N-CSRS 1 fp0044987_ncsrs.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811- 07584

 

Rydex Series Funds

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Amy J. Lee

Rydex Series Funds
702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200
Rockville, Maryland 20850

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 1-301-296-5100

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

 

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2019

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

The registrant’s semi-annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), is as follows:

 

 

 

 

6.30.2019

 

Guggenheim Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

   

Rydex Commodities Fund

Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund

   

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. At any time, you may elect to receive reports and other communications from a fund electronically by calling 800.820.0888, going to GuggenheimInvestments.com/myaccount, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RDXSGIALT-SEMI-0619x1219

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

ALTERNATIVE FUND

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

9

COMMODITIES FUND

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

53

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

64

OTHER INFORMATION

86

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

91

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

96

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for two alternative strategy funds that are part of the Rydex Series Funds (each a “Fund”). This report covers performance of the Funds for the semi-annual period ended June 30, 2019.

 

The Investment Adviser is a part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

July 31, 2019

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/ or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

The Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund is subject to a number of risks and may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options and swap agreements may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risks and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. ● The Fund’s investments in high yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (“junk bonds”) may be subject to greater levels of interest rate, credit and liquidity risk than funds that do not invest in such securities. ● The Fund’s fixed income investments will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. ● The Fund’s exposure

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

to the commodity and currency markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility as commodity- and currency-linked derivative investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry, commodity or currency—such as droughts, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The Fund may also incur transaction costs with the conversion between various currencies. ● The Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. ● These risks may cause the Fund to experience higher losses and/or volatility than a fund that does not invest in derivatives, use leverage or short sales or have exposure to high yield/fixed income securities, foreign currencies and/or securities. ● This Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a more diversified Fund. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

The Commodities Strategy Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s exposure to the commodity markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility as commodity-linked investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity—such as droughts, floods, weather, embargos, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. To the extent that the Fund’s investments are concentrated in energy-related commodities, the Fund is subject to the risk that this sector will underperform the market as a whole. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives, such as futures, options, structured notes and swap agreements, may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or investments underlying those derivatives. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Fund is subject to tracking error risks, which may cause the Fund’s performance not to match that of or be lower than the Fund’s underlying benchmark. ● The Fund’s investments in other investment companies subjects the Fund to those risks affecting the investment company, including the possibility that the value of the underlying securities held by the investment company could decrease. Moreover, the Fund will incur its pro rata share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies’ expenses. ●This Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of Fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● See the prospectus for more information on these and additional risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

 

U.S. economic growth slowed to an annualized 2.1% in the second quarter from 3.1% in the first quarter. Personal consumption expenditures rebounded sharply, as expected, while government spending contributed an outsized 0.9% to growth, the most since mid-2009. However, negative contributions were seen from housing, business capital expenditures, inventory investment, and net exports. Looking ahead, we expect the economy to grow at a 2.0% pace in the third quarter.

 

The second quarter gross domestic product release also featured annual revisions to the five prior years of data, which showed that growth peaked in year-over-year terms in the second quarter of 2018, earlier than previously thought. An upwardly revised personal savings rate could give consumption room to run, while downwardly revised and shrinking corporate profits may continue to pressure investment spending and could begin to weigh more heavily on hiring.

 

With growth in the first half of the year coming in somewhat above potential, the labor market continued to strengthen, albeit at a slower pace than the year before. Net monthly payroll gains averaged 165,000 in the first half of 2019, down from 235,000 in the first half of 2018. This was enough to push the unemployment rate down by 0.2% to 3.7%. While the labor market remains strong, we believe the sharper slowdown in aggregate hours worked—a component of Guggenheim’s U.S. Recession Dashboard—may foreshadow a deterioration in labor market conditions in 2020.

 

After a weak start to the year, core inflation picked up in the second quarter but remained below the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) target at 1.8% annualized. We expect inflation to firm a bit further in the second half of 2019. The Fed is also closely watching inflation expectations, which currently sit below levels the Fed would like to see. After a 14% decline in the fourth quarter of 2018, stocks rebounded as the Fed’s pivot on monetary policy took hold, and the government shutdown was resolved.

 

Internationally, the European Central Bank kept policy rates constant but modified their forward guidance, noting that rates would remain at or below current levels until mid-2020 at the earliest. They also signaled a high probability of rate cuts and a resumption of asset purchases at the September meeting. In Japan, core inflation weakened in the second quarter to 0.6%, while industrial production and exports remained in contraction from year ago levels.

 

Although the U.S. economy is in good shape overall, on July 31, 2019, after the period ended, the Fed announced its first rate cut since 2008 amid growing downside risks to policymakers’ baseline growth and inflation forecasts. Key among these are slowing global growth, the threat of additional U.S.-China tariffs and a possible hard Brexit, the odds of which have increased with the ascendance of Boris Johnson as the U.K. Prime Minister. While a possible U.S. fiscal contraction in 2020 was averted by the recently-signed budget deal, we expect two more Fed rate cuts in 2019, as Chair Jerome Powell seeks to sustain the expansion. In our view, this could serve to embolden the White House to impose new tariffs on China and Europe later this year, which could in turn further cloud the outlook for global growth.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 18.54%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 14.03%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 10.58%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 6.11% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 9.94%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.24% for the six-month period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/ BB + or below.

 

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index is designed to be representative of the overall composition of the hedge fund universe. It is comprised of all eligible hedge fund strategies, including, but not limited to, convertible arbitrage, distressed securities, equity hedge, equity market neutral, event driven, macro, merger arbitrage and relative-value arbitrage. The strategies are asset weighted based on the distribution of assets in the hedge fund industry.

 

ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (S&P GSCI®), a benchmark for investment performance in the commodity markets, measures investable commodity price movements and inflation in the world economy. The index is calculated primarily on a world production weighted basis and is comprised of the principal physical commodities that are the subject of active, liquid futures markets.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning December 31, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019.

 

The following tables illustrate the Funds’ costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Funds’ expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
December 31,
2018

Ending
Account Value
June 30,
2019

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

A-Class

1.98%

4.01%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,040.10

$ 10.02

C-Class

2.71%

3.63%

1,000.00

1,036.30

13.68

P-Class

1.97%

4.04%

1,000.00

1,040.40

9.97

Institutional Class

1.73%

4.19%

1,000.00

1,041.90

8.76

Commodities Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.75%

11.30%

1,000.00

1,113.00

9.17

C-Class

2.51%

10.87%

1,000.00

1,108.70

13.12

H-Class

1.80%

11.27%

1,000.00

1,112.70

9.43

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

A-Class

1.98%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,014.98

$ 9.89

C-Class

2.71%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.36

13.51

P-Class

1.97%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.03

9.84

Institutional Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.22

8.65

Commodities Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.12

8.75

C-Class

2.51%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.35

12.52

H-Class

1.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.87

9.00

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest. This ratio represents net expenses which include interest and dividend expenses related to securities sold short. Excluding short interest and dividend expenses, the net expense ratio of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund would be 1.42%, 2.17%, 1.42% and 1.17% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class, respectively.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation with less risk than traditional equity funds.

 

Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 19, 2005

C-Class

September 19, 2005

P-Class

September 19, 2005

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

31.2%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

9.9%

Red Hat, Inc.

2.1%

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

1.7%

L3 Technologies, Inc.

1.5%

First Data Corp. — Class A

1.5%

Versum Materials, Inc.

1.3%

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

1.2%

Celgene Corp.

1.2%

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.

1.2%

Top Ten Total

52.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

4.01%

3.52%

1.57%

2.21%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(0.93%)

(1.40%)

0.59%

1.71%

C-Class Shares

3.63%

2.87%

0.83%

1.46%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

2.63%

1.87%

0.83%

1.46%

P-Class Shares

4.04%

3.61%

1.61%

2.23%

S&P 500 Index

18.54%

10.42%

10.71%

14.70%

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

4.22%

(1.95%)

(0.11%)

1.42%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/03/10)

Institutional Class Shares

4.19%

3.85%

1.82%

2.43%

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

4.22%

(1.95%)

(0.11%)

0.50%

S&P 500 Index

18.54%

10.42%

10.71%

12.60%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index and HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

6 month returns are not annualized.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

§

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

COMMON STOCKS - 29.0%

                 

Technology - 6.9%

Red Hat, Inc.*,1

    4,364     $ 819,385  

First Data Corp. — Class A*

    20,784       562,623  

Mellanox Technologies Ltd.*,1

    3,672       406,380  

Electronics for Imaging, Inc.*

    8,807       325,066  

Tableau Software, Inc. — Class A*

    1,474       244,714  

Aquantia Corp.*,1

    12,783       166,562  

Cypress Semiconductor Corp.1

    7,290       162,130  

Total Technology

            2,686,860  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 5.6%

Celgene Corp.*

    5,221       482,629  

Spark Therapeutics, Inc.*

    4,444       454,977  

Total System Services, Inc.

    2,544       326,319  

Worldpay, Inc. — Class A*,1

    2,283       279,781  

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*,1

    907       258,559  

Array BioPharma, Inc.*

    3,492       161,784  

LSC Communications, Inc.

    30,134       110,592  

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.*,1

    14,407       87,162  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    2,161,803  
                 

Financial - 5.2%

SunTrust Banks, Inc.1

    10,647       669,164  

Fidelity Southern Corp.

    13,093       405,490  

TCF Financial Corp.

    18,229       378,981  

LegacyTexas Financial Group, Inc.1

    6,242       254,112  

HFF, Inc. — Class A

    4,908       223,216  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    19,752       73,280  

Total Financial

            2,004,243  
                 

Communications - 4.3%

Tribune Media Co. — Class A

    8,957     413,992  

Finisar Corp.*

    17,510       400,454  

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.*,1

    10,116       332,917  

Shutterfly, Inc.*

    4,833       244,308  

Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    3,406       162,773  

Sprint Corp.*,1

    14,224       93,452  

Total Communications

            1,647,896  
                 

Industrial - 3.7%

L3 Technologies, Inc.

    2,402       588,898  

Global Brass & Copper Holdings, Inc.1

    7,675       335,628  

Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.*,1

    10,307       328,897  

Control4 Corp.*

    6,803       161,571  

Total Industrial

            1,414,994  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.3%

Versum Materials, Inc.

    9,627       496,561  
                 

Energy - 1.2%

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.1

    6,862       484,183  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.4%

Caesars Entertainment Corp.*

    13,867       163,908  
                 

Utilities - 0.4%

El Paso Electric Co.1

    2,457       160,688  
                 

Total Common Stocks

               

(Cost $11,298,528)

            11,221,136  
                 

MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS - 0.8%

Energy - 0.8%

Buckeye Partners, LP

    7,946       326,183  

Total Master Limited Partnerships

       

(Cost $323,739)

            326,183  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


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RIGHTS - 0.0%

Cushing Renaissance Fund*

    3     $ 1  

Total Rights

               

(Cost $—)

            1  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 41.3%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    486,801       12,082,398  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2

    154,594       3,832,389  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    5,085       50,648  

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $16,045,305)

            15,965,435  
                 

CLOSED-END FUNDS - 9.1%

Dividend and Income Fund

    5,486       63,199  

RMR Real Estate Income Fund

    1,797       32,939  

Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

    1,861       20,918  

General American Investors Company, Inc.

    581       20,620  

GDL Fund

    2,220       20,502  

Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc.

    1,232       20,377  

Cushing Energy Income Fund

    2,880       20,074  

BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund, Inc.

    1,702       19,964  

New Ireland Fund, Inc.

    2,177       19,528  

Franklin Universal Trust

    2,629       19,244  

Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.

    4,563       19,073  

Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund, Inc.

    1,490       19,072  

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

    2,168       18,623  

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc.

    2,183       18,577  

BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust3

    2,236       18,290  

Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.

    2,858       18,148  

Eagle Growth & Income Opportunities Fund3

    1,176       18,063  

Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.

    2,283       18,036  

Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund, Inc.

    759       17,958  

Korea Fund, Inc.

    622       17,938  

Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd.

    1,744       17,893  

Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc.

    657       17,870  

Kayne Anderson Midstream/Energy Fund, Inc.

    1,541       17,845  

Western Asset Inflation - Linked Securities & Income Fund

    1,527       17,790  

Source Capital, Inc.

    485       17,736  

Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc.

    1,145       17,690  

Bancroft Fund Ltd.

    788       17,651  

Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust

    1,673       17,617  

Nuveen North Carolina Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,318       17,569  

First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund

    1,167       17,528  

Nuveen Maryland Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,346       17,444  

Delaware Investments Minnesota Municipal Income Fund II, Inc.

    1,355       17,425  

PGIM Global High Yield Fund, Inc.

    1,204       17,398  

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,231     $ 17,357  

PGIM High Yield Bond Fund, Inc.

    1,186       17,351  

CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund

    2,307       17,279  

Aberdeen Global Dynamic Dividend Fund

    1,786       17,217  

Aberdeen Total Dynamic Dividend Fund

    2,061       17,189  

Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund, Inc.

    1,264       17,182  

Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund

    1,535       17,177  

New Germany Fund, Inc.

    1,209       17,144  

European Equity Fund, Inc.

    1,941       17,120  

Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust

    1,377       17,047  

Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund

    1,344       17,002  

Mexico Fund, Inc.

    1,236       16,995  

AllianzGI NFJ Dividend Interest & Premium Strategy Fund

    1,370       16,988  

Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,242       16,953  

First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund

    1,063       16,944  

Cushing MLP & Infrastructure Total Return Fund3

    1,657       16,918  

Nuveen Michigan Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,245       16,882  

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund

    1,530       16,876  

AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

    1,253       16,853  

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Debt Fund, Inc.

    2,435       16,826  

BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust

    2,992       16,815  

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Income Trust

    1,299       16,809  

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

    1,173       16,797  

ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    1,823       16,772  

First Trust Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund

    1,610       16,744  

BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust

    1,402       16,726  

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc.

    1,225       16,721  

Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,278       16,703  

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund/United States

    1,106       16,701  

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

    768       16,696  

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund

    1,190       16,684  

Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund, Inc.

    1,856       16,648  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


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Taiwan Fund, Inc.

    982     $ 16,645  

Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund3

    1,286       16,628  

Nuveen Texas Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,214       16,608  

First Trust New Opportunities MLP & Energy Fund

    1,757       16,604  

BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust

    1,546       16,589  

Royce Value Trust, Inc.

    1,191       16,579  

Neuberger Berman New York Municipal Fund, Inc.

    1,352       16,576  

Nuveen Senior Income Fund

    2,782       16,497  

Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund

    1,101       16,482  

Cohen & Steers Global Income Builder, Inc.

    1,845       16,476  

China Fund, Inc.

    813       16,455  

Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund3

    1,175       16,450  

Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc.

    2,349       16,443  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

    1,095       16,425  

Nuveen Global High Income Fund

    1,060       16,398  

BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.

    1,518       16,349  

Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund

    1,675       16,315  

Nuveen Virginia Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,252       16,314  

Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc.

    1,078       16,310  

LMP Capital and Income Fund, Inc.

    1,201       16,286  

Voya Infrastructure Industrials and Materials Fund

    1,307       16,272  

BlackRock MuniYield Michigan Quality Fund, Inc.

    1,183       16,254  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New Jersey Quality Fund, Inc.

    1,166       16,254  

Tekla Healthcare Investors

    809       16,245  

Nuveen Pennsylvania Municipal Value Fund

    1,120       16,240  

Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund

    911       16,234  

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc.

    1,378       16,233  

Neuberger Berman MLP & Energy Income Fund, Inc.

    2,160       16,222  

Nuveen California AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,109       16,191  

Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund

    956       16,185  

BlackRock Municipal Income Quality Trust

    1,175       16,168  

Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,166       16,161  

Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,169       16,144  

BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust

    1,244       16,135  

First Trust Dynamic Europe Equity Income Fund

    1,150       16,123  

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc.

    1,295     $ 16,097  

Royce Micro-Capital Trust, Inc.

    1,958       16,095  

Sprott Focus Trust, Inc.

    2,385       16,075  

Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund, Inc.

    991       16,049  

Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund

    1,626       16,016  

BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc.

    1,273       15,989  

ClearBridge MLP & Midstream Total Return Fund, Inc.

    1,704       15,984  

MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust

    1,670       15,982  

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

    1,713       15,965  

Wells Fargo Income Opportunities Fund

    1,937       15,961  

BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.

    1,488       15,951  

Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund

    1,178       15,950  

Nuveen Georgia Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,288       15,939  

Templeton Dragon Fund, Inc.

    829       15,933  

BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund III, Inc.3

    1,207       15,932  

Goldman Sachs MLP Energy and Renaissance Fund

    3,014       15,914  

BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund, Inc.

    1,252       15,913  

Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund

    1,172       15,904  

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Quality Trust

    1,195     15,893  

Voya Emerging Markets High Income Dividend Equity Fund

    2,044       15,861  

Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust

    1,109       15,859  

Virtus Total Return Fund, Inc.

    1,495       15,847  

BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund, Inc.

    1,204       15,845  

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

    987       15,841  

Tri-Continental Corp.

    587       15,831  

Kayne Anderson MLP/Midstream Investment Co.

    1,033       15,815  

Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc.

    5,083       15,808  

Lazard World Dividend & Income Fund, Inc.

    1,587       15,791  

Principal Real Estate Income Fund

    827       15,763  

BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust

    1,777       15,762  

BlackRock MuniHoldings Investment Quality Fund

    1,185       15,761  

John Hancock Investors Trust

    960       15,744  

BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund II, Inc.

    1,251       15,738  

Clough Global Opportunities Fund

    1,682       15,727  

Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund

    1,404       15,711  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

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Nuveen Ohio Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,054     $ 15,699  

Voya Global Advantage and Premium Opportunity Fund

    1,465       15,676  

Tortoise Pipeline & Energy Fund, Inc.

    1,090       15,663  

Aberdeen Global Premier Properties Fund

    2,493       15,606  

Western Asset High Income Fund II, Inc.

    2,221       15,591  

DWS Municipal Income Trust

    1,381       15,564  

AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund

    719       15,559  

Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend & Income Fund

    1,571       15,553  

Western Asset Municipal Partners Fund, Inc.3

    1,042       15,526  

Delaware Investments National Municipal Income Fund

    1,175       15,522  

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund

    2,267       15,484  

MFS Charter Income Trust

    1,899       15,477  

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund

    1,952       15,460  

Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust

    820       15,432  

Nuveen Diversified Dividend & Income Fund

    1,448       15,421  

DTF Tax-Free Income, Inc.

    1,114       15,418  

Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund, Inc.

    2,994       15,374  

Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,061       15,363  

Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    895       15,349  

BlackRock Municipal 2030 Target Term Trust

    660       15,332  

Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc.

    730       15,308  

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    2,984       15,308  

BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust

    877       15,304  

Voya Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund

    2,344       15,283  

Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

    704       15,256  

Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust

    1,226       15,251  

Federated Premier Municipal Income Fund

    1,106       15,207  

Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund

    1,486       15,187  

Nuveen All Capital Energy MLP Opportunities Fund

    2,453       15,184  

India Fund, Inc.

    713       15,173  

ClearBridge MLP & Midstream Fund, Inc.

    1,265       15,117  

BNY Mellon High Yield Strategies Fund

    4,937       15,107  

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund

    1,258       15,071  

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

MFS Multimarket Income Trust

    2,585     $ 15,071  

Cushing Renaissance Fund3

    1,068       15,059  

Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

    821       15,049  

Madison Covered Call & Equity Strategy Fund

    2,276       15,044  

First Trust Aberdeen Emerging Opportunity Fund

    1,070       15,044  

Western Asset Global High Income Fund, Inc.

    1,515       15,044  

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc.

    2,056       15,029  

Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund

    2,044       14,983  

Cohen & Steers REIT and Preferred and Income Fund, Inc.

    692       14,961  

Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust, Inc.

    1,708       14,945  

Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    998       14,940  

Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc.

    686       14,879  

BlackRock New York Municipal Income Trust II

    1,075       14,867  

Voya Asia Pacific High Dividend Equity Income Fund

    1,609       14,851  

Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund, Inc.

    967       14,805  

BNY Mellon Municipal Income, Inc.

    1,736       14,791  

BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc.

