merger, consolidation or sale or disposition of assets, the approval by vote of the holders of a majority of the series’ or class’ outstanding shares will be sufficient, or (ii) by the vote of the holders of a majority of its outstanding shares, or (iii) by the Board by written notice to the series’ or class’ shareholders. Unless each series and class is so terminated, the Trust will continue indefinitely.

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Shareholders may send communications to the Board. Shareholders should send communications intended for the Board by addressing the communications to the Board, in care of the Secretary of the Trust and sending the communication to 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740. A shareholder communication must (i) be in writing and be signed by the shareholder, (ii) provide contact information for the shareholder, (iii) identify the Fund to which it relates, and (iv) identify the class and number of shares held by the shareholder. The Secretary of the Trust may, in good faith, determine that a shareholder communication should not be provided to the Board because it does not reasonably relate to the Trust or its operations, management, activities, policies, service providers, Board, officers, shareholders or other matters relating to an investment in the Fund or is otherwise immaterial in nature. Other shareholder communications received by the Fund not directly addressed and sent to the Board will be reviewed and generally responded to by management, and will be forwarded to the Board only at management's discretion based on the matters contained therein.

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be subject to any personal liability in connection with the assets or affairs of the Trust or any of its series except for losses in connection with his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties. The Trust has also entered into an indemnification agreement with each Trustee which provides that the Trust shall advance expenses and indemnify and hold harmless the Trustee in certain circumstances against any expenses incurred by the Trustee in any proceeding arising out of or in connection with the Trustee's service to the Trust, to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act, and which provides for certain procedures in connection with such advancement of expenses and indemnification.

 

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust shall maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for the protection of the Trust, its shareholders, trustees, officers, employees and agents covering possible tort and other liabilities.

 

The Declaration of Trust does not require the issuance of stock certificates. If stock certificates are issued, they must be returned by the registered owners prior to the transfer or redemption of shares represented by such certificates.

 

Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that as to any investment company which has two or more series outstanding and as to any matter required to be submitted to shareholder vote, such matter is not deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a “majority” (as defined in the rule) of the voting securities of each series affected by the matter. Such separate voting requirements do not apply to the election of Trustees or the ratification of the selection of accountants. The Rule contains special provisions for cases in which an advisory contract is approved by one or more, but not all, series. A change in investment policy may go into effect as to one or more series whose holders so approve the change even though the required vote is not obtained as to the holders of other affected series.

 

The Trust and the Advisor each have adopted Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These codes of ethics permit, subject to certain conditions, personnel of each of those entities to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds.

 

Financial Statements

 

The Funds have not yet commenced investment operations, and therefore, financial information is not available at this time.

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Appendix A
Description of Securities Ratings

 

Corporate Bonds (Including Convertible Bonds)

 

Moody’s

 

Aaa Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal 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 considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

Baa Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

Ba Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements 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.

 

C Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in 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

 

AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. 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 in 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.

 

Note 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.

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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 The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.

 

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 even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such 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.

 

Note 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. The “r” symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns, which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk-such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Moody’s

 

Aaa An issue that is rated “Aaa” is considered to be a top-quality preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.

 

Aa An issue that is rated “Aa” is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance the earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.

 

A An issue that is rated “A” is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the “Aaa” and “Aa” classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.

 

Baa An issue that is rated “Baa” is considered to be a medium-grade preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great length of time.

 

Ba An issue that is rated “Ba” is considered to have speculative elements and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.

 

B An issue that is rated “B” generally lacks the characteristics of a desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.

 

Caa An issue that is rated “Caa” is likely to be in arrears on dividend payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future status of payments.

 

Ca An issue that is rated “Ca” is speculative in a high degree and is likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payments.

 41 

 

C This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. Issues so rated can thus be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

 

Note Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each rating classification: the modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

 

S&P

 

AAA This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor’s to a preferred stock issue and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations.

 

AA A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high-quality, fixed-income security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.

 

A An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.

 

BBB An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred stock in this category than for issues in the A category.