    935       14,773  

BlackRock Core Bond Trust

    1,049       14,749  

Wells Fargo Multi-Sector Income Fund

    1,175       14,735  

Nuveen Connecticut Quality Municipal Income Fund

    1,133       14,695  

Nuveen Energy MLP Total Return Fund

    1,613       14,694  

Pioneer High Income Trust

    1,631       14,679  

Liberty All-Star Equity Fund

    2,286       14,676  

DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust

    1,233       14,660  

Liberty All Star Growth Fund, Inc.

    2,517       14,649  

First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund

    642       14,605  

Eaton Vance Municipal Bond Fund

    1,174       14,593  

Invesco High Income Trust II

    1,007       14,591  

Putnam Municipal Opportunities Trust

    1,152       14,584  

Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund

    1,387       14,563  

Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, Inc.

    1,244       14,555  

GAMCO Natural Resources Gold & Income Trust

    2,499       14,544  

Mexico Equity & Income Fund, Inc.

    1,294       14,363  

Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund, Inc.

    985       14,361  

Clough Global Equity Fund

    1,118       14,299  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Wells Fargo Global Dividend Opportunity Fund

    2,606     $ 14,281  

Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust

    3,108       14,266  

Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund

    1,126       14,255  

Cohen & Steers MLP Income and Energy Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    1,491       14,120  

Putnam Managed Municipal Income Trust

    1,850       14,116  

Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust

    1,151       14,042  

Nuveen Municipal Credit Income Fund

    876       13,797  

Nuveen New York Municipal Value Fund 2

    957       13,695  

Nuveen New Jersey Municipal Value Fund

    994       13,240  

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund

    712       10,723  

Total Closed-End Funds

               

(Cost $3,238,126)

            3,502,541  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 16.2%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

2.12% due 07/16/191,5,6

  $ 4,850,000       4,845,860  

2.11% due 07/16/194,5

    1,417,000       1,415,790  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

               

(Cost $6,261,278)

            6,261,650  

                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,7 - 1.2%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
issued 06/28/19 at 2.53%
due 07/01/19

    298,978       298,978  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
issued 06/28/19 at 2.48%
due 07/01/19

    74,272       74,272  

Barclays Capital
issued 06/28/19 at 2.40%
due 07/01/19

    74,272       74,272  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $447,522)

            447,522  
                 
   

Shares

         
                 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,8 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 2.26%9

    60,689       60,689  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

               

(Cost $60,689)

            60,689  
                 

Total Investments - 97.8%

               

(Cost $37,675,187)

          $ 37,785,157  
                 

COMMON STOCKS SOLD SHORT - (12.7%)

                 

Consumer, Cyclical - (0.1)%

Eldorado Resorts, Inc.*

    1,247       (57,449 )
                 

Energy - (0.3)%

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    2,013       (101,214 )
                 

Communications - (0.7)%

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    1,459       (108,170 )

Expedia Group, Inc.

    1,226       (163,095 )

Total Communications

            (271,265 )

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Industrial - (1.9)%

II-VI, Inc.*

    3,884     $ (141,999 )

Harris Corp.

    3,123       (590,653 )

Total Industrial

            (732,652 )
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - (2.3)%

Quad/Graphics, Inc.

    18,834       (148,977 )

Centene Corp.*

    3,066       (160,781 )

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    5,221       (236,772 )

Global Payments, Inc.

    2,061       (330,028 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    (876,558 )
                 

Technology - (2.8)%

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    1,626       (246,713 )

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    2,120       (260,082 )

Fiserv, Inc.*

    6,298       (574,126 )

Total Technology

            (1,080,921 )
                 

Financial - (4.6)%

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    739       (103,970 )

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    3,296       (217,701 )

Chemical Financial Corp.

    9,262       (380,761 )

Ameris Bancorp

    10,474       (410,476 )

BB&T Corp.

    13,788       (677,404 )

Total Financial

            (1,790,312 )
                 

Total Common Stocks Sold Short

       

(Proceeds $4,941,117)

            (4,910,371 )
 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS SOLD SHORT - (9.3%)

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

    13       (3,809 )

Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund

    54       (4,214 )

Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund

    125       (14,900 )

Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund

    196       (15,174 )

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF

    285       (17,063 )

Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund

    294       (17,199 )

iShares MSCI Australia ETF

    1,454       (32,773 )

Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund

    701       (40,707 )

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1

    233       (43,510 )

VanEck Vectors Russia ETF

    1,874       (44,283 )

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    1,108       (47,544 )

Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund

    524       (48,543 )

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF

    390       (49,616 )

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF

    318       (50,034 )

iShares MSCI Japan ETF

    1,017       (55,508 )

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF

    1,372       (59,517 )

iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF

    1,746       (61,040 )

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

    2,476       (63,287 )

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF

    2,185       (70,619 )

iShares China Large-Capital ETF

    1,766       (75,532 )

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund

    3,454       (95,331 )

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

    1,545       (101,553 )

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF

    805       (106,912 )

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF

    827       (128,599 )

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF

    1,126       (140,041 )

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

    1,702       (148,601 )

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    1,723       (198,989 )

Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund

    3,735       (222,718 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

    2,029     $ (225,929 )

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund

    4,631       (295,041 )

iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    2,936       (323,019 )

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF

    7,092       (772,603 )

Total Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

       

(Proceeds $3,694,356)

            (3,574,208 )

Total Securities Sold Short - (22.0)%

       

(Proceeds $8,635,473)

          $ (8,484,579 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 24.2%

    9,369,845  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

          $ 38,670,423  

  

Futures Contracts

Description

Number of
Contracts

Expiration
Date

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
**

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

21

Sep 2019

  $ 1,487,581     $ 168,849  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

89

Sep 2019

    1,254,971       24,404  

Gold 100 oz. Futures Contracts

3

Aug 2019

    424,320       9,706  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

21

Feb 2020

    317,520       6,060  

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

1

Aug 2019

    68,350       434  

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

1

Dec 2019

    33,020       (178 )

WTI Crude Futures Contracts

2

Jul 2019

    116,000       (2,791 )

Brent Crude Futures Contracts

2

Jul 2019

    128,400       (3,003 )

Corn Futures Contracts

5

Sep 2019

    106,625       (5,765 )

Cocoa Futures Contracts

8

Sep 2019

    194,800       (7,615 )

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

7

Aug 2019

    213,780       (11,661 )

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

36

Aug 2019

    823,680       (26,612 )

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

74

Oct 2019

    3,127,240       (55,340 )
        $ 8,296,287     $ 96,488  

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

Number of
Contracts

Expiration
Date

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts

24

Sep 2019

  $ 3,070,125     $ 27,285  

Euro - BTP Italian Government Bond Futures Contracts††

2

Sep 2019

    304,800       12,687  

Euro - 30 year Bond Futures Contracts

1

Sep 2019

    230,664       9,356  

Australian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

12

Sep 2019

    1,207,920       6,294  

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures Contracts

2

Sep 2019

    311,000       4,270  

Euro - OATS Futures Contracts††

14

Sep 2019

    2,625,159       3,575  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

1

Sep 2019

    177,406       217  
        $ 7,927,074     $ 63,684  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

41

Sep 2019

  $ 3,135,065     $ 38,365  

New Zealand Dollar Futures Contracts

4

Sep 2019

    269,080       4,241  

British Pound Futures Contracts

8

Sep 2019

    637,100       (357 )
        $ 4,041,245     $ 42,249  

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

                   

FTSE MIB Index Futures Contracts††

1

Sep 2019

  $ 120,337     $ 3,918  

SPI 200 Index Futures Contracts

5

Sep 2019

    576,727       3,168  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures Contracts

10

Jul 2019

    174,804       2,975  

CAC 40 10 Euro Index Futures Contracts

4

Jul 2019

    251,501       936  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Index Futures Contracts

4

Sep 2019

    596,546       272  

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contracts

1

Sep 2019

    93,602       35  

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

1

Sep 2019

    153,875       (14 )

Amsterdam Index Futures Contracts

2

Jul 2019

    255,005       (85 )

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

2

Sep 2019

    294,325       (179 )

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts

7

Sep 2019

    275,478       (488 )

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

100

Jul 2019

    1,597,000       (39,345 )
        $ 4,389,200     $ (28,807 )

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

                   

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

106

Aug 2019

  $ 1,782,920     $ 23,415  

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

58

Sep 2019

    995,280       22,627  

Tokyo Stock Price Index Futures Contracts

3

Sep 2019

    431,732       3,737  

Nikkei 225 (OSE) Index Futures Contracts

1

Sep 2019

    197,291       (366 )

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

2

Sep 2019

    156,760       (1,888 )
        $ 3,563,983     $ 47,525  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

Number of
Contracts

Expiration
Date

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts

5

Sep 2019

  $ 982,256     $ 61  

Long Gilt Futures Contracts††

9

Sep 2019

    1,489,389       (123 )

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

10

Sep 2019

    1,091,830       (422 )
        $ 3,563,475     $ (484 )

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

Euro FX Futures Contracts

2

Sep 2019

  $ 286,038     $ 79  

Australian Dollar Futures Contracts

18

Sep 2019

    1,266,840       (12,055 )

Swiss Franc Futures Contracts

52

Sep 2019

    6,705,400       (111,248 )
        $ 8,258,278     $ (123,224 )

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

85

Dec 2019

  $ 3,755,300     $ 56,850  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

36

Sep 2019

    834,480       25,218  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

21

Jul 2019

    485,730       11,944  

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

12

Aug 2019

    500,280       5,483  

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

12

Dec 2019

    386,640       3,454  

Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures Contracts

2

Sep 2019

    46,250       1,569  

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

6

May 2020

    202,410       1,066  

LME Primary Aluminum Futures Contracts

5

Aug 2019

    224,075       (1,278 )

LME Lead Futures Contracts

2

Aug 2019

    96,542       (1,548 )

Silver Futures Contracts

1

Sep 2019

    76,775       (2,648 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures Contracts

1

Sep 2019

    41,100       (3,041 )

LME Nickel Futures Contracts

1

Aug 2019

    76,056       (5,173 )

Soybean Futures Contracts

9

Nov 2019

    415,462       (6,102 )

Soybean Oil Futures Contracts

30

Dec 2019

    518,940       (9,618 )

Low Sulphur Gas Oil Futures Contracts

6

Aug 2019

    353,250       (10,835 )

NY Harbor ULSD Futures Contracts

4

Jul 2019

    324,190       (16,025 )

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

130

Apr 2020

    1,980,160       (38,998 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

15

Jul 2019

    1,187,676       (141,914 )
        $ 11,505,316     $ (131,596 )

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference
Obligation

 

Financing
Rate Pay
(Receive)

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Equity Market Neutral Long Custom Basket Swap10

    2.78%       At Maturity       08/31/23     $ 8,494,668     $ 616,667  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Long/Short Equity Long Custom Basket Swap11

    2.78%       At Maturity       08/31/23       6,271,239       202,189  

Goldman Sachs International

Long/Short Equity Long Custom Basket Swap14

    2.83%       At Maturity       05/06/24       6,346,894       143,445  

Goldman Sachs International

Equity Market Neutral Long Custom Basket Swap15

    2.83%       At Maturity       05/06/24       8,020,405       (36,323 )
                              $ 29,133,206     $ 925,978  

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Long/Short Equity Short Custom Basket Swap12

    (2.08%)       At Maturity       08/31/23     $ 5,131,746     $ (104,843 )

Goldman Sachs International

Long/Short Equity Short Custom Basket Swap16

    (2.18%)       At Maturity       05/06/24       5,042,858       (59,780 )

Goldman Sachs International

Equity Market Neutral Short Custom Basket Swap17

    (2.04%)       At Maturity       05/06/24       8,227,602       135,920  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

Equity Market Neutral Short Custom Basket Swap13

    (1.95%)       At Maturity       08/31/23       8,255,004       171,970  
                              $ 26,657,210     $ 143,267  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES10

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    1,900       4.57 %   $ 82,924  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    3,145       4.75 %     64,966  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    8,978       4.27 %     59,159  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    15,002       4.72 %     58,957  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    2,603       3.72 %     51,941  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    15,987       4.58 %     47,664  

Terreno Realty Corp.

    6,198       3.58 %     44,641  

Equity Residential

    4,402       3.93 %     44,352  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    3,376       5.18 %     43,739  

Equinix, Inc.

    764       4.54 %     42,638  

Americold Realty Trust

    14,629       5.58 %     41,382  

HCP, Inc.

    9,838       3.70 %     41,282  

Ventas, Inc.

    4,758       3.83 %     32,867  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    6,048       2.37 %     13,634  

InterXion Holding N.V.*

    4,871       4.36 %     13,297  

MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A

    6,544       2.36 %     12,520  

JBG SMITH Properties

    6,431       2.98 %     10,846  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    16,206       4.20 %     3,265  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    9,238       4.00 %     2,391  

CubeSmart

    6,208       2.44 %     (170 )

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    28,853       3.10 %   (309 )

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A

    6,123       2.56 %     (3,128 )

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    1,984       3.01 %     (4,295 )

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    7,114       2.29 %     (5,510 )

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    4,871       2.07 %     (5,733 )

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    7,992       2.95 %     (17,271 )

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    11,074       1.79 %     (28,387 )

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    7,754       2.57 %     (30,995 )

Total Custom Basket of Long Securities

  $ 616,667  
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES13

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    (14,455 )     (2.84 %)   $ 88,434  

Washington Prime Group, Inc.

    (41,101 )     (1.90 %)     65,624  

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

    (20,377 )     (0.73 %)     46,550  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    (17,348 )     (3.01 %)     38,250  

Hospitality Properties Trust

    (11,286 )     (3.42 %)     36,211  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    (2,242 )     (2.18 %)     23,390  

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    (13,722 )     (2.75 %)     23,188  

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

Physicians Realty Trust

    (16,440 )     (3.47 %)   $ 22,890  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    (5,352 )     (5.67 %)     15,321  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    (13,989 )     (3.53 %)     13,960  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    (1,995 )     (1.17 %)     6,847  

Vornado Realty Trust

    (3,834 )     (2.98 %)     6,840  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    (6,440 )     (2.44 %)     5,403  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    (11,736 )     (2.61 %)     3,271  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    (2,734 )     (3.90 %)     791  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    (3,258 )     (1.25 %)     736  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    (16,057 )     (3.88 %)     618  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    (11,404 )     (2.47 %)     563  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    (10,554 )     (2.29 %)     (990 )

Kimco Realty Corp.

    (14,158 )     (3.17 %)     (2,591 )

CyrusOne, Inc.

    (3,112 )     (2.18 %)     (3,112 )

VEREIT, Inc.

    (29,592 )     (3.23 %)     (6,229 )

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    (4,142 )     (2.57 %)     (10,147 )

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

    (15,908 )     (16.83 %)     (13,014 )

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    (2,306 )     (3.92 %)     (20,824 )

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    (19,481 )     (2.73 %)     (23,516 )

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    (5,825 )     (2.92 %)     (24,363 )

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    (1,749 )     (2.07 %)   (28,149 )

Prologis, Inc.

    (3,568 )     (3.46 %)     (28,590 )

PS Business Parks, Inc.

    (2,169 )     (4.43 %)     (65,392 )

Total Custom Basket of Short Securities

  $ 171,970  
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES11

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    503       1.07 %   $ 13,609  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    1,846       0.75 %     12,737  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    960       1.25 %     12,125  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    612       0.79 %     11,857  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    859       1.15 %     10,102  

Portland General Electric Co.

    1,273       1.10 %     9,891  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    742       1.11 %     9,781  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    3,857       1.28 %     9,667  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    1,221       0.79 %     9,440  

TEGNA, Inc.

    2,588       0.63 %     9,278  

Baxter International, Inc.

    550       0.72 %     9,240  

CSX Corp.

    599       0.74 %     8,495  

AES Corp.

    2,444       0.65 %     8,065  

Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A

    1,577       1.26 %     7,812  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    486       0.91 %     7,779  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    244       0.61 %     7,704  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    203       0.65 %     7,691  

ONEOK, Inc.

    1,089       1.19 %     7,644  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
                         

Allergan plc

    264       0.70 %   $ 7,630  

Cummins, Inc.

    253       0.69 %     7,474  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    1,023       0.59 %     6,915  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    1,248       0.85 %     6,793  

McKesson Corp.

    577       1.24 %     6,165  

AT&T, Inc.

    1,457       0.78 %     5,698  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    575       0.71 %     5,570  

Discovery, Inc. — Class A*

    1,873       0.92 %     5,312  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    546       0.44 %     5,212  

Medtronic plc

    774       1.20 %     4,805  

Chevron Corp.

    647       1.28 %     4,637  

Kansas City Southern

    207       0.40 %     4,615  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    3,091       0.91 %     4,539  

Oshkosh Corp.

    340       0.45 %     4,498  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    110       0.55 %     4,401  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    85       0.26 %     4,387  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    3,682       1.02 %     4,327  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    322       0.53 %     4,123  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    278       0.43 %     4,047  

Exelon Corp.

    879       0.67 %     4,009  

AMERCO

    101       0.61 %     3,854  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    327       0.44 %     3,838  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    1,066       0.96 %     3,726  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    820       0.30 %     3,611  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,144       1.04 %     3,287  

SkyWest, Inc.

    372       0.36 %     3,262  

JM Smucker Co.

    199       0.37 %     3,167  

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    380       0.63 %     3,130  

Hologic, Inc.*

    974       0.75 %     3,085  

Pfizer, Inc.

    1,630       1.13 %     2,934  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    209       0.48 %     2,842  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    507       0.58 %     2,772  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    229       0.50 %     2,666  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    460       0.76 %     2,636  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    120       0.43 %     2,627  

Oracle Corp.

    291       0.26 %     2,568  

MetLife, Inc.

    329       0.26 %     2,504  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    157       0.25 %     2,468  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    747       0.67 %     2,414  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    294       0.26 %     2,359  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    185       0.74 %     2,328  

US Foods Holding Corp.*

    529       0.30 %     2,183  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    493       0.67 %     2,168  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    486       0.61 %     2,161  

Kennametal, Inc.

    828       0.49 %     2,160  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    2,660       1.19 %     2,072  

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
                         

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    292       0.35 %   $ 1,998  

Textron, Inc.

    589       0.50 %     1,866  

Sysco Corp.

    502       0.57 %     1,823  

PACCAR, Inc.

    366       0.42 %     1,739  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    1,145       0.85 %     1,735  

Equity Commonwealth

    2,450       1.27 %     1,711  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    140       0.25 %     1,631  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    1,163       0.34 %     1,540  

Abbott Laboratories

    270       0.36 %     1,514  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,029       1.11 %     1,511  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    426       0.29 %     1,458  

CVS Health Corp.

    1,027       0.89 %     1,457  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    1,259       0.66 %     1,363  

Avnet, Inc.

    409       0.30 %     1,342  

Landstar System, Inc.

    370       0.64 %     1,303  

Forward Air Corp.

    430       0.41 %     1,247  

Diodes, Inc.*

    468       0.27 %     1,175  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    578       0.59 %     1,153  

General Mills, Inc.

    538       0.45 %     1,129  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    211       0.57 %     1,119  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    786       0.57 %     1,063  

News Corp. — Class A

    1,471       0.32 %     1,060  

Biogen, Inc.*

    158       0.59 %     1,053  

Clorox Co.

    219       0.53 %     1,042  

Northern Trust Corp.

    167       0.24 %     1,034  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.*

    415       0.45 %     931  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    139       0.33 %     846  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    27       0.47 %     837  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    160       0.33 %     765  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    696       0.66 %     714  

Ameren Corp.

    755       0.90 %     704  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    116       0.36 %     630  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*

    94       0.26 %     610  

Masco Corp.

    502       0.31 %     603  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    194       0.34 %     600  

Johnson & Johnson

    300       0.67 %     481  

Saia, Inc.*

    525       0.54 %     471  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    375       0.78 %     463  

Southern Co.

    289       0.25 %     376  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.*

    510       0.71 %     355  

Phillips 66

    617       0.92 %     191  

HCP, Inc.

    1,710       0.87 %     116  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    492       0.37 %     100  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    2,339       0.74 %     94  

Deluxe Corp.

    630       0.41 %     9  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
                         

Southwest Airlines Co.

    965       0.78 %   $ (4 )

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    962       0.28 %     (38 )

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

    397       0.26 %     (109 )

Echo Global Logistics, Inc.*

    1,165       0.39 %     (110 )

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    1,187       0.73 %     (153 )

PPL Corp.

    1,898       0.94 %     (287 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    932       0.63 %     (327 )

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    289       0.32 %     (498 )

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    532       0.36 %     (502 )

Innoviva, Inc.*

    1,514       0.35 %     (608 )

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    910       0.32 %     (639 )

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    1,349       0.24 %     (740 )

Waters Corp.*

    108       0.37 %     (1,028 )

B&G Foods, Inc.

    801       0.27 %     (1,105 )

Meredith Corp.

    526       0.46 %     (1,155 )

Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B

    953       0.85 %     (1,243 )

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,031       1.26 %     (1,370 )

Domtar Corp.

    424       0.30 %     (1,550 )

Targa Resources Corp.

    671       0.42 %     (1,609 )

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    1,032       0.69 %     (1,717 )

Amgen, Inc.

    402       1.18 %     (1,719 )

InterDigital, Inc.

    233       0.24 %     (2,001 )

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    670       0.26 %     (2,061 )

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

    655       0.38 %     (2,206 )

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    401       0.58 %     (2,211 )

NRG Energy, Inc.

    435       0.24 %     (2,383 )

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    851       0.64 %     (2,453 )

Lear Corp.

    159       0.35 %     (2,517 )

MSG Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    1,702       0.56 %     (2,652 )

Hospitality Properties Trust

    1,067       0.43 %     (2,714 )

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    1,142       0.57 %     (2,812 )

ATN International, Inc.

    500       0.46 %     (3,056 )

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

    1,610       0.29 %     (3,088 )

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    884       0.77 %     (3,098 )

Heartland Express, Inc.

    1,987       0.57 %     (3,176 )

National Fuel Gas Co.

    1,252       1.05 %     (3,481 )

New Media Investment Group, Inc.

    1,641       0.25 %     (3,497 )

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    940       0.47 %     (3,566 )

Vector Group Ltd.

    3,311       0.51 %     (3,760 )

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    299       0.26 %     (3,939 )

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    974       0.26 %     (4,453 )

Unit Corp.*

    2,255       0.32 %     (4,673 )

Scholastic Corp.

    981       0.52 %     (4,799 )

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    336       0.26 %     (5,459 )

Kraft Heinz Co.

    662       0.33 %     (5,468 )

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

Valero Energy Corp.

    635       0.87 %   $ (5,530 )

HollyFrontier Corp.

    1,203       0.89 %     (6,157 )

Schneider National, Inc. — Class B

    2,096       0.61 %     (6,970 )

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    734       0.50 %     (7,522 )

Kroger Co.

    1,462       0.51 %     (7,584 )

Ingredion, Inc.

    750       0.99 %     (7,605 )

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A

    1,619       0.32 %     (8,819 )

Mylan N.V.*

    796       0.24 %     (9,535 )

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.*

    1,458       0.37 %     (9,970 )

FedEx Corp.

    465       1.22 %     (13,327 )

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    1,834       1.19 %     (14,616 )

Total Custom Basket of Long Securities

  $ 202,189  
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES12

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    (1,416 )     (0.61 %)   $ 34,227  

Core Laboratories N.V.

    (562 )     (0.57 %)     17,702  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    (634 )     (0.66 %)     9,693  

Commercial Metals Co.

    (2,404 )     (0.85 %)     9,015  

Old National Bancorp

    (3,170 )     (1.03 %)     7,060  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    (191 )     (0.76 %)     6,162  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    (982 )     (0.40 %)     6,000  

Valley National Bancorp

    (5,643 )     (1.20 %)     5,362  

Balchem Corp.

    (403 )     (0.79 %)     4,441  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    (2,365 )     (0.46 %)   4,338  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    (524 )     (0.56 %)     3,982  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    (1,971 )     (0.64 %)     3,410  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    (242 )     (0.64 %)     3,410  

Southern Copper Corp.

    (1,098 )     (0.83 %)     3,391  

Nutanix, Inc. — Class A*

    (279 )     (0.14 %)     3,249  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    (573 )     (0.45 %)     2,939  

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    (348 )     (1.03 %)     2,832  

Concho Resources, Inc.

    (313 )     (0.63 %)     2,734  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    (2,650 )     (0.76 %)     2,703  

RPM International, Inc.

    (375 )     (0.45 %)     2,396  

FireEye, Inc.*

    (1,211 )     (0.35 %)     2,285  

Paychex, Inc.

    (401 )     (0.64 %)     2,046  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    (1,540 )     (1.00 %)     2,003  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    (1,658 )     (0.46 %)     1,997  

CVB Financial Corp.

    (1,707 )     (0.70 %)     1,951  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    (177 )     (0.56 %)     1,939  

Agree Realty Corp.

    (833 )     (1.04 %)     1,914  

New Residential Investment Corp.

    (1,351 )     (0.41 %)     1,653  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    (174 )     (0.18 %)     1,321  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
                         

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    (11 )     (0.41 %)   $ 1,310  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    (212 )     (0.40 %)     1,297  

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.*

    (1,613 )     (0.79 %)     1,268  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    (1,061 )     (0.34 %)     1,264  

Rollins, Inc.

    (662 )     (0.46 %)     1,092  

First Republic Bank

    (261 )     (0.50 %)     1,028  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    (256 )     (0.37 %)     958  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    (196 )     (0.19 %)     947  

BOK Financial Corp.

    (466 )     (0.69 %)     884  

Fortive Corp.

    (543 )     (0.86 %)     861  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    (120 )     (0.30 %)     555  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    (286 )     (0.61 %)     439  

Guidewire Software, Inc.*

    (472 )     (0.93 %)     419  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    (1,216 )     (0.73 %)     408  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    (358 )     (0.32 %)     381  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    (136 )     (0.31 %)     380  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    (528 )     (0.32 %)     377  

MongoDB, Inc.*

    (66 )     (0.20 %)     362  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    (133 )     (0.56 %)     278  

NewMarket Corp.

    (100 )     (0.78 %)     261  

Equity Residential

    (242 )     (0.36 %)     186  

WesBanco, Inc.

    (419 )     (0.31 %)     186  
      Shares       Percentage Notional Amount       Value and Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)  
                         

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    (37 )     (0.20 %)     119  

WP Carey, Inc.

    (323 )     (0.51 %)     94  

Columbia Financial, Inc.*

    (1,064 )     (0.31 %)     60  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A*

    (76 )     (0.20 %)     52  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    (17 )     (0.20 %)     30  

Livent Corp.*

    (1 )     0.00 %     5  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    (1 )     0.00 %     2  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    (61 )     (0.20 %)     (1 )

BankUnited, Inc.

    (823 )     (0.54 %)     (24 )

Elastic N.V.*

    (138 )     (0.20 %)     (25 )

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    (50 )     (0.20 %)     (28 )

VeriSign, Inc.*

    (50 )     (0.20 %)     (57 )

Trade Desk, Inc. — Class A*

    (46 )     (0.20 %)     (61 )

Blackline, Inc.*

    (195 )     (0.20 %)     (118 )

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    (189 )     (0.31 %)     (166 )

STORE Capital Corp.

    (1,269 )     (0.82 %)     (169 )

PTC, Inc.*

    (509 )     (0.89 %)     (186 )

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    (111 )     (0.20 %)     (212 )

Anaplan, Inc.*

    (207 )     (0.20 %)     (216 )

Okta, Inc.*

    (85 )     (0.20 %)     (220 )

Q2 Holdings, Inc.*

    (138 )     (0.21 %)     (225 )

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    (1,233 )     (1.86 %)     (234 )

RingCentral, Inc. — Class A*

    (93 )     (0.21 %)     (242 )

Zendesk, Inc.*

    (117 )     (0.20 %)     (254 )

Everbridge, Inc.*

    (116 )     (0.20 %)     (275 )

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    (67 )     (0.21 %)     (358 )

Aspen Technology, Inc.*

    (86 )     (0.21 %)     (359 )

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
                         

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    (48 )     (0.21 %)   $ (379 )

Zscaler, Inc.*

    (141 )     (0.21 %)     (421 )

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    (323 )     (0.72 %)     (438 )

Atlassian Corporation plc — Class A*

    (83 )     (0.21 %)     (443 )

Alteryx, Inc. — Class A*

    (100 )     (0.21 %)     (463 )

Avalara, Inc.*

    (149 )     (0.21 %)     (471 )

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    (191 )     (0.37 %)     (480 )

Chegg, Inc.*

    (279 )     (0.21 %)     (499 )

Washington Federal, Inc.

    (624 )     (0.42 %)     (518 )

Coupa Software, Inc.*

    (86 )     (0.21 %)     (532 )

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A

    (712 )     (0.49 %)     (552 )

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    (164 )     (0.37 %)     (577 )

Universal Display Corp.

    (59 )     (0.22 %)     (632 )

Welltower, Inc.

    (443 )     (0.70 %)     (641 )

MFA Financial, Inc.

    (2,914 )     (0.41 %)     (655 )

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    (164 )     (0.65 %)     (678 )

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    (191 )     (0.38 %)     (687 )

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    (942 )     (0.73 %)     (697 )

Signature Bank

    (162 )     (0.38 %)     (705 )

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    (212 )     (0.44 %)     (790 )

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    (1,463 )     (0.96 %)   (805 )

Proofpoint, Inc.*

    (240 )     (0.56 %)     (820 )

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    (286 )     (0.54 %)     (821 )

CubeSmart

    (759 )     (0.49 %)     (874 )

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A*

    (213 )     (0.42 %)     (887 )

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    (208 )     (0.35 %)     (986 )

Sun Communities, Inc.

    (635 )     (1.59 %)     (994 )

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    (54 )     (0.33 %)     (1,005 )

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    (299 )     (0.35 %)     (1,110 )

Avery Dennison Corp.

    (189 )     (0.43 %)     (1,157 )

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    (1,577 )     (0.51 %)     (1,170 )

McDonald’s Corp.

    (139 )     (0.56 %)     (1,174 )

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    (63 )     (0.68 %)     (1,329 )

Adobe, Inc.*

    (124 )     (0.71 %)     (1,398 )

Atmos Energy Corp.

    (203 )     (0.42 %)     (1,481 )

Cintas Corp.

    (141 )     (0.65 %)     (1,541 )

PPG Industries, Inc.

    (187 )     (0.43 %)     (1,598 )

Camden Property Trust

    (390 )     (0.79 %)     (1,624 )

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    (227 )     (0.42 %)     (1,628 )

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    (168 )     (0.67 %)     (1,709 )

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    (54 )     (0.48 %)     (1,748 )

Realty Income Corp.

    (977 )     (1.31 %)     (1,755 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
                         

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    (587 )     (0.35 %)   $ (1,859 )

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    (414 )     (0.70 %)     (1,865 )

Crown Castle International Corp.

    (470 )     (1.19 %)     (1,947 )

Schlumberger Ltd.

    (1,649 )     (1.28 %)     (1,957 )

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    (3,713 )     (1.00 %)     (2,036 )

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    (1,198 )     (0.57 %)     (2,052 )

CyrusOne, Inc.

    (385 )     (0.43 %)     (2,119 )

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    (789 )     (0.47 %)     (2,307 )

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    (587 )     (0.29 %)     (2,431 )

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    (794 )     (0.57 %)     (2,478 )

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    (331 )     (0.51 %)     (2,594 )

IAA, Inc.*

    (587 )     (0.44 %)     (2,650 )

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    (63 )     (0.36 %)     (2,781 )

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    (282 )     (0.78 %)     (2,872 )

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    (326 )     (0.92 %)     (3,026 )

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    (302 )     (0.52 %)     (3,137 )

Liberty Property Trust

    (1,563 )     (1.52 %)     (3,266 )

UDR, Inc.

    (818 )     (0.72 %)     (3,369 )

Vulcan Materials Co.

    (142 )     (0.38 %)     (3,404 )

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    (110 )     (0.49 %)   (3,453 )

Linde plc

    (109 )     (0.43 %)     (3,530 )

Wingstop, Inc.

    (343 )     (0.63 %)     (3,669 )

WR Grace & Co.

    (949 )     (1.41 %)     (3,680 )

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    (1,165 )     (0.61 %)     (3,895 )

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    (780 )     (0.85 %)     (4,003 )

RLI Corp.

    (522 )     (0.87 %)     (4,562 )

Americold Realty Trust

    (1,494 )     (0.94 %)     (4,597 )

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    (60 )     (0.38 %)     (4,687 )

Pegasystems, Inc.

    (802 )     (1.11 %)     (4,790 )

IHS Markit Ltd.*

    (1,073 )     (1.33 %)     (5,142 )

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    (176 )     (0.91 %)     (5,155 )

Equinix, Inc.

    (80 )     (0.79 %)     (5,168 )

Woodward, Inc.

    (291 )     (0.64 %)     (5,441 )

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.*

    (207 )     (0.61 %)     (5,502 )

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    (182 )     (0.88 %)     (5,669 )

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    (519 )     (1.17 %)     (5,910 )

TransDigm Group, Inc.*

    (158 )     (1.49 %)     (6,040 )

Ball Corp.

    (539 )     (0.74 %)     (6,329 )

Materion Corp.

    (618 )     (0.82 %)     (6,413 )

TransUnion

    (877 )     (1.26 %)     (6,442 )

Pool Corp.

    (174 )     (0.65 %)     (6,805 )

SBA Communications Corp.*

    (334 )     (1.46 %)     (6,970 )

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    (399 )     (0.77 %)     (8,317 )

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    (380 )     (0.90 %)     (9,199 )

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

AptarGroup, Inc.

    (560 )     (1.36 %)   $ (11,067 )

Terreno Realty Corp.

    (1,163 )     (1.11 %)     (11,077 )

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    (210 )     (0.93 %)     (11,990 )

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    (2,080 )     (1.64 %)     (12,547 )

Total Custom Basket of Short Securities

  $ (104,843 )
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES15

Ventas, Inc.

    4,758       4.06 %   $ 17,933  

InterXion Holding N.V.*

    4,871       4.62 %     12,459  

Terreno Realty Corp.

    6,198       3.79 %     11,791  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    8,978       4.52 %     7,064  

HCP, Inc.

    9,838       3.92 %     4,164  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    9,238       4.23 %     2,665  

Equinix, Inc.

    764       4.80 %     2  

MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A

    6,544       2.50 %     (372 )

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    28,853       3.28 %     (583 )

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    11,074       1.89 %     (1,064 )

VICI Properties, Inc.

    16,206       4.45 %     (1,099 )

Sun Communities, Inc.

    3,145       5.03 %     (1,654 )

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    7,992       3.12 %     (3,193 )

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    2,603       3.94 %     (3,336 )

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    15,002       5.00 %     (3,362 )

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A

    6,123       2.72 %     (3,428 )

CubeSmart

    6,208       2.59 %     (3,892 )

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    7,754       2.72 %     (3,960 )

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    7,114       2.42 %     (4,006 )

JBG SMITH Properties

    6,431       3.15 %     (4,373 )

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    1,984       3.19 %     (4,444 )

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    4,871       2.20 %     (5,409 )

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    6,048       2.51 %     (6,182 )

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    15,987       4.85 %     (6,661 )

Equity Residential

    4,402       4.17 %     (8,194 )

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    1,900       4.84 %     (9,354 )

Crown Castle International Corp.

    3,376       5.49 %     (17,835 )

Total Custom Basket of Long Securities

  $ (36,323 )
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES17

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

    (20,377 )     (0.75 %)   $ 29,954  

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

    (15,908 )     (16.88 %)     28,083  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    (17,348 )     (3.02 %)     17,720  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    (2,242 )     (2.19 %)     16,876  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

Washington Prime Group, Inc.

    (41,101 )     (1.91 %)   $ 14,398  

Vanguard Real Estate ETF

    (5,038 )     (5.35 %)     12,833  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    (16,057 )     (3.89 %)     9,990  

Vornado Realty Trust

    (3,834 )     (2.99 %)     9,984  

Physicians Realty Trust

    (16,440 )     (3.48 %)     7,659  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    (1,995 )     (1.18 %)     7,657  

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    (13,722 )     (2.76 %)     7,321  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    (6,440 )     (2.45 %)     6,720  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    (13,989 )     (3.55 %)     4,303  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    (2,734 )     (3.91 %)     3,872  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    (11,736 )     (2.62 %)     3,211  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    (3,258 )     (1.25 %)     2,717  

VEREIT, Inc.

    (29,592 )     (3.24 %)     2,234  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    (14,455 )     (2.85 %)     477  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    (10,554 )     (2.29 %)     179  

PS Business Parks, Inc.

    (2,169 )     (4.44 %)     (29 )

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    (11,404 )     (2.48 %)     (525 )

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    (19,481 )     (2.74 %)     (974 )

Kimco Realty Corp.

    (14,158 )     (3.18 %)     (2,014 )

CyrusOne, Inc.

    (3,112 )     (2.18 %)     (3,258 )

Prologis, Inc.

    (3,568 )     (3.47 %)     (4,378 )

Hospitality Properties Trust

    (11,286 )     (3.43 %)     (4,714 )

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    (5,826 )     (2.93 %)     (6,758 )

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    (1,749 )     (2.08 %)     (6,877 )

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    (4,142 )     (2.58 %)     (6,889 )

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    (2,306 )     (3.93 %)     (13,852 )

Total Custom Basket of Short Securities

  $ 135,920  
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES14

Allergan plc

    265       0.70 %   $ 11,813  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    1,204       0.88 %     6,935  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    748       0.66 %     6,066  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    1,222       0.78 %     6,012  

Valero Energy Corp.

    636       0.86 %     5,883  

Phillips 66

    617       0.91 %     5,448  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    940       0.46 %     4,794  

Amgen, Inc.

    403       1.17 %     3,893  

ONEOK, Inc.

    1,090       1.18 %     3,368  

Discovery, Inc. — Class A*

    1,874       0.91 %     3,242  

Kennametal, Inc.

    828       0.48 %     3,138  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    209       0.47 %     2,928  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    546       0.43 %     2,910  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    1,024       0.58 %     2,857  

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
                         

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    185       0.74 %   $ 2,773  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    1,145       0.84 %     2,748  

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.*

    1,459       0.37 %     2,728  

Saia, Inc.*

    526       0.54 %     2,651  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    960       1.24 %     2,630  

Textron, Inc.

    590       0.49 %     2,584  

News Corp. — Class A

    1,471       0.31 %     2,486  

Medicines Co.*

    925       0.53 %     2,485  

United Continental Holdings, Inc.*

    511       0.70 %     2,443  

Landstar System, Inc.

    370       0.63 %     2,346  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    244       0.60 %     2,342  

Baxter International, Inc.

    551       0.71 %     2,342  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    1,260       0.65 %     2,243  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    161       0.33 %     2,228  

FedEx Corp.

    465       1.20 %     2,209  

Meredith Corp.

    526       0.46 %     2,130  

Chevron Corp.

    648       1.27 %     2,119  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    851       0.63 %     2,093  

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A

    743       0.55 %     2,080  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    229       0.49 %     2,063  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    328       0.43 %     2,053  

AT&T, Inc.

    1,457       0.77 %     2,040  

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    290       0.32 %   2,007  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    1,067       0.95 %     1,995  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    575       0.70 %     1,898  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    120       0.42 %     1,856  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,031       1.24 %     1,845  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    1,142       0.56 %     1,827  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    111       0.55 %     1,826  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    578       0.58 %     1,821  

Cummins, Inc.

    254       0.69 %     1,811  

Oshkosh Corp.

    340       0.45 %     1,802  

Ingredion, Inc.

    750       0.97 %     1,695  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,030       1.10 %     1,504  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    461       0.75 %     1,503  

Unit Corp.*

    2,255       0.32 %     1,488  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    401       0.58 %     1,404  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    293       0.34 %     1,342  

Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B

    953       0.84 %     1,306  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    86       0.26 %     1,281  

Mylan N.V.*

    796       0.24 %     1,218  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    140       0.33 %     1,193  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
                         

Diodes, Inc.*

    469       0.27 %   $ 1,158  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    1,834       1.18 %     1,155  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    278       0.42 %     1,131  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    2,660       1.18 %     1,091  

Pfizer, Inc.