 

BB, B, CCC Preferred stock rated BB, B, and CCC is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay preferred stock obligations. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CCC the highest. While such issues will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

 

CC The rating CC is reserved for a preferred stock issue that is in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

 

C A preferred stock rated C is a nonpaying issue.

 

D A preferred stock rated D is a nonpaying issue with the issuer in default on debt instruments.

 

N.R. This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Note Plus (+) or minus (-). To provide more detailed indications of preferred stock quality, 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.

 

Short Term Ratings

 

Moody’s

 

Moody’s employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:

 

·Leading market positions in well-established industries.

 

·High rates of return on Fund employed.
 42 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

 

Prime-3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

 

Not Prime Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

S&P

 

A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. 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 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties, which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

D A short-term 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 even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such 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.

 43 

 

APPENDIX B
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

  

INVESTMENT MANAGERS SERIES TRUST II 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

Investment Managers Series Trust II (the “Trust”) is registered as an open-end investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust offers multiple series (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). Consistent with its fiduciary duties and pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Proxy Rule”), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has adopted this proxy voting policy on behalf of the Trust (the “Policy”) to reflect its commitment to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund’ shareholders.

 

Delegation of Proxy Voting Authority to Fund Advisors

The Board believes that the investment advisor of the Fund (each, an “Advisor” and, collectively, the “Advisors”), as the entity that selects the individual securities that comprise its Fund’s portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best-suited to make decisions on how to vote proxies of portfolio companies held by that Fund. The Trust will therefore defer to, and rely on, the Advisor of the Fund to make decisions on how to cast proxy votes on behalf of such Fund. An Advisor may delegate this responsibility to the Fund’s sub-advisor.

 

The Trust hereby designates the Advisor of the Fund as the entity responsible for exercising proxy voting authority with regard to securities held in a Fund’s investment portfolio. Consistent with its duties under this Policy, each Advisor shall monitor and review corporate transactions of corporations in which the Fund has invested, obtain all information sufficient to allow an informed vote on all proxy solicitations, ensure that all proxy votes are cast in a timely fashion, and maintain all records required to be maintained by the Fund under the Proxy Rule and the 1940 Act. Each Advisor will perform these duties in accordance with the Advisor’s proxy voting policy, a copy of which will be presented to the Board for its review. Each Advisor will promptly provide to the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) updates to its proxy voting policy as they are adopted and implemented, and the Trust’s CCO will then report such updates to the Board.

 

Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records Available to Fund Shareholders

If the Fund or an Advisor has a website, a copy of the Advisor’s proxy voting policy and this Policy may be posted on such website. A copy of such policies and of the Fund’s proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Fund’s toll-free telephone number as printed in the Fund’s prospectus. The Trust’s transfer agent will notify the Advisor of any such request of proxy voting procedures. The Advisor shall reply to any Fund shareholder request within three (3) business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

 

Each Advisor will provide a complete annual voting record, as required by the Proxy Rule, for each series of the Trust for which it acts as advisor, to the Trust’s co-administrator no later than July 31st of each year. The Trust’s co-administrator, MFAC, will file a report based on such record on Form N-PX on an annual basis with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31st of each year.

 

Each Advisor is responsible for providing its current proxy voting policies and procedures and any subsequent amendments to the Trust’s CCO. SEC Form N-PX is filed with respect to the Fund by MFAC (acting as filing agent), by no later than August 31st of each year. Each such filing details all proxies voted on behalf of the Fund for the prior twelve months ended June 30th. In connection with each filing on behalf of the Fund, the Advisor’s CCO must sign and return to MFAC no later than July 30th a Form N-PX Certification stating that the advisor has adopted proxy voting policies and procedures in compliance with the SEC’s Proxy Voting Rule.