    1,631       1.11 %     1,060  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    2,339       0.73 %     1,053  

McKesson Corp.

    578       1.22 %     1,035  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    1,514       0.35 %     969  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.*

    415       0.45 %     955  

AES Corp.

    2,444       0.65 %     929  

Oracle Corp.

    292       0.26 %     885  

Abbott Laboratories

    271       0.36 %     808  

Waters Corp.*

    109       0.37 %     801  

HCP, Inc.

    1,710       0.86 %     770  

PPL Corp.

    1,899       0.93 %     760  

Biogen, Inc.*

    158       0.58 %     757  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    860       1.14 %     748  

PACCAR, Inc.

    367       0.41 %     686  

Masco Corp.

    503       0.31 %     654  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    975       0.25 %     653  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    211       0.57 %     618  

Domtar Corp.

    424       0.30 %     606  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*

    95       0.26 %     598  

TEGNA, Inc.

    2,589       0.62 %     595  

Schneider National, Inc. — Class B

    2,096       0.60 %     587  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    911       0.32 %     574  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    1,032       0.68 %   568  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    533       0.36 %     565  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    1,187       0.72 %     558  

Kansas City Southern

    208       0.40 %     547  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    300       0.26 %     537  

Echo Global Logistics, Inc.*

    1,166       0.38 %     536  

CVS Health Corp.

    1,027       0.88 %     534  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    663       0.32 %     530  

Targa Resources Corp.

    672       0.42 %     524  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    787       0.57 %     449  

SkyWest, Inc.

    372       0.36 %     424  

Lear Corp.

    159       0.35 %     420  

Hospitality Properties Trust

    1,068       0.42 %     417  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    3,857       1.27 %     386  

Northern Trust Corp.

    167       0.24 %     371  

MetLife, Inc.

    329       0.26 %     368  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,145       1.03 %     344  

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    381       0.63 %     343  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    295       0.26 %     304  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    1,164       0.33 %     303  

Avnet, Inc.

    409       0.29 %     286  

Forward Air Corp.

    431       0.40 %     272  

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    494       0.66 %   $ 267  

Hologic, Inc.*

    974       0.74 %     253  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    436       0.24 %     249  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    493       0.37 %     247  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    116       0.36 %     230  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    821       0.30 %     222  

Southern Co.

    289       0.25 %     211  

Scholastic Corp.

    982       0.51 %     206  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    158       0.25 %     199  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    965       0.77 %     193  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    486       0.60 %     190  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    141       0.25 %     158  

MSG Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    1,703       0.56 %     153  

Ameren Corp.

    756       0.89 %     136  

General Mills, Inc.

    538       0.45 %     81  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    1,248       0.84 %     75  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    204       0.64 %     73  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    426       0.28 %     64  

Portland General Electric Co.

    1,274       1.09 %     64  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    27       0.46 %     59  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    194       0.34 %     52  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    885       0.76 %     (89 )

Medtronic plc

    775       1.19 %     (132 )

Johnson & Johnson

    301       0.66 %     (151 )

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

    398       0.25 %     (151 )

InterDigital, Inc.

    233       0.24 %     (196 )

Deluxe Corp.

    630       0.40 %     (208 )

National Fuel Gas Co.

    1,253       1.04 %     (251 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    932       0.62 %     (317 )

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    963       0.28 %     (347 )

New Media Investment Group, Inc.

    1,642       0.24 %     (361 )

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    670       0.26 %     (362 )

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    336       0.26 %     (413 )

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

    1,611       0.29 %     (435 )

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    323       0.53 %     (539 )

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    1,349       0.24 %     (540 )

US Foods Holding Corp.*

    530       0.30 %     (541 )

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    697       0.65 %     (627 )

Clorox Co.

    220       0.53 %     (664 )

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    503       1.06 %     (669 )

CSX Corp.

    600       0.73 %     (738 )

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    734       0.49 %     (741 )

PepsiCo, Inc.

    376       0.78 %     (778 )

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    508       0.57 %     (843 )

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

    655       0.37 %     (845 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    613       0.78 %   $ (962 )

Sysco Corp.

    503       0.56 %     (1,026 )

Exelon Corp.

    879       0.66 %     (1,116 )

AMERCO

    102       0.61 %     (1,301 )

Heartland Express, Inc.

    1,987       0.57 %     (1,311 )

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    486       0.90 %     (1,332 )

JM Smucker Co.

    200       0.36 %     (1,584 )

Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A

    1,577       1.25 %     (1,593 )

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    743       1.10 %     (1,709 )

B&G Foods, Inc.

    801       0.26 %     (1,738 )

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    3,092       0.90 %     (1,855 )

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A

    1,620       0.31 %     (1,863 )

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    3,682       1.01 %     (2,136 )

Vector Group Ltd.

    3,312       0.51 %     (2,153 )

ATN International, Inc.

    501       0.46 %     (2,300 )

Equity Commonwealth

    2,450       1.26 %     (2,622 )

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    1,847       0.74 %     (3,029 )

Kroger Co.

    1,463       0.50 %     (4,316 )

Total Custom Basket of Long Securities

  $ 143,445  
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES16

Realty Income Corp.

    (977 )     (1.34 %)   $ 3,185  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    (283 )     (0.79 %)     2,813  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    (470 )     (1.22 %)     2,608  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    (326 )     (0.94 %)     2,301  

Agree Realty Corp.

    (834 )     (1.06 %)     1,993  

Paychex, Inc.

    (402 )     (0.66 %)     1,913  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    (1,658 )     (0.47 %)     1,708  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    (1,540 )     (1.02 %)     1,586  

STORE Capital Corp.

    (1,269 )     (0.84 %)     1,510  

WP Carey, Inc.

    (323 )     (0.52 %)     1,198  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    (587 )     (0.35 %)     1,196  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    (2,651 )     (0.78 %)     1,166  

Rollins, Inc.

    (662 )     (0.47 %)     1,106  

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    (943 )     (0.74 %)     981  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    (191 )     (0.39 %)     947  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    (2,366 )     (0.47 %)     946  

UDR, Inc.

    (819 )     (0.73 %)     942  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    (525 )     (0.57 %)     887  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    (386 )     (0.44 %)     857  

RLI Corp.

    (522 )     (0.89 %)     851  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    (60 )     (0.38 %)     754  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    (165 )     (0.67 %)     746  

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
                         

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    (55 )     (0.50 %)   $ 692  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    (212 )     (0.45 %)     638  

CVB Financial Corp.

    (1,707 )     (0.71 %)     580  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    (528 )     (0.33 %)     528  

Nutanix, Inc. — Class A*

    (279 )     (0.14 %)     527  

BOK Financial Corp.

    (467 )     (0.70 %)     495  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    (1,198 )     (0.58 %)     491  

CubeSmart

    (759 )     (0.50 %)     478  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    (134 )     (0.57 %)     466  

Equity Residential

    (242 )     (0.36 %)     455  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    (64 )     (0.37 %)     454  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    (380 )     (0.91 %)     429  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    (635 )     (0.68 %)     419  

NewMarket Corp.

    (100 )     (0.80 %)     411  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    (286 )     (0.55 %)     406  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A

    (713 )     (0.50 %)     364  

Camden Property Trust

    (391 )     (0.81 %)     352  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    (182 )     (0.89 %)     340  

Snap, Inc. — Class A*

    (693 )     (0.20 %)     333  

Roku, Inc.*

    (111 )     (0.20 %)     309  

 

  Shares

    Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
                         

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    (780 )     (0.86 %)   304  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    (359 )     (0.33 %)     284  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    (636 )     (1.62 %)     280  

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    (332 )     (0.52 %)     262  

Welltower, Inc.

    (444 )     (0.72 %)     258  

Woodward, Inc.

    (292 )     (0.66 %)     257  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    (121 )     (0.31 %)     249  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    (1,166 )     (0.62 %)     245  

New Relic, Inc.*

    (117 )     (0.20 %)     186  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    (300 )     (0.35 %)     105  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    (175 )     (0.19 %)     60  

First Republic Bank

    (262 )     (0.51 %)     50  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    (323 )     (0.73 %)     45  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    (3,714 )     (1.01 %)     37  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    (257 )     (0.37 %)     36  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    (240 )     (0.78 %)     30  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    (188 )     (0.44 %)     26  

Old National Bancorp

    (3,171 )     (1.04 %)      

Linde plc

    (110 )     (0.44 %)     (1 )

Equinix, Inc.

    (81 )     (0.81 %)     (4 )

New Residential Investment Corp.

    (1,351 )     (0.41 %)     (41 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
                         

Chimera Investment Corp.

    (1,399 )     (0.52 %)   $ (42 )

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    (303 )     (0.53 %)     (42 )

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    (53 )     (0.20 %)     (46 )

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    (136 )     (0.31 %)     (49 )

Signature Bank

    (162 )     (0.39 %)     (84 )

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    (165 )     (0.38 %)     (102 )

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    (39 )     (0.20 %)     (117 )

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    (189 )     (0.31 %)     (130 )

Intuit, Inc.

    (40 )     (0.21 %)     (139 )

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    (60 )     (0.21 %)     (149 )

Etsy, Inc.*

    (170 )     (0.21 %)     (159 )

PROS Holdings, Inc.*

    (166 )     (0.21 %)     (178 )

Columbia Financial, Inc.*

    (1,065 )     (0.32 %)     (181 )

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    (20 )     (0.21 %)     (184 )

AGNC Investment Corp.

    (1,535 )     (0.51 %)     (184 )

Align Technology, Inc.*

    (38 )     (0.21 %)     (185 )

BankUnited, Inc.

    (823 )     (0.55 %)     (198 )

Associated Banc-Corp.

    (983 )     (0.41 %)     (206 )

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    (208 )     (0.35 %)     (208 )

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    (573 )     (0.46 %)     (218 )

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    (54 )     (0.34 %)     (222 )

MFA Financial, Inc.

    (2,915 )     (0.42 %)     (233 )

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    (794 )     (0.58 %)   (238 )

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    (192 )     (0.38 %)     (244 )

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    (147 )     (0.21 %)     (270 )

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A*

    (110 )     (0.22 %)     (276 )

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    (41 )     (0.21 %)     (320 )

Qualys, Inc.*

    (122 )     (0.21 %)     (323 )

ANSYS, Inc.*

    (52 )     (0.21 %)     (334 )

DocuSign, Inc.*

    (404 )     (0.40 %)     (348 )

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    (12 )     (0.45 %)     (359 )

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    (2,835 )     (0.51 %)     (369 )

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    (45 )     (0.21 %)     (391 )

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    (44 )     (0.48 %)     (408 )

RPM International, Inc.

    (375 )     (0.45 %)     (439 )

Pegasystems, Inc.

    (802 )     (1.13 %)     (441 )

Five9, Inc.*

    (211 )     (0.21 %)     (457 )

FireEye, Inc.*

    (1,212 )     (0.36 %)     (461 )

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    (168 )     (0.68 %)     (486 )

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    (166 )     (0.22 %)     (523 )

SBA Communications Corp.*

    (334 )     (1.49 %)     (524 )

Two Harbors Investment Corp.

    (2,020 )     (0.51 %)     (545 )

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    (349 )     (1.05 %)     (551 )

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
                         

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    (1,062 )     (0.35 %)   $ (552 )

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*

    (223 )     (0.21 %)     (553 )

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    (415 )     (0.71 %)     (564 )

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    (192 )     (0.78 %)     (570 )

Guardant Health, Inc.*

    (126 )     (0.22 %)     (578 )

Atmos Energy Corp.

    (203 )     (0.42 %)     (597 )

McDonald’s Corp.

    (139 )     (0.57 %)     (612 )

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    (1,578 )     (0.52 %)     (631 )

Avery Dennison Corp.

    (189 )     (0.43 %)     (644 )

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    (789 )     (0.48 %)     (686 )

Cintas Corp.

    (142 )     (0.67 %)     (711 )

PTC, Inc.*

    (509 )     (0.91 %)     (733 )

Concho Resources, Inc.

    (314 )     (0.64 %)     (735 )

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    (520 )     (1.20 %)     (780 )

IAA, Inc.*

    (588 )     (0.45 %)     (839 )

Liberty Property Trust

    (1,564 )     (1.55 %)     (891 )

Vulcan Materials Co.

    (142 )     (0.39 %)     (900 )

Pool Corp.

    (175 )     (0.66 %)     (905 )

Core Laboratories N.V.

    (563 )     (0.58 %)     (935 )

AptarGroup, Inc.

    (560 )     (1.38 %)     (986 )

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    (110 )     (0.50 %)     (1,009 )

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    (1,971 )     (0.66 %)     (1,104 )

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    (243 )     (0.65 %)     (1,120 )

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    (212 )     (0.41 %)     (1,151 )

WesBanco, Inc.

    (420 )     (0.32 %)     (1,226 )

Washington Federal, Inc.

    (624 )     (0.43 %)     (1,242 )

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    (227 )     (0.43 %)     (1,253 )

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    (177 )     (0.93 %)     (1,266 )

Fortive Corp.

    (543 )     (0.88 %)     (1,281 )

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    (1,416 )     (0.62 %)     (1,317 )

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    (588 )     (0.29 %)     (1,331 )

Balchem Corp.

    (404 )     (0.80 %)     (1,341 )

Wingstop, Inc.

    (229 )     (0.43 %)     (1,347 )

WR Grace & Co.

    (949 )     (1.43 %)     (1,490 )

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    (1,216 )     (0.74 %)     (1,532 )

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    (210 )     (0.94 %)     (1,537 )

Materion Corp.

    (618 )     (0.83 %)     (1,619 )

Adobe, Inc.*

    (88 )     (0.51 %)     (1,642 )

Southern Copper Corp.

    (1,099 )     (0.85 %)     (1,802 )

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.*

    (1,614 )     (0.81 %)     (1,824 )

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    (2,080 )     (1.67 %)     (1,830 )

Ball Corp.

    (539 )     (0.75 %)     (1,913 )

Valley National Bancorp

    (5,643 )     (1.21 %)     (1,975 )

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    (400 )     (0.78 %)     (2,196 )

Guidewire Software, Inc.*

    (577 )     (1.16 %)     (2,272 )

Terreno Realty Corp.

    (1,164 )     (1.13 %)     (2,293 )

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   


Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 
                         

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.*

    (208 )     (0.62 %)   $ (2,608 )

TransDigm Group, Inc.*

    (158 )     (1.52 %)     (2,631 )

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    (287 )     (0.62 %)     (2,643 )

Proofpoint, Inc.*

    (240 )     (0.57 %)     (2,645 )

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    (1,463 )     (0.98 %)     (2,750 )

TransUnion

    (878 )     (1.28 %)   (3,020 )

IHS Markit Ltd.*

    (1,074 )     (1.36 %)     (4,382 )

Howard Hughes Corp.*

    (235 )     (0.58 %)     (4,935 )

Schlumberger Ltd.

    (1,650 )     (1.30 %)     (5,033 )

Commercial Metals Co.

    (2,404 )     (0.85 %)     (7,284 )

Total Custom Basket of Short Securities

  $ (59,780 )

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral at June 30, 2019.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2019 — See Note 7.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at June 30, 2019.

5

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as custom basket swap collateral at June 30, 2019.

7

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

8

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

9

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of June 30, 2019.

10

Total Return based on the return of the custom Morgan Stanley Equity Market Neutral (“MNRE”) long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

11

Total Return based on the return of the custom Morgan Stanley Long/Short Equity (“SMQLS”) long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

12

Total Return based on the return of the custom Morgan Stanley SMQLS short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

13

Total Return based on the return of the custom Morgan Stanley MNRE short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

14

Total Return based on the return of the custom Goldman Sachs SMQLS long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

15

Total Return based on the return of the custom Goldman Sachs MNRE long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

16

Total Return based on the return of the custom Goldman Sachs SMQLS short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

17

Total Return based on the return of the custom Goldman Sachs MNRE short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2019.

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

LP — Limited Partnership

 

MLP — Master Limited Partnership

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at June 30, 2019 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements):

 

Investments in
Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 11,221,136     $     $     $ 11,221,136  

Master Limited Partnerships

    326,183                   326,183  

Rights

    1                   1  

Mutual Funds

    15,965,435                   15,965,435  

Closed-End Funds

    3,502,541                   3,502,541  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          6,261,650             6,261,650  

Repurchase Agreements

          447,522             447,522  

Securities Lending Collateral

    60,689                   60,689  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    315,037                   315,037  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    47,483       16,262             63,745  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    57,165       3,918             61,083  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    42,685                   42,685  

Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          1,270,191             1,270,191  

Total Assets

  $ 31,538,355     $ 7,999,543     $     $ 39,537,898  

 

Investments in Securities
(Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks Sold Short

  $ 4,910,371     $     $     $ 4,910,371  

Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

    3,574,208                   3,574,208  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    350,145                   350,145  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    123,660                   123,660  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    42,365                   42,365  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    422       123             545  

Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          200,946             200,946  

Total Liabilities

  $ 9,001,171     $ 201,069     $     $ 9,202,240  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2018, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180418000513/gug75569-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended June 30, 2019, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/18

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
06/30/19

   

Shares
06/30/19

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 10,927,786     $ 1,656,419     $ (500,000 )   $ (3,223 )   $ 1,416     $ 12,082,398       486,801     $ 157,772  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    3,779,292       53,113                   (16 )     3,832,389       154,594       53,631  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    49,993       655                         50,648       5,085       660  
    $ 14,757,071     $ 1,710,187     $ (500,000 )   $ (3,223 )   $ 1,400     $ 15,965,435             $ 212,063  

 

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

June 30, 2019

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $59,046 of securities loaned (cost $21,182,360)

  $ 21,372,200  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $16,045,305)

    15,965,435  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $447,522)

    447,522  

Cash

    8,512,191  

Segregated cash with broker

    25,345  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,270,191  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    72,278  

Securities sold

    57,551  

Dividends

    45,327  

Securities lending income

    512  

Interest

    86  

Other assets

    10,786  

Total assets

    47,779,424  
         

Liabilities:

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $8,635,473)

    8,484,579  

Due to custodian

    20,080  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    200,946  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    198,917  

Return of securities lending collateral

    60,689  

Fund shares redeemed

    54,780  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    35,770  

Management fees

    34,002  

Swap settlement

    6,923  

Distribution and service fees

    3,701  

Miscellaneous

    8,614  

Total liabilities

    9,109,001  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 38,670,423  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 44,066,310  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (5,395,887 )

Net assets

  $ 38,670,423  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,878,699  

Capital shares outstanding

    157,386  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.64  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 25.87  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,786,419  

Capital shares outstanding

    80,308  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.24  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,827,002  

Capital shares outstanding

    316,872  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.70  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 25,178,303  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,002,110  

Net asset value per share

  $ 25.13  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

Period Ended June 30, 2019

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,784)

  $ 145,862  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    212,063  

Interest

    164,603  

Income from securities lending, net

    3,033  

Total investment income

    525,561  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    217,249  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    4,497  

C-Class

    12,079  

P-Class

    9,578  

Short sales dividend expense

    102,478  

Miscellaneous

    3,829  

Total expenses

    349,710  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (4,011 )

Net expenses

    345,699  

Net investment income

    179,862  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ 108,344  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (3,223 )

Swap agreements

    (533,183 )

Futures contracts

    534,298  

Foreign currency transactions

    (1,017 )

Securities sold short

    238,619  

Net realized gain

    343,838  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    858,423  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    1,400  

Securities sold short

    (846,079 )

Swap agreements

    1,078,220  

Futures contracts

    (152,925 )

Foreign currency translations

    62  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    939,101  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,282,939  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,462,801  

 

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2019
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2018

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 179,862     $ 240,383  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    343,838       (474,871 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    939,101       (3,670,285 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,462,801       (3,904,773 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (6,113 )

P-Class

          (14,057 )

Institutional Class

          (141,033 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (161,203 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    851,409       3,228,413  

C-Class

    4,357       235,975  

P-Class

    730,855       24,435,895  

Institutional Class

    4,756,374       18,325,291  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          5,261  

P-Class

          13,921  

Institutional Class

          140,252  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (744,715 )     (11,193,921 )