 44 

 

AXS INVESTMENTS LLC

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

 

A.PURPOSE AND GENERAL STATEMENT

 

The purpose of these proxy voting policies and procedures (the “Policy”) is to set forth the principles and procedures by which AXS votes with respect to securities held in Fund portfolios for which AXS exercises voting authority (generally where AXS has not delegated proxy voting discretion to the Fund’s subadviser). For purposes of this Policy, a “Vote” includes any proxy and any shareholder vote or consent for any security held by a client account for which AXS exercises voting authority.

 

This Policy been designed to help ensure that Votes are voted in the best interests of the applicable Fund in accordance with AXS’s fiduciary duties and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Act.

 

B.POLICY

 

Votes must be cast in the best interests of the Fund. AXS’s guiding principle in this regard is that it is generally in the best interest of the client to cast Votes in a manner designed to maximize the economic value of the Fund’s holdings, taking into account the Fund’s investment goals and objectives (as set forth in its current registration statement) and all other relevant circumstances at the time of the vote. AXS does not permit voting decisions to be influenced in any manner that is contrary to this principle. AXS recognizes that, in rare instances, the interest of one Fund with respect to a Vote may conflict with the interests of AXS or another Fund. Any conflicts of interest relating to the casting of Votes, regardless of whether actual or perceived, will be addressed in accordance with this Policy.

 

It is AXS’s general policy to vote or give consent on all matters presented to shareholders in any Vote, and these policies and procedures have been designed with this in mind. However, AXS reserves the right to abstain from any particular Vote or otherwise withhold its Vote or consent on any matter if, in the judgement of AXS’s CCO or the relevant AXS investment professional, the costs associated with voting such Vote outweigh the benefits to the applicable Fund, or if the circumstances make such an abstention or withholding otherwise advisable and in the best interests of the Fund.

 

C.GUIDELINES

 

The voting guidelines below summarize AXS’s general positions on various common issues, and provides a general indication of how Fund portfolio securities for which AXS has voting discretion will be voted on proposals dealing with particular issues.

 

These voting guidelines are just that – guidelines. The guidelines are not exhaustive and do not address all potential voting issues. Because the circumstances of individual companies are so varied, there may be instances when AXS does not cast Fund Votes in strict adherence to these guidelines.

 

1.Management Proposals

 

The majority of matters presented to shareholders are proposals made by an issuer’s management, which have usually been approved and recommended by the issuer’s board of directors. For routine matters (which generally means that such matter will not measurably change the structure, management, control or operation of the company and are consistent with customary industry standards and practices), AXS will typically vote in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s management; unless, in AXS’s opinion, such recommendation is not in the best interests of the Fund.

 

Generally, in the absence of any unusual or non-routine circumstances, the AXS supports the following items:

Ratification of appointment of independent auditors;
 45 

 

General updating/corrective amendments to charter;
Increase in common share authorization for a stock split or share dividend;
Stock option plans that are incentive based and not excessive; and
Regular, uncontested elections of directors and payment of fees (unless such fees exceed market standards).

 

Non-routine matters may involve a variety of issues. Therefore, AXS will typically cast Votes on non-routine matters on a case-by-case basis, in each case casting Votes in a manner that AXS believes is in the best interests of the applicable client based on the considerations described above. The following will typically be considered “non-routine” matters requiring case-by-case analysis:

Directors’ liability and indemnity proposals;
Executive compensation plans;
Contested elections of directors;
Mergers, acquisitions, and other restructurings submitted to a shareholder vote;
Anti-takeover and related provisions.

 

AXS will generally Vote against proposals to classify a board, absent special circumstances indicating that shareholder interests would be better served by this structure.

 

2.Shareholder Proposals

 

In general, AXS casts Votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals. However, AXS will support shareholder proposals that it believes are in the best interests of the Fund based on the considerations described above. In addition:

 

Generally, shareholder proposals related to the following items are supported:

Confidential voting;
Declassifying a board, absent special circumstances indicating that shareholder interests would be better served by a classified board structure;
Requiring director nominees to receive support from holders of a majority of votes cast or a majority of shares outstanding in order to be (re)elected.
Bylaw and charter amendments only with shareholder approval;
Eliminating supermajority vote requirements in the company’s bylaws and charter documents; and
Requiring a majority of independent directors on a board.