C-Class

    (963,516 )     (4,830,327 )

P-Class

    (1,099,597 )     (28,713,079 )

Institutional Class

    (4,037,479 )     (19,054,611 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (502,312 )     (17,406,930 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    960,489       (21,472,906 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    37,709,934       59,182,840  

End of period

  $ 38,670,423     $ 37,709,934  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2019
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2018

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    34,899       133,075  

C-Class

    198       10,070  

P-Class

    29,750       954,364  

Institutional Class

    189,592       742,330  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          222  

P-Class

          585  

Institutional Class

          5,805  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (30,423 )     (468,213 )

C-Class

    (43,709 )     (220,747 )

P-Class

    (45,287 )     (1,186,738 )

Institutional Class

    (163,406 )     (770,664 )

Net decrease in shares

    (28,386 )     (799,911 )

 

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.69     $ 24.91     $ 24.08     $ 24.22     $ 23.94     $ 23.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       .08       (.13 )     (.24 )     (.23 )     (.26 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .85       (1.26 )     .96       .14       .51       1.36  

Total from investment operations

    .95       (1.18 )     .83       (.10 )     .28       1.10  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.04 )           (.04 )           (.19 )

Total distributions

          (.04 )           (.04 )           (.19 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.64     $ 23.69     $ 24.91     $ 24.08     $ 24.22     $ 23.94  

 

Total Returnc

    4.01%       (4.78 %)     3.49%       (0.43 %)     1.21%       4.73%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,879     $ 3,622     $ 12,154     $ 12,407     $ 15,620     $ 11,620  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.86 %     0.32 %     (0.53 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.96 %)     (1.13 %)

Total expensesd

    2.00 %     1.75 %     2.18 %     2.54 %     2.72 %     2.86 %

Net expensese,f

    1.98 %     1.73 %     2.14 %     2.49 %     2.65 %     2.81 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    65 %     212 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.46     $ 22.68     $ 22.08     $ 22.38     $ 22.29     $ 21.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .01       (.09 )     (.29 )     (.39 )     (.39 )     (.40 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .77       (1.13 )     .89       .13       .48       1.26  

Total from investment operations

    .78       (1.22 )     .60       (.26 )     .09       .86  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.04 )           (.19 )

Total distributions

                      (.04 )           (.19 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.24     $ 21.46     $ 22.68     $ 22.08     $ 22.38     $ 22.29  

 

Total Returnc

    3.63%       (5.38 %)     2.72%       (1.18 %)     0.45%       3.97%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,786     $ 2,657     $ 7,586     $ 8,595     $ 9,342     $ 9,627  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.11 %     (0.42 %)     (1.30 %)     (1.76 %)     (1.73 %)     (1.84 %)

Total expensesd

    2.73 %     2.53 %     2.94 %     3.30 %     3.47 %     3.62 %

Net expensese,f

    2.71 %     2.51 %     2.90 %     3.25 %     3.40 %     3.57 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    65 %     212 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %

 

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.74     $ 24.93     $ 24.10     $ 24.24     $ 23.96     $ 23.04  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       .08       (.14 )     (.24 )     (.23 )     (.25 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .86       (1.23 )     .97       .14       .51       1.36  

Total from investment operations

    .96       (1.15 )     .83       (.10 )     .28       1.11  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.04 )           (.04 )           (.19 )

Total distributions

          (.04 )           (.04 )           (.19 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.70     $ 23.74     $ 24.93     $ 24.10     $ 24.24     $ 23.96  

 

Total Return

    4.04%       (4.61 %)     3.49%       (0.47 %)     1.21%       4.77%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,827     $ 7,892     $ 14,066     $ 30,801     $ 49,539     $ 36,411  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.86 %     0.34 %     (0.56 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.95 %)     (1.09 %)

Total expensesd

    1.99 %     1.77 %     2.20 %     2.52 %     2.72 %     2.87 %

Net expensese,f

    1.97 %     1.75 %     2.16 %     2.47 %     2.65 %     2.82 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    65 %     212 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.12     $ 25.42     $ 24.50     $ 24.58     $ 24.24     $ 23.26  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .14       .17       (.07 )     (.18 )     (.18 )     (.18 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .87       (1.33 )     .99       .14       .52       1.35  

Total from investment operations

    1.01       (1.16 )     .92       (.04 )     .34       1.17  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.14 )           (.04 )           (.19 )

Total distributions

          (.14 )           (.04 )           (.19 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.13     $ 24.12     $ 25.42     $ 24.50     $ 24.58     $ 24.24  

 

Total Return

    4.19%       (4.56 %)     3.76%       (0.18 %)     1.44%       4.98%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 25,178     $ 23,539     $ 25,376     $ 50,395     $ 49,742     $ 42,204  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.11 %     0.68 %     (0.30 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.79 %)

Total expensesd

    1.75 %     1.58 %     1.92 %     2.30 %     2.47 %     2.67 %

Net expensese,f

    1.73 %     1.56 %     1.88 %     2.25 %     2.40 %     2.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    65 %     212 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended June 30, 2019. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

d

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

e

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

f

Excluding interest and dividend expense related to short sales, the net expense ratios for the periods presented would be:

 

 

 

06/30/19

12/31/18

12/31/17

12/31/16

12/31/15

12/31/14

 

A-Class

1.42%

1.41%

1.42%

1.43%

1.44%

1.42%

 

C-Class

2.17%

2.16%

2.17%

2.18%

2.19%

2.17%

 

P-Class

1.42%

1.41%

1.42%

1.43%

1.45%

1.42%

 

Institutional Class

1.17%

1.16%

1.17%

1.18%

1.19%

1.17%

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a benchmark for commodities. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (“GSCI” or “Index”).

 

Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

May 25, 2005

C-Class

May 25, 2005

H-Class

May 25, 2005

 

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as swap agreements and futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

16.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

16.4%

Total

32.9%

   

“Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

11.30%

(13.94%)

(14.76%)

(7.27%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

6.01%

(18.02%)

(15.58%)

(7.72%)

C-Class Shares

10.87%

(14.57%)

(15.39%)

(7.95%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

9.87%

(15.15%)

(15.39%)

(7.95%)

H-Class Shares

11.27%

(13.96%)

(14.76%)

(7.27%)

S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index

13.34%

(11.49%)

(13.33%)

(5.19%)

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return.

6 month returns are not annualized.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

§

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 32.9%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    82,716     $ 823,850  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    33,051       820,321  

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $1,642,728)

            1,644,171  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 6.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

2.11% due 07/16/192,3

  $ 327,000       326,721  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

               

(Cost $326,701)

            326,721  

                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 62.6%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
issued 06/28/19 at 2.53%
due 07/01/19

    2,094,750       2,094,750  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
issued 06/28/19 at 2.48%
due 07/01/19

    520,372       520,372  

Barclays Capital
issued 06/28/19 at 2.40%
due 07/01/19

    520,372       520,372  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $3,135,494)

            3,135,494  
                 

Total Investments - 102.0%

       

(Cost $5,104,923)

          $ 5,106,386  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.0)%

    (100,799 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

          $ 5,005,587  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

Number of
Contracts

Expiration
Date

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
**

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

Goldman Sachs Commodity Index Futures Contracts

48

Jul 2019

  $ 5,078,100     $ 222,455  

 

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at June 30, 2019.

3

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at June 30, 2019 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements):

 

Investments in
Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 1,644,171     $     $     $ 1,644,171  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          326,721             326,721  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,135,494             3,135,494  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    222,455                   222,455  

Total Assets

  $ 1,866,626     $ 3,462,215     $     $ 5,328,841  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2018, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180418000513/gug75569-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended June 30, 2019, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/18

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
06/30/19

   

Shares
06/30/19

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 820,321     $     $     $     $     $ 820,321       33,051     $ 11,729  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    823,850                               823,850       82,716       10,818  
    $ 1,644,171     $     $     $     $     $ 1,644,171             $ 22,547  

 

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

June 30, 2019

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $326,701)

  $ 326,721  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,642,728)

    1,644,171  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,135,494)

    3,135,494  

Receivables:

Dividends

    3,804  

Interest

    654  

Fund shares sold

    13  

Total assets

    5,110,857  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    84,300  

Management fees

    2,780  

Distribution and service fees

    1,034  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    979  

Fund shares redeemed

    450  

Portfolio accounting fees

    392  

Trustees’ fees*

    135  

Miscellaneous

    15,200  

Total liabilities

    105,270  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 5,005,587  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 6,655,924  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,650,337 )

Net assets

  $ 5,005,587  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 806,460  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,602  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.29  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 62.25  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 94,096  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,860  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.59  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,105,031  

Capital shares outstanding

    69,199  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.32  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

Period Ended June 30, 2019

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 22,547  

Interest

    87,556  

Total investment income

    110,103  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    38,394  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,070  

C-Class

    568  

H-Class

    9,881  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,093  

Professional fees

    5,627  

Registration fees

    5,481  

Legal fees

    4,816  

Portfolio accounting fees

    4,437  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,118  

Custodian fees

    927  

Miscellaneous

    2,684  

Total expenses

    86,096  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (6,138 )

Net expenses

    79,958  

Net investment income

    30,145  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  $ 25  

Futures contracts

    786,320  

Net realized gain

    786,345  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    7  

Futures contracts

    485,643  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    485,650  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,271,995  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,302,140  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2019
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2018

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 30,145     $ 50,180  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    786,345       (1,376,221 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    485,650       (648,212 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,302,140       (1,974,253 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (310,353 )

C-Class

          (41,489 )

H-Class

          (395,472 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (747,314 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    640,830       3,969,676  

C-Class

    32,051       1,484,748  

H-Class

    18,287,533       214,509,567  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          298,702  

C-Class

          41,153  

H-Class

          374,292  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (756,823 )     (3,729,034 )

C-Class

    (59,878 )     (1,697,785 )

H-Class

    (24,123,187 )     (210,000,585 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (5,979,474 )     5,250,734  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (4,677,334 )     2,529,167  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    9,682,921       7,153,754  

End of period

  $ 5,005,587     $ 9,682,921  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2019
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2018

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    10,672       42,997  

C-Class

    631       17,606  

H-Class

    314,964       2,371,284  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          5,089  

C-Class

          818  

H-Class

          6,373  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (12,643 )     (41,787 )

C-Class

    (1,171 )     (20,184 )

H-Class

    (409,770 )     (2,281,554 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (97,317 )     100,642  

 

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014
f

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.27     $ 88.34     $ 85.75     $ 77.58     $ 118.46     $ 179.18  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .21       .39       (.22 )     (.09 )     (1.32 )     (1.80 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.81       (11.90 )     4.13       8.26       (39.56 )     (58.92 )

Total from investment operations

    6.02       (11.51 )     3.91       8.17       (40.88 )     (60.72 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (23.56 )     (1.32 )                  

Total distributions

          (23.56 )     (1.32 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.29     $ 53.27     $ 88.34     $ 85.75     $ 77.58     $ 118.46  

 

Total Returnc

    11.30%       (15.47 %)     4.68%       10.59%       (34.55 %)     (33.89 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 806     $ 830     $ 819     $ 875     $ 621     $ 3,419  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.70 %     0.44 %     (0.28 %)     (1.02 %)     (1.26 %)     (1.03 %)

Total expensesd

    1.90 %     1.81 %     1.73 %     1.77 %     1.75 %     1.64 %

Net expensese

    1.75 %     1.68 %     1.63 %     1.65 %     1.62 %     1.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          65 %     25 %     208 %     486 %     238 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014
f

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.63     $ 79.89     $ 78.32     $ 71.38     $ 109.79     $ 167.19  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.01 )     (.41 )     (.70 )     (.11 )     (1.92 )     (2.76 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    4.97       (10.29 )     3.59       7.05       (36.49 )     (54.64 )

Total from investment operations

    4.96       (10.70 )     2.89       6.94       (38.41 )     (57.40 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (23.56 )     (1.32 )                  

Total distributions

          (23.56 )     (1.32 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.59     $ 45.63     $ 79.89     $ 78.32     $ 71.38     $ 109.79  

 

Total Returnc

    10.87%       (16.11 %)     3.80%       9.66%       (34.97 %)     (34.31 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 94     $ 110     $ 332     $ 482     $ 502     $ 1,135  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.05 %)     (0.49 %)     (0.94 %)     (1.48 %)     (1.95 %)     (1.77 %)

Total expensesd

    2.65 %     2.55 %     2.48 %     2.51 %     2.49 %     2.39 %

Net expensese

    2.51 %     2.42 %     2.36 %     2.38 %     2.35 %     2.32 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          65 %     25 %     208 %     486 %     238 %

 

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

H-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014
f

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.31     $ 88.39     $ 85.82     $ 77.69     $ 118.68     $ 179.41  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .20       .25       (.25 )     (.07 )     (1.32 )     (1.80 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    5.81       (11.77 )     4.14       8.20       (39.67 )     (58.93 )

Total from investment operations

    6.01       (11.52 )     3.89       8.13       (40.99 )     (60.73 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (23.56 )     (1.32 )                  

Total distributions

          (23.56 )     (1.32 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.32     $ 53.31     $ 88.39     $ 85.82     $ 77.69     $ 118.68  

 

Total Return

    11.27%       (15.50 %)     4.65%       10.52%       (34.58 %)     (33.85 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,105     $ 8,744     $ 6,002     $ 7,386     $ 8,555     $ 8,160  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.69 %     0.27 %     (0.31 %)     (0.87 %)     (1.33 %)     (1.05 %)

Total expensesd

    1.93 %     1.81 %     1.74 %     1.74 %     1.75 %     1.65 %

Net expensese

    1.80 %     1.68 %     1.65 %     1.62 %     1.63 %     1.57 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          65 %     25 %     208 %     486 %     238 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended June 30, 2019. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

d

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

e

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the periods presented through December 31, 2016 have been restated to reflect a 1:12 reverse share split effective October 28, 2016.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (”1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund (collectively the “Funds”). The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par value shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At June 30, 2019, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

This report covers the following Funds:

 

Fund Name

Investment Company Type

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Non-diversified

Commodities Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

 

At June 30, 2019, A-Class, C-Class, H-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

The Commodities Strategy Fund is designed and operated to accommodate frequent trading by shareholders and, unlike most mutual funds, offers unlimited exchange privileges with no minimum holding periods or transactions fees, which may cause the Fund to experience high portfolio turnover.

 

Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

Each of the consolidated financial statements of the Funds includes the accounts of a wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the Funds.

 

Each Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies.

 

A summary of each Fund’s investment in its respective Subsidiary is as follows:

 

Fund

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

 

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
June 30, 2019

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
June 30, 2019

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

09/18/09

  $ 650,226       1.7 %

Commodities Strategy Fund

09/08/09

    865,398       17.3 %

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Funds operate as investment companies and, accordingly, follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each Class of a fund is calculated by dividing the market value of a fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and/or other assets.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Funds’ officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.

 

If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by either independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sale price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually at 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there has been no sale on such exchange or NASDAQ on a given day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day.

 

Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of business. Investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Valuation Committee will determine the current value of such foreign securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include those discussed above, as well as the following factors, among others: the value of the securities traded on other foreign markets, ADR trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities. In addition, the Board has authorized the Valuation Committee and GI to use prices and other information supplied by a third party pricing vendor in valuing foreign securities.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

The values of over-the-counter (“OTC”) index swap agreements entered into by a fund are accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE. The value of equity swaps with custom portfolio baskets shall be computed by using the last exchange sale price for each underlying equity security within the swap agreement.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.

 

In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Consolidated Schedules of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Funds. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.

 

(c) Short Sales

 

When a Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale. The Fund maintains a segregated account of cash and/or securities as collateral for short sales.

 

Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.

 

(d) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(e) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

(f) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(g) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the respective Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(h) Distributions

 

Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(i) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(j) Cash

 

The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.40% at June 30, 2019.

 

(k) Indemnifications

 

Under the Funds’ organizational documents, the Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds and/or their affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

As part of their investment strategy, the Funds utilize short sales and a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Short Sales

 

A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own. If the security sold short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.

 

Leverage: gaining total exposure to equities or other assets on the long and short sides at greater than 100% of invested capital.

 

Liquidity: the ability to buy or sell exposure with little price/market impact.

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macro-economic and other investment views.

 

For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Consolidated Schedules of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures on a quarterly basis:

 

        

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Duration, Hedge, Index Exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 26,382,436     $ 27,175,935  

Commodities Strategy Fund

Index Exposure, Liquidity

    6,389,025        

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing OTC swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. Upon entering into certain centrally-

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

cleared swap transactions, the Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin payments or receipts are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss. There is no guarantee that a fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Custom basket swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as index or basket) for a fixed or variable interest rate. Custom basket swaps will usually be computed based on the current value of the reference asset as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreement. A fund utilizing custom basket swaps bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying reference asset declines in value.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of custom basket swaps on a quarterly basis:

 

        

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Hedge, Index Exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 29,406,704     $ 26,350,441  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2019:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Currency/Interest Rate/Commodity contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Equity contracts

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at June 30, 2019:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk
*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk
*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk
*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk
*

   

Total Value at
June 30,
2019

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 61,083     $ 1,270,191     $ 42,685     $ 63,745     $ 315,037     $ 1,752,741  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            222,455       222,455  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk
*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk
*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk
*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk
*

   

Total Value at
June 30,
2019

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 42,365     $ 200,946     $ 123,660     $ 545     $ 350,145     $ 717,661  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2019:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Currency/Interest Rate/Commodity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Equity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended June 30, 2019:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ (352,759 )   $ (533,183 )   $ 88,069     $ 752,442     $ 46,546     $ 1,115  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            786,320       786,320  

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments
Recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ (58,814 )   $ 1,078,220     $ 6,190     $ 75,363     $ (175,664 )   $ 925,295  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            485,643       485,643  

 

In conjunction with short sales and the use of derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Funds use margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds as collateral.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Funds to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Funds and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Funds and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Funds in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Funds, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Funds, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Funds from their counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Funds bear the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Funds attempt to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Consolidated
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 1,270,191     $     $ 1,270,191     $ (200,946 )   $     $ 1,069,245  

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Consolidated
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Liabilities
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 200,946     $     $ 200,946     $ (200,946 )   $     $  

 

1

Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The Funds have the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of June 30, 2019.

 

Fund

Counterparty

 

Asset Type

   

Cash
Pledged

   

Cash
Received

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Goldman Sachs Group

Futures contracts

  $ 25,345     $  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Funds pay GI investment advisory fees calculated at the annualized rates below, based on the average daily net assets of the Funds:

 

Fund

 

Management Fees
(as a % of Net Assets)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

    1.15 %

Commodities Strategy Fund

    0.75 %

 

When the aggregate assets of each series of the Trust (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) and each series of the Rydex Dynamic Funds series equal or exceed $10 billion, the advisory fee rate paid by the Commodities Strategy Fund will be reduced in accordance with the asset level and breakpoint schedule set forth below:

 

Fund Assets Under
Management

 

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint Reductions

 

$500 million - $1 billion

    0.025 %

> $1 billion - $2 billion

    0.05 %

> $2 billion

    0.075 %

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from each Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Funds invest in the Subsidiary, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Funds’ Board of Trustees for such termination. For the period ended June 30, 2019, the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Commodities Strategy Fund waived $3,949 and $5,116, respectively, related to investments in the Subsidiary.

 

As part of its agreement with the Trust, GI will pay all expenses of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services, except interest expense, taxes (expected to be de minimis), brokerage commissions and other expenses connected with execution of portfolio transactions, short dividend expenses, subsidiary expenses and extraordinary expenses.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class shares, P-Class Shares and H-Class shares for which GFD and other firms that provide distribution and/or shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. If a Service Provider provides distribution services, the Funds will pay distribution fees to GFD at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. GFD, in turn, will pay the Service Provider out of its fees. GFD may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services.