 

Generally, shareholder proposals related to the following items are not supported:

Limitations on the tenure of directors;
Cumulative voting;
Restrictions related to social, political, or special interest issues that impact the ability of the company to do business or be competitive and that have a significant financial or vested interest impact; and
Reports that are costly to provide or expenditures that are of a non-business in nature or would provide no pertinent information from a shareholder perspective.

 

D.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

Due to the nature of AXS’s business and its ownership, AXS believes it is unlikely that conflicts of interest will arise when casting Votes. The Fund’s investment team, however, is responsible for monitoring Votes for any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. If at any time any Supervised Person becomes aware of any potential, actual, or perceived conflict of interest regarding any particular Vote(s) to be case, he or she is required to contact AXS’s CCO immediately, who will review the Vote(s) in advance to ensure that AXS proposed Vote(s) is consistent with this Policy and AXS’s duties to the applicable Fund.

 

If a conflict of interest is evident, the CCO will:

 46 

 

advise IMST II’s Chief Compliance Officer (or other relevant IMST II officer) of the conflict in advance of casting the Vote;
use his or her best judgement to address the conflict and ensure that it is resolved in accordance with his or her independent assessment of the best interests of the Fund.

Where the CCO deems appropriate in his or her sole discretion, unaffiliated third parties (such as prosy voting services) may be used to help resolve conflicts. In this regard, the CCO shall have the power to retain independent fiduciaries, consultants, or professionals to assist with Voting decisions and/or to delegate voting or consent powers to such fiduciaries, consultants, or professionals.

 

E.VOTING PROCEDURES

 

All AXS personnel are responsible for promptly forwarding all proxy materials, consents or voting requests or notices, or materials related thereto, to the CCO and to the applicable investment professional(s) primarily responsible for managing the applicable Fund’s portfolio. The CCO shall be responsible for ensuring that each Vote is voted in a timely manner and as otherwise required by the terms of such Vote.

 

All Voting decisions initially are to be referred to the appropriate investment professional for determination. In most cases, the most senior Portfolio Manager of the applicable Fund, or his or her designee, will make the decision as to the appropriate vote for any particular Vote.

 

The Portfolio Manager will inform the CCO of any such Voting decision, and if the CCO does not object to such decision as a result of his or her conflict of interest review, the Vote will be voted in such manner. If the Portfolio Manager and the CCO are unable to arrive at an agreement as to how to vote, then the CCO may consult with independent third-parties (including a proxy voting service) as to the appropriate vote.

 

F.RECORDKEEPING

 

In accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Act, AXS must retain (i) its proxy voting policies and procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding Fund/client securities; (iii) records of its votes on behalf of the Fund; (iv) records of Fund requests for proxy voting information; and (v) any documents prepared by AXS that were material to making a decision how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. AXS may rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC’s EDGAR system (instead of keeping its own copies), and may rely on proxy statements and records of its votes cast that are maintained by a proxy voting service provider.

 47 

 

PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

AXS 2X Innovation ETF

AXS Short China Internet ETF

 

ITEM 28. EXHIBITS

 

(a) (1)   Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant dated September 16, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 30, 2013.
       
    (i) Amendment to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Registrant dated October 20, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(1)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 227 filed with the Commission on October 28, 2020.
       
  (2)   Certificate of Trust dated August 13, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 30, 2013.
       
  (3)   Certificate of Designation of the AXS 2X Innovation ETF – filed herewith.
       
  (4)   Certificate of Designation of the AXS Short China Internet ETF – filed herewith.
       
(b)     Amended By-Laws of Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 92 filed with the Commission on August 12, 2016.
       
(c)     Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders is incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws.
       
(d)     Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and AXS Investments LLC – to be filed by amendment.
       
(e) (1)   ETF Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and IMST Distributors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 252 filed with the Commission on July 28, 2021.
       
  (2)   Novated ETF Distribution Agreement dated September 30, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (e)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 272 filed with the Commission on December 23, 2021.
       