 

The Trust has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to its C-Class shares that allows the Funds to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Funds’ C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2019, GFD retained sales charges of $42,895 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by each Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the period ended June 30, 2019, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 62  

Commodities Strategy Fund

    1,022  

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Funds’ securities and cash. U.S. Bank, N.A. (“U.S. Bank”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, U.S. Bank is responsible for the custody of the

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and U.S. Bank are entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to an annual percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Funds transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

At June 30, 2019, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face
Value

   

Repurchase
Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par
Value

   

Fair
Value

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bill

               

2.53%

                 

0.00%

               

Due 07/01/19

  $ 255,880,935     $ 255,934,883    

11/29/19

  $ 263,256,600     $ 260,998,648  
                                     

Barclays Capital

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.40%

                 

1.88%

               

Due 07/01/19

    63,565,201       63,577,914    

07/31/22

    64,081,100       64,836,536  
                                     

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.48%

                 

1.38%

               

Due 07/01/19

    63,565,201       63,578,337    

02/29/20

    44,993,300       44,982,038  
                   

U.S. Treasury Bond

               
                   

2.75%

               
                   

08/15/42

    18,733,100       19,854,512  
                          63,726,400       64,836,550  

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

The Funds may lend their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is shown net of rebates paid to the borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. Within this arrangement, the Funds act as the lender, U.S. Bank acts as the lending agent, and other approved registered broker dealers act as the borrowers. The Funds receive cash collateral, valued at 102% of the value of the securities on loan. Under the terms of the Funds’ securities lending agreement with U.S. Bank, cash collateral and proceeds are invested in the First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z. The Funds bear the risk of loss on cash collateral investments. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Funds the next business day. Although the collateral mitigates the risk, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering their securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities. The Funds have the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The remaining contractual maturity of the securities lending agreement is overnight and continuous.

 

At June 30, 2019, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated
Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     

Securities Lending Collateral

 

Fund

 

Value of
Securities
Loaned

   

Collateral
Received
(a)

   

Net
Amount

     

Cash
Collateral
Invested

   

Cash
Collateral
Uninvested

   

Total
Collateral

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 59,046     $ (59,046 )   $       $ 60,689     $     $ 60,689  

 

(a)

Actual collateral received by the Fund is greater than the amount shown due to overcollateralization.

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers to evaluate potential risks.

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 8 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Funds from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

The Funds intend to invest up to 25% of their assets in the Subsidiary which is expected to provide the Funds with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Funds have received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that concludes that the income the Funds receive from the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income for purposes of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Subsidiary will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business.

 

At June 30, 2019, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 29,323,029     $ 2,681,654     $ (1,669,025 )   $ 1,012,629  

Commodities Strategy Fund

    5,109,125       219,716             219,716  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended June 30, 2019, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 23,064,217     $ 23,321,359  

 

The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the period ended June 30, 2019, the Funds did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $75,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which expires June 8, 2020. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 3.50% for the period ended June 30, 2019. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at June 30, 2019.

 

Note 11 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates

 

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (the “2018 ASU”) which adds, modifies and removes disclosure requirements related to certain aspects of fair value measurement. The 2018 ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. As of June 30, 2019, the Funds have fully adopted the provisions of the 2018 ASU, which did not have a material impact on the Funds’ consolidated financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Funds’ net assets or results of operations.

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 12 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave Tribune insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one or more of these suits. In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments.

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

certiorari on October 24, 2016. On April 3, 2018, Justice Kennedy and Justice Thomas issued a “Statement” related to the petition for certiorari suggesting that the Second Circuit and/or District Court may want to take steps to reexamine the application of the Section 546(e) safe harbor to the previously dismissed state law constructive fraudulent transfer claims based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. On April 10, 2018, Plaintiffs filed in the Second Circuit a motion for that court to recall its mandate, vacate its prior decision, and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with Merit Management. On April 20, 2018, the shareholder defendants filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion to recall the mandate. On May 15, 2018, the Second Circuit issued an order recalling the mandate “in anticipation of further panel review.”

 

On May 23, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the FitzSimons action, including a global motion to dismiss Count I, which is the claim brought against former Tribune shareholders for intentional fraudulent conveyance under U.S. federal law. On January 6, 2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the shareholder defendants’ motion to dismiss the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim in the FitzSimons action. In dismissing the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request to amend the complaint. The plaintiff requested that the Court direct entry of a final judgment in order to make the order immediately appealable. On February 23, 2017, the Court issued an order stating that it intends to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

On July 18, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a letter to the District Court seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a constructive fraudulent transfer claim. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On August 24, 2017, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request without prejudice to renewal of the request in the event of an intervening change in the law. On March 8, 2018, the plaintiff renewed his request for leave to file a motion to amend the complaint to assert a constructive fraudulent transfer claim based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On June 18, 2018 the District Court ordered that the request would be stayed pending further action by the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions.

 

On December 18, 2018, plaintiff filed a letter with the District Court requesting that the stay be dissolved in order to permit briefing on the motion to amend the complaint and indicating plaintiff’s intention to file another motion to amend the complaint to reinstate claims for intentional fraudulent transfer. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On January 14, 2019, the court held a case management conference, during which the court stated that it would not lift the stay prior to further action from the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions. The court further stated that it would allow the plaintiff to file a motion to amend to try to reinstate its intentional fraudulent transfer claim. On January 23, 2019, the court ordered the parties still facing pending claims to participate in a mediation, to commence on January 28, 2019. The mediation did not result in a settlement of the claims against the shareholder defendants.

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend.

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Board Considerations in Approving the Investment Advisory Agreement

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), each of whom is not an “interested person,” as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), attended an in-person meeting held on May 20, 2019 (the “May Meeting”), called for the purpose of, among other things, the consideration of, and voting on, the approval and continuation of the Advisory Agreement dated March 1, 2012, as amended, between the Trust and Security Investors, LLC (the “Advisor”), pursuant to which the Advisor serves as investment adviser to each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”)(the “Advisory Agreement”). Consistent with its practice, the Board considered information pertaining to the renewal of the Advisory Agreement at an in-person meeting held on April 24, 2019 (the “April Meeting” and, together with the May Meeting, the “Meetings”). After

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

careful consideration, the Board unanimously approved, at the May Meeting, the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term based on the Board’s review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by the Advisor. In the course of its consideration, the Board deemed the materials provided by the Advisor at, and prior to, the Meetings to be instrumental in the Trustees’ deliberations and their process in considering the continuation of the Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered the review it conducted at each Meeting, as augmented by additional teleconference meetings prior to each Meeting, to be integral to its consideration of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Prior to reaching the conclusion to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement, the Independent Trustees requested and obtained from the Advisor such information as they deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board received a memorandum from independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees regarding the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities under state and federal law with respect to the Board’s consideration of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement, and participated in discussions with representatives of the Advisor during which the representatives answered the Independent Trustees’ questions and agreed to provide certain additional information for their consideration. The Independent Trustees also carefully considered information that they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds. At the Meetings, the Board obtained and reviewed a wide variety of information, including comparative information regarding the Funds’ fees, expenses, and performance relative to the fees, expenses, and performance of other comparable funds (the “FUSE reports”). In addition, at the April Meeting, the Board met with representatives of FUSE Research Network (“FUSE”), the independent third-party service provider engaged to prepare the FUSE reports, to review FUSE’s process and methodology for preparing the FUSE reports presented to the Board for its consideration, including in particular, the process for the selection of peer funds. The Independent Trustees carefully evaluated all of the information provided, met in executive session outside the presence of Fund management, and were advised by independent legal counsel with respect to their deliberations.

 

At the Meetings, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, evaluated a number of factors, including among others: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the Advisor’s investment advisory and other services; (b) the Advisor’s substantial commitment to the recruitment and retention of high quality personnel; (c) a comparison of the Funds’ advisory fees to the advisory fees charged to comparable funds or accounts; (d) each Fund’s overall fees and operating expenses compared with those of similar funds, and the existence of or potential for the realization of economies of scale; (e) the level of the Advisor’s profitability from its Fund-related operations; (f) the Advisor’s compliance processes and systems; (g) the Advisor’s compliance policies and procedures; (h) the Advisor’s reputation, expertise and resources in the financial markets; (i) Fund performance compared with that of similar funds and/or appropriate benchmarks; (j) other benefits to the Advisor and/or its affiliates from their relationship to the Funds; and (k) the Advisor’s maintenance of operational resources and relationships with third-party service providers, necessary to manage the Funds in a professional manner consistent with the best interests of

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

the Funds and their shareholders. In its deliberations, the Trustees did not identify any particular factor or factors as controlling, noting that each Trustee could attribute different weights to the various factors considered.

 

Based on the Board’s deliberations at the Meetings, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, unanimously: (a) concluded that the terms of the Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; (b) concluded that the Advisor’s fees for each Fund are reasonable in light of, and not so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to, the services that it provides to each Fund; and (c) agreed to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term based upon the following considerations, among others:

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Advisor. The Board evaluated, among other things, the Advisor’s business, financial resources, quality and quantity of personnel, experience, past performance, the variety and complexity of its investment strategies (including the extent to which the Funds use derivatives), enterprise and Fund risk management infrastructure and processes, brokerage practices, and the adequacy of its compliance systems and processes, proxy voting policies and practices, and cybersecurity program. The Board reviewed the scope of services provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and noted that there would be no significant differences between the scope of services provided by the Advisor for the past year and the scope of services required to be provided during the upcoming year. The Board also considered the Advisor’s representations to the Board that the Advisor would continue to provide investment and related services that were of materially the same quality and quantity as services provided to the Funds in the past, and whether these services are appropriate in scope and extent in light of the Funds’ operations, the competitive landscape of the investment company business and investor needs. Based on the foregoing, the Trustees determined that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement would ensure shareholders of the Funds continue to receive high quality services at a cost that is appropriate and reasonable.

 

Fund Expenses and Performance of the Funds and the Advisor. The Board reviewed statistical information provided by the Advisor regarding the expense ratio components and performance of each Fund. Part of the Board’s review focused on the information presented in the FUSE reports, which provided comparisons of the Funds’ fees, expenses, and total return performance with those of a peer group and peer universe of funds selected by FUSE. In the FUSE reports, each Fund’s expense ratio components, including actual advisory fees, waivers/reimbursements, and gross and net total expenses, are compared to those of other funds with shared key characteristics (e.g., asset size, fee structure, sector or industry investment focus) determined by FUSE to comprise a Fund’s applicable peer group. The Board considered the Advisor’s opinion that it found the peer groups compiled by FUSE to be appropriate, but acknowledged the existence of certain key features of the Funds that differentiate them from their peer funds (e.g., specific differences in principal investment strategies, index rebalance frequency, and, in certain cases, the Fund’s tradability feature) that should be taken into consideration. With respect to tradability, in particular, the Board considered that non-tradable peer funds incur lower expense ratios than the tradable Funds because the non-tradable peer funds necessarily experience less shareholder

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

activity and lower transaction volumes than the tradable Funds. The statistical information related to the performance of each Fund included three-month and one-, three-, and five-year performance for the Fund compared to that of its peers. The Board also considered recent fee trends produced, at least in part, by industry-wide pressure on fees, as well as the Trust’s niche registered investment adviser clientele. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the proposed advisory fees paid by the Funds are reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by the Advisor and its Affiliates. The Board reviewed information about the profitability of the Funds to the Advisor based on the advisory fees payable under the Advisory Agreement for the last calendar year, noting the asset-based breakpoints implemented by the Advisor in June 2018 for the advisory fee rates for each series of the Trust (with the exception of the Trust’s Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (the “Alternative Funds”). In its review, the Board considered the direct revenue and ancillary revenue, if any, received by the Advisor and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by the Advisor and/or its affiliates. The Board also discussed the Advisor’s profit margin, including the expense allocation methodology used in the Advisor’s profitability analysis, which the Advisor confirmed was unchanged from the previous year. In its evaluation, the Board also considered the effect of the sale of Guggenheim’s ETF business in April 2018 on the Advisor’s and its affiliates’ profitability for the past year. The Board also considered the challenges currently affecting the sale of mutual funds, including the continued fall-out from the Department of Labor’s failed Fiduciary Rule, and alternative investment funds. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the profit to the Advisor on the fees paid by the Funds is not excessive in view of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Economies of Scale. The Board considered the asset-based breakpoints in the fee schedule to the Advisory Agreement, effective June 1, 2018, and discussed certain of the Funds’ potential to benefit from the future realization of economies of scale. The Board noted the absence of breakpoints for the Trust’s Alternative Funds and the factors differentiating the Alternative Funds from the Trust’s other Funds. The Board agreed it would continue to monitor the performance of the Alternative Funds to determine whether breakpoints are warranted. The Board reviewed the terms of the breakpoints for the other Funds and noted that many of the Funds had not yet achieved sufficient asset levels to realize meaningful economies of scale. The Board also noted that it intends to monitor the asset levels and thresholds at which the breakpoints are set to determine if they continue to be appropriate in the future.

 

Other Benefits to the Advisor and/or its Affiliates. In addition to evaluating the Advisor’s services, the Board considered the nature and amount of other benefits to be derived by the Advisor and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Funds, including any intangible benefits to the Advisor. In particular, the Board considered the nature, extent, quality, and cost of certain distribution and shareholder services performed by the Advisor’s affiliate, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, under separate distribution agreements, Distribution Plans and Distribution

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

and Shareholder Services Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. In light of the costs of providing services pursuant to the separate agreements, as well as the Advisor’s and its affiliate’s commitment to the Funds, the Board concluded the ancillary benefits the Advisor and its affiliates received were reasonable.

 

On the basis of the information provided to it and its evaluation of that information, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously concluded that the terms of the Advisory Agreement were reasonable, and that approval of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
**

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Angela
Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee (2016-present); and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present).

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S (consulting firm).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

109

None.

Corey A. Colehour

(1945)

Trustee (1993-present); Member of the Audit Committee (1994-present); Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present).

Retired.

109

None.

J. Kenneth Dalton

(1941)

Trustee (1995-present); Chairman and Member of the Audit Committee (1997-present); and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2018-present).

Retired.

109

Former: Epiphany Funds (2) (2009-January 2019).

Thomas F.

Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee, Member of the Audit Committee (2005-present); Chairman and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present).

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present).

109

US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present) and Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-present).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
**

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee (2016-present); Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present); and Chairwoman (January 2019-present).

Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson Companies, Inc. (general contracting firm) (2007-2017).

109

SPDR Series Trust (78) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (31) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (12) (2018-present); and SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-present).

 

92 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

   

Michael P. Byrum

(1970)

Vice President (2000-present).

Current: Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present); Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2000-present).

 

Former: Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2005-2018); Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC and Rydex Advisors II, LLC.

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Amy J. Lee

(1961)

President (2017-present).

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present).

 

Former: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-February 2019); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2018); and Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary (2017-present).

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary (2018-present).

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer (2012-present).

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer (2017-present).

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

Adam J. Nelson

(1979)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011).

William Rehder

(1967)

Assistant Vice President (2018-present).

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2002-present).

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

 

94 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer (2017-Present).

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”) (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

All Trustees and Officers may be reached c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

The “Fund Complex” includes all closed-end and open-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Adviser and any funds that have an investment adviser or servicing agent that is an affiliated person of the Adviser. Information provided is as of the date of this report.

***

Certain of the Trustees may serve as directors on the boards of companies not required to be disclosed above, including certain non-profit companies and charitable foundations.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our

 

96 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

98 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

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6.30.2019

 

Guggenheim Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund

   

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. At any time, you may elect to receive reports and other communications from a fund electronically by calling 800.820.0888, going to GuggenheimInvestments.com/myaccount, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RMFSF-SEMI-0619x1219

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

9

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24

OTHER INFORMATION

40

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

45

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

50

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for the Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) that is part of the Rydex Series Funds. This report covers performance of the Fund for the semi-annual period ended June 30, 2019.

 

The Investment Adviser is a part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Fund. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter.

 

We are committed to providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC
July 31, 2019

 

Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. Obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) at guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.820.0888.

 

This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

The Managed Futures Strategy Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s investments in securities and derivatives, in general, are subject to market risks that may cause their prices, and therefore the Fund’s value, to fluctuate over time. An investment in the Fund may lose money. ● The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to those associated with investing directly in securities or other investments, including illiquidity of the derivatives, imperfect correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, lack of availability and counterparty risk. To the extent the Fund invests in derivatives to seek to hedge risk or limit leveraged exposure created by other investments, there is no guarantee that such hedging strategies will be effective at managing risk or limiting exposure to leveraged investments. ● The Fund’s use of leverage will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. ● The Fund’s use of short selling involves increased risk and costs. The Fund risks paying more for a security than it received from its sale. Theoretically, securities sold short have the risk of unlimited losses. ● The Fund’s investments in fixed income securities will change in value in response to interest rate changes and other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to high yield, asset backed and mortgaged backed securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. ● The Fund’s exposure to the commodity markets may subject the fund to greater volatility as commodity-linked investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity such as droughts, floods, weather, embargos, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. ● The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or indirectly through the use of other investment companies and financial instruments that are linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. ● This Fund is considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● See the prospectus for more information on these and other risks.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

 

U.S. economic growth slowed to an annualized 2.1% in the second quarter from 3.1% in the first quarter. Personal consumption expenditures rebounded sharply, as expected, while government spending contributed an outsized 0.9% to growth, the most since mid-2009. However, negative contributions were seen from housing, business capital expenditures, inventory investment, and net exports. Looking ahead, we expect the economy to grow at a 2.0% pace in the third quarter.

 

The second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) release also featured annual revisions to the five prior years of data, which showed that growth peaked in year-over-year terms in the second quarter of 2018, earlier than previously thought. An upwardly revised personal savings rate could give consumption room to run, while downwardly revised and shrinking corporate profits may continue to pressure investment spending and could begin to weigh more heavily on hiring.

 

With growth in the first half of the year coming in somewhat above potential, the labor market continued to strengthen, albeit at a slower pace than the year before. Net monthly payroll gains averaged 165,000 in the first half of 2019, down from 235,000 in the first half of 2018. This was enough to push the unemployment rate down by 0.2% to 3.7%. While the labor market remains strong, we believe the sharper slowdown in aggregate hours worked—a component of Guggenheim’s U.S. Recession Dashboard—may foreshadow a deterioration in labor market conditions in 2020.

 

After a weak start to the year, core inflation picked up in the second quarter but remained below the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) target at 1.8% annualized. We expect inflation to firm a bit further in the second half of 2019. The Fed is also closely watching inflation expectations, which currently sit below levels the Fed would like to see. After a 14% decline in the fourth quarter of 2018, stocks rebounded as the Fed’s pivot on monetary policy took hold, and the government shutdown was resolved.

 

Internationally, the European Central Bank kept policy rates constant but modified their forward guidance, noting that rates would remain at or below current levels until mid-2020 at the earliest. They also signaled a high probability of rate cuts and a resumption of asset purchases at the September meeting. In Japan, core inflation weakened in the second quarter to 0.6%, while industrial production and exports remained in contraction from year ago levels.

 

Although the U.S. economy is in good shape overall, on July 31, 2019, after the period ended, the Fed announced its first rate cut since 2008 amid growing downside risks to policymakers’ baseline growth and inflation forecasts. Key among these are slowing global growth, the threat of additional U.S.-China tariffs and a possible hard Brexit, the odds of which have increased with the ascendance of Boris Johnson as the U.K. Prime Minister. While a possible U.S. fiscal contraction in 2020 was averted by the recently-signed budget deal, we expect two more Fed rate cuts in 2019, as Chair Jerome Powell seeks to sustain the expansion. In our view, this could serve to embolden the White House to impose new tariffs on China and Europe later this year, which could in turn further cloud the outlook for global growth.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 18.54%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 14.03%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 10.58%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 6.11% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 9.94%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 1.24% for the six-month period.

 

The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any specific security or strategy.

 

*Index Definitions:

 

The following indices are referenced throughout this report. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees, or expenses.

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/ BB + or below.

 

ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market Index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, other distributions, and exchange fees, and (ii) ongoing costs, including management fees, administrative services, and shareholder reports, among others. These ongoing costs, or operating expenses, are deducted from a fund’s gross income and reduce the investment return of the fund.

 

A fund’s expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets, which is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help investors understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning December 31, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019.