     (i) Form of Amendment to ETF Distribution Agreement - to be filed by amendment.
       
  (3)   Form of Authorized Participation Agreement – to be filed by amendment.
       
(f)     Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts is not applicable.
       
(g)     Custodian Agreement between Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH & Co.”) is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 252 filed with the Commission on July 28, 2021.
       
(h)     Other Material Contracts
       

 

 

 

  (1)   Administrative Agency Agreement between the Registrant and BBH & Co. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 252 filed with the Commission on July 28, 2021.
       
  (2)   Co-Administration Agreement dated October 16, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (h)(3) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed with the Commission on November 18, 2013.
       
  (3)   Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement – to be filed by amendment.
       
(i)     Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel – to be filed by amendment.
       
(j)     Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – to be filed by amendment.
       
(k)     Not applicable.
       
(l)     Form of Initial Subscription Agreement – to be filed by amendment.
       
(m)     Amended and Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan – to be filed by amendment.
       
(n)     Rule 18f-3 Plan – Not Applicable
       
(o)     Powers of Attorney for Larry D. Tashjian, Thomas Knipper, Kathleen K. Shkuda, John P. Zader, Eric M. Banhazl and Terrance Gallagher is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (o) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 270 filed with the Commission on December 17, 2021.
       
(p)     Code of Ethics
       
  (1)   Code of Ethics of the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 filed with the Commission on February 22, 2019.
       
  (2)   Code of Ethics of AXS Investments LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (p)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 197 filed with the Commission on October 18, 2019.

 

 ITEM 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND

 

See the Statement of Additional Information.

 

ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION

 

Pursuant to Del. Code Ann. Title 12 Section 3817, a Delaware statutory trust may provide in its governing instrument for the indemnification of its officers and Trustees from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.

 

Reference is made to Article 8, Section 8.4 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which provides:

 

 

 

Subject to the limitations, if applicable, hereinafter set forth in this Section 8.4, the Trust shall indemnify (from the assets of the Series or Series to which the conduct in question relates) each of its Trustees, officers, employees and agents (including Persons who serve at the Trust’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter, together with such Person’s heirs, executors, administrators or personal representative, referred to as a “Covered Person”)) against all liabilities, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and expenses, including reasonable accountants’ and counsel fees, incurred by any Covered Person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which such Covered Person may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a Trustee or officer, director or trustee, except with respect to any matter as to which it has been determined that such Covered Person (i) did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that such Covered Person’s action was in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust; (ii) had acted with willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person’s office (iii) for a criminal proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful (the conduct described in (i), (ii) and (iii) being referred to hereafter as “Disabling Conduct”). A determination that the Covered Person is entitled to indemnification may be made by (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Covered Person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of Disabling Conduct, (ii) dismissal of a court action or an administrative proceeding against a Covered Person for insufficiency of evidence of Disabling Conduct, or (iii) a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the indemnity was not liable by reason of Disabling Conduct by (a) a vote of a majority of a quorum of Trustees who are neither “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act nor parties to the proceeding (the “Disinterested Trustees”), or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. Expenses, including accountants’ and counsel fees so incurred by any such Covered Person (but excluding amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines or penalties), may be paid from time to time by one or more Series to which the conduct in question related in advance of the final disposition of any such action, suit or proceeding; provided that the Covered Person shall have undertaken to repay the amounts so paid to such Series if it is ultimately determined that indemnification of such expenses is not authorized under this Article 8 and (i) the Covered Person shall have provided security for such undertaking, (ii) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (iii) a majority of a quorum of the disinterested Trustees, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

The Registrant has also entered into Indemnification Agreements with each of its trustees which provide that the Registrant shall advance expenses and indemnify and hold harmless each trustee in certain circumstances against any expenses incurred by a trustee in any proceeding arising out of or in connection with the trustee’s service to the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and which provide for certain procedures in connection with such advancement of expenses and indemnification.