 

The following tables illustrate the Fund’s costs in two ways:

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return: This section helps investors estimate the actual expenses paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the fifth column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. Investors may use the information here, together with the amount invested, to estimate the expenses paid over the period. Simply divide the Fund’s account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number provided under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return: This section is intended to help investors compare a Fund’s cost with those of other mutual funds. The table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses paid during the period. The example is useful in making comparisons because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on the 5% return. Investors can assess a Fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The calculations illustrated above assume no shares were bought or sold during the period. Actual costs may have been higher or lower, depending on the amount of investment and the timing of any purchases or redemptions.

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
December 31,
2018

Ending
Account Value
June 30,
2019

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.84%

5.89%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,058.90

$ 9.39

C-Class

2.60%

5.51%

1,000.00

1,055.10

13.25

P-Class

1.84%

5.88%

1,000.00

1,058.80

9.39

Institutional Class

1.60%

6.03%

1,000.00

1,060.30

8.17

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.84%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,015.67

$ 9.20

C-Class

2.60%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.90

12.97

P-Class

1.84%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.67

9.20

Institutional Class

1.60%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.86

8.00

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

 

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to achieve absolute returns.

 

Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 2, 2007

C-Class

March 2, 2007

P-Class

March 2, 2007

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

  

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

37.1%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

30.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

10.1%

Total

77.3%

“Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

5.89%

0.32%

(0.24%)

(2.25%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

0.86%

(4.45%)

(1.20%)

(2.72%)

C-Class Shares

5.51%

(0.41%)

(0.98%)

(2.98%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

4.51%

(1.41%)

(0.98%)

(2.98%)

P-Class Shares

5.88%

0.27%

(0.21%)

(2.23%)

ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

1.24%

2.31%

0.87%

0.49%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/03/10)

Institutional Class Shares

6.03%

0.58%

0.01%

(1.68%)

ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

1.24%

2.31%

0.87%

0.52%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return.

6 month returns are not annualized.

Fund returns are calculated using the maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

§

Fund returns include a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase.

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

June 30, 2019

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 


Shares

   

Value

 
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 77.3%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    471,674     $ 11,692,808  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    381,615       9,471,696  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    318,338       3,170,642  

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $24,475,572)

            24,335,146  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 12.0%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

2.11% due 07/16/192,3

  $ 3,765,000       3,761,786  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

               

(Cost $3,761,565)

            3,761,786  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 10.9%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
issued 06/28/19 at 2.53%
due 07/01/19

    2,287,649       2,287,649  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
issued 06/28/19 at 2.48%
due 07/01/19

    568,291       568,291  

Barclays Capital
issued 06/28/19 at 2.40%
due 07/01/19

    568,291       568,291  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $3,424,231)

            3,424,231  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost $31,661,368)

          $ 31,521,163  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (48,323 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

          $ 31,472,840  

 

Futures Contracts

 

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts

    65       Sep 2019     $ 8,314,922     $ 96,168  

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures Contracts

    18       Sep 2019       2,799,000       64,865  

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts

    30       Sep 2019       5,893,540       55,506  

U.S. Treasury 2 Year Note Futures Contracts

    50       Sep 2019       10,757,031       53,395  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    11       Sep 2019       1,951,469       48,223  

Euro - Bobl Futures Contracts

    68       Sep 2019       10,397,998       41,355  

Australian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    71       Sep 2019       7,146,861       34,854  

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    21       Sep 2019       2,480,625       28,181  

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    33       Sep 2019       3,603,038       26,292  

Euro - Schatz Futures Contracts

    98       Sep 2019       12,515,844       21,947  

Euro - BTP Italian Government Bond Futures Contracts††

    3       Sep 2019       457,200       19,031  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

 

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased (continued)

                               

Euro - 30 year Bond Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2019     $ 230,664     $ 9,356  

Long Gilt Futures Contracts††

    9       Sep 2019       1,489,390       8,612  

Euro - OATS Futures Contracts††

    18       Sep 2019       3,375,205       4,597  

Australian Government 3 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    194       Sep 2019       15,655,400       3,335  
                    $ 87,068,187     $ 515,717  

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    28       Sep 2019     $ 1,983,441     $ 225,133  

Gold 100 oz. Futures Contracts

    14       Aug 2019       1,980,160       61,233  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    117       Sep 2019       1,649,794       31,294  

Brent Crude Futures Contracts

    9       Jul 2019       577,800       30,255  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    28       Feb 2020       423,360       8,065  

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

    2       Aug 2019       136,700       869  

LME Zinc Futures Contracts

    2       Aug 2019       125,357       (574 )

WTI Crude Futures Contracts

    2       Jul 2019       116,000       (2,791 )

Wheat Futures Contracts

    5       Sep 2019       131,500       (3,590 )

Cocoa Futures Contracts

    14       Sep 2019       340,900       (14,887 )

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

    8       Aug 2019       244,320       (16,985 )

Corn Futures Contracts

    35       Sep 2019       746,375       (28,136 )

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    48       Aug 2019       1,098,240       (33,482 )

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    97       Oct 2019       4,099,220       (80,219 )
                    $ 13,653,167     $ 176,185  

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    13       Sep 2019     $ 1,913,113     $ 22,953  

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Mini Futures Contracts

    9       Sep 2019       1,196,460       18,591  

SPI 200 Index Futures Contracts

    19       Sep 2019       2,191,564       11,439  

CAC 40 10 Euro Index Futures Contracts

    35       Jul 2019       2,200,637       8,899  

FTSE MIB Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Sep 2019       240,673       7,837  

Nikkei 225 (OSE) Index Futures Contracts

    4       Sep 2019       789,166       6,878  

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2019       461,625       5,930  

MSCI EAFE Index Mini Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2019       192,330       4,687  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures Contracts

    13       Jul 2019       227,245       3,867  

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts

    20       Sep 2019       787,079       1,927  

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contracts

    4       Sep 2019       374,408       1,036  

Hang Seng Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Jul 2019       182,349       758  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Index Futures Contracts

    9       Sep 2019       1,342,229       611  

Amsterdam Index Futures Contracts

    14       Jul 2019       1,785,032       161  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40 Index Futures Contracts††

    6       Sep 2019       223,579       (1,948 )

MSCI Taiwan Stock Index Futures Contracts

    29       Jul 2019       1,119,980       (3,470 )

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    90       Jul 2019       1,437,300       (35,948 )
                    $ 16,664,769     $ 54,208  

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (continued)

 

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    58       Sep 2019     $ 4,434,970     $ 52,398  

New Zealand Dollar Futures Contracts

    6       Sep 2019       403,620       5,072  

Mexican Peso Futures Contracts

    52       Sep 2019       1,337,960       1,180  

British Pound Futures Contracts

    10       Sep 2019       796,375       (2,083 )

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    9       Sep 2019       1,049,400       (3,378 )
                    $ 8,022,325     $ 53,189  

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    95       Aug 2019     $ 1,597,900     $ 21,146  

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    52       Sep 2019       892,320       20,367  

Tokyo Stock Price Index Futures Contracts

    12       Sep 2019       1,726,927       10,818  

HSCEI Index Futures Contracts††

    4       Jul 2019       277,553       (421 )

IBEX 35 Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Jul 2019       104,120       (438 )

Nikkei 225 (OSE) Index Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2019       394,583       (2,210 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contracts

    7       Sep 2019       655,214       (3,256 )

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2019       390,560       (6,763 )

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    8       Sep 2019       627,040       (13,127 )
                    $ 6,666,217     $ 26,116  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts

    6       Sep 2019     $ 1,178,708     $ 73  

Long Gilt Futures Contracts††

    12       Sep 2019       1,985,853       (164 )

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    13       Sep 2019       1,419,379       (549 )

Euro - Schatz Futures Contracts

    118       Sep 2019       15,070,098       (15,005 )
                    $ 19,654,038     $ (15,645 )

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

British Pound Futures Contracts

    44       Sep 2019     $ 3,504,050     $ 8,130  

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2019       152,930       (2,185 )

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    19       Sep 2019       2,717,356       (11,128 )

Australian Dollar Futures Contracts

    57       Sep 2019       4,011,660       (43,207 )

Swiss Franc Futures Contracts

    68       Sep 2019       8,768,600       (147,977 )
                    $ 19,154,596     $ (196,367 )

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    111       Dec 2019     $ 4,903,980     $ 77,543  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    48       Sep 2019       1,112,640       38,458  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    32       Jul 2019       740,160       19,406  

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

    4       Aug 2019       273,400       17,592  

Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures Contracts

    15       Sep 2019       346,875       10,117  

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    21       Aug 2019       875,490       9,262  

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

    18       Dec 2019       579,960       7,176  

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

    2       Aug 2019       61,080       1,524  

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    7       May 2020       236,145       1,246  

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts (concluded)

 

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
**

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short (continued)

                               

Wheat Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2019     $ 26,300     $ 247  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    9       Sep 2019       126,907       (656 )

Platinum Futures Contracts

    1       Oct 2019       41,960       (950 )

Copper Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2019       135,700       (1,006 )

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    18       Dec 2019       594,360       (1,405 )

LME Primary Aluminum Futures Contracts

    31       Aug 2019       1,389,265       (8,533 )

LME Lead Futures Contracts

    13       Aug 2019       627,526       (9,234 )

Silver Futures Contracts

    8       Sep 2019       614,200       (15,399 )

Soybean Futures Contracts

    25       Nov 2019       1,154,063       (15,900 )

Soybean Oil Futures Contracts

    50       Dec 2019       864,900       (16,350 )

Low Sulphur Gas Oil Futures Contracts

    9       Aug 2019       529,875       (20,777 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures Contracts

    8       Sep 2019       328,800       (24,325 )

NY Harbor ULSD Futures Contracts

    6       Jul 2019       486,284       (33,935 )

LME Nickel Futures Contracts

    8       Aug 2019       608,448       (37,402 )

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    171       Apr 2020       2,604,672       (51,297 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    20       Jul 2019       1,583,568       (187,153 )
                    $ 20,846,558     $ (241,751 )

 

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at June 30, 2019.

3

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at June 30, 2019 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 24,335,146     $     $     $ 24,335,146  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          3,761,786             3,761,786  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,424,231             3,424,231  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    483,550       32,240             515,790  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    539,420                   539,420  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    139,310       8,595             147,905  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    66,780                   66,780  

Total Assets

  $ 25,564,206     $ 7,226,852     $     $ 32,791,058  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

  $ 15,554     $ 164     $     $ 15,718  

Commodity Futures Contracts**

    604,986                   604,986  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    64,774       2,807             67,581  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    209,958                   209,958  

Total Liabilities

  $ 895,272     $ 2,971     $     $ 898,243  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2018, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180418000513/gug75569-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended June 30, 2019, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/18

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Mutual Funds

                                       

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 9,936,736     $ 135,078     $ (600,000 )   $ (4,836 )   $ 4,718  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    12,978,660       164,946       (1,450,000 )     (11,804 )     11,006  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    2,630,009       540,654                   (21 )
    $ 25,545,405     $ 840,678     $ (2,050,000 )   $ (16,640 )   $ 15,703  

 

Security Name

 

Value
06/30/19

   

Shares
06/30/19

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                       

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 9,471,696       381,615     $ 136,307  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    11,692,808       471,674       166,720  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    3,170,642       318,338       40,930  
    $ 24,335,146             $ 343,957  

 

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

June 30, 2019

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $3,761,565)

  $ 3,761,786  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $24,475,572)

    24,335,146  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,424,231)

    3,424,231  

Cash

    133,455  

Segregated cash with broker

    229,387  

Receivables:

Dividends

    55,734  

Fund shares sold

    2,033  

Interest

    709  

Total assets

    31,942,481  
         

Liabilities:

Due to custodian

    131,034  

Payable for:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    165,945  

Securities purchased

    55,734  

Fund shares redeemed

    36,060  

Management fees

    21,328  

Distribution and service fees

    6,229  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    6,093  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,437  

Trustees’ fees*

    584  

Miscellaneous

    44,197  

Total liabilities

    469,641  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 31,472,840  

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 75,005,115  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (43,532,275 )

Net assets

  $ 31,472,840  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,722,080  

Capital shares outstanding

    413,056  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.69  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 19.62  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,543,731  

Capital shares outstanding

    150,942  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.85  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 13,411,042  

Capital shares outstanding

    715,609  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.74  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,795,987  

Capital shares outstanding

    406,434  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.18  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

Period Ended June 30, 2019

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 343,957  

Interest

    86,022  

Total investment income

    429,979  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    147,601  

Distribution and service fees

A-Class

    8,560  

C-Class

    18,695  

P-Class

    16,773  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    39,445  

Registration fees

    21,353  

Portfolio accounting fees

    15,778  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,734  

Custodian fees

    4,045  

Line of credit fees

    17  

Miscellaneous

    27,638  

Total expenses

    304,639  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (9,449 )

Net expenses

    295,190  

Net investment income

    134,789  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (2 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (16,640 )

Futures contracts

    1,919,563  

Foreign currency transactions

    (373 )

Net realized gain

    1,902,548  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (101 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    15,703  

Futures contracts

    (237,576 )

Foreign currency translations

    (369 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (222,343 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,680,205  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,814,994  

 

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2019
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2018

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 134,789     $ 321,783  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    1,902,548       (3,095,299 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (222,343 )     (671,882 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,814,994       (3,445,398 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,612,307       1,977,062  

C-Class

    32,290       783,289  

P-Class

    2,641,761       5,483,492  

Institutional Class

    726,687       3,932,741  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,074,627 )     (5,221,658 )

C-Class

    (2,173,808 )     (4,013,024 )

P-Class

    (3,681,688 )     (11,677,824 )

Institutional Class

    (1,083,432 )     (5,780,407 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (3,000,510 )     (14,516,329 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (1,185,516 )     (17,961,727 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    32,658,356       50,620,083  

End of period

  $ 31,472,840     $ 32,658,356  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    87,780       104,867  

C-Class

    1,988       45,531  

P-Class

    143,655       280,906  

Institutional Class

    38,870       203,663  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (59,505 )     (273,610 )

C-Class

    (131,937 )     (235,418 )

P-Class

    (200,520 )     (622,354 )

Institutional Class

    (58,734 )     (304,463 )

Net decrease in shares

    (178,403 )     (800,878 )

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.65     $ 19.19     $ 18.71     $ 23.21     $ 24.12     $ 22.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .08       .15       .04        c     (.14 )     .02  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .96       (1.69 )     1.34       (3.53 )     (.15 )     2.23  

Total from investment operations

    1.04       (1.54 )     1.38       (3.53 )     (.29 )     2.25  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Total distributions

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.69     $ 17.65     $ 19.19     $ 18.71     $ 23.21     $ 24.12  

 

Total Returnd

    5.89%       (8.03 %)     7.41%       (15.18 %)     (1.06 %)     10.06%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,722     $ 6,793     $ 10,621     $ 22,734     $ 27,828     $ 27,514  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.88 %     0.80 %     0.21 %     (0.02 %)     (0.57 %)     0.07 %

Total expensese

    1.90 %     1.84 %     1.78 %     1.84 %     1.77 %     1.74 %

Net expensesf

    1.84 %     1.79 %     1.72 %     1.76 %     1.69 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    3 %     21 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %

 

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

C-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.97     $ 17.49     $ 17.26     $ 21.65     $ 22.71     $ 21.04  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .01       .01       (.10 )     (.16 )     (.30 )     (.15 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .87       (1.53 )     1.23       (3.26 )     (.14 )     2.10  

Total from investment operations

    .88       (1.52 )     1.13       (3.42 )     (.44 )     1.95  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Total distributions

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.85     $ 15.97     $ 17.49     $ 17.26     $ 21.65     $ 22.71  

 

Total Returnd

    5.51%       (8.69 %)     6.64%       (15.81 %)     (1.84 %)     9.22%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,544     $ 4,485     $ 8,234     $ 11,245     $ 21,272     $ 24,066  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.13 %     0.04 %     (0.56 %)     (0.81 %)     (1.32 %)     (0.72 %)

Total expensese

    2.66 %     2.59 %     2.53 %     2.61 %     2.52 %     2.50 %

Net expensesf

    2.60 %     2.53 %     2.47 %     2.54 %     2.44 %     2.43 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    3 %     21 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.70     $ 19.23     $ 18.71     $ 23.20     $ 24.11     $ 22.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .08       .15       .06       (.01 )     (.14 )      c

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .96       (1.68 )     1.36       (3.51 )     (.15 )     2.24  

Total from investment operations

    1.04       (1.53 )     1.42       (3.52 )     (.29 )     2.24  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Total distributions

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.74     $ 17.70     $ 19.23     $ 18.71     $ 23.20     $ 24.11  

 

Total Return

    5.88%       (7.96 %)     7.68%       (15.18 %)     (1.06 %)     10.06%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 13,411     $ 13,669     $ 21,426     $ 77,859     $ 165,086     $ 180,872  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.88 %     0.80 %     0.29 %     (0.07 %)     (0.57 %)     0.01 %

Total expensese

    1.90 %     1.84 %     1.78 %     1.87 %     1.77 %     1.75 %

Net expensesf

    1.84 %     1.78 %     1.72 %     1.79 %     1.69 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    3 %     21 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %

 

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2019
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.09     $ 19.61     $ 19.07     $ 23.56     $ 24.41     $ 22.36  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       .20       .08       .04       (.08 )     .05  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    .99       (1.72 )     1.36       (3.56 )     (.15 )     2.28  

Total from investment operations

    1.09       (1.52 )     1.44       (3.52 )     (.23 )     2.33  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Total distributions

                (.90 )     (.97 )     (.62 )     (.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.18     $ 18.09     $ 19.61     $ 19.07     $ 23.56     $ 24.41  

 

Total Return

    6.03%       (7.75 %)     7.69%       (14.95 %)     (0.80 %)     10.28%  

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,796     $ 7,711     $ 10,339     $ 6,151     $ 9,029     $ 11,007  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.13 %     1.05 %     0.41 %     0.20 %     (0.32 %)     0.21 %

Total expensese

    1.66 %     1.59 %     1.53 %     1.61 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Net expensesf

    1.60 %     1.54 %     1.46 %     1.54 %     1.44 %     1.44 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    3 %     21 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended June 30, 2019. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

c

Net investment income is less than $0.01 per share.

d

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

e

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

f

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Organization, Consolidation of Subsidiary and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (”1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund (the “Fund”). The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par value shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of the Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At June 30, 2019, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the Managed Futures Strategy Fund, a non-diversified investment company. Only A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares had been issued by the Fund.

 

Security Investors, LLC which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the accounts of a wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the Fund.

 

The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies.

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

A summary of the Fund’s investment in its Subsidiary is as follows:

 

 

 

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

   

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
June 30,
2019

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
June 30,
2019

 
      05/01/08     $ 1,910,216       6.1 %

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each Class of the Fund is calculated by dividing the market value of the Fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Fund’s securities and/or other assets.

 

Valuations of the Fund’s securities are supplied primarily by pricing services appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Valuation Committee convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed, to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued for reasonableness. The Fund’s officers, through the Valuation Committee and consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly review procedures used and valuations provided by the pricing services.

 

If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Valuation Committee.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by either independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value.

 

Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.

 

In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(c) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(d) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(e) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(f) Distributions

 

Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(g) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(h) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 2.40% at June 30, 2019.

 

(i) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.

 

Leverage: gaining total exposure to equities or other assets on the long and short sides at greater than 100% of invested capital.

 

Liquidity: the ability to buy or sell exposure with little price/market impact.

 

Speculation: the use of an instrument to express macro-economic and other investment views.

 

For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of futures on a quarterly basis:

 

 

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Hedge, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 122,711,681     $ 69,218,021  

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2019:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate/Currency/Commodity contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

 

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at June 30, 2019:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

Futures
Equity
Risk
*

   

Futures
Currency
Risk
*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk
*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk
*

   

Total Value at
June 30,
2019

 
  $ 147,905     $ 66,780     $ 515,790     $ 539,420     $ 1,269,895  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 

Futures
Equity
Risk
*

   

Futures
Currency
Risk
*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk
*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk
*

   

Total Value at
June 30,
2019

 
  $ 67,581     $ 209,958     $ 15,718     $ 604,986     $ 898,243  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. Variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2019:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate/Currency/Commodity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended June 30, 2019:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 
  $ (633,559 )   $ (1,760 )   $ 2,809,691     $ (254,809 )   $ 1,919,563  

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments
Recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 
  $ (105,212 )   $ (98,502 )   $ 297,247     $ (331,109 )   $ (237,576 )

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund as collateral.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit event upon merger or additional termination event.

 

In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/ receivable for variation margin, or payable for swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/ or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bear the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The Fund has the right to offset deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of June 30, 2019.

 

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash
Pledged

   

Cash
Received

 

Goldman Sachs Group

Futures contracts

  $ 229,387     $  

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

the investment or liability. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:

 

Level 1 —

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 —

significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 —

significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

The types of inputs available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any. Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability of the techniques and sources employed to determine fair valuation are regularly monitored and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.90% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from the Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Fund’s Board for such termination. For the period ended June 30, 2019, the Fund waived $5,599 related to advisory fees in the Subsidiary.

 

GI engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class and P-Class shares for which GFD and other firms that provide distribution and/or shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. If a Service Provider provides distribution services, the Fund will pay distribution fees to GFD at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. GFD, in turn, will pay the Service Provider out of its fees. GFD may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Trust has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to its C-Class shares that allows the Fund to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Fund’s C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2019, GFD retained sales charges of $42,895 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the period ended June 30, 2019, the Fund waived $3,850 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of GI and/or GFD. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers, directors and/or employees of GI or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. U.S. Bank, N.A. (“U.S. Bank”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, U.S. Bank is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and U.S. Bank are entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to an annual percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund transfers uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At June 30, 2019, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face
Value

   

Repurchase
Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par
Value

   

Fair
Value

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bill

               

2.53%

                 

0.00%

               

Due 07/01/19

  $ 255,880,935     $ 255,934,883    

11/29/19

  $ 263,256,600     $ 260,998,648  
                                     

Barclays Capital

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.40%

                 

1.88%

               

Due 07/01/19

    63,565,201       63,577,914    

07/31/22

    64,081,100       64,836,536  
                                     

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.48%

                 

1.38%

               

Due 07/01/19

    63,565,201       63,578,337    

02/29/20

    44,993,300       44,982,038  
                   

U.S. Treasury Bond

               
                   

2.75%

               
                   

08/15/42

    18,733,100       19,854,512  
                        $ 63,726,400     $ 64,836,550  

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 7 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Fund intends to invest up to 25% of its assets in the Subsidiary which is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund has received a private letter ruling from the IRS that concludes that the income the Fund receives from the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income for purposes of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Subsidiary will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business.

 

At June 30, 2019, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 31,819,868     $ 1,269,867     $ (1,196,920 )   $ 72,947  

 

Note 8 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended June 30, 2019, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 840,678     $ 2,050,000  

 

Note 9 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $75,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which expires June 8, 2020. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 3.50% for the period ended June 30, 2019. The Fund did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at June 30, 2019.

 

Note 10 – Recent Regulatory Reporting Updates

 

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (the “2018 ASU”) which adds, modifies and removes disclosure requirements related to certain aspects of fair value measurement. The 2018 ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. As of June 30, 2019, the Fund has fully adopted

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

the provisions of the 2018 ASU, which did not have a material impact on the Fund’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures or impact the Fund’s net assets or results of operations.

 

Note 11 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave Tribune insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one or more of these suits. In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for certiorari on October 24, 2016. On April 3, 2018, Justice Kennedy and Justice Thomas issued a “Statement” related to the petition for certiorari suggesting that the Second Circuit and/or District Court may want to take steps to reexamine the application of the Section 546(e) safe harbor to the previously dismissed state law constructive fraudulent transfer claims based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. On April 10, 2018, Plaintiffs filed in the Second Circuit a motion for that court to recall its mandate, vacate its prior decision, and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with Merit Management. On April 20, 2018, the shareholder defendants filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion to recall the mandate. On May 15, 2018, the Second Circuit issued an order recalling the mandate “in anticipation of further panel review.”

 

On May 23, 2014, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the FitzSimons action, including a global motion to dismiss Count I, which is the claim brought against former Tribune shareholders for intentional fraudulent conveyance under U.S. federal law. On January 6, 2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the shareholder defendants’ motion to dismiss the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim in the FitzSimons action. In dismissing the intentional fraudulent conveyance claim, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request to amend the complaint. The plaintiff requested that the Court direct entry of a final judgment in order to make the order immediately appealable. On February 23, 2017, the Court issued an order stating that it intends to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

On July 18, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a letter to the District Court seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a constructive fraudulent transfer claim. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On August 24, 2017, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request without prejudice to renewal of the request in the event of an intervening change in the law. On March 8, 2018, the plaintiff renewed his request for leave to file a motion to amend the complaint to assert a constructive fraudulent transfer claim based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On June 18, 2018 the District Court ordered that the request would be stayed pending further action by the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions.

 

On December 18, 2018, plaintiff filed a letter with the District Court requesting that the stay be dissolved in order to permit briefing on the motion to amend the complaint and indicating plaintiff’s intention to file another motion to amend the complaint to reinstate claims for intentional fraudulent transfer. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On January 14, 2019, the court held a case management conference, during which the court stated that it would not lift the stay prior to further action from the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions. The

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

court further stated that it would allow the plaintiff to file a motion to amend to try to reinstate its intentional fraudulent transfer claim. On January 23, 2019, the court ordered the parties still facing pending claims to participate in a mediation, to commence on January 28, 2019. The mediation did not result in a settlement of the claims against the shareholder defendants.

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend.

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund’s voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Board Considerations in Approving the Investment Advisory Agreement

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), each of whom is not an “interested person,” as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), attended an in-person meeting held on May 20, 2019 (the “May Meeting”), called for the purpose of, among other things, the consideration of, and voting on, the approval and continuation of the Advisory Agreement dated March 1, 2012, as amended, between the Trust and Security Investors, LLC (the “Advisor”), pursuant to which the Advisor serves as investment adviser to each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”)(the “Advisory Agreement”). Consistent with its practice, the Board considered information pertaining to the renewal of the Advisory Agreement at an in-person meeting held

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

on April 24, 2019 (the “April Meeting” and, together with the May Meeting, the “Meetings”). After careful consideration, the Board unanimously approved, at the May Meeting, the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term based on the Board’s review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by the Advisor. In the course of its consideration, the Board deemed the materials provided by the Advisor at, and prior to, the Meetings to be instrumental in the Trustees’ deliberations and their process in considering the continuation of the Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered the review it conducted at each Meeting, as augmented by additional teleconference meetings prior to each Meeting, to be integral to its consideration of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Prior to reaching the conclusion to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement, the Independent Trustees requested and obtained from the Advisor such information as they deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board received a memorandum from independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees regarding the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities under state and federal law with respect to the Board’s consideration of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement, and participated in discussions with representatives of the Advisor during which the representatives answered the Independent Trustees’ questions and agreed to provide certain additional information for their consideration. The Independent Trustees also carefully considered information that they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds. At the Meetings, the Board obtained and reviewed a wide variety of information, including comparative information regarding the Funds’ fees, expenses, and performance relative to the fees, expenses, and performance of other comparable funds (the “FUSE reports”). In addition, at the April Meeting, the Board met with representatives of FUSE Research Network (“FUSE”), the independent third-party service provider engaged to prepare the FUSE reports, to review FUSE’s process and methodology for preparing the FUSE reports presented to the Board for its consideration, including in particular, the process for the selection of peer funds. The Independent Trustees carefully evaluated all of the information provided, met in executive session outside the presence of Fund management, and were advised by independent legal counsel with respect to their deliberations.

 

At the Meetings, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, evaluated a number of factors, including among others: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the Advisor’s investment advisory and other services; (b) the Advisor’s substantial commitment to the recruitment and retention of high quality personnel; (c) a comparison of the Funds’ advisory fees to the advisory fees charged to comparable funds or accounts; (d) each Fund’s overall fees and operating expenses compared with those of similar funds, and the existence of or potential for the realization of economies of scale; (e) the level of the Advisor’s profitability from its Fund-related operations; (f) the Advisor’s compliance processes and systems; (g) the Advisor’s compliance policies and procedures; (h) the Advisor’s reputation, expertise and resources in the financial markets; (i) Fund performance compared with that of similar funds and/or appropriate benchmarks; (j) other benefits to the Advisor and/or its affiliates from their relationship to the Funds; and (k) the Advisor’s maintenance of operational resources and relationships with third-party service providers,

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

necessary to manage the Funds in a professional manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders. In its deliberations, the Trustees did not identify any particular factor or factors as controlling, noting that each Trustee could attribute different weights to the various factors considered.

 

Based on the Board’s deliberations at the Meetings, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, unanimously: (a) concluded that the terms of the Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; (b) concluded that the Advisor’s fees for each Fund are reasonable in light of, and not so disproportionately large as to bear no reasonable relationship to, the services that it provides to each Fund; and (c) agreed to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term based upon the following considerations, among others:

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Advisor. The Board evaluated, among other things, the Advisor’s business, financial resources, quality and quantity of personnel, experience, past performance, the variety and complexity of its investment strategies (including the extent to which the Funds use derivatives), enterprise and Fund risk management infrastructure and processes, brokerage practices, and the adequacy of its compliance systems and processes, proxy voting policies and practices, and cybersecurity program. The Board reviewed the scope of services provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and noted that there would be no significant differences between the scope of services provided by the Advisor for the past year and the scope of services required to be provided during the upcoming year. The Board also considered the Advisor’s representations to the Board that the Advisor would continue to provide investment and related services that were of materially the same quality and quantity as services provided to the Funds in the past, and whether these services are appropriate in scope and extent in light of the Funds’ operations, the competitive landscape of the investment company business and investor needs. Based on the foregoing, the Trustees determined that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement would ensure shareholders of the Funds continue to receive high quality services at a cost that is appropriate and reasonable.

 

Fund Expenses and Performance of the Funds and the Advisor. The Board reviewed statistical information provided by the Advisor regarding the expense ratio components and performance of each Fund. Part of the Board’s review focused on the information presented in the FUSE reports, which provided comparisons of the Funds’ fees, expenses, and total return performance with those of a peer group and peer universe of funds selected by FUSE. In the FUSE reports, each Fund’s expense ratio components, including actual advisory fees, waivers/reimbursements, and gross and net total expenses, are compared to those of other funds with shared key characteristics (e.g., asset size, fee structure, sector or industry investment focus) determined by FUSE to comprise a Fund’s applicable peer group. The Board considered the Advisor’s opinion that it found the peer groups compiled by FUSE to be appropriate, but acknowledged the existence of certain key features of the Funds that differentiate them from their peer funds (e.g., specific differences in principal investment strategies, index rebalance frequency, and, in certain cases, the Fund’s tradability feature) that should be taken into consideration. With respect to tradability, in particular, the Board considered that non-tradable peer funds incur lower expense ratios than

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

the tradable Funds because the non-tradable peer funds necessarily experience less shareholder activity and lower transaction volumes than the tradable Funds. The statistical information related to the performance of each Fund included three-month and one-, three-, and five-year performance for the Fund compared to that of its peers. The Board also considered recent fee trends produced, at least in part, by industry-wide pressure on fees, as well as the Trust’s niche registered investment adviser clientele. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the proposed advisory fees paid by the Funds are reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by the Advisor and its Affiliates. The Board reviewed information about the profitability of the Funds to the Advisor based on the advisory fees payable under the Advisory Agreement for the last calendar year, noting the asset-based breakpoints implemented by the Advisor in June 2018 for the advisory fee rates for each series of the Trust (with the exception of the Trust’s Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (the “Alternative Funds”). In its review, the Board considered the direct revenue and ancillary revenue, if any, received by the Advisor and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by the Advisor and/or its affiliates. The Board also discussed the Advisor’s profit margin, including the expense allocation methodology used in the Advisor’s profitability analysis, which the Advisor confirmed was unchanged from the previous year. In its evaluation, the Board also considered the effect of the sale of Guggenheim’s ETF business in April 2018 on the Advisor’s and its affiliates’ profitability for the past year. The Board also considered the challenges currently affecting the sale of mutual funds, including the continued fall-out from the Department of Labor’s failed Fiduciary Rule, and alternative investment funds. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the profit to the Advisor on the fees paid by the Funds is not excessive in view of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Economies of Scale. The Board considered the asset-based breakpoints in the fee schedule to the Advisory Agreement, effective June 1, 2018, and discussed certain of the Funds’ potential to benefit from the future realization of economies of scale. The Board noted the absence of breakpoints for the Trust’s Alternative Funds and the factors differentiating the Alternative Funds from the Trust’s other Funds. The Board agreed it would continue to monitor the performance of the Alternative Funds to determine whether breakpoints are warranted. The Board reviewed the terms of the breakpoints for the other Funds and noted that many of the Funds had not yet achieved sufficient asset levels to realize meaningful economies of scale. The Board also noted that it intends to monitor the asset levels and thresholds at which the breakpoints are set to determine if they continue to be appropriate in the future.

 

Other Benefits to the Advisor and/or its Affiliates. In addition to evaluating the Advisor’s services, the Board considered the nature and amount of other benefits to be derived by the Advisor and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Funds, including any intangible benefits to the Advisor. In particular, the Board considered the nature, extent, quality, and cost of certain distribution and shareholder services performed by the Advisor’s affiliate, Guggenheim Funds

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Distributors, LLC, under separate distribution agreements, Distribution Plans and Distribution and Shareholder Services Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. In light of the costs of providing services pursuant to the separate agreements, as well as the Advisor’s and its affiliate’s commitment to the Funds, the Board concluded the ancillary benefits the Advisor and its affiliates received were reasonable.

 

On the basis of the information provided to it and its evaluation of that information, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously concluded that the terms of the Advisory Agreement were reasonable, and that approval of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

A Board of Trustees oversees the Trust, as well as other trusts of GI, in which its members have no stated term of service, and continue to serve after election until resignation. The Statement of Additional Information includes further information about Fund Trustees and Officers, and can be obtained without charge by visiting guggenheiminvestments.com or by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
**

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Angela Brock-Kyle
(1959)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee (2016-present); and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present).

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S (consulting firm).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012).

109

None.

Corey A. Colehour
(1945)

Trustee (1993-present); Member of the Audit Committee (1994-present); Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present).

Retired.

109

None.

J. Kenneth Dalton
(1941)

Trustee (1995-present); Chairman and Member of the Audit Committee (1997-present); and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2018-present).

Retired.

109

Former: Epiphany Funds (2) (2009-January 2019).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.
(1960)

Trustee, Member of the Audit Committee (2005-present); Chairman and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present).

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment adviser) (1996-present).

109

US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present) and Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-present).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
**

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

     

Sandra G. Sponem
(1958)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee (2016-present); Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee (2017-present); and Chairwoman (January 2019-present).

Retired. Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson Companies, Inc. (general contracting firm) (2007-2017).

109

SPDR Series Trust (78) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (31) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (12) (2018-present); and SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-present).

 

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

   

Michael P. Byrum
(1970)

Vice President (2000-present).

Current: Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present); Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2000-present).

 

Former: Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2005-2018); Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC and Rydex Advisors II, LLC.

James M. Howley
(1972)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Amy J. Lee
(1961)

President (2017-present).

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present).

 

Former: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-February 2019); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2018); and Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

Mark E. Mathiasen
(1978)

Secretary (2017-present).

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie
(1969)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris
(1984)

Assistant Secretary (2018-present).

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Elisabeth Miller
(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer (2012-present).

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone
(1978)

AML Officer (2017-present).

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

Adam J. Nelson
(1979)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Vice President and Fund Administration Director, State Street Corporation (2013-2015); Fund Administration Assistant Director, State Street (2011-2013); Fund Administration Manager, State Street (2009-2011).

William Rehder
(1967)

Assistant Vice President (2018-present).

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2002-present).

Kimberly J. Scott
(1974)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s) Held with the
Trust, Term of Office and
Length of Time Served

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

John L. Sullivan
(1955)

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2016-present).

Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004).

Jon Szafran
(1989)

Assistant Treasurer (2017-Present).

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors (North America) Inc. (“HGINA”) (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014-2017); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013).

 

*

All Trustees and Officers may be reached c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

The “Fund Complex” includes all closed-end and open-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Adviser and any funds that have an investment adviser or servicing agent that is an affiliated person of the Adviser. Information provided is as of the date of this report.

***

Certain of the Trustees may serve as directors on the boards of companies not required to be disclosed above, including certain non-profit companies and charitable foundations.

 

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

This Privacy Notice describes the data protection practices of Guggenheim Investments. Guggenheim Investments as used herein refers to the affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS Gamma Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners India Management, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, as well as the funds in the Guggenheim Funds complex (the “Funds”) (“Guggenheim Investments,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

 

Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC, located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017 is the data controller for your information. The affiliates who are also controllers of certain of your information are: Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC, as well as the Funds.

 

Our Commitment to You

 

Guggenheim Investments considers your privacy our utmost concern. When you become our client or investor, you entrust us with not only your hard-earned money but also with your personal and financial information. Because we have access to your private information, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. We strictly limit how we share your information with others, whether you are a current or former Guggenheim Investments client or investor.

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

We collect certain nonpublic personal information about you from information you provide on applications, other forms, our website, and/or from third parties including investment advisors. This information includes Social Security or other tax identification number, assets, income, tax information, retirement and estate plan information, transaction history, account balance, payment history, bank account information, marital status, family relationships, information that we collect on our website through the use of “cookies,” and other personal information that you or others provide to us. We may also collect such information through your inquiries by mail, e-mail or telephone. We may also collect customer due diligence information, as required by applicable law and regulation, through third party service providers.

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

In addition to the specific uses described above, we also use your information in the following manner:

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

We use information to respond to your requests or questions. For example, we might use your information to respond to your customer feedback.

 

 

We use information to improve our products and services. We may use your information to make our website and products better. We may use your information to customize your experience with us.

 

 

We use information for security purposes. We may use your information to protect our company and our customers.

 

 

We use information to communicate with you. For example, we will communicate with you about your account or our relationship. We may contact you about your feedback. We might also contact you about this Privacy Notice. We may also enroll you in our email newsletter.

 

 

We use information as otherwise permitted by law, as we may notify you.

 

 

Aggregate/Anonymous Data. We may aggregate and/or anonymize any information collected through the website so that such information can no longer be linked to you or your device (“Aggregate/Anonymous Information”). We may use Aggregate/Anonymous Information for any purpose, including without limitation for research and marketing purposes, and may also share such data with any third parties, including advertisers, promotional partners, and sponsors.

 

We do not sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to third parties. Nor do we share this information, except when necessary to complete transactions at your request, to make you aware of investment products and services that we or our affiliates offer, or as permitted or required by law.

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third

 

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are compelled by law to do so, or in other circumstances as permitted by law (for example, to protect your account from fraud).

 

If you close your account(s) or become an inactive client or investor, we will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices described in this notice.

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

The law allows you to “opt out” of certain kinds of information sharing with third parties. We do not share personal information about you with any third parties that triggers this opt-out right. This means YOU ARE ALREADY OPTED OUT.

 

When you are no longer our client or investor, we continue to share your information as described in this notice, and you may contact us at any time to limit our sharing by sending an email to CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

European Union Data Subjects and certain others: In addition to the choices set forth above, residents of the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have certain rights to (1) request access to or rectification or deletion of information we collect about them, (2) request a restriction on the processing of their information, (3) object to the processing of their information, or (4) request the portability of certain information. To exercise these or other rights, please contact us using the contact information below. We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances, which may include if we need to keep processing your information for our legitimate interests or to comply with a legal obligation. We may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

Residents of France and certain other jurisdictions may also provide us with instructions regarding the manner in which we may continue to store, erase and share your information after your death, and where applicable, the person you have designated to exercise these rights after your death.

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

 

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act) as of a date within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that based on such evaluation as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment Company Act, that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable.

 

(a)(2) Separate certifications by the President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached.

 

(b) A certification by the registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is attached.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant) Rydex Series Funds    
       
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Amy J. Lee  
    Amy J. Lee, President  
       
Date September 6, 2019    
       
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
       
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Amy J. Lee  
    Amy J. Lee, President  
       
Date September 6, 2019    
       
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John L. Sullivan  
    John L. Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
       
Date September 6, 2019    

 

*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.