 

 

 

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and IMST Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), the Trust has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor, and each of its present or former directors, members, officers, employees, representatives and any person who controls or previously controlled the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (“Distributor Indemnitees”), free and harmless (a) from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, payments, costs and expenses (including the costs of investigating or defending any alleged losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, payments, costs or expenses and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) of any and every nature (“Losses”) which Distributor and/or each of the Distributor Indemnitees may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, any other statute (including Blue Sky laws) or any rule or regulation thereunder, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact contained in the registration statement or any prospectus, an annual or interim report to shareholders or sales literature, or any amendments or supplements thereto, or arising out of or based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Trust’s obligation to indemnify Distributor and any of the Distributor Indemnitees shall not be deemed to cover any Losses arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Distributor and furnished to the Trust or its counsel by Distributor in writing for the purpose of, and used in, the preparation thereof; (b) from and against any and all Losses which Distributor and/or each of the Distributor Indemnitees may incur in connection with this Agreement or the Distributor’s performance hereunder, except to the extent the Losses result from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, (c) from and against any and all Losses which Distributor and/or each of the Distributor Indemnitees may incur resulting from the actions or inactions of any prior service provider to the Trust or any Funds in existence prior to, and added to Schedule A after, the date of this Agreement, or (d) from and against any and all Losses which Distributor and/or each of the Distributor Indemnitees may incur when acting in accordance with instructions from the Trust or its representatives; and provided further that to the extent this agreement of indemnity may require indemnity of any Distributor Indemnitee who is also a trustee or officer of the Trust, no such indemnity shall inure to the benefit of such trustee or officer if to do so would be against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.

 

ITEM 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

With respect to the Advisor, the response to this Item will be incorporated by reference to the Advisor’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Advisor’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

 

 

ITEM 32.IMST DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

 

  (a) IMST Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 

  1. Investment Managers Series Trust

 

  2. Investment Managers Series Trust II

 

  (b) The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor. 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 04101

President, Treasurer and Manager None
Mark A. Fairbanks

Three Canal Plaza

Suite 100
Portland, ME 04101

Vice President None
Teresa Cowan

111 E. Kilbourn Avenue

Suite 2200

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Vice President None
Jennifer K. DiValerio

899 Cassatt Road

400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110

Berwyn, PA 19312

Vice President None
Susan K. Moscaritolo

899 Cassatt Road

400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110

Berwyn, PA 19312

Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer None
Kelly B. Whetstone

Three Canal Plaza

Suite 100
Portland, ME 04101

Secretary None

  (c) Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

ITEM 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.

 

The books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained at the following locations:

 

Records Relating to: Are located at:
Registrant’s Custodian, Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

50 Post Office Square

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Registrant’s Co-Administrators

Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226
Glendora, California 91740

 

UMB Fund Services, Inc.

235 West Galena Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

Registrant’s Advisor AXS Investments LLC
181 Westchester Avenue
Port Chester, New York 10573
Registrant’s Distributor IMST Distributors, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, Maine 04101

 

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 certifies that it has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, on the 25th day of January, 2022.

 

  INVESTMENT MANAGERS SERIES TRUST II  
       
  By:  /s/ Terrance Gallagher  
    Terrance Gallagher, President and Principal Executive Officer  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed on the 25th day of January, 2022, by the following persons in the capacities set forth below.

 

Signature   Title
     
   
Thomas Knipper   Trustee
     
   
Kathleen K. Shkuda   Trustee
     
   
Larry D. Tashjian   Trustee
     
   
John P. Zader   Trustee
     
   
Eric M. Banhazl   Trustee
     
/s/ Terrance P. Gallagher    
Terrence P. Gallagher   Trustee, President and Principal Executive Officer
     
/s/ Rita Dam    
Rita Dam   Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

 

By /s/ Rita Dam  

Attorney-in-fact, pursuant to power of attorney previously

with Post-Effective Amendment No. 270 filed on December 17, 2021.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibits Exhibit No.
Certificate of Designation – AXS 2X Innovation ETF EX99.28(a)(3)
Certificate of Designation – AXS Short China Internet ETF EX99.28(a)(4)